JeffD

I think I'm going to explore the used market. Has anyone had better success on a particular site? I find a problem with these sites is that items are sold and are not removed, so you're wanting to buy things that have been long gone.

Jsmith1990, you are right. I really wasn't thinking about it that way. If I could find a boat in as good of condition as mine were, I'd be very happy. If I decided to go used, what should I be looking for other than obvious damage? I would have a mechanic check out the engine, but other than a compression check and again obvious visual stuff, what can they check. Another area that would be a concern for me (depending on the age), is the transom. I think I could evaluate the rest of the boat itself.

Yep, I would want live wells and good storage. In your opinion, am I better off downgrading equipment and going aluminum new, or buying something used with the kind of equipment I had on my other 2 boats? I feel like no matter how much research I do, it's still a crap shoot!

Hey guys, I'm brand new to this forum and I need some help. I've owned 2 Ranger bass boats in my life. Both boats I bought new. My first was a 1979, the second was a 1987. Both were fish and ski models because they worked for me fishing and taking the family out on the water for fun. I sold my '87 in 2003. With all the activities of a growing family, I just couldn't justify keeping it with as little as we were using it. That being said, I'm thinking of jumping back in. I'm retired and can't afford a new Ranger anymore. I'm looking for a boat that I can fish out of (I'm mainly a bass fisherman) and maybe take the grandkids tubing from time to time. I admit that I was spoiled earlier in life and could buy new. I also don't want to buy a used boat and end up putting a ton of money into it. I don't want to spend more than around $20,000. I don't need the big horse power outboards any more. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.