Hello. I am looking to buy a bass boat to fish the tournaments on the Mississippi river and some small lakes.I never bought a boat before so i don't know what to look for.I liked the nitro Z6 because it's in my price range and it also looks good.I also liked the Ranger 17and 18 explorer.I am from Chicago, if you know some dealers where i can sea some nice boats or get some help that would be grate.And also if you know where to take the boat for inspection before i buy it…And if you think there is something that i should know please help i don't want to regret buying this boat.Thank you very much!

Take a look at used, you can get a couple year old boat in great shape for the same money. This will equate to a larger boat which helps especially if you will be fishing any bigger water where it could get rough.

 

Otherwise, make sure to check HP ratings, make sure the boat is either at max power or very close. An underpowered boat will make you regret things extremely quick. Make sure to put into your budget cost for add on items such as decent electronics, trolling motor, and all the safety equipment. If going used make sure to check the trailer also.

 

I am sure others will chime in with their thoughts, this is my initial 2 cents.

Cabelas in Hoffman Estates carries Ranger, Stratos, and Alumacraft. There are plenty of other dealers as well. If you're buying used, I have a reputable mechanic in Wauconda who I've been dealing with for 20 years and also know another dealer I would never take a boat to. You can look on iboats.com or boats.com and put in the type of boat, price range, and distance from your zip code and pages upon pages of boats will come up. 

I came across a nice deal a few weeks ago. Found a 1 owner 98 hyrda-sports 185 with a faststrike 150 for only 6500.  Loan value was 8500 so I borrowed 7500 to buy new electronics for the console.  if you look long enough and be patient, you can still find deals