KeepinItReel

I'm in the market to upgrade my boat. I currently just have a small old flat bottom tracker. I will be buying used and am starting to look. I'm debating between a few options. I really want a bass style layout inside and am not interested in a boat without a front and back deck. I'm having trouble deciding. Aluminum I can go much newer for much less money, but I'm worried about being pushed around. I'm much less worried about the ride than I am being pushed around by wind or wake while fishing. I just moved up this way and have limited experience on these lakes/river. I do not want to get a boat and be thrown around constantly. I'm not sure how many days between April-October these lakes/river are calm vs when they are not. I do plan to get a spot lock trolling motor like the Ultrex, so that needs to be taken into account. I'm looking to spend somewhere between 15-25k with the trolling motor. If I go glass, what size is the minimum recommendation for the lakes/river I mentioned with use of Ultrex or similar? If I go aluminum, could I get away with a mod V aluminum boat like the 175/185/190 trackers with an Ultrex or similar? Do models like the tracker 195 or tracker tournament V18 do better on rougher water? What year/model motors are the most gas friendly? Any and all input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! Love this place and all of the knowledge I have already gained here. He currently has it winterized, so another worry was having to re-winterize it once I get it. The only other options I have are to buy it without a trial at all (cold compression test only), have him take it to a local marina for a survey (he already agreed to do), or wait until it is consistently warm outside for a few days in a row which may not be until mid March early April. Tough decision.

Hello fellow anglers. I am from the south (Texas) and along the way found my way up into this frozen tundra called New York (don't ask). I have fished off and on for years but nothing very serious. I have been reading these forums nightly for the past few months and have finally decided to join. I have already learned so much and look forward to learning so much more and providing any knowledge I am able. I purchased a small boat last fall and got out as much as I could and plan to get really serious this season. I am upgrading my boat and plan to make the switch from spinning gear to baitcasters (with the exception of drop shot). I purchased a few Daiwa Tatula SV reels and Tatula Bass rods to start with based on suggestions from videos and forum posts I have read. As soon as it warms up enough I will be out practicing in the yard. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the material on here and just can't get enough of it. The season can't come soon enough! Aside from looking forward to fishing all of my local lakes, I already have a 4 day trip planned to Alexandria Bay in June. Can't wait! In the mean time back to the books and videos.

I have my eye on a 18' aluminum bass boat with a mercury optimax outboard. I would like to purchase it before Spring hits to ensure that no one else comes along and scoops it up. The price is right, it is very clean, and it has everything I am looking for on it. This boat is a couple hours away from my home. I have done some reading about buying boats with or without sea trials and have decided I would much rather have a sea trial prior to purchase. It looks like sometime next week it should get above freezing where the boat is located allowing for a sea trial. I have owned a few smaller boats but this would be my first substantial boat purchase. I do not have a lot of knowledge when it comes to boats so I have a few questions about the sea trial in 40-45 degree weather. If the sea trial goes well, I plan to purchase the boat and tow it back home. It will hit freezing at home the night I bring the boat home. I have storage lined up, but may not be able to take it to the storage destination until the next day. Will I run the risk of damaging anything by towing it home into freezing weather and letting it sit all night after the sea trial? If everything is drained properly will it be an issue? If I go forward with it, does anyone have any tips on what I can do to make sure everything is safe after being in the water and then going into freezing temperatures? Would I be better off waiting and just taking my chances? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.