Pretty soon i will be in the market for a bass boat. Looking for an 18 footer with a 150 hp motor or a bit better. In that price range, my research has shown boats will be as new as the early 90s. Nitro or skeeter would probably be the brands I would most be looking for, but I'll take an older ranger late 80s if it's in good shape after some good inspection.

 

Am I going to be able to get something decent in this price range? The new 18' nitros sell for $27,000, the skeeters about 35,000, and rangers in that price range over 45,000 brand new. Wouldn't mind a bass cat or champion if I can find one that's in that price range and affordable, as old as late 80s. If I need to save up a few more thousand for a boat i'm willing to do so. Don't have the money now but may this fall. 18' is the smallest I'm willing to go and 150 hp motor minimum.

Jeep your eyes open. Good deals come up and get snatched up quick. Have a mechanic give it the once over before you write the check. 

For reference, I got a 2001 Ranger 17' with 125 HP for $7,500 in 2013.  I would think anything larger than that you would have to go mid to early 90s to stay in the upper end of your price range.

 

Search Craigslist everyday for as long as it takes (three months for me) and eventually something really good will pop up.

Jeep your eyes open. Good deals come up and get snatched up quick. Have a mechanic give it the once over before you write the check. 

 

 

Personally I never like Jeeps.

Should have no problem. Watch craigslist and wait for what you want at the price you want. Tons of boats out there