Looking to buy a Bass boat in the Spring 2024
Stingray23 reply :
As the title says, I'm looking to buy a Bass boat in the early part of spring. There are so many different names out there and it is difficult to choose one. Do you guys recommend any over the others? are there any to avoid?This will be my first boat so I'm gonna need to learn how to use it so are there any other things I'm gonna need to know? Its gonna be a used boat in the $5k-$10K range.
Thanks
BTW, this is my first post! 
BrianinMD reply :
Welcome to a great site!!!
What kind of waters to you plan on fishing? Large lakes, smaller lakes, or rivers..?
I bought my first boat this year, the one thing I found out is to go for the most stable you can.
bassnleo reply :
When I bought my first bass boat I just looked around until I found one I liked and was in my price range. That was 5 years ago and I'm now going to upgrade.
By the way, mine's for sale and right in your price range, $5500.
PM me if you want any info about it.
Jig Man reply :
You need a few months lead time to see what is out there in your price range.
Start now. You need a lot of time to get some good ideas in your head. Go to dealerships and see what they have to offer. Read the newspaper and go look at boats. Check Craig's list for local boats. Go to boat shows.
When you find something you need to really look it over because it is going to be several years old. Get in it and look inside all of the boxes. Check all of the switches and pumps. Get under it and look for damage. Check the transome for cracks.
Look the trailer over from front to back on both sides for signs of weakness or bad rust. Check the insides of the wheels for grease indicating bad seals. Look at the tires for uneven wear.
You will also need to take a test ride and have a qualified mechanic look over the boat and motor for you before you buy it.
Don't be in a hurry because we are in a buyer's market and seem to be that way for quite a while.
cart7t reply :
With $5-10k to spend you're really going to be looking more for condition than brand.
I think I'd also spend some time between now and then partnering up with somebody that already has a boat and get some instruction on usage by them. Trying to explain to a newbie how to operate a boat over an internet forum is nearly impossible. Your safety is at stake.
Stingray23 reply :
Thanks for writing back guys. I've been looking for a few months now to see where the prices are and what I can get for the money I'm looking to spend. I'm lucky that I have 2 marina 2 minutes from my house on the lake I intend on fishing. I can always have them inspect and maintain the boat. I'll even ask the tech there to help me out using it. I'll be using it probably exclusively on the lake by my house which i've fished for 16 yrs. It has largemouth and smallmouth that get in the 4.5-7lb range. Very good smallie fishing there.
Stingray23 reply :
Bassnleo you have a PM
Land Surveyor13 reply :
I would highly suggest you go to the boat ramp and watch people load and unload their boats to get an idea of how to do it. Make some mental notes on how to and how not to load and unload a boat. By myself i can load or unload my boat in 3 minutes or less. On a busy morning at the ramp or at a tournament it helps to be fast. I sat in line Sunday morning and watched a guy take 15 minutes to unload his boat. He did lots of things wrong. And even yelled at one person when they tried to help him out. Anyway all I am saying is get a plan down and do it fast and do it proficiently.
Jerrod
DADto4 reply :
QuoteI would highly suggest you go to the boat ramp and watch people load and unload their boats to get an idea of how to do it. Make some mental notes on how to and how not to load and unload a boat. By myself i can load or unload my boat in 3 minutes or less. On a busy morning at the ramp or at a tournament it helps to be fast. I sat in line Sunday morning and watched a guy take 15 minutes to unload his boat. He did lots of things wrong. And even yelled at one person when they tried to help him out. Anyway all I am saying is get a plan down and do it fast and do it proficiently.Jerrod
Agreed When I bought my first boat, my wife and I spent alot of time "practicing" Launching, loading, and backing down ramps.
I think it not only makes your trip less stressfull for you, but also to the other boaters that may be there.
Stingray23 reply :
Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm also considering financing a new boat. I like the Nitro Z7.
ks cranker reply :
I'd suggest buying a used boat over a new boat for your first boat.
Could you imagine buying a new z-7 and realizing it's not quite big enough and needing to sell it in a year or two?
You can find good deals... just got to be patient!
Stingray23 reply :
Actually, I am pretty patient. I know I dont need something too small or too large. I prefer something in the 18-19 ft range. I also like the idea of having a new boat for peace of mind. Buying someone elses used boat can be more a headache then anything else. I'm not saying all used boats are the same, but chances are better that there could be something wrong with it, especially if its an older baot. I'm gonna explore both to see where my budget is. If I find a nice used boat, so be it,if I go new and get a too good a price to turn down, great.
As far as financing goes, is financing a boat any different then finacing a car? I've heard of people financing boats for a lot longer then cars. Is it true?
Brute reply :
Hey Stingray23,
Yes they will finance a new boat for a longer period of time than a new car.
I bought a new Bass Tracker in July and they would have financed it for 12 years with no money down.
The boat was only $13,500 with everything so I guess they really want to sell.
Brute
SkeeterZX225 reply :
Personally, I would go with a new boat; unless I knew the previous owner of a used boat. Like you said, there can sometime be hidden problems in a used boat that could be a major headache.
I just purchased a '07 Skeeter ZX225 last December and the company I financed it through would go all the way to 15 years!!! Look at Skeeter, Rangers, Tritons, Nitros, Bass Cat, etc. Just remember when buying a new boat, to go with a dealer you can trust. Cause sooner or later no matter what brand, you're going to have to have something done to it.
Stingray23 reply :
cool! very incouraging responses. I'm gonna look at a new boat. How are the finance rates? Are they generally higher or lower then an auto finance? And for 15 years I can get a real nice boat too!
Grey Wolf reply :
Why would you want to finance a boat for 15 years ?
Daniel My Brother reply :
I have a 15 year mortgage on my home and I feel like I've been paying on it forever. I can't imagine 15 years ON A BOAT.
Buy that boat today and you won't own it 'til 2023.
That's 180 monthly payments.
That's $75 in stamps just to mail your monthly payments.
That boat will be old enough to drive itself in 15 years.
Please think long and hard before you sign on that dotted line.
SkeeterZX225 reply :
Just to clear it up, I wasn't encouraging you/him to go 15 years on a boat loan, just saying they will do it.
Can't remember exactly but I got somewhere around a 6.5% rate on mine. They told me at the time, the normal rate was 7.5-8%. Most of all, make sure you find a boat "YOU" are happy with, a dealer "YOU" are happy with and a financing plan/payment "YOU" are happy with. I think its fine to ask people for opinions on certain things, but in the long run only my opinion really matters, when its my money being spent.
RockvilleMDAngler reply :
I bought my first boat this year and I am very glad that I got a used boat. New boats depreciate VERY fast and oftentimes warranty repairs can take longer than you have the patience for. Get a 3-year old boat that someone is selling to get out of a forclosure or other debt and laugh all the way to the bank. Used boat prices will never be better than they are right now, ESPECIALLY with the colder weather. Test drive as many as you can to determine what you want and then find it used in great shape.
Stingray23 reply :
Thanks for the advice. I like being thorough before making a final decision. Thats why I'm asking a lot of questions. I will explore all my options before buying the boat. There happens to be a Tracker/Nitro dealer about 55 miles from me(its the closest one). When the time comes, I will stop by and ask questions, but in the mean time I'll be asking you guys for advice. Thanks again
5bass reply :
Yes, most finance co.'s will go 15 years on a new boat if it's over $25000. Personally, I would never buy a brand new boat and finance it for that long. If something was to happen within the first few years and you absolutely HAD to sell it, you would take a beating on a pile of money.
In my opinion, its a good idea to buy a boat that is only a couple years old and still has some motor warranty left. Buying a boat that is a few years old cuts down on your cost BIG TIME because the original owner has taken the brunt of the early depreciation.
As someone mentioned earlier, this is a buyers market at the moment. There are some smokin' deals to be had right now, just look around. The good buys will only increase because of winter and Christmas coming on. Once we get closer to spring, the prices generally start to rise. If you find a good deal on a boat you like before spring gets here, I'd get it and save yourself some money.
Stingray23 reply :
Do you guys know of any good sites to find new and used boats. I've tried a few but feel like I'm missing out on some.
fishntime reply :
Hey bassnelo that is a really nice boat for someone who is looking to buy their first... I bought a brand new tracker 175 txw and I must say that if I had to do it all over again I wouldnt buy a boat with an aluminum hull. When the wind starts it is very hard to stay in one place. Dont get me wrong I love the fact that I actually own a boat, I just would have done my homework a little more thoroughly before my purchase. Good Luck :-?
done reply :
Besides the weight issue, how do you like your tracker? in a couple years I will be in th emarklet for a new one and I was looking for aluminum hull, possibly tracker. I needed soemthing 16-18 ft that I would fit in my driveway, tow easily, and easily take care of. I love the aluminum hulls.
cart7t reply :
I would never buy a boat with a long term loan on it for 10-15 years. Boats depreciate...FAST. If something happens within the first 5 years that would make you need to sell it, you're going to wind up owing money after you've sold it. A lot of money. If you wind up not liking it and want to change, the same thing.
Due to the economy right now, there are plenty of used boats out there that are going for bargain basement prices. Many are relatively newer models the owner can't afford the payment on anymore and need to get rid of it.
Stingray23 reply :
Any particular name brands I should stay away from? I seem to lean toward Nitros for some reason. Maybe because I always see them in Bass Pro shops.
shimanogloomis man reply :
Imo i would buy a used boat between 2 to 4 years old theres no point in buying a brand new boat cause u know your ganna bang it up a little, rub on docks maybe hit the prop on rocks ect....my 1st boat was a bass tracker18 ft was a great beginner boat but really i would get a fiberglass boat due to ride and quality...this year i went to a dealer which is a ranger dealer they had a 01 ranger and an 06 stratos 200 pro xl for the same price and to me i took the stratos yea i know they say rangers the best boat they ride the best and hold their value the best but the boats were the same price so i took the stratos... motor had low hours was in mint shape and had a 225 e tec... the ranger was perfect as well but had more hours and the motor was older design... I know the ranger is a better boat but for my price i was looking to spend the stratos is more then i need.... ;D .... like said before look at different boats and youll see better details , designs and if posible take the boat out before u buy cause some ride and handle better then others....
Stingray23 reply :
what do you guys think about a pre-owned Nitro 901 CDX? I saw a 2005 model with under 100 hrs. Looks great.
bassnleo reply :
QuoteHey bassnelo that is a really nice boat for someone who is looking to buy their first... I bought a brand new tracker 175 txw and I must say that if I had to do it all over again I wouldnt buy a boat with an aluminum hull. When the wind starts it is very hard to stay in one place. Dont get me wrong I love the fact that I actually own a boat, I just would have done my homework a little more thoroughly before my purchase. Good Luck :-?
Thanks. It was my first glass boat and it definately will make someone a great first boat
atrocity reply :
QuoteI would never buy a boat with a long term loan on it for 10-15 years. Boats depreciate...FAST. If something happens within the first 5 years that would make you need to sell it, you're going to wind up owing money after you've sold it. A lot of money. If you wind up not liking it and want to change, the same thing.Due to the economy right now, there are plenty of used boats out there that are going for bargain basement prices. Many are relatively newer models the owner can't afford the payment on anymore and need to get rid of it.
i don't get it, how do you sell a boat if you don't have the title to it? If someone could explain how that works.
cart7t reply :
QuoteQuoteI would never buy a boat with a long term loan on it for 10-15 years. Boats depreciate...FAST. If something happens within the first 5 years that would make you need to sell it, you're going to wind up owing money after you've sold it. A lot of money. If you wind up not liking it and want to change, the same thing.Due to the economy right now, there are plenty of used boats out there that are going for bargain basement prices. Many are relatively newer models the owner can't afford the payment on anymore and need to get rid of it.
i don't get it, how do you sell a boat if you don't have the title to it? If someone could explain how that works.
I don't know how it works in all states but in mine I would have the title even if I had a loan on it. On the title though, it would have the banks name and address as the lien holder. In order to pass that title on legally, I'd have to settle with the bank to get them to release the title. In the event I was selling the boat for less than the note I had secured by the boat, I'd have to make up the difference.
RockvilleMDAngler reply :
QuoteAny particular name brands I should stay away from? I seem to lean toward Nitros for some reason. Maybe because I always see them in Bass Pro shops.
OK apparently nobody else is going to say it....
While they are good fishing platforms and they perform well, Nitros should be avoided. Bass Pro is the main retailer for Tracker/Nitro which has caused these boats to be rushed out the door, while most are still fine boats there are those with problems. Unfortunately the BPS warranty dictates that you need to take the boat back to BPS where it will be sent around for repairs that could take months and are often done poorly. Many of the smaller dealers/repair shops that do great work won't work on a BPS-bought Nitro because BPS is driving Nitro prices down and making it hard on the local shops. If you do buy a Nitro try to buy one from a local dealer and not BPS, if you do go with BPS make sure your local shops will work on it even if it is bought from BPS.
Stingray23 reply :
If Nitros arent any good how about Triton, Stratos? I see tons of them for sale. They seem more pricey though when compared to Nitros.
RockvilleMDAngler reply :
It's not that Nitro's are bad its that their quality control is not as good as some of the competition and their warranty work can be notoriously bad.
Stratos and Triton make great boats.
cart7t reply :
QuoteIf Nitros arent any good how about Triton, Stratos? I see tons of them for sale. They seem more pricey though when compared to Nitros.
I would also agree on the Nitro's if buying new. If buying, get one from a independant Nitro dealer and not BPS themselves. Independant dealers normally have someone on staff to make repairs or have an independant craftsman that does stuff like fiberglass work. They're more likely to work out your problems quicker. A BPS store out sources EVERYTHING and the quality of work is lacking and inconsistant so I've heard and experienced from those who have dealt with them.
As for the boats themselves? The fit and finish is really lacking. Much of it is noticeable on visual inspection. If the obvious stuff is rather sloppy, I worry about the stuff you can't see like the overall construction of the hull.
Stingray23 reply :
Wow! I would have never thought that about Nitro boats. They seem to be popular though. I saw a used 2005 Nitro 901 CDX with under 100 hrs for a reserve of $13K on Ebay. I'm really considering it but now you guys got me thinking twice. I look at all the other brands like Ranger,Stratos, and Triton and they seem very expensive. Used boats from 2000-2002 are in the high teens to low 20's. Thats a lot for a used 7-8 yr old boat.
RockvilleMDAngler reply :
The Nitros have notoriously bad resale value because of their reputation and the sheer number of them that have been produced. Only buy a used Nitro after having a boat mechanic perform a thorough inspection.
Stingray23 reply :
Thanks for all the feedback. You guys have any suggestions as to what to do? Which brand to trust?
Jig Man reply :
I live right in the middle of Nitro land. Believe all these guys have posted.
My top three brands are Champion, Bass Cat and Ranger.
Champion because it has a great ride and good fishing platform. It is well made and will last a long time.
Bass Cat has a good ride and is pretty good for fishing. It is family made instead of big Corp.
Ranger has the best fishing platform though it lacks in other areas.
Please finance for the shortest term possible. If you go long term you will always be upside down in your loan. Also go for credit union or bank financing. Dealerships get all sorts of kickbacks on any deal that they put together and guess who winds up paying for all that.
Its a big one reply :
I have a Nitro 2002 901 cdx "bought it new" no probems at all. I fish the rough waters of Pickwick, Kentucky lake, and Wheeler a lot. Smooth dry ride. 200hp. will give you 73mph or so. I have driven and fish out of a lot of boats "nitro is one of the best". As for resale Nitro does not cost as much as some of the over priced boats so it just seems to look that way. With other boats you are paying for big commissions and fees because of being small dealerships so you take a big hit as soon as you drive of the lot. Just look at what a insurance co. will give you if you total your new Ranger 6 months after you bought it compared to what you would loose with a Nitro. Over the years the over priced boats depreciate more because they were over priced like the housing bubble . If you buy a used boat do not pay more then a insurance co. will pay if you total it the next day.
shimanogloomis man reply :
QuoteI live right in the middle of Nitro land. Believe all these guys have posted.My top three brands are Champion, Bass Cat and Ranger.
Champion because it has a great ride and good fishing platform. It is well made and will last a long time.
Bass Cat has a good ride and is pretty good for fishing. It is family made instead of big Corp.
Ranger has the best fishing platform though it lacks in other areas.
Please finance for the shortest term possible. If you go long term you will always be upside down in your loan. Also go for credit union or bank financing. Dealerships get all sorts of kickbacks on any deal that they put together and guess who winds up paying for all that.
i would also include skeeter and stratos as well.... ;D
Bass-N-Miner reply :
QuoteIf Nitros arent any good how about Triton, Stratos? I see tons of them for sale. They seem more pricey though when compared to Nitros.
Take your time and look around...pick out 2-3 and spend a weekend traveling to see for yourself. I purchased a 2005 Triton after about 3 months of looking. The boat was owned by a retired man who had passed and it was absolutely spotless with plenty of warranty left on the motor. Good deals are out there...don't settle for less than you want...you're likely to find it in the price range you can afford if your patient.
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