Used to be, many years ago when I started fishing that you just needed a boat, any boat really, to get off the bank. Then somewhere in the 70s and especially now, you got to look good and sharp in your neighborhood, driving to the lake, at the ramp and while on the water.

I say get what you can afford and dont worry what it is, dependable is more important to me than what others think of you.

Good Advice!!

Highly recommend an aluminum boat. Very economical to own, operate and tow. They now make all sizes and come with many options. I've used aluminum for 30 years and have always been satisfied.

I am a firefighter (18 years) and have a business that I built on my days off. I am able to work my business because of the schedule at the fire department, 24 on 48 off. Wife gets all of the fire check. The money I make on my days off pays for the hunting and fishing. I like nice equipment and although I don't pay all cash for my boats, I only finance a few years and then sell them while they still have value and roll that into the next one. Im on my 3rd 520c and have had the same payment all this time.

I've learned to not do boat payments. If I can't afford it by paying cash, I just don't buy it. Got enough payments as it is.....two in college!

If you're a serious weekend fisherman choose wisely. Keep something fairly new but flip them every couple years. Or you can purchase a good solid boat and repower it. Maintenance and problems will end up costing you if you fish enough. 100-200hrs a year.

Mom pays mine

Yes. This. Figure out how to pay cash. Then take your time shopping for a boat. Now is a great time to look. But don't buy until end of season/fall/winter. You can get a really good sense of what the market holds by doing lots of research and looking at a lot of boats in person. Then, when you find the right one, you'll know it. You can find a good, older boat (10-12 yrs.)...garage kept and low engine hours...that can last you a long time. I am running a '92 Champion/200 Mariner that I bought in '05.

There is nothing wrong with financing. Just don't get suckered into some high interest rate long term loan where the interest is way more than the principal.

I did not want to fish out of a top water jig so we got a small CC

I really want a new boat, but I love the fact that I have a pretty nice '04 Triton with good electronics that is paid for. And when I look at how much a new one costs, just a 19' boat, it's crazy to think how much they cost and that's the only reason I keep talking myself out of it.

The main thing to know is the financing for a used boat is not as good as it is for a new boat. If you are going to go the used boat route you will DEFINITELY need to get it checked out by an authorized mechanic before you buy it. Just because it is only 3 or 4 yrs. old doesn't mean there are not problems. In one year Methanol can kill an engine that has set up and the owner did not use one of the methanol stabilizers. Also a lower unit that has hit a stump and has a slightly bent shaft can lead to a high dollar lower unit replacement. Also find out why the owner is selling. Did he fish a lot of tournaments. Was he just a weekender who thought he wanted a boat. All of these are background questions on how the boat was used. I fish a lot of tournaments and I see a lot of owners drive the rigs like they stole them because they will be getting rid of it in a couple of yrs.

I have never bought a used rig. I have owned 12 bass boats in 50 yrs. I started with what I could afford with supporting a wife and 3 sons. My first boat was a Tidecraft fish and ski. I have even owned a few aluminum rigs during this time. I ungraded to a bigger boat as the boys grew up and I needed more room and when they finally moved out on their own I bought an even bigger rig.

Main thing is to buy the boat that suits what you want to do with it. If you want to fish, tube pull skiers there are many good dual purpose boats. Also buy what you can EASILY afford. Nothing more disheartening that to own a super nice rig and can't afford to take it on the water.

I love owning a boat and the relaxation I get from it on the water. Good luck

For me I searched Craigslist for months and months and found a boat with no motor that I could afford. I was fortunate enough that my granddaddy gave me a old 150 johnson to out on the back of it and I started fishing. It wasn't a great boat, and didn't turn many heads, but I caught fish out of it and learned how to handle and take care of a boat. I saved up my money, and just this last year bought a used 2001 model stratos. When I did that I gave the older 96 model to my brother as his first bass boat. My new to me boat is nice, but it's not a new top of the line boat. That's fine with me, it's what I can afford at this point in my life. The boat isn't as important as the guy driving and operating the lure. A buddy and myself used to take an bold bass tracker to small tournaments and do very well.

Buy what you like and can afford. Everyones situation is different. Its just a toy at the end of the day.
I probably have caught as many fish from a flat bottom as I have from the many fiberglass boats I have owned.

I just work my butt off. That and every dime Ive won in tournaments has gone towards boats. Easiest way Ive found to pay them down and off.