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Posting a reply to: Re: Beginner choosing a boat brand

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[QUOTE]jvlast15 - 3/31/2025  3:15 PM

[QUOTE]Muskie101 - 3/31/2025  2:46 PM

[QUOTE]RLSea - 3/31/2025  1:58 PM

For the sake of economy my advice is to look at used boats in your size and price range. I'm on my 4th boat in 40 years and have never bought new. My present boat is a used Ranger which I bought from a  dealer 2 states away. But...there are a few things you need to be aware of. Engine, transom, deck, and trailer are things to be sure are in good condition. If you buy used from a dealer, he can provide engine data and some assurance of the condition of the other items. Transom replacement is the 2nd most expensive thing although some have done it themselves. For the trailer, generally tires older than 5 years will need to be replaced. If you're handy, you can save a lot of money and add some personal touches to your boat.[/QUOTE]

I won't dismiss a used boat but seeing the price on a lowe's boat completely blinged out
For 41k brand new blinged out  starting price for the low 1675 new is 23k starting

And then a 2011 crestliner 1850 with 194 hours selling for 26k on craigslist
Is Definitely a thought

[QUOTE]jvlast15 - 3/31/2025  2:26 PM

I have a Ranger 690 VS.  My boat is a '98.  New to me in 2020 - So I purchased a boat that was over 20 years old.  I would not let a used boat that is in good condition scare you away.  I would do your due diligence as far as getting the motor looked at by a professional before purchasing - if you go that route.

I do not believe you need to max out horsepower, either, as long as the boat can still easily get on plane.  My boat is rated for a 175 but have never felt like the 150 that is on it is in any way underpowered.

Last thing - get a boat with a layout that you find useful.  I cast 90% of the time for muskies.  So I purchased a boat that I could comfortably stand pretty much anywhere on the rig to cast.

[/QUOTE]

Definitely agree from being on other boats casting space is important

also important to have something where if someone decides to fly past you even if you lose your balance you still fall in the boat[/QUOTE]

Yep totally get it looking at new.  I do think going from a 1675 to an 1850 would be a significant advantage as far as confidence on big water.  Both would probably be fine - but the added width you typically get from an 18 compared to a 16 might make it easier to handle bigger water.  But smaller has its advantages, too.  Half the lakes I want to fish in SD right now I cannot get my boat into because the water is so low.  16' would probably allow me to get into those waters when my current 18' doesnt.[/QUOTE]

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You are replying to:

jvlast15

Posted 3/31/2025 3:15 PM (#1033180 - in reply to #1033179)
Subject: Re: Beginner choosing a boat brand

Posts: 318

Muskie101 - 3/31/2025 2:46 PM

RLSea - 3/31/2025 1:58 PM

For the sake of economy my advice is to look at used boats in your size and price range. I'm on my 4th boat in 40 years and have never bought new. My present boat is a used Ranger which I bought from a dealer 2 states away. But...there are a few things you need to be aware of. Engine, transom, deck, and trailer are things to be sure are in good condition. If you buy used from a dealer, he can provide engine data and some assurance of the condition of the other items. Transom replacement is the 2nd most expensive thing although some have done it themselves. For the trailer, generally tires older than 5 years will need to be replaced. If you're handy, you can save a lot of money and add some personal touches to your boat.

I won't dismiss a used boat but seeing the price on a lowe's boat completely blinged out
For 41k brand new blinged out starting price for the low 1675 new is 23k starting

And then a 2011 crestliner 1850 with 194 hours selling for 26k on craigslist
Is Definitely a thought

jvlast15 - 3/31/2025 2:26 PM

I have a Ranger 690 VS. My boat is a '98. New to me in 2020 - So I purchased a boat that was over 20 years old. I would not let a used boat that is in good condition scare you away. I would do your due diligence as far as getting the motor looked at by a professional before purchasing - if you go that route.

I do not believe you need to max out horsepower, either, as long as the boat can still easily get on plane. My boat is rated for a 175 but have never felt like the 150 that is on it is in any way underpowered.

Last thing - get a boat with a layout that you find useful. I cast 90% of the time for muskies. So I purchased a boat that I could comfortably stand pretty much anywhere on the rig to cast.

Definitely agree from being on other boats casting space is important

also important to have something where if someone decides to fly past you even if you lose your balance you still fall in the boat

Yep totally get it looking at new. I do think going from a 1675 to an 1850 would be a significant advantage as far as confidence on big water. Both would probably be fine - but the added width you typically get from an 18 compared to a 16 might make it easier to handle bigger water. But smaller has its advantages, too. Half the lakes I want to fish in SD right now I cannot get my boat into because the water is so low. 16' would probably allow me to get into those waters when my current 18' doesnt.