Hey, I was hoping some of you boat owners can help me out. I am looking to buy my first used bass boat. What should I be aware of when looking at a boat. I am looking for a bass boat that is at least 19ft long with at least a 150hp engine. To fish tournys.. I'm not asking for what boat is best like Ranger or Champion or what engine to go with. Just if you could help me be aware of things to look for. For instance, what is compression? What should it be? I know this is broad but if you send some terminology and explanation I could be more aware of what to look for. I have fished as a non-boater for 3yrs and I am looking to buy my own..Thanks in advance...

Here you go:

Have the motor checked by a certified mechanic. Pay whatever they want. Best money you will ever spend.

Water test the rig. I don't mean a five minute ride either. Go out in it and run and fish it like you would for a day on the water. Run the engine several miles up and down the lake through all rpm ranges. Have it checked by a certified mechanic.

Ccheck the flooring for weak spots.

Check the transom for leakage and weak areas. Any rot, turn it down

Demand all paperwork for any and all work done on the boat/motor. Call the person that did the work. Check his references.

Check the entire plumbing for leaks and corroded cutoff valves

Check the engine wiring harness for rotten wiring

Check all electrical items ensuring they run correctly

Check the batteries and anything they connect to and run

Check the hull for repairs

Go over the trailer from bow to stern. Jack it up and check the bearings for wear. Inspect all welds for rot and check the boarding while you have the boat in the water.

Check the lower unit for wear and to see if it has water mixing with the oil

Weak transom is a 4,000.00 repair mininum

Engine is a 5,000.00 repair

Lower unit can run from 500 to 1500

Thank you I appreciate that!

If you live near the coast make sure the rig has not been in salt water.

A freind of mine got one that had been used to occasionally go out for redfish.  The trailer rusted away from the inside out.  It looked good when he got it, but it was scrap after 2 years and the rig was only a couple years old when he got it.