what bass boats would be good for a first boat no more than 20k.

dont know much about boats thats why i ask.

take your pick, everyone will have their own preferences and favorites, if I were you and I had 20K to spend I would be looking for something in the 10K range and use the other 10K for suprises and upgrades, tackle and other equipment

Good idea Ken!

I would definitely look for used. There are a lot of really nice 4-5 year old boats out there around the 20K mark. I would look at 20-21 foot boats only. Any of the big names - Skeeter, Ranger, Champion, Triton, will be a good boat. May not be perfect, but it will serve you well.

The only two things to really check is the transom and the engine compression. If both are solid, it will make ya a good boat.

If you have 20K to spend on a boat, then buy used, You will find it's a buyers markets on used boats, You will be able to get a used boat that is around 2 to 4 years old that will be in showroom condition.

So many guys buy bassboats and have to get rid of them due to: Divorce, Loss of Job, Wife Complaining, etc.

Drive many boats and many brands, and see which ones you like.

I have a Ranger fish/ski that fishes great but not for a serious tourney fisherman. Lots of storage but no rod box for rods over 6

21' boat with 200hp goes about 55mph. But I will have to say this boat rides smoother than most ski boats. Also the boat is very well balanced.

On the other hand if you want to take family or friends out their is plenty of room. Also boat has no problem pulling people behind it with the 200hp motor. Wake skating, skiing, knee board, and tubing are good.

Just my experiences with my boat. Hope this helps with your decision.

thats true probably shouldnt buy a new one for my first one. i just have no idea what models. dont wanna get something that is above my experience.

I agree. or maybe 15K on the boat and save the rest. There is always something breaking on a boat.

Regarding what type of boat, etc. I would encourage a boat that is 18-20ft. Maybe with a 150-200 motor on it. I know you are a young guy and the smaller boat and motor is very nice when it comes to gas milage, etc. But some of the boat you want might be determined by what you plan on doing with it and where. If i were to fish big lakes like Sam Rayburn or Toledo regularly, i would get the biggest boat i could afford. If i was going to fish some smaller lakes around the metroplex, a 18 footer is great. Also, if you plan on fishing tournaments, I would encourage a boat that is designed for a tournament fisherman. If you want to do some recreational fishing and also use your boat to ski and all that, a Fish and Ski boat is the way to go. It is all about personal preference but i would stay with (in my opinion) the major brands. I think those are Ranger, Skeeter, Triton, Bass Cat and Champion. Good luck and i hope you find something.

Here is a great first boat.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...5_Optima#UNREAD

I have to agree with the above post...that BassCat Sabre is 1 hell of a boat!! I've actually thought about that one MANY a time but I'm on a never ending quest of my own.
The BassCat Sabre is 2nd on my list...it is a BLAST to drive and has a TON of fishability!! I fish out of one evry weekend (friend).

i have a ranger fish n ski and i tournament fish...not the best suited boat for it. but me and my tourny partner do just fine in it

you have my racing number...

find you a champion I have fished out of rangers,bass cat,skeeter,tidecraft,champion is better riding, better rough water boat than any other bass boat out there. this of course is my opinion and what i fish out of but take it as you may.

+1 on Champ. found a 97 221 Elite (22') 225 Merc EFI. looks show room 13K. she will take big water

Just depends on if you want glass or aluminum. I bought my first boat last year and love it! Its an aluminum bass boat (Tracker Pro Team 170) I bought new for right at $12K. Everyone tried to convince me into buying a bigger used bass boat for the same money, but i wouldnt change a thing if i had to do it all over again. I wanted a new and economical boat for cheap and thats what i got! To me the boat is plenty big and a big hp outboard just wasnt important to me.