Hey everyone. I am new to this forum and would appreciate any and all advice from boat owners. My brother and I live in New Braunfels are looking to buy our first fishing boat. We will primarily use it for fresh water fishing, bass, etc.. on Canyon Lake and others in the area but also plan to use it at the coast a few times a year. I have done some research and found that most fresh water boats won't hold up long if you put them in salt so i am wondering what options we have. We don't really have a set budget but I asked for $14,000 from my bank and was easily approved for that so now it's just a matter of finding something we want. If I need to I am sure we could spend more but for a first boat I'm not sure how much we should spend. We want at least 4 person capacity. We like the storage features of a bass boat but also want to use it in salt water. I am open to a semi used boat but don't want something too old.
Any advice? Is $15,000 price range going to be enough?

First issue will be your trailer, painted trailer will die a painful death when it's dunked in saltwater. So make sure you only consider galvanized or aluminum.

Saltwater boats look different for a reason...no carpet, no fancy metalflake gel coats, simple and basic..

15 Grand will get you a decent rig, happy hunting.

I think weather your price range is ok depends on what your definition of what "semi-used" means, I dont think you are going to find a 1-3 year old boat for that money.

post in the saltwater section and ask what to carry when in salt water versus fresh, when I used to go to port A I had to change some of the things I carried ie. flares, distress flag, marine radio, etc etc. its a whole different world when you hit the saltwater.
sounds like a center console is gonna be your best all around buy, something in the 19-22' range with adequate power (read max hp rating) so my guess is your lookin at something about 4-5 yrs old maybe more.
check out the classifieds on here and don't get impatient, good deals won't happen till late fall.

+1 on center console.

find you a 22' kenner or mako with at least a 200hp on her. i can't think of anything a bass boat can do that a cc can't. except run 70 mph...

Thanks for all the great tips. Ill be looking around for a cc in the 5 yr old range.

What do y'all think about a 2009 Kenner 18vx with mercury 90? I know it's only a 90 but don't mind cruising around 30mph and will only take it to the coast a couple times a year, I have friends with big off shore boats for when I really want to go out.

I found this one that looks pretty good. Current owner said he has only taken it out a few times on freshwater.

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/boa/2492354711.html

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated

What do y'all think about a 2009 Kenner 18vx with mercury 90? I know it's only a 90 but don't mind cruising around 30mph and will only take it to the coast a couple times a year, I have friends with big off shore boats for when I really want to go out.

I found this one that looks pretty good. Current owner said he has only taken it out a few times on freshwater.

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/boa/2492354711.html

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated

Or should I just get a good bass boat like this one and go out with friends when I have time to hit the saltwater?

http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/1796...=1#.Ti5WhNR5mSO

I know You can't really compare the two but I would like to get some opinions on both options. Is a Bass Cat a good boat? This one looks almost new and at $11500 seems like a steal. Thanks guys, most of my buddies have saltwater boats so I need some advice from all types of fishermen. Thanks in advance.

A little more than your budget, but a great deal and a great boat.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...ole#Post6441489

I own a century center console and love it.

I have never fished Salt water but I would think you wouldnt want to run out there in a Bass Boat, but yes BassCat makes great boats.

I also wouldnt buy from craigslist, there are to many good boats for sale on here and BBC to mess with the rip offs on craigslist...just my opinion though

if it were me I would go with bassboat and go with buds for the saltwater.
there are a lot of good boats posted on here and most are as posted condition. I agree with the stay off craigslist, too many frauds and problems when you have a good selection on here.

basscat or champion are about as good as it gets for ride and quality, champs are now made by stratos but the older ones (pre 2010) are excellent boats as are the cats, basscat has some of the best customer service you will find.

here are a few from the classifieds you might want to consider.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...200#Post6354334

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...500#Post6436602

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...ole#Post6438717

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...SUP#Post6411430

that sabre you posted is an 18' boat only rated for a 150 and is overpriced imo.
look at the cobra/champion/basscat I put up above, all 3 excellent boats and great for canyon. I lived in comfort and fished there often in an 18' thunderbird way back.

That Kenner is a very good boat, but if my memory serves me right, that 90 is the max HP for that boat, so you will not be able to upgrade from that. I have a 18' Mako, (same as the Kenner 1800) with a 115, it is fine for me, but 4 people are crowded on it. If you need to fish 4 people I'd recommend a 22 footer minimum.

Just wanted to let y'all know that we decided on the Bass Cat Sabre with the Mercury 150 EFI and couldn't be happier with the purchase. We got a great deal on a very lightly used boat and have already had a few good times on it. I appreciate all the input y'all gave on the topic.

Decided that the occasional off shore trip can be done on friends boats. The fact that this boat is so fast (got it up to 66 according to gps and speedometer) and the closest boat ramp is only 5 miles from my house make the bass boat the best option for me at this point.

Thanks again.