I started looking around the web at used bass boats for the upcoming season. What are some good things to look for when purchasing a boat? What makes a boat a good buy or a bust?

To me when I bought a used boat last year. 

-I look at how clean the owner is, did he take time to clean the boat? is his house or garage clean? If they keep things clean it shows they take pride in there belongings.

-I look for did the owner keep up on maintenance and repairs?

 

 

 

You want to look for one that's clean and has been taken care of. The the boat over, is it all faded out? Is it dirty and looks like it was never cleaned? Walk around in the boat on the trailer and feel if the floor has any spongy areas. If it does, these are usually rotted areas that would have to be replaced. Ask the owner about maintenance he's done on the boat. There's other things as well, but those are some of the major ones. Best advice is try to find a few good ones in your area, and take someone who knows a thing or two about boats with you to look at them. 

Are you looking at an aluminum or a fiberglass boat?  

Everything stated above.  Also look at the trailer.  Does it need work?  Is it single or tandem axel.  Ask if you can take it for a test run prior to buying.  I don't think any of us would buy a car without first test driving.  Check hardware on the deck hatches, how many hrs are on the motor, and service records.  

Transom, transom, transom. Raise the motor up and put your weight on it. If the transom flexes, walk away. If the boat is fiberglass and older than 2000 there is a good chance it has wood stringers. If any part of the deck is soft there could be bad stringers as well. Not always but could be. If you look at the hull and see slight cracks on it, walk away. If you find one that you really like, pay the $100 to take it to a marine for a check over before you test drive.

Thanks for the help guys! I'm looking at redone Ranger with a newer engine! Hopefully, will get to check it out soon! 

Whats your budget? Alum bass boats in the 2-3 range will have some wear and tear on them. 3500-8k its in the late 90s-2000s and will still be good shape as long as the owner(s) took care of it, low maintenance or repairs. 9+ These boat will be in the best shape, cleanest, lower Hrs.

Fiberglass boat hold their resale a little better than Alum but still it all depends on the owner(s).

For instance; I'm selling my older bass boat it's a 99 Tracker deep V16ft Alum, engine runs great it had a tune up done and PMs, paint is in decent shape, no transom rot, carpet n seats are in good shape with no rips. Trailer has some cosmetics but is in good shape with new tires and LEDs. I put it up for 4999OBO  

 

I was looking at a 1989 Ranger for 6k so anything around that range.

Looked on Craigslist mass.  found this in the 6s  https://worcester.craigslist.org/boa/5328636469.html    I my self don't really care for glass boats but this doesn't looks to bad.  If you go Alum you prob could get a boat thats in better shape than a glass one for 6k range.

 

Found this to, not sure on how far away it is but give you an idea https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/boa/5391057109.html

Thanks!! I'll keep looking around!!