I've had a few boats overs the years but looking to purchase my first bass boat and was hoping to get some advice from some of the more seasoned guys. I would really like to buy something in the $10k range. The boat will be used for mostly rec fishing with my brother and/or son on local lakes (Texoma, Ray Roberts, lavon, Tawokoni, etc)

Is there anything particular I should be watching out for? I don't know much about what motors are good etc.

I came across a couple that looked interesting to me and thought we could discuss them so maybe I can get a better idea of what I want.

The first boat is a 2005 Nitro NX750 DC with a 115HP Merc. for $9500. The boat has been very well kept but is pretty basic.

I also found a 1995 BassCat Pantera II with 200hp EFI Merc for $10,500. This Has 2 flashers, Min Kota Maxim 80 pound 24 volt, Hotfoot, Hydraulic Steering, 2 Lowrance units 7 and 5 (GPS). Motor has low hours and was gone through last year.

What do you think? What sort of boat would be the way to go?

Thanks

BassCat or Champion

My first bass boat was an NX750 with a 90 Merc on it, great starter boat. I went from it to a Z-7 and am now in a Phoenix.

Motor size will depend on where you want to fish, as well as length. Longer boat will ride better but takes a little more work to manage on your own.

One thing to look at is what lakes do you plan to fish. Bigger open water lakes will be a bear in a small boat, but if you are fishing a smaller lake with timber, than a smaller boat might be easier to handle.

Lots of variables.

As to the two boats you are looking at, my only comment on the Nitro was the resale. A BassCat may be easier to sell down the road. Lots of good deals out there if you are patient.

Two things that came to my mind when I read your post. I would go with BassCat
1. The lakes you mentioned you are wanting to fish are not little.
2. If you wanted to sell I believe the BassCate would hold better value for you.

Before you buy any used boat take it to a certified mechanic and pay the $200 for a pre-purchase inspection. It can save you thousands in headaches. I would lean towards a basscat.

Not to toot my on horn and love my Cajun , but they really were the best boat ever made. And someone on here has one for sale. It is in the classified section here.

Bwahahahah That's why they went out of business I suppose. Like riding in a log wagon compared to a Cadillac if you compare their ride to a Ranger, Champion or Cat.... Famous for hooked hulls.


As far as what to look for. The biggest danger in buying an older boat is the transom. What condition is it in? One way to tell the condition of the transom is to stand on the outboard lower unit fins and bounce up and down while looking closely at the transom. Any cracks will reveal themselves through the up and down movement. Then, as someone else suggested, BEFORE you commit, pay a reputable mechanic to do a diagnostic on it. The newer motors can be hooked up to the computer to find out the skinny. On an pre-computer motor, a good mechanic will just have to do the work and it might be a little more expensive. Good luck in your search. When you get to the older boats, I would personally stick with a Cat, a Ranger, or a Champion, but that's just my opinion.

Wow, some really great advice. Thank you all!

I had a 1993 BassCat PII with a 200 Merc. EFI. Mine did not have hydraulic steering so to have it is a big plus. Drove that boat for 11 years. Fished all kinds of water from small lakes to Toledo Bend and Rayburn. Decided to sell it to but a bigger boat (2005 BassCat Cougar 20.4') after I got caught on Rayburn with five foot waves. I was never in any real danger just decided I wanted something bigger for the bigger lakes. As stated by others here, have it checked out by a good mechanic. Worth the investment. How many hours are on the engine?

$10,500 sounds a little high for a 20 year old boat. Might want to do some price checking. I sold my 1993 PII for $9,800 in 2007 and it was in good shape. The one you are looking at has better electronics than mine did though.

Any opinions on a 1997 Hydrosport 185E. They are asking $6500.

Motor is a 175 HP Fast Strike Evinrude rebuilt last year with 2 years left on warranty. Comes with 70 lb Minn Kota Trolling Motor. Lowrance HDS 7 Gen 2 Touch with Sidescan. Lowrance Elite 7, 3 bank charger, new batteries, new jackplate, hotfoot, new tires on trailer. Has a cover and a spare prop as well.

Buy the Bass Cat or find a Champion period

This looks like a good starter boat.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt..._ForSale#UNREAD

Could not agree more on having the motor and the hull checked out. If both pass the test buy the Cat and let Tommy at Rockwall Marine take care of you.

BigBassB,

I have owned more boats that trucks, but I STILL get a mechanic to do an inspection when I consider buying a boat. He still knows more than I do, and he can check for the things he commonly sees wrong with the model at hand. It is well-spent for better security that you are getting what you think/hope you are....