11 replies to this topic

[Fatdaddy150]

:-/ Hello everyone I am planning on buying a nice used bass boat this spring and would like some quality advice from other avid bass fishermen or fisherwomen. I would like to get a 18' - 19' fiberglass bass boat. With atleast a 150hp. My problem is I can only afford $12,000.00 So used is my option any feed back would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks & tight lines
Fatdaddy151

[Bassin_Nutt]

I bought 3 used bassboats.  @ from the internet.  I will strongly sugeest that above all,  TAKE THE BOAT FOR A TEST DRIVE.  Make sure you compare prices and if you need to drive 500 miles to get the boat you want, (I did) it will be worth it.  For $12,000, you could buy almost brand new or you could get a new tracker.  Look around and shop and if you do not know much about bassboats, take someone with you who knows.  Hope this helps.

[reellittlephish]

Bassin_Nutt has excellent advice. Also make conditional on the sale passing a marine inspection. You pay and usually costs $100.

$12K will get you a nice ride. make sure you do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions. Remember you will be putting $$ (maybe 1000?)into this rig after you buy it Budget accordingly.

Get exactly the model you want! Don't compromise - you will never be happy.

Boat values found at NADA link at boattraderonline.

Check these sources online:

http://www.boattrade....com/index.html

http://www.boatsetup.com/

Maybe inquire politiely through a local bass club if anyone wants to sell. This could be an inside line.

Winter is better time to buy than spring when everyone raises the prices. IMHO hardest seller to deal with is someone who neglected their boat, realizes they want or need to sell it so pumps $$ into refitting and then wants to recoup the investment.

[Fatdaddy150]

Thanks for the replys!! I'm still lookin for more info!!

Thanks,
Fatdaddy151

[Chris]

Well if you feel like doing some driving I know this place has some nice used boats at that price range Wynn's Marine 800-772-6557 Call and talk to them its only a three hour drive. Most of them are tournament boats and are well taken care of.

[reellittlephish]

Fatdaddy, you've been awful quiet about the new boat.  Any progress yet or just hunkered down for winter?

[Stickling]

hey Fatdaddy151, There is a bass boat you can own for 10,995. Brand new. Its in my north american fisherman magazine. THe only thing that doesnt meet ur standards is the hp. it has 115. but thats not much less. 54# thrust trolling motor with it. fish finder lifetime warranty 17 foot long. Really nice boat. wish i could  have it.  In the magazine it says go to www.lowe.com its called the 2005 170w Stinger. check it out.

[Fatdaddy150]

8) I have just been looking around. I've seen a few good deals on ebay, just waiting for the perfect boat at the right price. We got 30" of snow last week which has really put me into cabin fever status. Keep coming with the usefull info and opinions. I really appreciate it.

Tight Lines,
Fatdaddy151

[L.D.]

I buy my boats used at the local Triton Marine. They have what's called a sponsor boat, always used one season by a local pro for advertisement. Always loaded with all the options. I pay about $5M less than a new one. Comes with full "New Boat" warrenty on boat and motor. It's hard to tell them from a new boat. Ask your local boat dealer if they ever have a sponsor boat.

[papa1]

Fatdaddy,

A friend of mine went to a boat show and bought a loaded "demo". New boat, for used dollars. It was one of those deals where the dealer claimed he just didn't want to tow it back to the lot. It was a year old and the dealer wanted to move it to have room for the new models. He got a great deal on that boat.

When I went lookin for myself, I asked all my neighbors with boats if they knew someone wanting to sell theirs. As luck would have it, I bought a two year old boat with hardly any hours on it for what the kid owed on it. He was happy. I am delighted!

No matter how good a used boat looks, don't put down any money until you can put it in the water and see how it runs. You also want to see how it loads and unloads on the trailer, and how it pulls down the road with your vehicle. It doesn't make any difference who you're buying the boat from. If they don't want to go to the trouble to take you out on the water with it, just walk away from the deal. You wouldn't buy a car without driving it first. Even more so with a used boat.

Good luck on finding just the right boat for you.

papa1

[Nick_Barr]

Search on google for used boats and itll have many good bass boat sites. Also after Bassmaster tournaments that are on Tv they will sell about 10 or so from what i heard for a extrememly low price all you have to do is stay late enough while their Coordnator is their and usally they will sell a couple of boats

[shutout31]

I'm not sure where you are in Indiana but I'm in the chicago area and have a line on a used Triton TR186 With a 150 Merc. It is supposed to be in great shape for $11,000. A buddy of mine was going to look at it but he really doesn;t have the money for it. If you are interested let me know and I'll get you more info.