First crappie fishing boat

Hi all,

I am looking into purchasing my first boat for crappie fishing. I have been using my grandfather's old boat and a buddy's family boat. I am just looking for suggestions as to what I should be looking for in terms of boat manufacturer and outboard based on y'alls experience. I am on a pretty low budget (less than 10k) so I am looking for something used but something suitable for spider-rigging (I have the equipment for that). Any tips or suggestions as what to look for and where to look would be helpful.

Thanks!

I'd keep my eye on this forum. I almost pulled the trigger on a boat a member was selling several years ago, but another member got to it first ... and all indications are that he's satisfied with his purchase. I lucked into a friend's boat somewhat later and am satisfied with my purchase.

As to what brand/style/size boat, or brand of motor, that's a little trickier question.

Id look for a small 16-18 ft pontoon if you have something to pull it, love my 18 ft a lot better then any other boat Ive owned.. plenty of room to move around easy to spider rig or troll from. With a Xi5 trolling motor don't have to worry about using anchors even though it has electric anchors as long as not out in 20 mph winds.
My 18 ft pontoon actually pulls pretty easy with my small v-8 Ford F-150, doesn't get great gas mileage but pulls down the road actually smoother then my last 14 ft Crestliner did, cant tell pontoon is back there the little boat you could feel every bump in road thru to from boat.

You should be able to find an excellent boat with that kind of jack. I’d get something that has lots of floor space like a Lund or Tracker. Deep V boats are great to do both spider and longline trolling. Family has plenty of room also.

Take a look at: Price recently dropped on perfect boat for a Crappie Newbie, listed in this section of ads. For a few more dollars and some luck you might could get that nice boat! Good luck:highfive

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Originally Posted by BigDawgg

Take a look at: Price recently dropped on perfect boat for a Crappie Newbie, listed in this section of ads. For a few more dollars and some luck you might could get that nice boat! Good luck:highfive

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Agreed. I looked at that listing and wished I could afford it. It looks like a great setup.


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A fiberglass bass boat style with at least a 150 is a real good boat to start with. I like the room on the deck of them and you should be able to get a used one for that kind of money. Bad time of year to be buying used though they are higher in the spring.

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There are a lot for sale right now in your price range that are great boats. Just do your searches and don't be afraid to expand out beyond your local area. Just saw a 2012 Lowe Stinger 195 in great shape that sold for 10k. They are out there, don't give up.

For 10k you'd do well to try and find the biggest aluminum boat you can find, or at least an 1860.

Low maintenance, low cost, easy to tow, lower fuel bill than fiberglass. Also, with a newer model aluminum boat, you gain the track rail system, which allows an incredible amount of options for mounting things.

I also find it easier to drill holes into an aluminum boat vs. a fiberglass boat.

SeaArk is my favorite brand as they tend to use heavier gauge aluminum for their hulls (a hair more expensive as a result too), but I also like War Eagle, Lowe, Excel, Triton, and Crestliner.

Aluminum boats tend to hold their value well too in case you decide to upgrade after a few years, especially if you buy one that's at least 5 to 7 years old so the depreciation has slowed down dramatically, that would be about a 2013 model or older.

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Originally Posted by artcarney_agr

For 10k you'd do well to try and find the biggest aluminum boat you can find, or at least an 1860.

Low maintenance, low cost, easy to tow, lower fuel bill than fiberglass. Also, with a newer model aluminum boat, you gain the track rail system, which allows an incredible amount of options for mounting things.

I also find it easier to drill holes into an aluminum boat vs. a fiberglass boat.

SeaArk is my favorite brand as they tend to use heavier gauge aluminum for their hulls (a hair more expensive as a result too), but I also like War Eagle, Lowe, Excel, Triton, and Crestliner.

Aluminum boats tend to hold their value well too in case you decide to upgrade after a few years, especially if you buy one that's at least 5 to 7 years old so the depreciation has slowed down dramatically, that would be about a 2013 model or older.

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Thanks! I am definitely leaning towards aluminum hull.

Find a used 16’ or 17’ bass tracker with a 40.


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I have a 18’ ranger r80 with a mercury pro xs 150hp. Tmotor two lowrance ti9’s finders with structure scan and rod holders, great condition boat and motor have been very well taken care of $7500, only issue is cosmetic the right fiberglass fender has a spot about the size of your hand where it was hit in the parking lot and the bench seat upholstery has a few tears that have been patched with same color duct tape, I have always run non ethanol 89 gas in here with amsoil hp oil, if your serious I can text ya some pics, she’s white with the red ranger stripe and the fiberglass fenders are red, she has been very good to me and I want to give her a good home, only reason I’m selling is I bought a 21’.

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Originally Posted by gobbler

I have a 18’ ranger r80 with a mercury pro xs 150hp. Tmotor two lowrance ti9’s finders with structure scan and rod holders, great condition boat and motor have been very well taken care of $7500, only issue is cosmetic the right fiberglass fender has a spot about the size of your hand where it was hit in the parking lot and the bench seat upholstery has a few tears that have been patched with same color duct tape, I have always run non ethanol 89 gas in here with amsoil hp oil, if your serious I can text ya some pics, she’s white with the red ranger stripe and the fiberglass fenders are red, she has been very good to me and I want to give her a good home, only reason I’m selling is I bought a 21’.

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This is what I was talking about. Sounds like a good boat.

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Originally Posted by Jman5626

Agreed. I looked at that listing and wished I could afford it. It looks like a great setup.


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Just some input on that boat. Keep in mind that most boats first have to be made your boat, and then they’ll need maintenance. Older boats are gonna need that much more upkeep unless you’re lucky like I was. Getting a good one up front that is mostly set up puts you money ahead. Just my opinion.

Also, if you look into a deep v walk thru windshield type boat, try to look for reverse chines. The chine is where the bottom comes around to become the sides. If this is round it will rock back and forth seemingly nonstop like my 16’ basic Lund did. That’s the reason I sold it. Great boat, never leaked, my back was always sore when the day was done. Just more input.

Anyone have thoughts on a 2005 nitro 898. I am looking into one and was just wondering if anyone has owned one or has thoughts on that boat. Thanks!

I was in your shoes a couple years ago. I was infatuated with spider rigging. I also deer hunt the river so I wanted an aluminum to do both. I bought an 18ft sea ark. Best boat I ever owned as far as the shape it was in and mechanically. It made me go into cussing fits on windy days tho, so I sold it and bought a 21ft Triton. If your looking to get into mainly spider rigging, I strongly consider a heavy glass boat. I was running double chains off my sea ark and was still sailing wherever the wind wanted me to go. That's not the case now.

I have been thinking about selling my 2006 g3 eagle 165. It was my first crappie boat and has been a great one for sure.

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Originally Posted by jonken23

Thanks! I am definitely leaning towards aluminum hull.

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Always fun looking for a boat! The best boat for you depends on a few things. The lake, or lakes you will fish most often that could help determine what size outboard you want. A good rule of thumb is having the max recommend size for that boat, unless you will be fishing horsepower restricted lakes.

How many people you would like to have on the boat with you? as previously mentioned.

Aluminum is great for towing, if you have much distance to travel. Glass boats handle rough water better though, also previously mentioned a deep v aluminum might be the best of both worlds.

I bought a used aluminum Polar Kraft last spring from a gentleman on this site. 18' with a 90 horse Evinrude. It only had around 100 hours on it for less than your budget. It's not perfect, but I sure have enjoyed it! It's a all welded hull, that is a good quality design. I wouldn't hesitate to add Polar Kraft to your list of possible brands.

Best of luck, and enjoy the process.!


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