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Posts: 1188
| As others have mentioned, a lot of good advise here. Just to add my two cents, I would start with a list of features that are a must have, for you. Don't focus too much on which brand, but specific features you want. I seem to be on a pattern of buying a five year old boat, every ten years. Each time I sold a boat, I got what I payed for it, give or take a few hundred. Not bad for using a boat for ten years.
I'm a tiller guy, and the first boat I got, I needed something not too expensive, but could handle big water, as I was really into walleye fishing, and many of the lakes I wanted to go to, were pretty big. Ended up with an '88 Lund Pro V. Was exactly what I needed, and could afford. Sold it for two hundred more than I paid, but I had added a bow mount and a depth finder, neither were super expensive though.
Since I had been happy with the Pro V, I started looking that direction again, but also considered other brands that had similar models with similar features. Ended up getting another Pro V, this time a '98. The reason I got that particular boat was that it had an '03 Suzuki, and the price was perfect for my budget. Sold that boat for a hundred less than I paid for it, and the only add on that I included was a marker buoy rack.
Next boat, I was really open to other models, and was really considering a similar Tuffy. Also an '06 Pro V. The Pro V was well within my price range, but didn't have a bow mount trolling motor, and I hated the trailer. The Tuffy was a little more than I wanted to spend. Ended up with an '08 Pro Guide. Had all the basics I needed, and was a hell of a deal. Would like to upgrade a couple of things, but those items are being a little picky.
You would think I'm a big Lund guy because those are what I have had, but if the right deal had come along, I would have gone Crestliner, Tuffy, Warrior, or Larson. I had a set budget and a list of important features, and went out to find the newest, best condition boat that would fit my budget. Just happened to be Lunds each time.
I started looking months before I was ready to buy, each time, so I had a good idea what I could afford, and what various boats were going for. I noticed that the boats I wanted went fast, and there weren't a whole lot to choose from, so when I was ready, and found one that fit the bill, I didn't waste any time. Also, when I sold them, it didn't take long either. I sold the '98 in the fall, which I was a little surprised at.
Don't blow your budget, it's a toy. I missed two months of fishing on my last deal, but I got the boat I wanted, at the price I wanted. I've been totally happy with each purchase, and felt I got a good deal. Let the original owner pay the depreciation, get something that is in high demand and holds it's value. | |
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