I know champions are great boats, but every one that I ever came across has a skinny front deck.

Mike might be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction. Doesn't cost a thing to ask.

http://classicboatloans.com/

As for brand...? As someone said you get what you pay for. A lot of it depends on how someone takes care of their boat. I've seen 3 year old Rangers trashed sitting next to a 10 year old well cared for Nitro that I would have thought was the newer boat.

Also, I know it's more than you mentioned but gives you an idea of what you can get and for how much.

https://texasfishingforum.com/forum.../2016-basscat-cougar-ftd-for-sale#UNREAD

I wouldn't think it would be too hard to find you a really nice used boat in that price range.
My advice would be to look for the boat and motor first, then worry about adding the extra's afterwards. Sometimes a boat that is clean, taken care of, and a motor that has been regularly serviced with low hours and includes all the equipment we want is harder to find than a unicorn. Also, really check the trailer, if it's an older model with a tube trailer, you might be replacing it in the near future.

Depends on the model, there are narrow beam champions up to newer wide beam champions. The narrow ones rode better IMO. Champion had a model for every occasion. Awesome brand. Just check the transom.

My personal opinion is Ranger has the most stable platform. I�m willing to sacrifice a bit of speed though. Look at the Phoenix or Triton if you want to go faster. Bullets or Allison if you want a lot of speed.

Dude, they're all good now. And in your price range you're going to get one that's only a few years old so there's even less to worry about. Just get one you think looks cool with the motor you like and roll with it because in the end, all that matters is that You are happy with it. If you decide you don't like it after a few months or a year you'll probably be able to sell it for the exact price you bought it for and get another one. Fiberglass bass boats hold their value very well these days.

Maybe stay away from brands that are out of business.

There are numerous good boats out there, the engine is the main thing you need to look at, you can get any engine you want just make sure it is black.

Appreciate it guys!!

If you are leaving off the Triton, you are making a mistake. I've had two Rangers, two Skeeters. I fish a Triton, as do many pros.

My advice is getting a nice used boat. Preferably one with no stress cracks in the hull and a newer outboard. Look for a deal. They're out there. Be patient. Do some research and figure out what brand you like based off what's important to you in a boat. I once owned an 85 ranger 371v. Customized it to how I wanted it. I fished out of it for years and loved it. It helped me determine what I want and don't want in a boat. I ended up selling it and buying a ranger z520c. Remember the boat doesn't catch the fish for you...you just look better doing it 😀. Good luck

They really are all good now, if you like Nitro I would stick with that.

Don�t buy a boat that is not manufactured anymore .

In the price range you mentioned you should be able to find a newer used boat with low hours. As far as brand I have owned brands no longer made along with 2 Rangers, a triton, and a now Skeeter in the lengths you asked about. Honestly I have liked each one. each one does have some minor differences but not enough to say one brand is Hands down better than the other. So my advice is to look for newer used boats in your price range that have the bells and whistles you mentioned and get the best deal you can. Patience is key.

Don't let anyone talk you out of a newer Nitro without looking and riding in one. I have owned 15 boats including 9 Rangers. Ranger makes a great boat but after having a 16 Nitro Z20 for 2 yrs and now a Z21 I won't even look at another brand. I use them hard and have had zero issues with either. Not 1 stress crack or anything. All around fishing and performance wise I don't think any thing is any better and you can get alot more of the options for the money than with other brands. Do they resale for as much? No bc they cost less to start with. I got $2500 more out of my Z20 than I paid for it after using it for 2 yrs. I have never been a big boat guy but the 21 has an amazing ride and is fast also. I won't ever go back to smaller boat after having this one.

I'd have to agree with this. I think Triton is one of the best bang for your bucks. you can find a nicely equipped triton for 10-20% less than a comparable skeeter/ranger/basscat/phoenix.

With that said, my top two brands for ride/fishability are Triton and Phoenix. I'd put ranger on here too but I just can afford one lol.

All great advice!!