I know this might have been asked a zillion times but...

I want to hear from those with boat experience. What would you all recommend for a first boat? Make/model/motor/add-ons/trailer,etc. I am thinking about something under 20K.

Thanks so much for your time and answers.

My first bass boat was a 17 foot flat bottomed Sea Nymph with a 70 hp evinrude. This boat was great because I could go anywhere with it and not be worried about wrecking a gel coat. I learned all the lakes with it and after a couple years with it I upgraded to a 18 foot fiberglass boat.

Today I have a Triton Tr-20dc w/ a 200hp Johnson and at times I miss my first boat..

Check out Stratos' new 176XT.  Starting at 12,999 its hard to beat.  Its a fiberglass boat with alot of good pro boat characteristics.

Just what kind of experience do you have with a boat, whether operating or caring for one?

I have no experience at all with a big boat.  I have had a bass hunter with electrics. A friend told me I should consider a Bass Tracker.

Here is my first boat I payed 7500 for it.

Bass trackers are rreally nice boats, but for aluminum I think an Express is hard to beat. You can get a eally nice boat in the price range you are looking for. I would say if you want a bigger faster boat go for it, but find someone locally that knows what they are doing and have them take you out and show you how to properly drive it and then once you get behind the wheel take it easy its scary at first, but take your time and learn how the boat handles and then slowly work your way to full throttle.

GABassHunter,

What kind of lakes are you going to be fishing?  Being from GA, if you plan to fish any of the "SWAMP" type lakes, you might be better off with an aluminum boat...They hold up to stump knockin' a little better.  If you're fishing the larger northern lakes then a glass boat would be better for rough open water.

I lived in South GA for a couple of years and spent alot of time in the swamps bass fishing.  I watched a guy blast out of the ramp sitein a brand new rig only to be towed back by an ol' man in a 12' john boat after he hit a stump at full throttle.

Just something to think about.

I always recommend the larger (length) boats if you will be using concrete ramps and want to go out in adverse conditions or fish tournaments.  18+

I *** your budget!  You will be able to grab a real nice boat for that!