Hello, I'm a 15 year old angler. I turn 16 next year and unfortunatly the boat that my family currently owns would be able to take on the rough waters of big waters. We have a Rick Clunn 1993 nitro. Well anyway, I want a boat about 19 ft and up. For all the people who own GOOD bass boats, how should some one like me, thinking about getting a bass boat for myself, go about saving money, and knowing a good deal when I see one. Thanks!

Bass boats of any size are not rough water boats, though some are better than others. Their sides are too low, don't have enough "freeboard". Just the wakes from other boats can wash over the sides, the stern particularly. If you regularly fish waters with large expanses of open water, you're better off with a boat type that is used for walleye fishing.

Bass boats are designed to be a fast, stable platform with low sides so they are not as affected by the wind as boats with high sides. They are also designed to be very efficient with plenty of storage for gear that can be quickly accessed.

To save money, you'll have to give up some things that you currently spend money on. It's that simple.

Bass boats of any size are not rough water boats, though some are better than others. Their sides are too low, don't have enough "freeboard". Just the wakes from other boats can wash over the sides, the stern particularly. If you regularly fish waters with large expanses of open water, you're better off with a boat type that is used for walleye fishing.

Bass boats are designed to be a fast, stable platform with low sides so they are not as affected by the wind as boats with high sides. They are also designed to be very efficient with plenty of storage for gear that can be quickly accessed.

To save money, you'll have to give up some things that you currently spend money on. It's that simple.

If you have to scrimp and save to buy a boat, be aware that the cost of running a bass boat is not cheap. Fuel for the boat. Fuel for a tow vehicle. Insurance. Repairs. Upkeep. The list goes on and on.

The expenses of owning and using a boat are considerable if you intend to use it on a regular basis.

Being from Michigan there are SOO many lakes that are 1000 acres or less your 93 nitro is perfect. You cannot swing a dead cat without hitting a lake in Mi. If you are talking about lakes like Erie, Michigan and St.Clair you just have to pick your days and be very conscious of weather conditions. I have fished St. Clair, Erie and the Bay in my 18 ft Stratos with no issues. However, I always new what the weather was doing before I left the dock.

Fortunately, if you start saving money now you might be able to afford a "Newer" rig sometime around 21

As Rick Clunn said "The boat doesn't make the fisherman"

good luck

Drop out of school , get a job flipping burgers at McDonalds , save all your money and in about five years you'll be able to get that 19' boat that you think you need to fish big lakes.

Get a part time job during school and work full time during the summers. Save money and you will have enough to buy a good boat in no time. I would recommend buying a newer, smaller boat instead of an older, bigger boat though because your going to end up putting a ton of money into a old boat believe me, I know. I bought my first boat when I was 16. It was a 15ft Alumaweld with a 40 Tohatsu motor and a 36lb Motorguide TM. It was great.

Thanks for the helpful replies guys!