I am not new to bass fishing by any means, but I am new to boating.

My question is, I'm looking to get a decent jon boat or an old bass boat.

What length jon boats are good and what do I want to look for in a beam? I have about $3,000 to work with.  I'm also wondering if its worth to get a used small bass tracker style boat or get a new v-bottom or jon boat?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

You will get a lot of opinions.  I vote for a used bass tracker (or similar).  Take your time, there a lot of them out there.  When you are buying one of those, you are buying the engine.  So it's a good idea to have a mechanic take a look at if you are seriously considering it.  

Happy Releasing!

H.G.

In Jon boats welded 15-16' length and none less that a 40 bottom  

In fiberglass you are not going to find much in that price range; at least not much worth it

new Griz 1448

depends also on your style of fishen tho.

The more V shaped the bottom, the better it will cut through waves and ride smooth and dry.   The flatter the bottom, the rougher the ride will be.  The wider the bottom the more stable it will be in the water.

If you have 3g's to spend there is no reason not to get a used Tracker or Fisher.  You can find them anywhere

I picked up my 97 17' Tracker Pro team with a 40 HP Merc and 40 something lb/thrust Motor Guide, and all new batteries for just a hair over 3g's.

Hold out for a good used tracker or something similar.  You should be able to find one 6-10 years old and in good shape for around 3k

In my experience, buying a used boat is just as much about buying a motor as it is buying the actual boat.  It may be different where you are but if you have 3,000 to work with you can go out and buy a new jon boat, and maybe a small, small, small used or possibly new motor.  Or you can go and buy a used bass boat with a decent sized motor for the same price.  The only downside to the bass boat is you may need to fix a few thing's here or there.  My boat, 85' Bass Cat 17.5 foot, 90hp engine 64lb TM ran me 2300, and it's been a GREAT boat after I made some small adjustment's to it, ie pro seat's, different TM cause the old one got stuck in 24 volt, new motor toter, turned up the idle on the engine, runs like a champ now.  So in my experience working with the same amount of money as you, and am VERY glad I bought a bass boat, but thats the kind of water I fish too, If I fished alot of backwoods swamp stuff then I would have gone with a Jon Boat.

What is good sized motor to go with?  I have a chance at getting a 12ft. vee bottom with a good running 9.9 Johson on it for a good price.  I would have to put a deck on it though because I cant stand sitting down and fishing.  

Does this boat sound like a good deal?

how much?

With all the information you gave us about the boat , HOW CAN WE GIVE YOU AN ANSWER ?

Sorry Brat, I don't know very much about the boat right now.  But I'm thinking that boat is too small anyways.  

What are some things I should look for in a bass boat,

casting deck?

livewell?

I am thinking about getting a mod v jon type boat like the Lowe roughneck models.

Your best bet would be to buy an older tracker to get yourself started.Be a little patient and you will find something that's not a peace of junk.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!

For example this boat is on ebay right now. 1978 model. If the engine checks (take to boat mechanic, run compression, etc) out I feel this or similar would be a great boat for around $3,000.00. Doesn't have to be a Bass Tracker (could be a Lowe, Xpress, Mr. Bass, there are tons of them).

Plus, down the road you could possibly paint this rascal up and make a blind for it for duck hunting if so inclined  .

Good luck in your search.  There are quite a few on ebay and other boat sites.  

Happy Releasing,

H.G.

For example this boat is on ebay right now.  1978 model.  If the engine checks (take to boat mechanic, run compression, etc) out I feel this or similar would be a great boat for around $3,000.00.  Doesn't have to be a Bass Tracker (could be a Lowe, Xpress, Mr. Bass, there are tons of them).  

Plus, down the road you could possibly paint this rascal up and make a blind for it for duck hunting if so inclined  .

Good luck in your search.  There are quite a few on ebay and other boat sites.  

Happy Releasing,

H.G.

Everybody is entitled to thier opinion, but in my opinion...this boat would be WAY to overpriced for 3,000.  The point I am trying to make it be patient, wait and keep looking, it may take up to a year but sooner or later you WILL find a great boat for a great price.  With 3000 to work with you should hold out for atleast a 16.5 foot with a 60hp on it minumum, thats not over 20 years old.  I know you may not be able to find one like that right this second, but patience will pay off.

Here is what I ended up with! And very happy to end up with!  It's a '00 Mirrocraft 14' with an '02 Yamaha 15 hp 4 stroke.  It has a 30lb. thrust Minnkota and a humminbird locater on it.  Keep in mind this all came in the package.  It also has a deck thats built on the bow and the bottom of the boat is carpeted.

Tell me what you guys think! I can't wait for the ice to melt here!

another

just a few more

Hoped you saved some $$ for a foot controlled TM up front.

Hoped you saved some $$ for a foot controlled TM up front.

Add that foot controled t.m. and you've got a fishin machine.