Hi I am looking at getting a boat in the next year or so and was looking for a boat under 30k I would like it to have power pols or Talons I don't care if it's Aluminum or fiber glass I want to get the most upgrade I can I would like it to be 18ft or bigger what brands do you suggest I look at I have to be Able to get financing

WHERE do you want to use your toy?
HOW do you fish the majority of the time?
Way to vague to answer, the more details, the better the choices.

I like to fish bass tournaments

Ok then, here's some advice from a well worn trail.
Tournament fishing is all about the ability to maintain control in all conditions. Let that sink in a minute. They don't call off tournaments because the lakes rough. Or cold, or hot, they'll delay for fog but that's about it.

What THAT means is you gotta go. Not later, not when it's convenient, gotta go NOW.
THAT means you find the biggest, fastest, beast in rough water ride you can get your hands on.
What THAT means is you're going to zero in on a previously owned demo/team rig that has the motor you want, with the other junk you can't live without on it, it won't be new.

'*IF* you think I'm full of poo, that's fine you're not the first, and decide you want to go buy that 18' with a 150 rigged, you're going to be very unhappy in a very short amount of time. There's a lot of really quality rides on the market, take your time, take some rides, get yourself some knowledge, then come back and we can discuss details.

I had a 1984 20ft champion with a 200 Yamaha on it I had to sell it before I moved to Texas I loved that boat I would love to get a used boat but I can't find a way to finance the older boats I have always had to get the cheapest thing I can get ahold of and that is normaly somthing that needs a lot of work i am always open for advice

lol, did you mention Champion??? Maybe I should link Pats stories from BBC for you to read. You're getting advice from a legend in the boating world.



Truth be told, prices have gone insane. $30k won't buy you a whole lot anymore. Heck I paid $23k for a 2005 Champion 198. Prices are bonkers!

My biggest problem is needing Financing because everyone knows how life is

The more I look at new boats/prices and hear of these high dollar motors cratering in less than 1000 hours the better my old Nitro/Merc looks!

You want to see tough financing, try being self employed. It's a freaking nightmare dealing with banks, I put half down on my trucks and still they treat me like scum.

Want to get something financed without having K-Y applied?
Go join a credit union.

And save...

This 100%. If you can afford payments, you can afford to save it and tell the bank to shove it. Problem is, lots of people can't afford the payments (for very long) and refuse to save for it. Too much "gotta have it now" culture.

Upgrades will need to be upgraded later and then again so they add minimal value to the boat in the long run. Buy the best boat that you can and add to it as you can. It's hard to get older boats financed thru traditional loans because they only finance newer boats. There are options available still. I financed a 94 Champion through Classic boat finance in the finance section. He financed boats based on their value and not their year. I found an affordable boat and did it all over the phone in a day and now have a boat that I love and small affordable payments $6500 instead of $30k