Boat help

[Wolfie729]

Getting a boat probably this winter for next year it will be my first boat ever. My wife and I are having are first child so I want to pay cash my budget is $5,000 all I fish is bass and gills once in awhile all small lakes. Recommendations?

[Waterfoul]

What will you be towing it with?

[Wolfie729]

Chevy half ton truck

[Waterfoul]

It's all up to you then... fiberglass or aluminum.  Since you are months from actually buying a boat it's hard to say "here is a nice one you should go look at." 

You need to assess your needs and figure out where you will be doing most of your fishing.  If you want to fish smaller inland lakes then just about anything will work.  If you want to hit St. Claire or bigger lakes then you probably should be looking at a bigger glass boat.

[Wolfie729]

Ya I am just looking for brands models what to stay away from what to look for and that type of stuff. Been looking at bass trackers mainly. I want something for strictly bass fishing with good size casting platforms but I don't know what motors to look for a boat brands and all that.

[djkimmel]

If you're going to keep it a while, look for a dependable brand with a good reputation. I like stable and wide because I fish more than run around. Deeper (and stable) is nice if there may be family and youngsters involved at some point.

Some hulls are built more for speed and less for stability so they can feel more rolly on the water. Some passengers and anglers will be less comfortable with that.

Jon boat type hulls are nice for small waters, poor boat ramps, shallow places, but not so great when it comes to bigger lakes, on a windy day, with a youngster or a newer angler in the boat.

If you're looking at smaller outboards, most of them that aren't too old are generally dependable. I have a Yamaha on my Ranger but it's a big motor. All I can say is I do truly get 'turn the key reliability' out of it and have since I got it in late 2004. So I'm partial to that brand. The newer, smaller 4-stroke motors of major brands all seem pretty good.

[6 lb Smallmouth]

Even if it starts and sounds great in the driveway, get a compression check done on the engine.  Made that mistake once- never again. 

You'll get more boat if you go aluminum.  You said you wanted a bass boat with big casting platforms.  A deep V will be a better family boat and mutli-purpose boat but the back casting deck will be small. 

You're looking at Trackers?  A lot of people nitpick about the quality of the boat but they make a lot of fishermen happy too.  Obviously, it's not as well-made as a Lund or an Alumacraft but it's a lot cheaper too.   A model I always liked was the Tournament V18.  It has a bass boat layout with a deep-V hull.  You could find a used one in your price range.  The Pro Team 190 or 175 are good platforms for smaller, inland. lakes.  You won't have any engine choice- Trackers come with Mercuries. 

Good luck.     

[motocross269]

I agree with Jerk Bait...In that price range I would strongly suggest Aluminum....

Maintenance is cheaper and damage or neglect is alot cheaper to fix and assess.....I would also look at a Deep V Aluminum rig with decks...It will be able to handle bigger water better...

[JBASS]

I get ask a lot of boat questions since I have been a tournament and fun fishing for several years and the one that I tell folks that is # 1 as said...Do Not Buy on boat on a trailer without putting in the water...
You need to test everything on the water including lights...Livewells...See how it ride with live wells full...Check how it rides at low and high speeds...Does the boat poorpose @ low speeds or does it walk from side to side a @ high speeds..
Check for leaks @ live well areas and the boat itself...Fish from the boat if it works from the seller...Check the trolling motor in the water....
#1 big thing to save money and get the most for the $ Buy in the fall of the year and use the cash lure to get your best buy....Cash is king..

[Redbone]

You might be better off buying a boat for 4,000 and put the other 1,000 into upgrades that you care about.

[tim4081]

I had a similar budget for a boat earlier this year.  I spent a lot of time looking and researching before I found what i wanted.  Came across a late nineties Smokercraft king troller deep vee in excellent shape.  Carpet was good with minimal wear, decent storage, good size livewell, 40hp 2 stroke mercury with oil injection.  Decent graph and trolling motor although both will be upgraded in the future.  The boat is 16' 5" and almost 7' wide.  Very stable. Two guys can fish from front deck without an issue if wanted.  Handles rough water very well.....was out in some 3 footers on lake Michigan last week.   Good luck on your search.