Tic for Tac, give me your boat experience.. 2024
GorillaBass reply :
Gentlemen - I recently got back into bass fishing several months ago- bought a boat off a guy built for bass fishing, couple decks, 20hp motor, some fish finders, ect, I have other posts about it and I ought to post a picture of it soon.
To bigger and better though.
I'm looking at a condo near the potomac river, near occoquan regional park, yeah the condo's on the right near the no wake zone sign- yeah exactly.
So,
being that i'd love to have a real bass boat parked in the marina and is likely to happen very soon so i can hop in there and zoom out for a few then zoom back and park it in the marina and walk to my condo has been .. well, making my daydream fishporn into a fun lifestyle possible reality.
What boat though GorillaBass?
So being me, I love highend ish, who doesn't want a Ranger? I do ok, I can afford it but do we 'need' a 40k bass boat? a highend boat is all the fun particularly if i'd use that machine 4-6x a week right? eventually try to get into tourneys and take a shot at it, never know right?
So. I hear fiberglass and aluminum each have pro's cons, ect.. so, fiberglass I hear can freeze and give issues, aluminum no big deal- can keep it in the water throughout the winter without cracking, who wouldn't want to winter fish sometimes? um, I'd have a boat 40 yards away in the water already- yeah bro- were going fishing..
So.. advice, opinions, or just be an a-hole, idc - give it to me straight
12poundbass reply :
40k bass boat isn't that high end these days. Add another 40-50k and you're there. Test drive different boats and walk around on them and see what best suits you. Everybody has there opinion and only you can decide what works for you.
If it were me I wouldn't leave my boat whether it be a $5k or a $90k bass boat in the water for more than a couple days unless it were covered and on a lift. Even then I'm not sure I would do that. That's just me though.
BassNJake reply :
I'm with 12poundbass, i don't know if i'd keep mine on the water unless it was on a lift.
Then I wouldn't trust my gear not to be stolen so I'd have to load and unload each time.
(when I fished BFL's I saw a guy at the hotel get his stuff stolen when his rod lockers got broke into)
As it stands I live less than 5 minutes of where I put in at and dont mind doing it everytime.
That being said there are many docks on my lake where the owner has left his/her side imaging unit on the boat so they obviously are not afraid of theft like I am.
Further North reply :
On 10/7/2017 at 3:03 AM, 12poundbass said:40k bass boat isn't that high end these days.
I'd agree.
Slightly high of the middle, at best.
New Ranger bass boat - a "real" one, anyway...is going to be $70K and up..$100K is not even remotely out of the question...
slonezp reply :
On 10/7/2017 at 9:48 AM, Further North said:I'd agree.
Slightly high of the middle, at best.
New Ranger bass boat - a "real" one, anyway...is going to be $70K and up..$100K is not even remotely out of the question...
$40k will get you into a 18 foot fiberglass moderatly equipped. I'd hardly call that slightly high end and just a step above entry level for lack of a better term. $40k will get you into a well equipped 19-21ft aluminum mod v bass. and a standard equipped deep v bass...until the new Crestliner is released.
OP Do you need a $40k bass boat? Only you can determine that. Do you need $6k of electronics to put in the $40k bass boat? Again, only you can decide that. Bigger boats are easier to fish out of, have more storage, more stable, offer a better ride. They also cost more up front. Cost more to operate, and are harder to maneuver in tight spaces. I went from owning (2) 17 foot boats to my current 20ft boat and it's like night and day. I normally fish alone but do fish quite often with my adult son and elderly father so I need the space. If it were just me, I could get by with a smaller platform. Do yourself a favor and visit as many boat dealers and see as many brands as you can before jumping into the purchase. Different manufacturers have different layouts and different features that may or may not be to your liking. Take a test drive if possible. I know nothing about the Potomac River. Is it shallow? rocky? If so, I would lean towards aluminum. If not, figure out what boat you like best.
Also, do your due diligence researching dealers and find one with a good reputation and a good service department. Might be beneficial to make sure they are certified by the motor manufacturer. Evinrude has been doing 10 year warranty promotions on their E-tec's but without an Evinrude dealer in your area, probably not a good idea to hang one off the back of the boat. Some manufacturers also only hang certain brand motors off the back. Lets say you like the Skeeter layout but don't like Yammies, or like Nitro but don't like Merc's, not worth looking into. Ranger offers you a choice of motors. Speaking of Nitro's/Tracker, these boats are sold rigged as is off the showroom floor. If you want less or different options, you need to order it from the factory that way. You will notice that other brand dealers don't push "ready to fish" boats and will allow you to mix and match options to your liking, that either you or your dealer can install.
Good luck in your search
Jig Man reply :
I used to be a Nitro hater until the last few years. They have made significant improvements and now have a pretty good boat on the market. In fact I own a Z20 which I got for $16,000 less than a Ranger 520C. Both boats would have been equipped the same way except for the engine. Then Ranger had a Pro XS and the Nitro has a Verado.
If you are looking for the most bank for your buck I think you can find it in a (new non current) Nitro.
Further North reply :
On 10/7/2017 at 10:14 PM, slonezp said:$40k will get you into a 18 foot fiberglass moderately equipped. I'd hardly call that slightly high end and just a step above entry level for lack of a better term. $40k will get you into a well equipped 19-21ft aluminum mod v bass. and a standard equipped deep v bass...until the new Crestliner is released.
I don't shop new, so I'll take your word for it...but a friend bought an 1850 Crestliner about the same time I bought my CMV four seasons ago and all in, electronics, etc., he was north of $55K. His was not Crestliner's most expensive model at all, so that's what I based my comment on.
He was right around $10K on electronics and trolling motor, so the boat itself was mid $40s.
GorillaBass reply :
God dang.. you guys know your stuff and thanks so much for replying. You all are right- 40k isn't high end, you're also right, I don't "need" it- we never "need", I just got off the water now and only caught 1 fish, a 4lb beauty (I weighed it, i'm not exagerrating 
.. only because I thought it was 5, 3.89 to be exact, sue me) and i'm on a custom built 4k jon boat, i could be in a kayak or a 100k ranger and the fishing is all the same, I can't agree more with you.
But were not perfect and were human. So we like nice stuff, I am blessed that the fruits of my labor lend a hand to being able to afford some nice stuff, im not rich- but i'm very comfortable- esp for a 31yo. and I believe in living life to the fullest- it's healthy to splurge and enjoy the finer things.. plus, I might take one of you fishing freaks out sometime if you ever are up to coming by! Seriously!
It is shallow, 3-5ft across the whole place, rare to see much deeper than that. Please tell me though, why wouldn't you keep it in the marina? it's locked, plus a keypad, no other way to get to the dock, please google BELMONT BAY MARINA and see the pictures, please give me good advice and your opinion, I welcome it- I trust your opinions.
slonezp reply :
The issue is not about keeping it in the marina, it's about keeping it in the water thru the winter. He suggested keeping it on a boat lift if possible. Ice can do nasty things.
GorillaBass reply :
so ive been reading around- I get keeping a boat in the Winter might be a bad idea, but day to day through spring - fall, esp if I use it 4-5x a week? its freshwater, its not like theres going to be too weird of things growing on the hull.
I dont know, some people are neurotic- some arent. I can see it not being the 'best' condition for the boat, but tons of people keep their boat in the water til winter, their boats looked fine- given, it wasn't a 'bass boat', but still, a regular cruiser/bay type of boats. idk- im new to this, maybe im wrong, thats why im here asking people.
slonezp reply :
It's a plus that it's in a no wake zone. Would be a bigger plus if the marina has floating piers. As far as stuff growing on the hull, it is what it is. People keep their boats in the water all the time. If you do keep it in the marina, will they supply shore power to keep the batteries charged? You'll want a mooring cover to keep the weather and bird crap out. You'll also want an automatic option for the bilge.
GorillaBass reply :
yeah i'm really torn - theres a nice and bigger condo like less then 30 seconds away from this one- I would be able to keep the boat in the garage and its a bigger place, just not as convenient as keeping it in the water BUT..
this is why I come on bassresource.. to get good advice.
Way2slow reply :
Sounds like my son, if you don't say what "he" wants to hear, he keeps keeps making arguments until he gets the response he wants. That's why, when he ask, I respond once and when he comes back with his comments, my next response is "what ever, it's yours, you can do what ever you want with it"
As for my personal experience. Enough to know what I'm doing and able to do anything I want to do to one, as long as it's my own personal boat.
WRB reply :
Storing a boat on the water in a locked marina has advantages and disadvantages. Convince is the advantage, keeping everything clean and dry, corrosion free is the disadvantage. If you are worried about ice don't keep the boat in the water during the winter, can't use boat on ice.
Aluminum is less maintenance intensive than fiberglass, no gel coat to degrade in sunlight and a good choice in shallow water to reduce hull damage. Take a look at Xpress aluminum bass boats, they offer excellent boats for your needs.
Triton fiberglass bass boats offer various engine packages as does Bass Cat, Phenix, Legend and Ranger. There are some good deals on lightly used bass boats that have very low hour usage and garaged, in the 30-40K price range.
Tom
Further North reply :
On 10/9/2017 at 7:56 PM, Way2slow said:Sounds like my son, if you don't say what "he" wants to hear, he keeps keeps making arguments until he gets the response he wants. That's why, when he ask, I respond once and when he comes back with his comments, my next response is "what ever, it's yours, you can do what ever you want with it"
Many questions on internet forums are like that...people don't really want answers they want validation for a decision they've already pretty much decided on...
My replies...when I bother to give them...are along the lines of "You asked, I answered, my answer hasn't changed...."
Everyone in a while they'll bring new data that didn't get mentioned up front...but not often.
On 10/8/2017 at 10:08 AM, GorillaBass said:its freshwater, its not like theres going to be too weird of things growing on the hull.
Weird things growing...well...not growing...
But there will be a significant amount of "stuff" that will accumulate on the hull, particularly at the water-line. That is enough work to remove on boats that are in the water one or two days a week...as long as you're prepared to scrub it off each fall (and it'll be a fair amount of work), you'll be fine.
BassNJake reply :
On 10/9/2017 at 7:08 PM, GorillaBass said:yeah i'm really torn - theres a nice and bigger condo like less then 30 seconds away from this one- I would be able to keep the boat in the garage and its a bigger place, just not as convenient as keeping it in the water BUT..
this is why I come on bassresource.. to get good advice.
My preference would be in the garage. I often work on tackle, check lines/retie, replace tackle based on seasonal patterns, do repairs and cosmetic maintenance(wash,vacuum)
Also, sometimes I'll use the excuse that I'm going to the garage to work on the boat/fishing stuff and I wouldn't be able to do that if I kept the boat at a different location
Further North reply :
On 10/9/2017 at 11:10 PM, BassNJake said:Also, sometimes I'll use the excuse that I'm going to the garage to work on the boat/fishing stuff and I wouldn't be able to do that if I kept the boat at a different location
You've got a fridge in the garage, don't you?
lo n slo reply :
On 10/8/2017 at 10:23 AM, slonezp said:It's a plus that it's in a no wake zone. Would be a bigger plus if the marina has floating piers. As far as stuff growing on the hull, it is what it is. People keep their boats in the water all the time. If you do keep it in the marina, will they supply shore power to keep the batteries charged? You'll want a mooring cover to keep the weather and bird crap out. You'll also want an automatic option for the bilge.
ditto on the cover and auto bilge. i prefer a snap fit cover. i converted a regular cover by applying stainless hardware and snaps. took me a few times to get the hang of putting it on while moored but it works great.
GorillaBass reply :
good advice, and to be clear, I assure you- I'm not looking for validation, I never look for validation, if I want to do something I do it- I'm just asking to know what would be ahead of me if I were to do it.
If I spend that kind of money, I don't want my hull or weird creatures, ect on the boat, I didn't know freshwater would 'gunk' it up. Since this is the case, I'd rather look for a location near the ramp, plus a garage, and keep that baby clean.
On a side note, Saturday I caught my PB, then I went out Sunday.. AND BEAT MY PB!!! 
Only bite all day but it was a beauty!
I didn't have my scale, but the Saturday one was 5.5 & this one was significantly bigger- my buddy thought it was around the 6 range- unfortunately we can't confirm :-/ I love my really good scale somewhere -___-
I'm a big dude- so in relation to my spectacular belly, it was a monster
gimruis reply :
You can always tell which boats sit in the water for extended periods of time because they have a nasty skummy water line on the hull. Don't be that guy.
Bama John reply :
Can you install a lift in your slip? Then you can easily raise the boat and lower it when you want to go fishing. Also remember some thieves arrive by boat, so don't leave things where they are easy to steal.
GorillaBass reply :
On 10/18/2017 at 9:07 AM, Bama John said:Can you install a lift in your slip? Then you can easily raise the boat and lower it when you want to go fishing. Also remember some thieves arrive by boat, so don't leave things where they are easy to steal.
I wish bro .. seriously, I would in a heartbeat, I was actually hoping a few slips in his marina would have the option for a lift- i'd pay extra but he doesnt have any. It sucks :/
so.. as a result of my research and advice, I have opted to NOT keep it in the water, one day/some day..
TOXIC reply :
Well, if you are not keeping it in the water then my answer changes from what I was going to say. I would not have recommended a glass boat if it was going to sit in the water. Hull blistering would be my biggest concern. But if you are going to trailer the boat the go for glass and if you ever want to leave the creek, make sure you at least go big enough to handle the river on less than perfect days. As for price, there's a lot out there you just have to be patient and search. I found my current rig on Craigs List (I still can't believe it) and got it for a little more than half what you claimed your budget is. My boat is 21ft with a 250 and it had 400 hours on it when I bought it. Get into a used boat cheap enough and then start upgrading as funds allowed. I have pulled a network and updated my electronics to a Gen 1 HDS8 and a Gen 2 HDS9 and will upgrade again when I feel the need. I have upgraded the Trolling Motor to a 112 Fortrex and this weekend will be installing Power Poles. Even with my upgrades I am well under your budget and if I get caught out on the river in the nasty stuff, I am still safe.
GorillaBass reply :
On 10/18/2017 at 7:33 PM, TOXIC said:Well, if you are not keeping it in the water then my answer changes from what I was going to say. I would not have recommended a glass boat if it was going to sit in the water. Hull blistering would be my biggest concern. But if you are going to trailer the boat the go for glass and if you ever want to leave the creek, make sure you at least go big enough to handle the river on less than perfect days. As for price, there's a lot out there you just have to be patient and search. I found my current rig on Craigs List (I still can't believe it) and got it for a little more than half what you claimed your budget is. My boat is 21ft with a 250 and it had 400 hours on it when I bought it. Get into a used boat cheap enough and then start upgrading as funds allowed. I have pulled a network and updated my electronics to a Gen 1 HDS8 and a Gen 2 HDS9 and will upgrade again when I feel the need. I have upgraded the Trolling Motor to a 112 Fortrex and this weekend will be installing Power Poles. Even with my upgrades I am well under your budget and if I get caught out on the river in the nasty stuff, I am still safe.
dude thats a sweet deal you got.. now that i'm not keeping it in the water I did want to go glass but it seems like aluminum is much more durable and i can use it in the winter. do you run yours in colder months? garaged?
so undecisive. def want 21ft, my buddy told me 18-19ft on windy days is a real bad idea. Xpress had some nice boats that one of the guys on here mentioned, but .. a nice ranger is really what i want, i have the budget for it-
on weekends, vacations, going to potomac/lake anna is really what im gunning for, i have a resevoir boat for my weekday fishing
TOXIC reply :
I guide on Anna (when the urge hits me LOL!!) and I also fish year round. I have access to the hotside of Anna in winter. I have broken ice to get out of Sturgeon Creek on Anna in the winter but never on the Potomac. We normally just Crappie fish on the Potomac in the winter and if the creeks freeze we will go to the hotside of Anna. I pull my boat to Wisconsin every year (2 days up and 2 days back) so I have to be VERY attentive to maintenance especially to the trailer. Another consideration you will have to address is towing. I have a 2016 1/2 ton Silverado. I traded a 2004 3/4 ton HD Silverado for it and it tows great. You need a good tow vehicle with the larger boats. As for storage, I cannot get my boat in my garage period and I have a 2 and a half car garage. I keep my boat outside but it is never really put up for winter since we fish all year. You can store outside but you just have to be super attentive to covering the boat and keeping moisture out. You have to remember in the winter months to drain the motor after every use and I keep a fan under the cover year round. Yes, my rig was a good deal but it didn't always look like it does in that picture. Long story but short version, my boat sat outside for 2 years under a bad cover and was FULL of nasty black mold after a lot of elbow grease and cleaning, I brought it back from the edge. This is how I store my boat EVERY time it comes off the water, summer or winter and I can guarantee you it looks brand new (2005 Model year). So it can be done.
GorillaBass reply :
On 10/18/2017 at 8:09 PM, TOXIC said:I guide on Anna (when the urge hits me LOL!!) and I also fish year round. I have access to the hotside of Anna in winter. I have broken ice to get out of Sturgeon Creek on Anna in the winter but never on the Potomac. We normally just Crappie fish on the Potomac in the winter and if the creeks freeze we will go to the hotside of Anna. I pull my boat to Wisconsin every year (2 days up and 2 days back) so I have to be VERY attentive to maintenance especially to the trailer. Another consideration you will have to address is towing. I have a 2016 1/2 ton Silverado. I traded a 2004 3/4 ton HD Silverado for it and it tows great. You need a good tow vehicle with the larger boats. As for storage, I cannot get my boat in my garage period and I have a 2 and a half car garage. I keep my boat outside but it is never really put up for winter since we fish all year. You can store outside but you just have to be super attentive to covering the boat and keeping moisture out. You have to remember in the winter months to drain the motor after every use and I keep a fan under the cover year round. Yes, my rig was a good deal but it didn't always look like it does in that picture. Long story but short version, my boat sat outside for 2 years under a bad cover and was FULL of nasty black mold after a lot of elbow grease and cleaning, I brought it back from the edge. This is how I store my boat EVERY time it comes off the water, summer or winter and I can guarantee you it looks brand new (2005 Model year). So it can be done.
Is it out of line to ask to go fishing with you ? .. .I can take you to the occoquan resevoir in return haha.
that's legit man. you def are..doing it right. the new homes im looking at do come w/ garages, but im realizing its more practical to keep outside, and from the looks of you, store it much the same. to have to go 3 months with 0 fishing is out of the question, i go almost everyday after work, leave at 2pm, on the water at 330 til 7pm.
just want a bigger boat for the bigger bodies of water, i just started going to potomac/belmont bay area and its great.. despite the idiot boaters but the resevoir has the stupid @55 rowers, idiots everywhere i guess. just want to be able to go out there more, fishing grass is so awesome, fn love it.
TOXIC reply :
Belmont is a little North of my preferred water but I venture up there occasionally. Normally I launch out of Aquia and have enough to keep me in fish up to Quantico Creek with all of the other creeks and main river stuff. Like I said, I am installing power poles this weekend and a new trim/tilt motor as well as new rams/seals but will get out a day. Actually thinking about going to the Rappahannock. It should be turning on with this colder weather. Chance for some monster smallmouth.
GorillaBass reply :
I want to fish Aquia really bad, esp before it gets real cold. Might try to hit that up this weekend or next.
My buddy fishs shenendoah river for smallies in his kayak, i want a kayak strictly for that.. the crappy part? it COSTS 50-60$ JUST FOR THE PLACE TO DROP YOU OFF 7MI UP THE FLIPPING RIVER!! dude, thats ridiculous, his dad works there so he does it for him for free obviously and said he'd do the same for me, but still dude, 60$ for a 5 minute freaking boat ride? thats nonsense. only stupid part about that- price you have to pay to fish i guess
TOXIC reply :
I fished the Doaha (north fork) for many years before I got into big boats and motors. I had a 2 man PVC boat and 40lb thrust TM that I could fish in about a mile worth of deep water. I had a friend that owned waterfront between Luray and Front Royal and we camped and wade fished (fly and spinning) or used the small boat on about 3 miles of river. Back then 100 fish days were not uncommon. There's been a few big fish kills and as I understand it, the fishing has suffered.
GorillaBass reply :
thats awesome .. a buddy of mine still has some family that lives off the shenendoah and said i could fish it but i just havent asked yet.
my other one who fishes it all the time still catches 40-70 fish everytime he goes out, for like 4-6hrs. i thought he was lying but he was def serious, he doesnt exagerrate and hes the quiet type, if it wasnt for fishing we'd never been friends cause he's a mute til it comes to fishing lol but he sent me pics of all his fish, its really really impressive, and id LOVE to go there sometime, with new bodies of water, i like to go with someone who knows it- but finding people willing to take you is a whole other conversation for a diff day
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