I'm looking for another 20-21 ft. bass boat. What would I get better value from, a new boat or buying a used '03 or '04 boat???

Also, what kind of engine would you recommend. I currently own a 200 Merc. and have had very few problems. What about the Yammy or Evinrude??

Well I would go used, personally. as for an engine Mercury or even Honda make great engines. However I dont know if Honda makes engines in the 200hp range. I have seen Evinrudes Etec infomercials on TV and they seem pretty respectable as well.

If you can afford a new boat by all means get one. But personally I would let someone else take the hit on depreciation. I picked up a used Ranger last year for $4000. It's a 1988 model 364V with an Evinrude 150. Used to own a 1998 Champion 171DC with a 115

Merc. I like the used boat better not as pricey and I don't cry when it gets a scratch.

Good Fishing,

I agree with Ranger364v .

Used is the way to go. Last summer I bought an '17' 84 Ranger 350v w/ a 150 merc. black maxx.for 3000. from the origianl owner looks almost new. bought a new tm. just put new carpet in last week. The merc. smokes alittle on the first start up but she screams on the water. Save yourself some cash. A new boat will not get you more and bigger fish it just cost more. Guys with new boats and BIG motors are trying to compensate for something they are lacking. ;D

I bought a used boat 1 owner,  3 years ago and have been very satisfied with it. I have had to update the electronics and trolling motor.  I just want to warn you to take your time and be careful when buying used. Do not buy someone elses problems. Pay the extra money to get the motor checked out and see the paper work from the checks or see them check it out for your self. Test ride it and fish from it if possible.

I have been thinking of upgrading to a new boat, but I am going keep my current boat. I really enjoy it and do not really see any "real" reasons to upgrade. Except I think I would like a 20ft boat. I have 1999 ZXc 185 Skeeter, with Yamaha 150.

M_Fields

For most applications throughout the US a 18 footer is great!

Any boat that has been on rough water will have gelcoat cracks, watch out for cracks in the transom.

Good Fishing,

There are a lot of really good buys on boats right now in all sizes and shapes.  Plenty of guys still trying to sell for a variety of reasons.  Let someone else pay the depreciation.  

If you have owned a boat before then i would buy used.  Even 05 model boats will have some great prices on them.  I personally bought new because i had never owned a boat so i wanted the piece of mind of a warranty and knowing that the chances of anything major going wrong are less, and if something bad does happen, you take it in let them look at it and you probably wont have to pay anything out of pocket.  thats just me.  I looked at used boats as well, but i wanted a particular boat and model and they were hard to find for sale.  Good luck!! oh, also, my engine choice would be the evinrude.  The etec's are awesome and the few FICHT's that i see are running strong as well.

I'd say for your first bass boat buy used, unless you get a really good deal on a new boat.

I bought my first bass boat last year and after laying down that money I still get a little anxious when I hitch it up and drag it to the lake.  Of course part of that is a personality thing.  But I think it would have been better to have a used boat as a "starter" so I wouldn't be so worried about banging it up while I was learning all the skills needed to operate and fish from it.

That being said I got a great deal on my boat.  It was brand new but had been sitting at another small dealer for a couple years who couldn't move it I guess. So he sold it to another larger dealer (who I bought it from).  Anyway I paid about $10K less than I would have for a new equally equiped '06 but still got the full waranty on the brand new '04 model.  Though I did have to drive 250 mile to pick it up from the dealer.  So stay on the look out for good deals.  The other thing that helped me was I bought it in the off season (early Febuary).  

Have fun!

I think used especially in the last 5 year range is the accountants choice.  You save a lot of money, you'll loose almost $10,000.00 when you pull a new boat off the lot.