Looking to buy my first real bass boat.

I've had a 15'6" 1991 Raycraft with an 88HP evinrude for the past 5 years and it's time to make the leap.

If you had about 8-10k cash what would you buy?

I'm used to fishing on about a 3.5' deck, hardly any storage and no electronics.

What's an average size front deck? Back?

Thoughts on dual or single console?

Also fuel usage...I'm used to a 12 gallon tank that I can run about 40-45 miles with and have no idea what newer boats consume.

Thanks in advanced for any and all shared information

there is a nice boat for sale on here that i would buy if i was in the market around that price range it looks great

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...on_#Post6906533 there is the link

In that price range you should be able to find a decent used 18-19ft boat with a 150-175 Hp motor on it.

http://www.boattest.com/boats/search_res...imageField.y=18

This site has performance tests on various brands, lengths and motors. They are mostly new boats, but it will give a head start to answering most of your questions.

Yep. Probably mid 90's model boat and motor from the big-name brands or maybe newer if it's a second-tier boat brand or just a great deal. On used boats, I'd suggest sticking with the major brands because they seem to hold up better over time. I'm not saying names because it'll just start a pizzing contest. The engines are more important on older rigs in my opinion so above all, make sure the engine is in top condition and has been properly maintained/inspected.

With gas prices I would get a 150hp 18-19 so I could fish more and get a newish boat.

I do like this boat...
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1999-Triton-Tr19-101243255

Condition is way more important than brand in your situation. All brands will be a great upgrade. Stick with your major brand boats and engines. If you don't know what to look for take someone with you or have it inspected by a professional. Good luck and congrats. Buy a Ranger you won't be disappointed. Lol. Just stirring the pot.

^^this

Also whatever you buy, test drive it before you buy it. and check out everything on the boat.
E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G

I would take the 10K in cash and put it down on a 18K-25K newer model boat. You can get really good financing deals this time of year, IMO. If your wandting to take the plunge and willing to spend that kind of money in cash, get something that will not want you sitting there wanting to upgrade 6 months from now. My .02

All I can say is be very patient. I dont wish bad things on anybody but guys are always trying to get rid of boats quickly because of something happening in their lives (moving, divorce, job requirements, etc.) Almost a year to the day ago, after waiting for nearly a year, I found a 99 Triton TR 21/ 225 for 10K. A year later, I can say that boat is almost halfway paid for and I can still get 10K or more for it. Not saying "buy a Triton", it could have been anything to tell you the truth. Be patient.

Lots of good advice. I would ask a couple questions: Do you typically fish by yourself or with a partner? Do you do any tournament fishing? How important is performance vs. recurring operation/maintenance costs?

I agree with Buda that a 18'-19' boat is the best mix of value and performance, as far as what a fisherman is looking for. Mid/late 90's 18-19 foot boat should be in that range, depending on brand and condition. I'd lean towards a slightly older or smaller one in good condition than I would a newer and/or larger one that's beat up. I'd lean closer to an older 19 or 20 footer if you're fishing tourneys and are forced to get out in some bad stuff or more towards something newer between 18 and 19 if you're just fun fishing. The 150-175 motor will go plenty fast and is more economical than a 225+.

All that being said, I've got a 17' Triton with a 115 that really sips on the fuel, will hit 50 anytime with just me in the boat, and really fishes well. You could go to the 17' option if you want something a little newer and with lower maintenance costs, but obviously you're giving up some performance there, as you won't want to be running around 4-footers and the ride in even semi-rough water can be harsh if you don't know what you're doing. But it's all a trade-off. I think a mid/late 90's 18.5-19 foot boat is probably the best tradeoff of performance and value in that price range.

Depending on your comfort level with boat handing, I wouldn't invest 10k into a boat that you are just going to scratch and beat to hell. If you very good with a trolling motor and feel comfortable fishing in marinas in high winds then the 10k purchase might be worth it.

So over all I would look for a boat in the 18ft range, it offers you max running speed of 60 mph which is sufficient to run tournaments and provide good stability in heavy chop. I would not go into the 19+ class because they can unruly if you don't have a proper trolling motor and usually the price is $2500 more for that extra foot of length and larger motor.

If you are looking for long term very fish-able platform that you fish tournaments occasionally I recommend the V18 Tracker. It has great handling, large decks, great storage, and won't cost you an arm and leg at the pump. I believe the max is a 125 hp and will do about 50 mph at that rating. It will run about $7500.

Look at the Javlin boat on the "Trading Post".

I bought my 1998 Nitro savage 912 with a 1998 225 merc. that has never had a wrench turned on the upper half for 8.5k Boat had zero chips dings scratchs on it. Looked brand new.( my parents thought it was) Came with a hds 5 and a fishmark 480. Both finders only had 3 hours.. Guy bought it new said he never really used it. Kept in storage and covered.

I looked for a very long time, been nearly a year now. I have had zero issues with it. aside from me putting chips dings and scratches in it . anywas for 10k you can something very nice!