After just completing my first year in my Bass club I decided I wanted to get a practice boat.  My plan was to back seat for a few years to learn from all the experience we have but wanting to practice in-between tournaments I settled on getting a used aluminum.  All the guys in the club told me I would get tired of an aluminum and I probably will, but I really wanted something that I could learn and bang up while not breaking the bank doing it.

 

I've looked at several and decided on a 2004 Triton 176 sport.  I live in S Ca where two of our lakes have air quality restrictions, so I won't be able to go to those, but there are still a lot more to fish and when I'm ready to move up in a couple of years to bigger boat, those lakes will be back in the loop.  Besides, if we fish there in our club tournament, I'll be back seating anyway.  

 

I finished with big fish of the year for our club and after fishing the Sierras and open ocean Kayak, Bass fishing has me hooked. I appreciate this site and have read many helpful posts, so thanks to all

 

 

Glass boats are cool, but nowhere near a necessity. An aluminum boat will get you started and many are available with sensible seating, storage and deck options. There is no need to over-invest right off the bat. Besides, you should have your EXPERIENCED wants and needs in a row before you spend big $$$ on a glass boat IMO. That and heavy boats can't go all the places flat bottoms can and there's something to be said for that!

I've been fishing tourneys from a tin since 2005. The materials the boat is made from has nothing to do with getting sick of it. It has to do with layout and storage options. I fished out of a 17' deep v up until 2012. The more involved I got in the tournament aspect of fishing, the more rods and reels and gear I collected and the less fun it was to fish because I didn't have room for all the crap. I have since moved into a larger tin boat that, in my opinion, is a better fishing platform than most 'glass boats. I think now that Ranger is getting into the tin market and 'glass boat prices are insane, it should improve tin bass boat sales all around. There are many companies that have sold tin bass boats for years. Some have nice layouts and some not so much. A few brands are even rated for 150hp or more. Good luck with your new boat and don't be discouraged because it's made from aluminum.  

I booked mark this thread for if/when i upgrade. it's covers a lot of tips to think about how a boat can fit ur personal fishing needs/weather conditions/lake size etc

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/143122-aluminum-bass-boats/

^{Congratulations. Hope you enjoy yourself each and every time you use it.}   

Good luck with it! Hopefully you fill that boat with lots of fish and great memories!

Thanks for all the comments I drive to AZ on sat to pick it up. The boat was originally sold from this forum last year and other upgrading the trolling motor I think I'm set

I've been fishing tourneys from a tin since 2005. The materials the boat is made from has nothing to do with getting sick of it. It has to do with layout and storage options. I fished out of a 17' deep v up until 2012. The more involved I got in the tournament aspect of fishing, the more rods and reels and gear I collected and the less fun it was to fish because I didn't have room for all the crap. I have since moved into a larger tin boat that, in my opinion, is a better fishing platform than most 'glass boats. I think now that Ranger is getting into the tin market and 'glass boat prices are insane, it should improve tin bass boat sales all around. There are many companies that have sold tin bass boats for years. Some have nice layouts and some not so much. A few brands are even rated for 150hp or more. Good luck with your new boat and don't be discouraged because it's made from aluminum.

X2 with his points.

warrior 1

 

My first boat was an aluminum and I had it for 17 years. I never got tired of that boat. Actually at the time, I used to fish multi-species, and the boat was great for what I needed it for. It was also easier to tow and to handle launching the boat with one person. Also aluminum boats can take more nicks, bumps and scratches than a fiberglass boat can. I used to fish the Illinois and Wisconsin River with my aluminum. I wouldn't dare take my fiberglass boat there. I'm sure you will enjoy your new boat.