I'm picking up my first bass boat this weekend and would love any tips and advice you wished you knew when you got your first boat that maybe you learned the hard way.

My existing boat that I fish out of is an 18' Xpress aluminum center console.

New boat is a 2017 Legend V20 with a 250 SHO. Ultrex trolling motor, Helix 12s on the bow and dash. No shallow water anchors but the Ultrex spot lock should do a decent job replacing those for the time being?

I've been reading the manual for the Yahama 250 and learning about breaking the engine in, maintenance, etc.

Any other tips, suggestions, etc?

1st off is learn the law for what the boat needs.

Scratch the hell out of it immediately and get it over with.you will fish better once you don't give a damn.

get a rock guard for your truck. Beach it only if absolutely necessary even if you have a keel guard. Don't step anywhere on the top cap fiberglass part of the boat or anywhere that's not meant to be a step. Don't let anything that can rust lay in the live well, cooler or other compartments.

These are all things I plan on exercising when I get my next brand new boat. After the first scratch, I'll go back to my old ways.

you posted this while I was writing up my post about being careful.

^^ or just do this and never mind what I said.

Get a Hamby's premium keel guard and don't worry about beaching it. They advertise you can pull up on a concrete ramp with it without damaging anything.

Don't be in a hurry, take your time. I always forget something when i'm in a hurry!

Turn your headlights off when launching/loading in the dark. Probably my biggest pet peeve. Break that sho in good so it doesn't make oil also

......escrow account for maintenance and upgrades......

Find a good mechanic and stay of top of the preventative maintenance! I've been running a 1990 Ranger and Mercury for 17 years and because I store it inside and keep it properly maintained, it's literally been more reliable than several of my buddies Rangers, Skeeters, etc. and they buy new boats every few years!!

Also recommend taking the 5-10 minutes at the ramp after each time on the water just to wipe down the topcap and sides. Really makes a difference.

It appears I need one that is about 12" wide on both sides.

Randy Qualls is now your life long friend. Heck of a guy too.

Congratulations on your new boat. I am jealous.

Learning to drive it is a process. Be careful with WFOT after you get it broken in until you have a lot of seat time in that rig. Congrats on a fine rig.

Congrats on the new rig. Might want to rethink the shallow water anchor. They have a lot of use that can't be duplicated with spot lock. My next upgrade will be Ultrex. Sounds like you went all out on the boat. Congrats again

Nice Boat (especially a first one)!

Don't forget the plug (you will but only once). Use your life jackets and kill switch. Learn and know boating laws, rules and etiquette but don't expect other boat owners to know or adhere to them.

Good luck with your new boat. Expect to spend a lot more than just the cost of the boat.

BOAT=Break Out Another Thousand!