Help finding the right boat?

I've decided to buy a used boat, in the 3 to $5k range hopefully.

We plan to mainly fish a local 5,000+ acre lake for crappie, walleye and catfish.

My wife will be with me 95% of the time, and would be nice to take a friend occasionally.


That being said, Most of what I'm finding in that price range are fiberglass bass boats. I've found a few that seem very clean, but Its been years since I was on a boat and am not sure if they are right for me.


1. 1997 Ragin Cajun 164. 90 hp Force, exceptionally clean. Asking 4,500


2. 1996 Nitro 160 Rick Clunn Ed, 40hp Merc, looks very clean, asking 3,800


Do either of these stand out as a "no way!"? They both look very nice and would get us on the water.


Thanks

No way on both.
You couldn't give me a Force outboard and parts are very hard to find.
The Nitro is priced too high for a 21 year old boat that's way underpowered. You won't be happy with 16' glass boat with a 40hp.

Look at Minneapolis CL and get a Lund. I live in TN and bought a Lund SSV from there and thought it was a sweet deal and boat.

Force Engines are junk

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double post

Thanks guys!

I'm not bent on speed, but maybe I would regret not getting something more later on I guess.


Now looking into a 1995 Procraft 170 pro w/ Mariner 115. Its setup for spider rigging with 2 front seat mounts and rod holders, and a pair of Helix 7's. Looks really clean, no real fading, asking 5k.


Or- A 2002 Lowe Sea nymph 17' w 50 Johnson. Also looks very clean, and has a wireless minnkota riptide for 5.4k


These are CL prices, I'm hoping to be able to knock them down.

I'm not sure I really want to drive 5+ hours for a boat. Would be hard to deal on the price if they know you spent so much time getting there lol.

I personally would look for aluminum, less maintenance than glass.

Hello: I also would go with an aluminum boat. Check North West Indiana craigslist. Demotte Ind. Just saw a Sea Nymph 175 that looks good for the money. $3650.00 . Good Luck. O - R

I bought the Lowe 165 Sea Nymph!

Its pretty clean, theres one or 2 small carpet issues but pretty minor for a 15 yr old boat. It has a 24v 80lb Minnkota riptide with wireless remote, but an old and basic sonar (HB 300TX..)


Looks like this boat will fish!! Will be perfect for me and the wife, and seems to have enough room to bring another adult along easily enough.


It pulled great behind my small truck, All I need to do now is set up some rod holders for trolling, and start shopping for some good electronics!

Hello binfordw: Good Luck with your new boat. Don't forget about your safety equipment that you need. Also I don't know if you need rod holders for spider rigging or single pole rod holders. I put Cabelas Quickdraw single pole rod holders on my boat and they work great. Cabelas has them on sale right now. Good Luck. O -R

I was going to post the sale also. Yesterday I bought four of them. Very good price.