Thinking Of Getting A Boat

[BrianinMD]

If things go correctly I will be looking to get a used boat in a month or so. I have had a small jon boat before, that is it so not much experience. I started fishing some local club tourneys last year, before then I had never been in a bass boat at speed before.

My question is, if you have $15k to spend on a used boat with the inexperience I listed above what would you look for? My friends in my bass club seem divided on aluminum vs. glass, I really do not want a jet boat so not sure if aluminum offers much of an advantage. Only thing I can think of is less change of damage into docks, or stumps when I make inevitable mistakes.

[jdw174]

For $15K you should be able to pick up a very nice used rig in either tin or glass. You have to ask yourself these questions:

1. Can my tow rig handle what I'm buying?

2. What kind of water will I be fishing? If you're fishing big water that can kick up I'd suggest glass. Smaller waters, rivers, then tin would be fine.

Give every one that you look at a good going over. Have the engine checked out or get a demo ride to make sure everything is in working order. Good luck.

[BrianinMD]

Yeah, forgot to include my tow vehicle will be a Nissan Titan 4x4, will not have an issue towing.

[Catt]

If you consider a “tin” boat then Xpress with the Hype Lift Hull is the only option, none of the rest will handle rough water as easily.

The only advantage of a “tin” boat is less horsepower is required so forget what they tell you about a “tin” boats hull will take a beating better. I fish stump infested Toledo Bend and while my Stratos has its battle scars it does not have any serious damage. If someone puts a hole in a glass boat it’s usually operator error.

My suggestion given your level of experience would be to find someone to tutor you in the fine art of handling high performance bass boats.

Anyone can run a high performance bass boat in calm water

[K_Mac]

I love my 18' aluminum boat. I have a 45hp main motor and a 9.8hp that is easy to add when needed. I have high end electronics and more trolling motor than I "need." For the smaller horsepower limited lakes I fish most of the time it works great.

With that said I have spent a lot of time this year fishing bigger lakes from the back of a glass boat. It handles water that would beat me up in my boat without any problem at all. It doesn't have too much more storage than mine, but it is wider and more stable to fish from. The other major difference is the way it handles wind. Glass is much less vulnerable to being pushed around by the wind.

It comes down to how you are going to use your boat and what your budget is IMO. A glass boat with the bigger motor will cost more to operate. Fishing a tourney on a bigger lake will make you glad to spend the extra. Good luck.