Boo Posted June 12, 2005 Share Posted June 12, 2005 Ive been looking at used boats lately. Im looking for a fiberglass boat. I really like all the popular makers. I was wondering what length of boat do you think is the most safe and most fishable. I really dont want to go over budget. I also want one that has some speed. Ive been looking at Triton TR 186, Stratos 285, Rangers, Bass Cats, and Procraft. What is your experience with different lengths and brands. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcbassfishn Posted June 12, 2005 Share Posted June 12, 2005 I definatly wouldn't go any smaller than 17 ft Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcbassfishn Posted June 12, 2005 Share Posted June 12, 2005 I definatly wouldn't go any smaller than 17ft Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTL Posted June 12, 2005 Share Posted June 12, 2005 Personally, I would not buy a glass boat any smaller than 18'6", if you can get something within your budget thats longer thats great, but nothing shorter than 18'6"... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digdug Posted June 12, 2005 Share Posted June 12, 2005 Bigger can be better, but you need to answer a couple of questions about where and how you fish. 1. What will be towing the boat with? The bigger boats take a bigger tow veichle. 2. What type of water do you fish? Big open water, big, but not so open, for example Tablerock lake in MO, or smaller waters. I agree with the other posters though, I wouldn't go less than 17'. The 1st glass boat I bought, and the one I still have is a 1991 17' 11" Ranger. I bought it 3 years ago. It's a good boat, but a little short on storage area. I fish on Grand Lake in OK, Tablerock and Stockton in MO. For the open water on Grand and Stockton the boat seem a bit small sometimes. Both of these lakes have some long north-south strecthes and can really get rolling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddpuppy Posted June 12, 2005 Share Posted June 12, 2005 A couple of other thoughts your size, and do you fish mainly by yourself or with a friend. If I was fishing large lakes like Texoma at least an 18'. By myself shallower/ smaller waters you could go smaller. Alot also depends on the boat design. I have more fishing area on my 16' Ranger than on a friends 19' Champion. But start sticking in ice chest and extra unstowed gear and it gets tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boo Posted June 12, 2005 Author Share Posted June 12, 2005 I really like rangers 185vs and other boats with a similar size. I think most are 18 1/2 in length. Most lakes that I fish and large and open with average days with a wind speed of 15-20mph average. I dont know if 18 1/2 is still too small. I usually like too hold on too things for a while, so I want too make a good decision that wont cost me more in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boo Posted June 12, 2005 Author Share Posted June 12, 2005 The vehicle that I will tow the boat with will be a GMC Half Ton V8. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasbass1 Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 I run an 18'3" ProCraft Pro 180. It is real good as long as you use you head when it gets rough. 20+ footers are great but they do have their drawbacks as well. Try riding in a few and find one that you feel fits your fishing style. Good luck with your new boat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drr Posted June 16, 2005 Share Posted June 16, 2005 boo, I have 17ft bassboat, powered by a 91 90 horse evinrude. although it is a bayliner made boat, 1988 vintage, but I think it is laid out pretty well considering. I am wanting to move up in size just from the storage aspect alone, my biggest complaint is rod storage area. It actually handles rough water pretty well, I have to agree with most of the other posters at least 18' 6" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyBob Posted June 17, 2005 Share Posted June 17, 2005 BOO, Don't buy a used boat with wood in it! And as boats go...you get what you pay for. The motor should max out the plate and be at least as new as the boat. Pay attention to the trailer! No rust at all on the frame or your doomed. Dual axle trailers tow easier but are harder to manuver in a garage or yard, and cost more to repair or buy new tires and brakes for. Dual consoles always bring more money resale or trade, but in a 18'6" or less take up too much fishing space. Lastly don't get in a hurry! You'll know it when you see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pa Angler Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Hi Boo, Becareful how old of a Bassboat you buy stay away from anything that used wood stringers and transoms the newer ones are 100% composite. I have a coangler that had to spend $600 to have his transom replaced on a 1980's fiberglass Bassboat he had to junk his previous Bassboat the cost of repairing the fractured hull was not worth the expense. Personally I'm a Deep V aluminum boat man myself they will out live a fiberglass boat anytime and easier to repair as well. I have a coangler that's using a 16' mirrorcraft that was made in 1968 and still going strong. If I were to buy a fiberglass Bassboat it wouldn't be less than 17'. I own a 17'-4" long 94" beamed Tracker Targa Deep V and I love it. Good Luck Boo Chow The Pa Angler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnroadrnr Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Boo, I, like Muddpuppy, have a 16' Ranger R61. I love this boat. It is a little short but has plenty of room for me and another. I fish alone a lot and it is easy to handle by myself, it trailers good, and I can tow it with my Ford150 5.4 V8 or my Jeep Wrangler for that short trip to local lakes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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