1st boat advice

Hey all, I'm a new member to Crappie.com and searching for some advice. Being that I'm 26, moved back to KC metro area, absolutely love to fish, but don't have a boat, I'm search for some advice....What is the best boat for me? I grew up spoiled fishing out of dads old Ranger. The past five years or so the old man and I have been catching slabs out of his bass tracker. Now that I'm living in KC full time I thinks its time to put my big boys pants on and buy a boat for myself. I really like the 2000's models of the Lowe 170W or 180W's. I don't think I need a big fiberglass boat but I do want something that can handle the KS winds. Let me know if ya'll have an advice for me. Thanks Matt.

Yeeeeep. I think a nice deep-hull paddle boat could handle the KS wind. Just a little leg power and you could hold yourself on a spot all day.

I have tracker due to storage limitations, but if I could I'd buy fiberglass to help in wind. Can be a real pain to fish in wind if boat can't handle it

Most deep v's are good boats I believe its how you rig them that makes the Difference. My opinion a 90 thousand dollar boat rigged with 20 dollar elecrronics is worthless. Get the biggest mtr.raited for the boat and the most powerfull trolling motor is a good start. Then the best under water eyes are a must for catching fish and figuring out a lake.

Tin boats are great and we've had several, but fiberglass is just gonna be better in the wind. Whatever you get, try to get the max hp the boat is rated for. You don't want to be underpowered.

welcome to CDC glass is the only way to fly

I have a Lowe deep v with a 115 and love it.Handles the roughest water.Can get in the trees and not worry about banging up the boat.But it does catch all the wind and gets blown around easy.For jigging and dipping trees its great.For rigging open water with wind or boat traffic not so great.Make sure you get a strong trolling motor.I fish mostly with my daughter and its great for kids.
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If you get to pick a trolling motor consider one with a variable speed vs one with a 5 speed. The 5 speed always seems to be in between speeds in the wind. I suggest having the electronics installed by the dealer as well. Some combinations will have interference on the front graph that can be a real pain to resolve.

You have fished in a Ranger and in a Tracker. Use those experiences as a guide. To me, the layout of the boat tops the list of considerations. A boat can handle like a dream but have a terrible layout and you will hate it. Best advice I know to give is to get in as many different boats in your price range as you can. Once you find one or two that you like the layout and feel of, try to arrange on the water tests. Once you find the boat you like, then you can worry about all the options. I agree with the others, get the best trolling motor and electronics that you can afford to buy. However, don't think you have to have the Lowrance HDS12-Touch or the equivalent 'Bird unit just because its the most expensive. My advice as a younger (29) boat owner is to not break the bank on the initial purchase, get something you like and will be satisfied owning for 5yrs+, buy the best electronics you can afford and upgrade as you can. Good luck and enjoy!!

I bought an older fiberglass bass boat (similar to a ranger) and spent more on the electronics and trolling motor than what the boat cost me. I don't regret buying it one bit(probably the best purchase I have ever made next to side imagining). If you're crappie fishing you want something that is versatile (able to fish shallow, standing timber, hold open water brush and ledges). For me the boat just has to get me there and back. The right electronics and trolling motor are what HELP you find and stay on fish. I'm not sure what all the talk is about getting the biggest motor you are rated for my boat is 19' has a 150 on it and goes 60 its rated for a 200 or 225 I have no interest in going 60 on a lake let alone 70. Maybe they are talking about deep V's??? If you do decide to buy an older fiberglass bass boat do some research on what to look for (i.e rotted transom, compression test, stress cracks, rotted floors), if it has a weak transom or a dead cylinder just walk away. One that has been well taken care of will last you a long time if you do the same. I bought mine when I was about the same age as you are and felt like I made the right decision at the time and still feel that way. Oh and when I bought it I thought going fast was important it's really not it doesn't help you catch anymore fish....maybe more girls :highfive

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.

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.

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.

Not sure where you live, but this might be worth checking out. It's this Saturday: http://www.nextechclassifieds.com/listings/view/487141/

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

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.

It sounds like a good deal for 4000.

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.