Hey y'all, I'm wondering what my first bass boat should be. My price range is 10-20k. Should I keep it simple and small for my first one or does it not matter?
Thanks

Get all you can get. With 20k max budget you should be able to do 20' boat in still good condition. You always want more and 20' allows you to fish and get around even in pretty strong winds.

I agree with nick. Get the biggest boat you can afford. For 20k you can find a pretty nice rig if you shop around.

Well it also depends on what type of water you plan to fish the most and how many people will fish with you often, if any. Just make sure and get something well checked out before purchasing

If you plan to fish large public lakes, small = beat you up. I have NEVER met an angler who said "my boat is too big."

I had the almost same scenario last year. I was looking for my first boat and was unsure if I should get a smaller boat or get a 20 footer. Ended up getting an 18 1/2 ft bass boat thinking it would make a great stater boat, and now I wish I had gotten the largest I could afford instead.

Follow everyone's advice. Go big. If you don't you will later regret it and now you will have to start over looking at bigger boats and you will have to sell the smaller one.. Too much wasted time. You could spend that time fishing out of the bigger boat you buy first.

The bigger,the better.

I have a different opinion here. I have an 18.5 foot boat and love it. I was able to get a newer model and put a lot of bells and whistles on it with the money I saved on the price of a 21 footer. Additionally, I can fit the rig in my garage and don't have to pay for storage. I've fished out of plenty of 21 footers, and these guys are right, if you are fishing Toledo Bend in 30 mph wind a bigger boat is going to be marginally more comfortable. I've rarely been inconvenienced by this because I generally choose to pass on ridiculously windy days. I think there is a lot more to the equation than just flatly saying a 21 footer is the best option.

Larger, 20-21' models will take rough waters much better AND they usually come with more powerful motors. 225/250HP typically.
You don't always need that much power but, when it is needed - get to new fishing spot/get off the lake in case of pending bad weather, it sure is nice to have it available.
Don't think you will regret it. But, if your looking for something simple and power is not an issue to you (power comes at the expense of using more fuel), then by all means, a smaller craft might just be for you.
It's a matter of what you want.
I strongly urge you to ride in both sizes, 18' and then 20/21' models. Decide for yourself
JMO
God Bless

Personally, and since you are buying a used boat, I would focus on quality and condition as long as the boat was big enough for your needs. You can spend a bunch of money fixing a used boat.... especially an engine. Shop carefully and have a qualified mechanic thoroughly check the engine. Test drive the boat for sure.

Take your time and you will find a nice boat at the upper end of your price range. If you can wait a little later in the year, you will be able to get a better deal.

Get the biggest, nicest, cleanest with the most gadgets you can afford or you'll always be adding to it

I think bigger is better as most seem to as well
Don't buy a piece of junk, there are excellent boats out there in you range, just like in fishing, be patient until the right one comes along

I just bought my first bass boat a few weeks ago... I went with a 19 ft boat and love it so far, but my top price was 10k. The one bit of advise I will give is to take your time, do your research, and know that there will always be another boat that comes up for sale... if the deal isn't just what you want, pass it up.

Also, make sure and check the trailer. You can spend a lot of money on a trailer in a hurry.

Good luck with your search!

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I will test drive both lengths, but I think I will get a 20-21 now.

I'm in Virginia right now so I will be fishing the rivers and some smaller reservoirs.

Also I will wait until the end of the summer to buy it, but where is the best place to buy it? I have searched online but could only find boattrader to have a decent variety of bass boats.

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/

http://basscatowners.yuku.com/forums/66/BassCats-for-Sale/BassCats-for-Sale#.V0MCIE32adI

Those are two of the sites I looked at a lot. But I ultimately ended up buying off of this forum. That might be tough for you though since you are in Virginia.. unless you are willing to make a drive.