Jim: What should I look for when buying a boat?
I am planning on buying a used bass boat. Other than hearing alot of bad things about bayliner, I don’t know what to look for when buying a boat. Anyone have any suggestions?
What are some good brands of bass boats? I want it to have a solid hull (I know that much).
Answers and Views:
Answer by black_raven0506
Well… I am not sure about solid hulls, but I would say go with Champion…. As for an engine I would go with a Johnson, or Mercury…. Though I have only heard bad things about Mercury. Now my father as owned a Johnson for almost 15 years now, and that boat is still kick ass. Just make sure the hours are low on the boat, and it hasnt been abused. Of course getting a boat is like a car….. Think of it in that sense.
Unless something has changed in the last year or two Bayliner does not make a bass boat.
Skeeter, Triton, Champion, Stratos,Ranger, Pro Craft, are just a few that make bass boats.
In looking for a used one the first thing you want to make sure of is that the transom is solid. Does it have any wood, if so how old is the boat. Look in the bilge area, this will give a good indication of well the boat was taken care of (cover in oil, clean, etc. What kind of shape is the hull in (scratches, chips, chunks out of the pad) all could indicate the boat will abused. Gel goat (finish on the boat like the top coat on a car) does it have blisters, chips, fadding, etc.
Check the motor out inside and out. Is the skeg on the lower unit chipped up, etc. Take the motor to a boat dealer and have the motor pressure checked.
Those are just a few of the things you can look for, all of those items can be fixed with some time and effort plus cash out put. Its a matter of what size boat you want and what kind of waters you are going to be fishing…ie small lakes, large lakes, rivers, etc.
Trailer look for rust damage on the cross members, if it has brakes make sure they work and work freely, wheel bearings, etc. Could right a book on what to look for.
Also you could go here and check what is said https://www.bassboatcentral.com/buyingusedboat.htm
I am also a memeber and have been for almost 3 yrs.
Good luck, and remember be safe and always wear your PFD when the big motor is running.
The first thing should be checking the transom for stress cracks
How many hours are on the motor, What year is it ?
Was the “outboard” water pump changed every two years ? do you have records of the water pump change out ?
It’s all in the motor, the hull’s are actually worth very little, I would’nt buy a used boat with an outboard older than 3 years old.
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