Bass boat advice ? ISO

[EarlyBronco]

Looking to get a bass boat, any certain ones to stay away from? Most reliable motor ?Never had one , any advice helps? Thank you

[firstcoueswas80]

Don't get one. Make friends with someone who has one. 

[dmoto]

What's your budget?

[wildwoody]

big boy boat, or a good fishing boat under $25,000.00?

[Roosevelt Mark]

Buyer beware... it's all about the engine. Everything costs $1,000 bucks so be prepared.

[EarlyBronco]

Thank you not looking for nothing crazy, around 10k$ would be good , thinking a smaller boat with a small 4 stroke motor?

[dmoto]

At $10k you could probably find a decent 18' to 19' late 90's early 2000's Champion (I'm biased, I've had two Champs, currently running a 1999 181 with a 150 2-stroke Rude Intruder, serviced yearly by Joe Martin). You could go down a rabbit hole on motors to stay away from (such as a Evinrude FICHT) via the forums on Bass Boat Central. The old AZ Bass Zone (RIP Del) definitely holds alot of archived info about boats that can be found in that price range today. 

Personally, I'd stick with a glass boat over a tinny. But that's just me. They'll ride much better during rough days at Roosevelt. Even an 19' Skeeter with a 4 stroke 150 Yamaha could be found at that price. You could probably find alot of Nitro's at that price....but I'd hold out for a Champ, Ranger, Skeeter, etc. I would think anything like a Phoenix or Bass Cat....you'd need to break out more money, no question.

[EarlyBronco]

38 minutes ago, dmoto said:

At $10k you could probably find a decent 18' to 19' late 90's early 2000's Champion (I'm biased, I've had two Champs, currently running a 1999 181 with a 150 2-stroke Rude Intruder, serviced yearly by Joe Martin). You could go down a rabbit hole on motors to stay away from (such as a Evinrude FICHT) via the forums on Bass Boat Central. The old AZ Bass Zone (RIP Del) definitely holds alot of archived info about boats that can be found in that price range today. 

Personally, I'd stick with a glass boat over a tinny. But that's just me. They'll ride much better during rough days at Roosevelt. Even an 19' Skeeter with a 4 stroke 150 Yamaha could be found at that price. You could probably find alot of Nitro's at that price....but I'd hold out for a Champ, Ranger, Skeeter, etc. I would think anything like a Phoenix or Bass Cat....you'd need to break out more money, no question.

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[W250]

I currently have a 96 Stratos 201XL Pro and love it! I’d love a new boat but can’t seem to find the reason to spend the money. Keep looking and find someone that will take you out on the water to make sure you are getting what you want. There are some really good deals out there for older boats that will suit your needs and budget but be picky. 

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Going to be selling this tracker. Very nice one owner. If you wanted to look at one. 
75hp 2012

24v trolling with lithium 24volt battery

upholstery has sun damage is about all that’s off on it. Well cared for covered and stored under shade or in shop. 

[AZ_SAWBUCK]

I was just telling my son this morning, our Bass Tracker was one of my favorites! Easy to get ready, great to maneuver. perfect for one or two guys.

    

[100Shots]

If you’re new, I’d stick to well-known brands and avoid super-cheap or sketchy boats. Yamaha and Mercury four-stroke motors are the most reliable. Check maintenance history, make sure it was stored properly, and try to run it on the water before buying. Good luck!

[Titanium700]