Question:
I'm ready to buy my first bass boat. I need y'all's advice. What's a
reasonable amount to spend? What should I look for (or avoid)? How can I keep
from getting ripped off or buying a lemon?Where is the central boat?...
Answer:
-with that out of the way, let me give you some absolute, never vary,
don't ignore rules.
1. NEVER buy anything you haven't been to the lake in first.
Period. You ignore this #1 rule, you are on your own pal.
2. If it's used, take it to a reputable mechanic, spend the 50 or 100 bucks
and have it checked over thouroughly.
3. If it's new, learn to ask the hard questions. Get references to current
owners. Call them. Find out what sort of issues they've had with their rigs,
and if the dealer was prompt in dealing with them. Walk around to their
service dept and ask people picking up their boats how their experience was
with that part.
I'll refrain from flaming anyones personal rigs here, I just want you to
learn how to make the best decision.
Another great place to learn about all the issues with various makers of
bass boats is bass boat central:
http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/boats_motors/
- here are some general things on boats to think
about that might help. The size of the boat and motor will make the
biggest difference in the price. On the lakes or rivers you plan to
fish how far do you think you will run? What are the water conditions
like - will taking on large lake chop on the way home be important? Or
maybe you will want to get into shallow tricky waters where a smaller
boat might be better.
-I had the same question a few months back (I had never owned a boat).
Someone suggested I start with a jon boat instead. Man am I ever glad I
took their advise. I sunk a small amount of cash into a 14' boat with a
15hp motor. It's been a great boat and I know I can get what ever I got
into it. I'm new to boat fishing.. always been a bank fisherman.. and this
change has been great..
