I'm 48 and have never really splurged on anything my whole life. I'm a frugal saver. 

 

Fishing is my favorite thing to do but as of now, it's out of a kayak.

 

I figure it's time to spend some money and buy a boat but at the same time not get divorced.

 

I think I could talk my wife into spending $20-30k total on a boat.

 

I don't fish big waters, they aren't common here in Iowa. So we are talking less than 1k acre lakes for the most part. That in the Mississippi river.

 

Just measured the garage last night and it's 24 foot deep. I'll have to park my truck outside when I have my boat home and then I can store it in my dad's machine shed during the winter.

 

With that budget, the size of water I fish, and my garage restrictions, what would you look for? The budget would have to include any electronic upgrades however I'm not really interested in livescope.

 

Not even sure where to start, any help would be welcomed. Thanks!

 

 

You are very much in the same range as I ended up in for my boat, see link below (not sure why the thumbnail is Craig's, maybe because its the first in the thread).  I'd have to add it up, but I think I'm in at $26k for mine.  That includes two brand new xplore units, mega live 2, and an ultrex.  I have a 9.9.  If you're not HP restricted then a bigger motor might be better for you.  Skip the ML2 and put that money into a bigger motor.  

 

You have a lot more space than I do in the garage.  Check the width though.  If you have an 8' wide garage door that will be limiting but if it is 9 or 10 you'll be fine.  If it is an 8' door then have a look at the storm 1700.  Great build for the price, all aluminum construction, easy to maneuver, good layout for a non tournament bass fisherman.  It will be similar to a tracker 170, but I think the crestliner is built nicer.  There are other options out there as well.  Make sure whichever you pick you have a dealer nearby for servicing.

 

 

 

Lowe Stinger 175.... love mine.

Lots of options out there. If you look around, and are patient, you can find a very good deal. I looked for quite a while figuring out what I liked, what I didn't like, what fit my budget. 

 

Sometimes you can even find gently-used boats for a very good deal. 

 

Good luck!

1 hour ago, DaubsNU1 said:

Sometimes you can even find gently-used boats for a very good deal. 

 

Good luck!

That's how I got my Stratos. Went to the dealership looking for a Tracker Pro 190TX and my boat had just came in on consignment and me and the wife decided it was a better all around fit for the family at a cheaper price. Plus my dealership gave me the warranty for the boat and motor for the duration of the loan.

You need to make some decisions beyond what will fit in your garage.  Tin vs glass, average waters you will be on, motor size, tow vehicle, etc.  I always say to go to the ramp of your favorite lakes and see what the average angler is running.  Then refine to your needs.  

This would be really hard to get right on the first purchase for me. I'm on my 5th or 6th boat and still have things about my current boat I'd change. I'd say the biggest thing to keep in mind is there is not a one size fits all boat. There are going to be situations where you wish you had something different. Trying to get this purchase 80%+ right is fantastic in my book. 

 

priortiy #1 for me would be comfort. If I'm not comfortable in the boat I'm not going to be happy.

#2 get the biggest/baddest/best trolling motor you can afford. This piece of equipment is the lifeblood of bass fishing to me. more important than the outboard or scanning electronic. You're days are going to be dictated by how well (or poorly) the trolling motor fights the wind, current, and functions. Spot lock is a must. 

1 hour ago, jitterbug127 said:

#2 get the biggest/baddest/best trolling motor you can afford. This piece of equipment is the lifeblood of bass fishing to me. more important than the outboard or scanning electronic. You're days are going to be dictated by how well (or poorly) the trolling motor fights the wind, current, and functions. Spot lock is a must. 

 

I'm not far into my ownership of it, but after putting 15-20 hours on my ultrex I don't think I could go to anything else that isn't comparable.  80# is plenty of pull in tough wind such that I'm only using it up to a level 7 or so.  Most of the time it is 2-3 to go down the bank.  And just hitting the spotlock button to sit down for a minute and tie a hook or take a rest is awesome.  

 

I bought a 50 lb power drive last year never having used a bow mount trolling motor before. It’s really nice to have. I put the spot lock update on it. Game changer for my fishing. I just fish out of an 16 foot utility boat.  I’ll be getting a 36v 112 lb or whatever the biggest offered at the time is next time I buy.