Going To Purchase A New Boat. 2024
Fishing N Boots reply :
I just got approved through the bank for a loan of $6,000.00 that I am going to use towards purchasing a bass boat. I was just wanting to know if you guys wouldn't mind helping me pick out a boat that is good for the price, as this will be my first bass boat purchase. Basically, if I find one i like, ill post pictures and information on the boat and you can help me in determining if it's a good price for the boat and if it will be worth the resale in the future.
Fishing N Boots reply :
Right now i have about 4 that i am currently deciding on...
1. 1993 Procraft Dual Pro. This sucker is in fantastic condition. Has 3 brand new marine batteries, had the entire steering system lubricated 1 year ago. The interior has no rips. Has a fish finder and also Motorguide trolling motor. Has a Mercury 150 XR6. http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/boa/3673055624.html $5500 obo the gentleman selling it told me he is getting it detailed and repolished tomorrow.
2. 1994 Skeeter 200zx. Seems to be in good condition. Check it out at the following website. www.boattrader.com/listing/1994-skeeter-200zx-101963505 $5750
3. 1997 Nitro 700LXSC - Good Condition. www.boattrader.com/listing/1997-nitro-700-lx-sc-101963248 $5250
4. 2000 Nitro NX 750 - Good Condition. http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/boa/3681245141.html
I think my two favorite would be the 1993 Dual Pro and the Skeeter.
Any ideas or suggestions would be great.
Thanks.
slonezp reply :
On a boat that old, first and foremost you need to have the transom checked and then the motor. The first boat looks like it was taken care of better than the others. See if they will let you take them for test rides and let you have a mechanic chek it out.
Sam reply :
Stay away from the ProCraft.
Transome is plywood and I know of an instance where heavy water tore it off a boat.
Check out the Skeeter's electrical system.
Have a compression check on the motor.
Invest some money and have the boat checked out by a service shop. They may not do a detailed inspection but they know what to look at and to test.
Just remember you will be replacing parts (livewell pump; bildge pump; circuit breakers; batteries; lost plugs; spare motor keys; accessories to meet your state's boating safety requirements; and no telling what else so start a savings account to cover these expenses.
Post a pic of the boat you get and tell us its nickname. Every boat has a nickname. Mine is the Goose.
jhoffman reply :
I have a hard time believing a 17.5 dual console glass boat with a 90 runs 56mph. Maybe on glass at midnight with a tail wind if its lucky.
slonezp reply :
On 3/27/2013 at 7:32 PM, jhoffman said:I have a hard time believing a 17.5 dual console glass boat with a 90 runs 56mph. Maybe on glass at midnight with a tail wind if its lucky.
40 tops
Fishing N Boots reply :
What are some signs to look for when looking over a boat? Just incase I am not able to take it on the water for a test drive. I do have the clamps to hook up to the motor and start it up though. Obviously I'm looking for deep scratches or cracks in the hull, yet what other things can I look for? I plan to purchase tomorrow and am going to look tomorrow.
Sam: You got me nervous/worried now, because after talking to the guy on the 1993 ProCraft, i am very interested in this one. He told me that it is very smooth on rough waters. He mentioned that he is going to get it detailed and polished up today. He informed me that he has no problem hooking up the clamps and starting the motor. Told me that everything runs perfect and has always been covered. I know you can never trust sellers of something they own, but just wondering.
J Francho reply :
That kind of cash, I'd be looking at aluminums. A lot more bang for the buck....Xpress, Alumiweld, Crestliner, G3 are all good brands.
jhoffman reply :
You sell yours yet J?
J Francho reply :
Not yet.
BrettD reply :
On 3/27/2013 at 10:41 PM, J Francho said:That kind of cash, I'd be looking at aluminums. A lot more bang for the buck....Xpress, Alumiweld, Crestliner, G3 are all good brands.
This you also alot less likely to run into glass and rot problems on a aluminum boat vs an older glass boat.
J Francho reply :
A lot easier to see issues with a tin boat.
Fishing N Boots reply :
What do you guys think of the 1997 Nitro #2 on my post above? Also the #1 above. Those are my 2 favorites so far that i will be going to look at tomorrow.
Fishing N Boots reply :
Is there anything that I can do to test out the condition of the Transome on the ProCraft? Reason I ask, is because I am starting to lean towards this one. After speaking to the gentleman he is down to earth, knows alot about the boat. I will be viewing it tomorrow and having him start it up. So was just wanting to know if you have any pointers or anything that I need to check out while there. It's going to be difficult to get it to a mechanic to check out, so it will have to be done with me.
On 3/27/2013 at 5:44 PM, Sam said:Stay away from the ProCraft.
Transome is plywood and I know of an instance where heavy water tore it off a boat.
Check out the Skeeter's electrical system.
Have a compression check on the motor.
Invest some money and have the boat checked out by a service shop. They may not do a detailed inspection but they know what to look at and to test.
Just remember you will be replacing parts (livewell pump; bildge pump; circuit breakers; batteries; lost plugs; spare motor keys; accessories to meet your state's boating safety requirements; and no telling what else so start a savings account to cover these expenses.
Post a pic of the boat you get and tell us its nickname. Every boat has a nickname. Mine is the Goose.
J Francho reply :
There's a ton of info in our articles section: http://www.bassresource.com/content/search?SearchText=buying+a+used+boat&BrowsePageLimit=30
Teal reply :
Personally, im not super impressed by them, but i would def want to take a close look and maybe take them to a shop.
I found this one in the OkC craigslist.
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/boa/3695337147.html
This one is an aluminum that reallyy caught my attention, it is 1600 bucks over the loan you got, but i would think that you could get it for 6750.. or so... worth a look.
Good luck to ya.
Fishing N Boots reply :
Thanks for that find. I definitely just can not get into aluminum boats for some reason. Something about the way they look throw me off.
On 3/28/2013 at 2:21 AM, Teal said:Personally, im not super impressed by them, but i would def want to take a close look and maybe take them to a shop.
I found this one in the OkC craigslist.
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/boa/3695337147.html
This one is an aluminum that reallyy caught my attention, it is 1600 bucks over the loan you got, but i would think that you could get it for 6750.. or so... worth a look.
Good luck to ya.
jhoffman reply :
So you would rather have someone elses reject glass boat over an aluminum due to looks? I thought we were fishing not going to a boat show?
It looks like this is also a first boat. Aluminum would serve you well.
Fishing N Boots reply :
Thank you, for some reason I never thought about looking at the articles. I only read them every day.
jhoffman reply :
You can drill a hole from the inside to check for rot. Although you might not still see it. Ive been through a rotten transom and helped a buddy with a rotten transom and I wouldnt ever want to do it again.
slonezp reply :
On 3/28/2013 at 6:16 AM, jhoffman said:So you would rather have someone elses reject glass boat over an aluminum due to looks? I thought we were fishing not going to a boat show?
It looks like this is also a first boat. Aluminum would serve you well.
He just wants to look sexy on the water 
That's a good price on that Xpress.
B@ssCrzy reply :
Bought my first boat 4 years ago, deep V aluminum boat, set up with bass platforms on the front and back. Only thing I would change about it is I would probably get an aluminum with a lower profile due to the wind blowing you around. However, that being said I am really happy I got an aluminum. There is somewhat of a learning curve to having your first boat, things happen on the water you are not experienced/prepared for and the durability of aluminum can save you from some serious issues. (i.e. wind blowing you into things when trolling motor acts up, stumps/rocks you don't see, etc.)There have been times when the aluminum saved my skin. Also, in buying an older boat you are going to want to be doing some updating to the electronics, trolling motor, etc. For me working on an aluminum boat seems easier than working on a fiberglass boat where you can crack the fiberglass, etc. If you are really set on buying fiberglass go for it, but you could probably get a newer model aluminum boat for the money that you have to spend. Which a newer boat means a newer engine which can really save you money in the long run. Just my .02.
Teal reply :
Thats a VERY good price on that express. People around here are selling their used G3 and Express boats for a couple grand more than that one...its extremely hard to find a steal on an Express Boat down in NC. ....we have cheap trackers everywhere tho..On 3/28/2013 at 6:33 AM, slonezp said:He just wants to look sexy on the water
That's a good price on that Xpress.
When i had researched and found that one for him yesterday, i had the feeling that this was a "first boat"
Thats why i tried looking for a newer Aluminum boat. Theres going to be some bumps and hic cups as being a new boater and boat owner, so why not utililize a metal boat, smaller more economical engine, and less potential problems with the vessle it self while you are still learning to use it and MAINTAIN IT. And that Xpress already has a Nice trolling motor and Nice electronics
Its just really hard sometimes to find a REALLY NICE fiberglass bassboat with that budget.
i did it, Jbsoonerfan did it as well as several of you guys...
My suggestion is hold on to your loan money, add a much to it as you can and keep looking.
slonezp reply :
On 3/28/2013 at 10:43 PM, Teal said:Thats a VERY good price on that express. People around here are selling their used G3 and Express boats for a couple grand more than that one...its extremely hard to find a steal on an Express Boat down in NC. ....we have cheap trackers everywhere tho..
When i had researched and found that one for him yesterday, i had the feeling that this was a "first boat"
Thats why i tried looking for a newer Aluminum boat. Theres going to be some bumps and hic cups as being a new boater and boat owner, so why not utililize a metal boat, smaller more economical engine, and less potential problems with the vessle it self while you are still learning to use it and MAINTAIN IT. And that Xpress already has a Nice trolling motor and Nice electronics
Its just really hard sometimes to find a REALLY NICE fiberglass bassboat with that budget.
i did it, Jbsoonerfan did it as well as several of you guys...
My suggestion is hold on to your loan money, add a much to it as you can and keep looking.
I just sold my 17' deep v, powered with a 90 ELPTO a year older than that Xpress for almost 2k more than the asking price of the Xpress.
Stop taking credit for purchasing the boat the wifey bought for you 
Teal reply :
On 3/29/2013 at 12:13 AM, slonezp said:I just sold my 17' deep v, powered with a 90 ELPTO a year older than that Xpress for almost 2k more than the asking price of the Xpress.
Stop taking credit for purchasing the boat the wifey bought for you
Hahaha she may have made the deal, but it was my scouting report and diggin.
Fishing N Boots reply :
This is not my first ever boat, it's my first ever purchase of a bass boat. My brother gave me a 1988 fiberglass stratos before and loved it, but sold it. I have since owned a 1998 Glastron. This will be my first ever bass boat purchase and I am not very knowledgeable on them. I understand that the Aluminum Xpress could be a better purchase for the price, but it is just not what I am looking for, may seem weird, but it's just me.
I went and looked at that Skeeter today, it was a 1994 20ft long very nice interior, but the exterior coating was fading very bad with alot of cracks. It needed to be replaced, he was asking 5750 and wouldnt take even 5500.
I am about to go look at a Nitro 18ft that has a tore up bench seat but the rest is brand new, carpet, other seats, trolling motor, batteries. 5k
I also found a 1993 Cajun that is VERY VERY NICE, looks like it has been garage kept. They are selling for $6k, its a dealer, and is going to make sure all gauges are working and will guarantee the motor up to a certain point. He did a compression test while i was there and it came back perfect and he wont sell unless we take it on the water. How are Cajun boats? Are they good boats? It has 1 fish finder at front with trolling motor, it has a 1993 Johnson 175. They did replace the carburator on it though because it had an fuel leak.
So does anyone know about Cajun's and if they are good boats? It's very nice, like i said, looks brand new really. Everything will be working on the boat and if anything was to go out soon after purchase they will replace, even if motor locks up he will refund the money for up to a month after purchase. They are a very well respected dealer here in oklahoma city. E&R Boats is the name.
J Francho reply :
Cajuns were good hulls. As long as its all straight, you should be good. Dull gel coat and crazing is pretty formal for boats that age. Gel coat repair is very expansive. Don't ask me how I know.
Flukeman reply :
I had a friend with a Cajun, he told me it would get the job done. but he likes his skeeter a hole lot more. what you need to ask yourself is "what kind of water do I fish"? If you are always on smaller waters then boat size and HP won't be as big a deal. Most guys around here like to buy the biggest boat and motor they can because of our big water. once you figure that out, then you will be able to compare various boats a little better.
Fishing N Boots reply :
I will be fishing lakes like Lake Murray, Konowa. I will also be fishing Grand Lake alot (where the classic was held). The Cajun is very clean, like i said the exterior is spot on and so is the interior. I guess my main concern is it's a 1993 that is in pretty close to pristine condition he is asking $6000 with the bench seat redone (couple of sun cracks and minor fading) or $5600 without. Does that seem like a good price for it? Keep in mind it will have a working motorguide 24v trolling motor, and all gauges and motor working fine. Everything was checked and in order except for small leak in the carburetor so they are currently replacing that.
Teal reply :
You got a photo of it?
Fishing N Boots reply :
Unfortunately I do not. Like i said, the thing is very very nice. I know it's hard to guess what something would be worth without seeing it, just mainly wondering a ball park I guess. I did some research on them but it seems they are either around 4k to 8k.
I am trying to find me a 20' just in case there is rough waters, there just doesn't seem to be many popping up.
slonezp reply :
A drive but might be worth checking out
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/3712159136.html
Teal reply :
On 3/31/2013 at 8:58 AM, slonezp said:A drive but might be worth checking out
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/3712159136.html
For an old boat, that one appears to be great. The amount of info provided shows that the owner was very meticulous with it.
Fishing N Boots reply :
Just purchased a 1994 Skeeter w/1993 Evinrude 150hp. She is 18'8" so should do pretty good on rough waters. She is in very good condition and the pictures do not do her justice. Took her to the lake, she fired right up after choking her, planed out real smooth. It has 3 brand new batteries, a 3 bank minn kota charging system, 2 livewells, alot of storage. Everything works on the boat except for MPH Gauge, Trim Gauge, the transducer on the fish finder on the trolling motor needs replaced, and the fish finder at the steering wheel needs to be replaced (turns on and goes black). The carpet is in perfect condition, the exterior seemed to be in perfect condition, no cracks, minor scratches, transome was perfect, no fade in anyway, super shiny and sparkly. Obviously the seat is a little banged up but I can get it replaced for around $400. I will clean her up and post better pictures yet they were offering $6,000.00, I got him down to $4,500.00. The reason being was i drove 2 hours to see it, and he told me everything worked, yet he let his son borrow it the weekend before to fish a tournament and these issues arose (he seemed about 75-80 years old).
Please give me an honest opinion of what you think. I really believe I could turn around and sell it for $6,000 here in the city, since it will see more customer then someone living 2 hours from the closest big city.
Fishing N Boots reply :
Teal reply :
I think you did good. I would use the left over loan money to go ahead make the repairs, replace the seats and get a couple of good fishfinders/gps...(or one good one)
It looks good. Take it to your marine mechanic and have him go through it first and foremost.
Fishing N Boots reply :
Yeah I planned to take it to the marine mechanic and take the rest of the money to fix everything and redo the plastics.
Quick question: I was thinking about upgrading both fish finders, will I have to rewire or are they plug and play? I can do some stuff on my own, but not sure about wiring and boats. The fish finder at the front of the boat that has the broken transducer is a Humminbird Wide Portrait, the one at the wheel is an Lowrance X52. Seems they both are old and out dated. The Humminbird Wide Portrait still turns on but the transducer is broke, in which i can not find a replacement transducer so far. The Lowrance turns on and just goes to a black screen.
slonezp reply :
Congrats.
Why risk electrical issues with the finders. The hardest part of installation is running the wires. With any luck, the old wires are loose in the gunwales. All you'd have to do is tape new to old and pull thru.
Teal reply :
If they do not work or are outdated, remove them. Tape and pull works great if they are loose. Personally, i would replace BOTH of them. If your not sure, maybe you have a buddy thats done it before. If not your marine mechanic can make suggestions or do it.
Teal reply :
The more i think about it, personally, i could live with the seats like that for a while and would make sure money is spent to correct the guages, have outboard gone through by mechanic, and replace electronic units.
Id much rather have good electronics than new seats
Fishing N Boots reply :
Just purchased an lowrance elite 4x and an lowrance elite 5x dsi but i have to wait for it to be shipped. Dsi is going on TM.
nocluefisher reply :
You have yourself a nice boat, hope it brings you lots of great days on the water
Fishing N Boots reply :
Thanks noclue.
BassinB reply :
My buddy has that exact same boat and outboard rig. We fish tournaments outta it often and his runs out in the high 50's top end. Its a pretty solid rig, weve beat it in some pretty nasty water before (green bay) and it held up well. I wouldn"t hesitate to buy a skeeter of that age after ive looked through it. They fish pretty well, front deck is a little narrow but other than that, no complaints. 4500 is a fair price.
Fishing N Boots reply :
Awesome bassin b feels good to hear someone with first hand knowledge.
Fishing Rhino reply :
Good luck, and have fun with her.
You are correct about choosing new electronics over replacing the seats.
I would suggest duct tape (it's available in colors) to patch up the damage on the seats. Those are very efficient at grabbing the line when you move rods around. And, Murphy's Law being what it is, it will happen at the most inopportune time.
Fishing N Boots reply :
Good idea, with them being blue I bet i can find a color that matches. I installed one fish finder last night the other one I'm awaiting in the mail.
Fishing Rhino reply :
They (whoever they is) used to make patching kits for vinyl and naugahyde. (search vinyl naugahyde repair kits) Looks like they still do. Check them out. Should be better than duct tape. Here's one. Search vinyl seat repair and you'll get plenty of "results".
http://veada.com/marine-vinyl-boat-upholstery.html?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=adwords
Fishing N Boots reply :
Awesome man, thank you very much! I may get some of the clear patch, going to check out bass pro shop first.
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