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Looking for recommendations for a used Bass Boat

Posted on 7/28/19 at 12:10 pm
Posted by ApexTiger
cary nc
Member since Oct 2003
53769 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 12:10 pm
Brand

Size of motor

and what I should be thinking about and looking for when shopping...

thank you

Posted by happy hour 2
Ascension
Member since Aug 2014
391 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 12:14 pm to
We need a bit more info on where/how you’re fishing
I’m a Bass Cat guy
But really like Phoenix as well

Posted by CHEDBALLZ
South Central LA
Member since Dec 2009
21909 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 12:24 pm to
Number 1 thing is what is your budget?

Posted by NewIberiaHaircut
Lafayette
Member since May 2013
11541 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 12:58 pm to
There are a ton of factors here. We'll need more information.
Posted by Jack Daniel
In the bottle
Member since Feb 2013
25414 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 1:36 pm to
Budget dictates everything when shopping for a boat
Posted by keakar
Member since Jan 2017
29906 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 1:37 pm to
trailers are the worst things ever with used bass boats

most are painted and dont have good prep before painting so if it ever sniffed any salt or brackish water you better literally crawl up under there and check all main welds and braces for cracks or rot.

most of those boats are all glass, so not much to rot but the floors in them, so look for soft spots, if the boat wasnt kept in a garage, you most likely will need the floor replaced at some point

likewise, at some point, you may need to rewire the boat depending if it was garage kept or not

one last point is bass boats are heavy, so they go through waves more then over them, so if you will use it for marsh fishing, there will be times waves come over the bow and wash right through the boat soaking everything

beyond that, its just about how the motor and boat look and run, if it still looks new, then it should be well cared for and treat you good, if not then i would pass
This post was edited on 7/28/19 at 1:40 pm
Posted by iron banks
Destrehan
Member since Jul 2014
3739 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 1:55 pm to
Bass Cat lifetime transferable warranty. All painted trailers suck if it ever sees saltwater. I ordered mine with an aluminum trailer. Champions were great hulls accept pre 2001 had wood that would get wet and rot. Ranger great fishing platform. Bullets are just great and a lot of fun to drive. Take your time as all used boats can have many hidden problems.
Posted by SouthernInsanity
Shadows of Death Valley
Member since Nov 2012
18717 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 2:04 pm to
Don't rule out something that may need a little TLC.

Like a 20ft hydro sport
Posted by ApexTiger
cary nc
Member since Oct 2003
53769 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 3:11 pm to
quote:

Number 1 thing is what is your budget?


good question, under 15k

Posted by indytiger
baton rouge/indy
Member since Oct 2004
9826 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 3:20 pm to
Have you thought about whether you want a single or dual console?
Posted by ApexTiger
cary nc
Member since Oct 2003
53769 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 4:12 pm to
quote:

Have you thought about whether you want a single or dual console?


I haven't, but having a single would make it easier to get around correct?

A friend of mine's son and my son fish all the time in local ponds, we have a pond behind our home...

both 16...

so we're looking at boats to spend time with them and help them have better fishing experiences...

I've never owned a boat before, only Jet ski many years ago...

don't want junk to fix all the time but I also know I shouldn't over do this purchase...

we both work a lot so I worry about how many Saturday or evenings we will get the boat out...

Looking at tricked out fishing Kayaks as well
This post was edited on 7/28/19 at 4:13 pm
Posted by dawg23
Baton Rouge, La
Member since Jul 2011
5065 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 4:40 pm to
quote:


I haven't, but having a single would make it easier to get around correct?
Yes. And you'll have more room for ice chests & tackle boxes.

As has been mentioned, budget is a big factor, but where you plan to fish is also a big one. If you're gonna fish Toledo Bend or Rayburn, you'll want a heavier boat like a Champion, Bass Cat, Ranger, Skeeter, etc. For shallower areas (the Basin, Verret, the marsh, etc.) a lighter boat like a Bullet or an aluminum hull might make more sense.

The areas you plan to fish will also have an impact on the amount of fuel you'll need to carry - and this is often tied to boat size (little boats rarely have large fuel tanks).

I wouldn't obsess too much over trying to get the "perfect" boat. It doesn't exist. And you'll be spending some time/money on upkeep (the small stuff) that goes along with owning a boat.

There isn't much overlap between between a kayak and a bass boat. One is designed to cover a lot of water, some of which may be rough, and provide the basic comfort elements needed for all-day trips. I would also think the bass boat platform will be far more conducive to coaching kids/teens/spouses.

Just my $.02
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 4:43 pm to
quote:

fish all the time in local ponds
Do they have ramps?
Posted by ApexTiger
cary nc
Member since Oct 2003
53769 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 5:21 pm to
quote:

Do they have ramps?


actually no they don't

we live in Raleigh Cary area

we have some big lakes fairly close by which have public boat ramps

lots of ponds around here, we just drop the boys off and they fish from the bank..


when they fish at home here, we have a canoe which we rigged with a fish finder, they love it... LOL






Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
66763 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 5:23 pm to
quote:

under 15k


You should be able to get a very good 18-19 foot boat with a good engine and trolling motor for that.

A bigger boat and you'll have to make sacrifices like an older engine or beat up trailer. Bigger boats with more horsepower start getting expensive quickly.
Posted by CHEDBALLZ
South Central LA
Member since Dec 2009
21909 posts
Posted on 7/28/19 at 9:36 pm to
Dont let hours on the engine fool you. A 10 year old boat with 100 is just as bad as a 10 year old boat with 1200 hours. You want some use on the engine, worst thing for an outboard engine is for it to sit up and not use it.

Posted by ApexTiger
cary nc
Member since Oct 2003
53769 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 8:55 am to
quote:

Bigger boats with more horsepower start getting expensive quickly.


yeah, after a little research, I am learning that quickly...

what horse power would you recommend?

we looked at Stratos with 70 Yamaha horse power, but I am thinking 150 would be much more fun...and maybe worth the extra money?

Posted by 19557LSU
Member since Jan 2018
340 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 9:09 am to
I have 2004 19ft fish/ski Skeeter with 150 Yamaha 4 stroke. 80 lb minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance depth finder/gps. I recommend this one.
Posted by 19557LSU
Member since Jan 2018
340 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 2:28 pm to
It is for sale. Contact me on here.
Posted by dawg23
Baton Rouge, La
Member since Jul 2011
5065 posts
Posted on 7/29/19 at 4:52 pm to
I'd say there's a slight chance that's frowned upon - by the mods.
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