Thread: Looking into buying my 1st Boat

Check out Ripalips boat in classifieds. Good boat fully loaded ready to go...

Originally Posted by Tom 513

I have too ask what maybe a obvious question, unless your stressed for time or fishing tournments why do you need 60hp? I bought my 1st boat last Fall and nice older used fiberglass tri haul, 9.5Hp outboard, 2 trollers and a depth finder and use it about every weekend, its stable comfortable for 2 guys but 3 will work ok, and best of all bought for under $1000, sure I like the fancy bass boats but as I told my buddy you can catch just as many fish with a older boat, and we normally do!

Bet you ain't fishing 75,000 acre lakes either. We have large lakes down here in the south, that can get nasty in a hurry. Big safe and fast is a necessity, Imo.

9.5 hp will not work in the Arkansas river on the main channel and plus we have big lakes were I live at

I wouldn't get a fiberglass boat as a first boat if it's used. Fiberglass boats can turn into nightmares if they have weak transoms, rotten floors, stress cracks, waterlogged foam in the floors, etc. etc. If you go used, you might consider paying someone to take a look at a prospective boat that you're serious about buying if you don't know anyone that is really knowledgeable to go along with you. There are a LOT of things that a new boater doesn't have a clue about that can add up to a lot of repair expenses. Besides that, the excitement of getting a new rig will invariably cause a lot of "overlooking" of possible problems on your part, that your friend or boat inspector will not miss and can bring to your attention.

how often do you REALLY plan to use it ? I had a nice deep v tracker and it collected dust not that I did not want to fish but work and family has a priority. I sold it and now have a nice 16 foot jon that I customized with a 25 hp Johnson and bow and stern trolling motors. whole rig I have $3000.00 in it. And I catch no fewer fish than a guy in a $30000.00 rig. Just weigh your options before you spend that kind of $$$$$$$ IMO

Originally Posted by fishingarkansas

Hey Guys I have been what you consider a unfortunate on by always fishing on the dock or on the bank, finally I have decided to buy myself a boat what kind not to sure been leaning towards a bass tracker or a triton but I do know I want something with at least a 60hp! So here is what I am asking what type of boat do you have and to you what are the pro's and Cons of it? I have set a spending budget of 15k and no more! I plan on fishing the Arkansas river and hopefully a lot of the lakes in SE Arkansas! Any Info would be helpful!

That is a nice budget you have set aside for your first boat. My first "Real" boat was a Bass Tracker 17.5 with a 25hp on it. I miss that boat. It was great for crappie fishing.

I agree with something mentioned earlier...ACCESSORIES. I for one seriously lack patience and I would consider looking into used alum. boats that have at least some of the accessories you want or is enough below your budget to add them after purchase. That being said, I have a 2011 Tracker PT 190 and have no complaints. I bought it used with 8 hours on the engine and got a great deal. For a first time owner, alum. is more forgiving and easier on the wallet.

HI Rusty enjoyed our talk the other night. I would not let what BayouMonster steer me away from a good deal. As I told you the boat I bought is a 73 glassmaster with an 03 115hp fourstroke Suzuki. That had went thru Katrina. The majority of the deck was covered by a piece of plywood that was screwed over the giant hole. Carried the boat out it cranked first try no winding it up for take off. Ran like a top. The axle,springs and tires needed replaced. I gave $1000.00 for it knowing It was worth it. It cost $600.00 to replace the axle,springs,hubs, and tires/wheels. Called the insurance company and they checked on motor value at the dealerships two dealers had the same exact motor. Same hp same year. One wanted $3500.00 the other wanted $4500 or $4000 I don't remember which. If I had trashed the boat hull found another hull and trailer. I would still be ahead. Like I told you on the phone. Some times it can be good to find part of what you want and then look for the rest in a deal that some would pass up because they don't want to do and thing bt go fish and leave the repairs to someone else. I do a little at a time and still fish when I want to. Talk to you again soon.

FISH ON