Hey y’all,

I’ve been thinking about something for a while and am stuck on what to do. I’ve always come to Bassresource when I’m in a pickle with anything fishing related.

I’ve owned my 2014 Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW since septemberish of last year. This is my first boat I’ve owned and I did not really know much about boats before this. I’ve learned a ton already and have had many days on the water with it. I love boating and it’s definitely made fishing more enjoyable for me.

In March of this year, I broke down in the water due to a faulty ignition switch, I ended up taking the boat in for it to get worked on and checked out. It’s in decent condition, everything functions as it should. Some dents, and paint damage from the last owner, but that’s about it.

When I had the issue in March, I started thinking about upgrading to something newer.

It’s come down to two questions for me, is it worth it to start looking for something else (probably a newer 175) or wait a few more years as I’m sure this boat still has a lot of life left.

Any advice would be appreciated

Thank yall.

For me it would depend on the condition of liquid assets and if or not the current boat is paid off.

I’m still rolling in an ‘89 Ranger, so you can probably guess my opinion. Boats are a “diminishing return” thing - unless you are changing size or switching between tin and ‘glass, you’re generally best off economically to put a few bucks into what you already have.

I would ask two things:

-Does my boat do everything I want it to do or can it be upgraded so that it will do everything I want it to do?

-Is my boat in good condition or will it likely become a money pit?

Those are the logical, cost efficient questions to ask. However, you may be in a financial position to base it solely on this question:

-Do I want a new boat?*

*The correct answer is predicated on your current financial situation

'Cause the last question is all that really matters. You can't take it with you.

Big angus asks the right questions. Is it in good shape and does it have the right size/layout for what you want. If so, then putting a little bit of money into preventative maintenance and upgrades will be the better way.

Also consider, you’ve owned a boat for 9 months now and didn’t know much about them before you got it. So you still have some learning to do- about boats in general, about what you like/need in a boat, etc. If you bought a new boat now, are you sure you know enough to get the ‘right’ one?

You said you wanted something newer. What are you considering? Brand new? New used? Tin or glass? Bottom line with those considerations, if it’s not functionality, it’s just a matter of what you want to spend. I have a buddy who cannot go more than 2 years without getting a brand new boat/truck. He is retiring this year and claims his current combo is his last…..I’m doubtful.

Spending more money on a newer boat that is basically the same as the boat you have doesn’t make any sense to me. If you are needing more room, a faster boat or a boat that can handle bigger water, that makes more sense. Spending money to improve what you have, a better trolling motor, better depth finders or even a bigger 4 stroke motor is something that will make your boating experience better. More time on the water with your current boat will tell you what improvements are really needed. If it’s just that you want something newer and shinier I’d say relax and let that feeling pass, unless you have too much money that’s burning a hole in your pocket.

Like everyone else has pointed out, you probably don't have enough experience in your present boat to definitely know what you want in your next one.

Thank you everyone for your replies, I have the money to buy a new boat, but I think I’m gonna hold onto mine for at least 2-5 years more is the goal.

As of right now, I really like the size of my boat and how it handles. If I did upgrade, I would probably stay in the same size.

@Scott F you nailed it with a hammer. I think the excitement I’ve had with this boat has just opened a can of worms and thinking about the latest and greatest recently