I am relatively new to fishing and would like some advise on how to go about buying a boat. I want something that will be cheap but reliable. I am not planning on doing any competitive fishing so fast isn't a big deal. Would some of you more experinced men and women suggest buying new or used, aluminum or 'glass? What length would be apropriate? As of right now I'm leaning toward a new Pro Team 175 w/ a 40hp motor. New apeals to me because of the warranty and I have never owned a boat so I don't know what to expect to go wrong or how to fix it myself. Thanks in advance for sharing your experience and wisdom.

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My first question would be how much money do you plan on spending. That in iteself will narrow down your choices. Also, determine what type of fishing most appeals to you, that is, will you be fishing mainly in rivers, creeks, small lakes, big lakes, open water, etc.. Having owned a few boats over the years and having been in many types of waters during all types of weather, I would recommend the largest boat you can afford. Don't get me wrong, bigger isn't always better. But just one storm popping up at the wrong time and you will understand what I mean. Of course, if you use common sense, you can avoid most of those situations by fishing closer to the ramps or putting your boat in the water closer to your fishing area. Yes, a new boat with a warranty is always nice, but keep in mind that when you buy new, you get to take the initial loss when you drive it off the lot. A "good" used boat could offer you more options for the same price as new, but please check it out carefully before buying. If you decide on used, you might even want to have the engine compression checked prior to purchasing. You will need to familiarize yourself with the boat, whether new or used, how it operates, and it's systems, because invariably, something will go wrong when you're on the water, even with a brand new boat. You might need to do a quick fix to get yourself back to the ramp. Have fun and be safe.

Thanks for your reply scott01,


To answer your questions.

I don't want to go over 10K. Much less if possible.
I plan on fishin' lots of the area lakes like Fork, Ray Rob and so on for bass.
Is 17 ft. large enough for Fork?
What would be better for Fork's stumps aluminum or fiberglass?

Thanks,
Tommy

Hey there tommy n i have a 17'10 foot nitro that i have had no problems on lake fork with the wife and i was on there a month or so back wind picked up and got to experience my boat in 2 to 3 foot waves or at least it felt that way.lol handled fine, i have a buddy that has 16 foot tracker that he uses out there i think with any lake you have to take it easy untill you get use to the lake.

hope this helps some

Even though you are a "beginner," doesn't mean you have to start out with a beginner boat. I was in your position last year. I bought a 96 Nitro with a 150 merc in excellent shape for under 10k. Actually, it was 8k and I am so glad I didn't buy anything smaller. It's 18.5 ft and I can see where it would be nice to have a 20 footer. So my vote would be for a used, glass boat, no smaller than 18 feet and no less than a 125 on the back. Like a truck, you usually never use all of it's power, but it's nice to have it there for security in case you do. Just my opinion.

NITRONATE

I have a boat for you. This boat handles andy water I have ever put it in and I am really wanting to get rid of it. I have gotten pretty much ouot of fishing and into bbqing so no need for the boat anymore. For more info and pics look in the trading posts and swaps and look for an ad titled skeeter sd80 and scroll down and you will see the pics. Let me know if interested.

Hey Tommy N,
Sure, the aluminum boat you are looking at will handle Ray Bob, Fork, etc, provided you pay attention to the weather. Ask 'ole Rudy how rough Ray Bob can get in the Spring when the south winds start to blow..Just use common sense and don't try to make the boat do more than it was designed to do. Of course, once you get to your fishing area, any boat will work, it's just that getting there can be "interesting" sometimes. Now, there are plenty of boat ramps you can use on most lakes that will put you into some good, fishable areas without running down the big lake for those days when the weather acts up. Be versatile on your ramp selection during these times, it's much easier, and safer to pull your boat another 5 miles down the road than chance rough water. Whichever you decide, you should be able to get a decent boat for that amount of money, just don't get in too big of a hurry choosing, especially if it's used. See ya on the water.

Hey Tommy,

I bought a new Tracker TX-17 with a 40hp Johnson on it back in 1992 and used it on Fork, Texoma, Whitney, Tawakani and numerous other lakes in North Texas. The only problems I ever had with the boat was the riveted hull at lake Fork. Those hidden stumps really did a number on the hull (aluminum doesn't flex like fiberglass) and the boat does leak somewhat. I recently gave the boat to my son and bought me a new fiberglass BayStealth. My son still uses the boat at Fork and other lakes in the Dallas area. The other posts are right about rough weather. I have been on Texoma on days when the weather changed and the wind came up and literally drove me off the lake (very wet). The new Trackers are welded instead of riveted, so they should hold up better. Good luck !

I have an 18 ft. ProCraft (Dual Console) with a 150 fuel injected Mariner for sale. It is under 10K. I have had it in rough water and it faired wonderfully. If you are interested, please shoot me an email brad@imtec and I will provide some pictures and take you out if you want.

Brad

Tommy
About a year ago someone ask about the same question. He said he wanted a boat that he could bass fish in, had room for his family, was in expensive ect. The point is that a boat is a study in comprimise. Here is what I would sugest. Sit down and write a list of the uses you would want it for. Then prioritize them. Now decide the type of boat that fits those needs with an understanding that a boat will never meet all of them unless you want to do only one thing with it.
When you decide this, then look at brands, construction and size. To give you a good example, I have owned everything from a center consel to a canoe. While each has met a certain need I have found that a fish and ski meets my needs better than all others I have owned. Now I have found a centre consel deck boat and it seems like "The One" for my needs and wants. But then I don't bass fish. Stripers, whites and reds are what i like to go after and I troll a lot. Spending time on the lake with my wife, kids and grandkids is as important.
Just give it some time. Come fishing with some of us and see how you like our boats.