Was thinking about buying a boat. This would be my first boat. Should I get brand new or get a used boat. If I was going to get a used I would want to stay around 5 grand if possible. Should I look at new or used for my first boat? Also, what recommendations do you guys have on where to find a good used boat. Thanks in advance.

For your first boat, I'd recommend a used aluminum boat. They are cheaper than fiberglass and the small, or maybe larger, dings and diggers you are likely to experience as a first time boater won't do as much damage to aluminum.

It will take a while for you to get used to handling the boat in the wind, currents and waves, especially when docking or beaching the boat. Aluminum is much more forgiving when you contact rocks or exposed metal hardware on some docks. No need to beat up a new or fiberglass boat while you hone your boat handling skills.

i went the used aluminum route and couldnt be happier.

.with aluminum rot is not really a worry if you have any labor skills new decks and carpet are easy.

searchtempest.com is a craigslist search engine that makes it much easier to use.

i looked at what outboard i wanted and then what hull it was on i bought a 02 g3 175 w/ a low hour yamaha last fall. while i was looking i saw tons of tracker type bass boats well within your budget.

fiberglass cost more to buy,tow,repair and operate.

I have been looking at boats for quite some time on different websites. I don't know where you guys are looking to find aluminum boats cheaper to buy than aluminium. If you are comparing a 12 foot jon to a used Ranger, then yes, it will be cheaper. But for comparable boats, it seems to me you get way more boat with fiberglass. I am only talking purchase cost. Am I looking for love in all the wrong places, or has anyone else noticed this?

Mike

I have a 2002 Lowe with a 100 horse Yamaha 4-stroke. I bought it new, basically because of financing. I found lots of good 2 to 5 year old boats, both glass and aluminum. The issue was my bank would only go 4 years on a used boat, no matter how good a shape it was in, but they would go 12 years on a new boat. I really wanted to upgrade from the boat I currently had then, so I got the biggest boat that I could afford to finance. 10 years later, I'm still basically happy with it and it still runs great.

I have been looking at boats for quite some time on different websites. I don't know where you guys are looking to find aluminum boats cheaper to buy than aluminium. If you are comparing a 12 foot jon to a used Ranger, then yes, it will be cheaper. But for comparable boats, it seems to me you get way more boat with fiberglass. I am only talking purchase cost. Am I looking for love in all the wrong places, or has anyone else noticed this?

Mike

i guess it all about location. around here a very nice mid 90's glass bass boat brings as much to 1k more than early to mid 2000's aluminum fishing boats.

Thanks for the advice. Used boat is the way I'm gonna go...