Looking at getting my first rig next season. No; I’m not one of “those guys” that’s going to drop $70k plus on a Ranger, Skeeter, etc. as a first rig.

 

I’m looking for minimal cost but will get me on the water. Looking at some Jon boats and just a trolling motor. Nothing fancy. 
 

Any suggestions? Trying to cap the spend at about the $5k mark. I’m fine with pre-owned.

Look at the used market - just poking around Boat Trader I found a few boats from a basic fishing (3 seats) to a fully decked with under-deck storage, TM and 4" fish-finder all for under that $5k mark...yes, motor and trailer included.

 

For $5k and going used, you can get a pretty darn good setup.

 

One thing I'd suggest - if you go with a flat-bottom jon...48" width minimum (1448, 1648, etc)

Awesome - thanks for the intel MN Fisher!

I think @MN Fisher hit the nail right on the head. Good luck on your find.

Put the word out locally, search FB market place, Craigslist, etc. Check rural areas...

 

I didn't have much $$ back in the day...found this boat, trailer and 20hp Merc used when I lived in northeast / rural Missouri...guy's Dad has passed away and he was looking to unload. Paid $600. Granted, that was in 2000. 

 

It was a solid platform for me to add casting deck, seats and trolling motor up front. It ain't much to look at, but serves me well. I fish lots of flooded timber, and don't mind banging in to things with this old Rich Line, built in 1960. 

 

 

Good luck in your search!

 

 

I’d suggest scrolling around Facebook marketplace, you’d be able to find something pretty nice for 5k if you’re patient. I’ve seen plenty of 1990’s aluminum 16/17ft bass boats in that range. Something like a Lowe Stinger 170 or a Sea Nymph Bass Attacker would do well, also other tin boats by Monark, Alumacraft, Fisher, Grumman, and of course Tracker. 

 

There’s also Facebook group, “cheap bass boats under $10,000”, it’s got over 150,000 members. There’s a few posts per day over there, I’d give it a look if you wanted to spend a bit more or see what the market’s like. 
 

I’ve been looking at similar boats in that price range and have been saving the listings, the good deals go extremely fast but it’s not too uncommon to find things like this ‘94 Lowe 170 with a Johnson 70hp for $4k (I’ve found five near me in the past couple months) 

 

You should be able to find a pretty nice used rig in the $5000.00 range with an outboard. Like @MN Fisher said, 48" bottom should be your minimum. Anything less will be fairly "tippy". Years ago I had a 12' X 36" Jon. Great little boat, but standing could be a chore. I've got a 16' X 50" now and it's fairly stable for a jon boat. 

Definitely check rural.

My buddy landed this Cheetah for 3k as shown, runs great.

I actually spotted the boat sitting in a cornfield with a for sale sign.

Good luck.