First boat suggestions

I have been wanting a boat for a long time but have never bought one. I now have a teenaged some that is CRAZY about bass fishing. He even wants to join the angler's club when he goes to HS this year. Anyway, I'm looking at boats for he and I to use primarily on Conroe and to participate in HS club tournaments. I'm hoping to find something under $25k, but might stretch that for the right deal. I haven spent any real time on a bass boat since the 90s! Any suggestions on what to look for?

Hope this helps. to the forum.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/12287818/#Post12287818

Check out the BBC forum they have a large selection of boats for sale

My first boat was a Nitro Z-7. Loved it! Wide body 18.5 foot boat with a 150hp. You can find some good used ones for good prices. But check out the used boats section here. Great starting place for all makes/models/prices.

Bought my first boat after I sold my company and retired in 2011. I looked at everything and could have afforded any boat I wanted. I settled for a starter boat, a Tracker 175.

Pro's:

1. It was cheap
2. It fishes well, can get shallow and is not damaged by bashing against trees, stumps and rocks.
3. I have a 60 HP motor. It gets good fuel economy and goes about as fast as I need to on the water. ( 25-30 MPH)
4. Very easy to load and launch. If you are a first time boat is is a major plus. Just watch some guys struggle with a pontoon on a windy day sometime.
5. Fits easily in my garage so I don't pay storage or slip fees.

Cons:

1. Poor workmanship. Tracker is the Kia of boats.
2. Trailer claims it's galvanized but rusts. It will need replacement.
3. The package came with a fish find and trolling motor which I had to upgrade. If you buy any boat you will need to upgrade both the trolling motor and the fish finder. The ones that come with the boat are junk and just for show.
4.The live wells leak and cannot be used for dry storage without modification. I modified them and can show you how I did it. If you are not fishing a tourney you don't need a live well. Use an ice chest.
5.You'll need to install rod holders.
6.wish I had a center console.

Hope you enjoy your new boat. I fish mine about 200 days a year.