Hey guys, I'm brand new to this forum and I need some help. I've owned 2 Ranger bass boats in my life. Both boats I bought new. My first was a 1979, the second was a 1987. Both were fish and ski models because they worked for me fishing and taking the family out on the water for fun. I sold my '87 in 2003. With all the activities of a growing family, I just couldn't justify keeping it with as little as we were using it. That being said, I'm thinking of jumping back in. I'm retired and can't afford a new Ranger anymore. I'm looking for a boat that I can fish out of

(I'm mainly a bass fisherman)

and maybe take the grandkids tubing from time to time. I admit that I was spoiled earlier in life and could buy new. I also don't want to buy a used boat and end up putting a ton of money into it. I don't want to spend more than around 

$20,000. I don't need the big horse power outboards any more. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

You said no crazy horsepower, so I see no need for a fiberglass bass boat and I don't think you are going to find one new for under your budget. Go tin - most of em come with a 60-90hp which is plenty for a grand kids to tube with (I used to do it with a 17' Tracker Pro-V with a 60hp). Easier tow, launch by yourself, etc. You are looking for a nice boat without the maintenance and hassle of rigging.

 

16-17' will be plenty though it may be an issue finding a boat that handles a 90hp in this size (60-75hp falls in your budget more likely), others can chime in. You did say bass boat, need all that storage, livewells, carpeting, etc? Doing without can save you tons like 2019 TRACKER^® GRIZZLY® 1754 SC w/75hp

 

Before everyone chimes in on what to brand to buy, what are the dealers that are close to you?

Yep, I would want live wells and good storage. In your opinion, am I better off downgrading equipment and going aluminum new, or buying something used with the kind of equipment I had on my other 2 boats? I feel like no matter how much research I do, it's still a crap shoot!

17 hours ago, JeffD said:

Hey guys, I'm brand new to this forum and I need some help. I've owned 2 Ranger bass boats in my life. Both boats I bought new. My first was a 1979, the second was a 1987. Both were fish and ski models because they worked for me fishing and taking the family out on the water for fun. I sold my '87 in 2003. With all the activities of a growing family, I just couldn't justify keeping it with as little as we were using it. That being said, I'm thinking of jumping back in. I'm retired and can't afford a new Ranger anymore. I'm looking for a boat that I can fish out of

(I'm mainly a bass fisherman)

and maybe take the grandkids tubing from time to time. I admit that I was spoiled earlier in life and could buy new. I also don't want to buy a used boat and end up putting a ton of money into it. I don't want to spend more than around 

$20,000. I don't need the big horse power outboards any more. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

You could buy used. Doesn’t necessarily mean you would dumping money into it if you know how to inspect it before buying. Many times you can find good deals on Facebook marketplace. People sell their boat because they can’t use it as much anymore or they need the money. Think about this, whoever you sold your old boats to, do you they think they had to dump a bunch of money into it? 

Lund Adventure, Rebel, Fury. All under 20k. All will have additional seating for the grandkids. All boats manufactured with the fisherman in mind

Jsmith1990, you are right. I really wasn't thinking about it that way. If I could find a boat in as good of condition as mine were, I'd be very happy. If I decided to go used, what should I be looking for other than obvious damage? I would have a mechanic check out the engine, but other than a compression check and again obvious visual stuff, what can they check. Another area that would be a concern for me (depending on the age), is the transom. I think I could evaluate the rest of the boat itself. 

New for under 20K you need to look at the Tracker Classic with the 50 HP motor. Or a Pro 170 which is the same hull with a different layout.

3 hours ago, slonezp said:

Lund Adventure, Rebel, Fury. All under 20k. All will have additional seating for the grandkids. All boats manufactured with the fisherman in mind

1650 Rebel XL or Adventure would be ideal with the flip up jump seats.

20 hours ago, JeffD said:

If I decided to go used, what should I be looking for other than obvious damage? I would have a mechanic check out the engine, but other than a compression check and again obvious visual stuff, what can they check.

Check everything electrical.. bilge pump, aerator, horn, all the gauges, trailer lights, etc.

 

For the engine, check the fuel pressure (assuming you're buying a fuel-injected model). Also drain the vapor separator.  If anything but fresh-looking fuel comes out, I would look in your area for an injection cleaning service and get an idea of how much that would cost (usually it's under $100).  Not a deal-breaker for buying the boat, but it does indicate that you'll need to really clean out all the components in the fuel system.. so you can ask them to drop the price by $500 or so.

 

Also check the anodes and check for any air intake leaks. Inspect the fuel filter as well.. if you see fine black bits in there, that means the fuel hose is rotting out on the inside (common issue when people use cheap bulb assemblies).

 

And look on manualslib.com.  You might find the service manual for your potential engine on there (or one that's very similar to your model).  That will tell you a lot about what to look for.

Crestliner makes some pretty decent aluminum V hulls for a reasonable price too.  The Vision series comes to mind.

I think I'm going to explore the used market. Has anyone had better success on a particular site? I find a problem with these sites is that items are sold and are not removed, so you're wanting to buy things that have been long gone.  

You are going about it the wrong way unless you want to travel tons - check the sites of your local boat dealers.

I did look at the couple that I know of. Not much there.

On 4/20/2020 at 10:41 AM, JeffD said:

Jsmith1990, you are right. I really wasn't thinking about it that way. If I could find a boat in as good of condition as mine were, I'd be very happy. If I decided to go used, what should I be looking for other than obvious damage? I would have a mechanic check out the engine, but other than a compression check and again obvious visual stuff, what can they check. Another area that would be a concern for me (depending on the age), is the transom. I think I could evaluate the rest of the boat itself. 

Here’s the thing Jeff.
 

Your not buying the boat for the motor. Your buying the boat for the boat. Do your obvious checks under the motor cover, compression checks, run it in a tub of water (I prefer this method over the ear muffs any day) so you can see if the impeller is working and it’s got good water output, check behind the prop for fishing line, see if he could drain the lower unit oil just to see if it’s got a bad seal. Just the real basic once over. 
 

worst comes to worse you could find another newer motor. Whether you finance it or find another used one since you’d be saving money on the boat. 

 

And biggest thing. Talk to the guy and ask if it’s been stored indoors, about how many running hours it has, and if it’s taken a beating. If it seems to good to be true it probably is. You can usually tell what kinda person someone is after a good 10 minutes of casual conversation. Don’t jump the gun and buy something just because you need a boat ASAP. Take your time and consider the seasons, usually fall or end of summer, and why people might be selling it in the first place. 
 

you’ll find a great boat soon for you and your family. Just go with your gut and check off the basics. 

Thanks Jsmith1990, that's all great advise. You're right, at some point I have to do what I can and make a decision based the information I have. Thanks for everyone's advice.

On 4/21/2020 at 7:15 PM, JeffD said:

Thanks Jsmith1990, that's all great advise. You're right, at some point I have to do what I can and make a decision based the information I have. Thanks for everyone's advice.

This is the bottom line I guess.  If I were in your shoes I think I'd look for a new or very lightly used aluminum rig. I traded a 20ft triton with a 250 in last year on a new Triton aluminum rig with a 115 4 stroke and I have been pleased with it. The storage and speed isn't quite what the glass boat had but its plenty and we have had no problems fishing tournaments from the new one. Other than the speed pretty much every other aspect of it the aluminum boat seems better for me. Easier to launch and trailer alone, eaiser to tow, much better fuel economy etc.  Its going to boil down to personal preference tho. Just know the aluminum rigs are much different than they were even 10 years ago as far as bass boats go. Good luck!

Thanks to everyone for the  different ideas. Lots to mill over.

I just came across a '96 Bullet 20DC. I've never heard of this brand. Are these quality boats?

Bullets have a reputation as a go-fast boat.