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Decide what you want as far as glass vs. aluminum first. Once you have that decision made, determine what you're willing to spend, including any upgrades that may have to be done such as trolling motor and/or electronics. After you've got that part determined, do your homework on manufacturers. There may be a little give and take as far as layout and such when it comes to buying your first boat unless you plan to keep it forever. I laid out my options and ended up with a Ranger Reata for the time being. I'd have liked something a bit deeper, but it fit all the other things I was looking for. Also, diligently watch any and all places that list boats for sale, you may just come across a great deal. I got my Ranger for $6K cash and could easily sell it tomorrow for double that.
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Agree with deciding on glass vs tin. Both have their pros and cons. I like aluminum because I hate patching fiberglass. Then deciding style. I went with a G3 V172c with a 90 Yammie on it. Yamaha is the best outboard I have ever owned. It can take big water just fine. You do get blown around with a stiff wind, but I do a lot of drift fishing for walleye so it helps me with movement. Deep V also gives you a nice smooth dry ride in the chop. My neighbor fishes almost every day out of a 2070 Crestliner Mod V boat with a 50 hp Mercury. I've fished with him before, and while the wind can make it a rough ride back, there is no water around here that I wouldn't be comfortable fishing in. If a Deep V is what you are after, check out the classifieds over at walleye central. You can get some great deals if you are willing to drive a little bit to get it.
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First off figure out what your budget for a boat and other items is, try to stick within that budget, only you know what you can truly afford, many many good salesmen will try to convince you that you can afford more. Your budget will decide for you what you can buy. Next step is to find a dealer with good mechanics that you are comfortable with. Whether you buy new or used at some point you will need these services. Next figure out who will be in it with you, ie; wife, kids. older people, young people, or all of the above, or just for fishing, this will make it easier which models to look at. Talk to your banker, he can be a good guide as to values for boats. you by now should have it narrowed down enough that you can start test rides and drives, try to do this on not so perfect windless days. Keep in mind you will get more boat for your money in the off seasons. Don't let it stress you out it should be and can be an enjoyable experience, Good luck and have fun at it.
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Not sure where you live, but this might be worth checking out. It's this Saturday: http://www.nextechclassifieds.com/listings/view/487141/
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Great advise above all of them. I'll add 2 things. Don't rush Wait for the deal on what you want and willing to spend. Also if you are doing the upgrades/setup your self remember it gets expensive in a hurry. Spent 5 grand on mine and I already had the electronics. Trailer bearings, tires, install trolling motor (as it never had one), minor repairs, motor serviced, life jackets, throw fusion, fire extinguisher, horn, and all those little things you don't think about. Registration
patients pays off
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Thanks for all the advise! I really appreciate it. I think I'm leaning towards a nice older tin boat. They seem to be more affordable to buy and ride. The old Lowe boats that I mentioned initially usually have the old Johnson motors on them which scares me. as far as electronics, I wont go crazy on them. especially being my first boat, I don't have a need for a big screen TV next to the trolling motor (maybe some day). Also, if I've learned anything from all the comments, Its that if I wait around long enough a good deal will come along. And I have no problem with that. I can keep riding with the old man until I find the right one for me. A few months ago I passed on one that I still think about. It was an 02' Lowe 170W with a Johnson 90 on it. Boat was pretty sharp but has some scuffs and scratches. The guy was wanting 4500 but said he would take 4000. The owner only fished the river with it so I'm sure it had been roughed up a bit. He said he never once lowered the trolling motor in the water. compression was great on all cylinders and was ready for the water. What do ya'll think for $4000??? There is one similar on craigslist now for 5900 I believe.
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It sounds like a good deal for 4000.
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Being about ready to buy a boat myself again after 25 years without one. I went from a 26' Chris Craft heavy old wood boat, to a 28' lyman even heavier old wood boat to at 15' Fox bass boat, to an 18' wide jon boat. All worked well for where I was fishing. My first boats were Lake Erie boats and wind and waves were common. Those heavy wood boats made for a nice ride and very stable even for fall and early spring fishing on Erie.
Moved to Central Alabama and picked up a nice used bass boat.. Fun, but not enough room and fishing, after the big boats was different. Always felt like I was gonna step off the boat and into the water. Sold that one and got the jon boat. Was good for most fishing, wind was an issue rarely did I come off the water 100% dry. It was roomy and great to fish from. Now I am back to looking and planning a new boat for where I typically fish. If I want to go back to Erie, I will do a Charter or find someone going. For my local lakes and River, I am looking ~18' High Load rating 1500 lbs minimum. Full Windshield, Deep V, Fiberglass is preferred but Aluminum is not being ruled out. 125 - 150 HP maybe more depending on boat. Now for the fun stuff to make fishing pleasant, Big Troller (36V) with I Pilot, Big Screen FF, Si and DI. Want a nice SI at Helm, and DI at Bow and Stern, Big Live Well (~40 gallon), On Board Charging system, 5 Batteries - 3 troller, 1 starter, 1 Electronics Heavy Duty Wiring, Rod Locker but not critical. I can live with vertical storage tubes. After that, Hydraulic Seats and anything else in window dressing.
Pick the Boat that best fits your needs. Chances are if its used and for sale, electronics are obsolete and will need upgrading. So forget the bells and whistles and look at what you want and know that you will need to upgrade. I currently fish with buddies and each has a different boat. 16' bass boat, 18' Lund Pro and a 20' lund Barron. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Most days the Bass boat is the best to fish from. Those days were more wind and wave action are present the Lunds are Better fishing but cannot get everywhere we want to fish (or that I like to fish). For me, it is gonna boil down to price because I know I will spend as much or more on electronics and my desired upgrades than I do on the boat itself.
Make some friends, be generous and get on the water in their boats and see what you like and dont like. Make your list and be patient. I've been watching for a little over a year what I am finding is used boats are abused which is why they are being sold or so overpriced, Be better off buying new. Last week I looked at a 2000 18' Pro Fish that I'll admit was Cherry, perfectly and professionally maintained, 300 hours on motor so not used a lot, garage kept all the good things. Electronics were OK and worked flawlessly but Way outdated. Asking price was 24K. Looking at the upgrades I want plus price of boat, Was was gonna be in the price range of a new boat.
Good luck and let us know what you end up with.
