First boat help

[Wolfie729]

Ok guys so Im looking at buying my first boat i just got real serious into bass fishing last year. And I came across a 2007 bass tracker 175 for $9,800 a friend of mine says thats a bunch of money for a boat but i dont see it that way am I wrong do you guys have any recomendations for a first bass boat that I could occasionally bow fish off.

[Slipkey]

That's a bit high for that boat, IMHO.  A quick Google search shows quite a few newer 175's for less than that asking price.  My first "bass boat" was a 16 foot Lund with a 40 horse Merc that I completely renovated with my own casting decks, livewells, rod boxes, etc.  I found it used and paid $2500 for it, at the time.  It was was mine, paid for, and I pulled it all over Wisconsin (where I was living at the time) and had a blast exploring water and learning to catch bass.

My suggestion is not to over-extend yourself on the boat but, instead, buy a good affordable fishing platform from which to learn.  There are a lot of great aluminum boats out there that fit that bill and won't break the bank.  Get a good trolling motor, good rods and reels, decent electronics, and just fish out of your own boat for a year.  If this 175 is that platform, so much the better.  I do think you can find a better price, though.

[mikesmiph]

I'm so happy to see you on here asking before buying one. Just the opposite of what I did. I knew nothing about bass boats and just bought the first one that came along in my price range. I joined this site later. My one big advise to you is don't rush. There are so many boats out there for sale it can get very confusing. I might even advise you to wait a year. Ride in other peoples boats. Listen to what they like and don't like about them. Keep your eyes open for just the right boat. Many of the guys on here have found fantastic deals on really nice used boats. Use what they tell you, but pick your own boat. As I said though, don't hurry.

[Wolfie729]

Thanks guys i fished out of some other boats last summer and kind of got an idea what i want I would love a fiberglass boat but their not cheap and i wouldnt mind bow fishing out of it occasionally is there any brands that are better to look at?

[Slipkey]

Most of them now use at least .100" gauge aluminum, but some of the older Tracker's used a thinner gauge.   If I were, personally, going to buy an aluminum boat, outside of finding a sweet deal on Ranger's RT series boats I would buy an Alumacraft (here's a used one on another site, as an example - scroll down to the Alumacraft section ). They use a heavier gauge aluminum (.102") than most of the other MFR's and they've been making really good welded boats for a long time. Their Mod-V 1860 is laid out really well and their 17.5' pro series boats are really nice aluminum bass boats. You can also find a lot of them used in the Great Lakes states, as they are a really popular brand in MN and WI.   If you're willing to drive to pick up the boat, you can find some sweet deals out there.

[MSURoss]

Whats your price range

[Wolfie729]

$10,000 max!

[MSURoss]

$10,000 max!

You can get a nice fiberglass boat for that...

[Frank]

I paid 10k for mine.  96 pro craft, 210 dual pro
20'6"
2003 merc 225 with 9 hours on the motor, I still had to break it in

[Got Fish??]

Take into consideration. Your a first time boat owner. Get something that you can handle and afford. You will be fishing by yourself at times. Get something that is easy to lounch, tows nice and is sea worthy. As  long as your safely  on the water.It's all good!

[TimH]

All very good advice from everyone who has posted so far.  I started out five years ago with a 1987 Mirrorcraft with a 30 HP Evinrude ($1,800).  I built and installed floors, casting decks, livewells, and storage bins.  It was a great boat to learn both bass fishing and overall boat handling with.  After several years, and when my confidence was up a bit more, I sold the boat for about $500 more than I had paid for it, and purchased a barely used 2002 Javelin with a 90 HP Johnson.  I am so glad that I started out with a cheap aluminum boat before I switched to a glass boat with a higher hp motor.  Either way, take the time to look and make sure to go over whatever boat you purchase with a fine tooth comb.

[Wolfie729]

Would a 17' triton be too small with a 150hp ?

[Wolfie729]

Ok its a 2000 triton 17' with a 125hp 4stroke for $8,000

[Got Fish??]

 OK that's a nice boat. Now you  need to get in with a small local bass club. You  will learn  a lot, fishing with a bunch of  freindly guys. Most members will point you in  the right direction.

[Wolfie729]

So that would be a good starter boat not too small? Anything i should worry about? Wheres a bass group near zeeland MI?

[MSURoss]

Who has that Triton forsale? I may be interested if you don't get it.

[Wolfie729]

A freind of mines dad i think he has it listed for 8,500

[MSURoss]

A freind of mines dad i think he has it listed for 8,500

Is there a link?

[Kal-Kevin]

So that would be a good starter boat not too small? Anything i should worry about? Wheres a bass group near zeeland MI?

Not much help on the boat part other then look at hauling to, the heaver the boat the more it cost to tow and refuel. Also what type tow vehicle are you towing with and can it handle the tow load? Lastly are you planning local lakes or big waters too? Glass is better for big waters.

As for a bass club stay away from the big trial groups they are not as open to helping out newbies. As for one in your area stop by the local tackle shop and ask the guy that sells bait he most likely talking to local guy and know of who has a tournament going in your area. It has always been one of my best places to pick up new members when needed tell the bait guys in my area.

[Wolfie729]

So that would be a good starter boat not too small? Anything i should worry about? Wheres a bass group near zeeland MI?

Not much help on the boat part other then look at hauling to, the heaver the boat the more it cost to tow and refuel. Also what type tow vehicle are you towing with and can it handle the tow load? Lastly are you planning local lakes or big waters too? Glass is better for big waters.

As for a bass club stay away from the big trial groups they are not as open to helping out newbies. As for one in your area stop by the local tackle shop and ask the guy that sells bait he most likely talking to local guy and know of who has a tournament going in your area. It has always been one of my best places to pick up new members when needed tell the bait guys in my area.

No he took it of and is planning on reposting it in the spring if you would like pm me and ill get you the number