Buying a Bass Boat???

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:16 pm

So here is the situation that I am in right now. I am looking to buy my first boat, up until now I use my Dads boat do to the fact that he uses it 3 to 5 times a year. Everything has worked out or so it seems with my wifes job as well as mine soooooo.

Is there any good website that I can go to, to look for used boats here in california? I know that this topic was discussed a few weeks ago but I really don't want to drive across the United States to look at a boat, and I don't feel all that comfortable buying a boat off of e-bay? Also, I have been to craigslist pretty much everyday the last couple of weeks, but cannot find anything I'm really interested in thats in my price range. Well, one boat, but it looks like it may be sold.

thanks

krpierce · Post by **krpierce** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:57 pm

Check this site classifieds.

Also check with our local dealers they usually carry used boats too, good luck.

Kenny

george · Post by **george** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:58 pm

Jared, What price range are you in? There are alot of guys out there that are selling right now and you need to be careful!
I have a friend that owns a dealership and he has several nice used boats in all price ranges! Let me know what you are looking for and maybe I can get you guys together! You can probably get some sort of warranty out of him also...

Good luck,
George

kopper_bass · Post by **kopper_bass** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:10 pm

Birdi,
First and foremost, look here on WB at the classifieds section. A lot of guys have gotten the best deals here and you will find the most boats advertised here.

Next, i would download the 2 articles at the top of the Classifieds section on what to look for/at with buying a used boat. One is by Dean Sault and the other is by Lee Hines.
http://www.westernbass.com/forum/adverts.php

Lastly, i would recommend that no matter whether its your friend, neighbor, of just a friendly fisherman, don't buy a used boat without paying to have it inspected by an outside mechanic. that's a must!

Good Luck,

Kopper

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:17 pm

George,

I found 2003 Nitro 901 with a 200 Merc optimax for $18,000. I was very interested in that boat as it was extremely clean and had low hours. However like i said I believe he has a buyer, if not, he is going to call me this weekend.

The upper end of my price range would be around the $18,000 mark...but might spend a little more (20k) if I thought I was getting a great deal and of course always willing to spend less.

Would like something 2001 or newer that is clean and has low hours.

150hp-200hp Optimax, V-Max, or Evinrude

It would also be nice if it had all of the added stuff like fishfinders, trolling motor, stuff like that.

One other small detail my wife and I are getting ready to buy are first home soon as well and we anticipate it taking a few weeks to find a place we like that is at a price we are willing to pay. So, I prefer to wait a few weeks before actually buying the boat, but thought I should start looking now.

george · Post by **george** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:45 pm

Jared,
Where are you located, I am asking because I am a real estate broker in California. I might be able to help you out wherever you may live and save you enough money to rig that bass boat up right.
Give me a call, I am presently in SoCal but live most of the year in Central Cal.

George Azevedo
209-402-2284

FishaHallic · Post by **FishaHallic** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:07 pm

Even if you do take it to mechanic for inspection (which is a great thing to do) still take it for a test drive. If the owner won't let you do these 2 things then walk away because he is hiding something.

texas john · Post by **texas john** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:16 pm

I just got my first bass boat about 2 months ago, traveled to Arizona to buy it from a guy in Texas (We meet 1/2 way). Was worth it though, 1991 Skeeter, Motor is older but has good compression and a lower unit that is only months old. So far so good, the only problem I have had was a simple on in the end and she runs great for the money spent.

My point to all this is you don't have to drive all over the US to find a good deal, sometimes they are closer that you realize. The boat I got is selling in CA for about $4500. I got mine for a lot less.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:24 pm

Do a search here for Gary Dobyns, AKA Crispy Creme.
He is always in contact with people with boats for sale, and he's honest.

XMAN · Post by **XMAN** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:47 pm

You said you might go as high as 20k, well if you add acouple grand more you may be able to pick up a new ranger 177tr from a dealer with all the warr. you may also check with BOAT TRADER and just follow the prompts for boats around you--also a new ranger dealer near fresno may help, like C&C------$5 dollar gas is coming again so choose wisely---its because of all of the taxes that they are going to put on a gallon, not lack of gas-----xman

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:49 pm

George,

I would be all over that offer of yours, but my wife and I already have an agent...she is from our church...and has already started looking for us. But thank you again for the offer and the help.

Mark,

how do I look up Gary...do I pm him or send it to the question section of the site he runs?

Noluk · Post by **Noluk** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 7:00 pm

First of all learn the market. California is typically a little higher than the rest of the country but it is still worth knowing what boats are selling for. Do a google search for bass boats for sale and spend a week or two researching. Allot of the same websites will have forums like these centered on boats and you can get an idea of what you really want/need to have on a boat.

There is a certificate for sale on these boards and several others for sale on other web sites that sell boats. A certificate is a nice way of buying a boat. Shop carefully and do some research until you find what you want. I just bought a new to me boat myself... 2003 521 VX with a 250 Evinrude, 2 LCX 111C HD's, Minnkota 101 added a second console, bought a two year warrantly for the Evinrude and a buffer and some rubbing compound to make it all shiny again... right at 20k. That was a nice deal and I bought it even though I wasn't in the market. Reason I mention that is it is a buyers market. If you can go 20k and are willing to travel a bit you can probably get a low hour 20 foot boat with a 225 on it 2000 or later model year. Food for thought and good luck in your hunt.

R.Cook · Post by **R.Cook** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:17 pm

Check with C&C Marine in Modesto. They normally have some pretty nice used boats in there, and the staff is second to none. Give Jim Moulton a call at 209-526-4120.

aNNieNsaLTIE · Post by **aNNieNsaLTIE** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:49 pm

........Wow!! 18,000 is a lot of mullah! You can get a great boat for that much. Be patient! You got what a lot of people need and you will find one trust me.

I think Oasis Marine had a couple of ranger 500 series for sale. I do not know if that 519 w/225 on boat trader is still up for 15k - 17k. if it is, it's been up for a while, hint hint!

is there a local tackle shop you are loyal to? if so i would ask the owner or employees if they know someone? maybe even a regular angler you met from the shop. they may know someone who is trying to upgrade?

as much of browsing i did on the internet, looking for the deal/boat that fit me, i found my boat through a good friend.

as far as internet searching goes
Scott green @ Marine unlimited comes up with some good deals. I would call him up.

Good Luck and when you do find her post a picture!

Steven

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:57 pm

Noluk wrote:First of all learn the market. California is typically a little higher than the rest of the country but it is still worth knowing what boats are selling for. Do a google search for bass boats for sale and spend a week or two researching. Allot of the same websites will have forums like these centered on boats and you can get an idea of what you really want/need to have on a boat.

There is a certificate for sale on these boards and several others for sale on other web sites that sell boats. A certificate is a nice way of buying a boat. Shop carefully and do some research until you find what you want. I just bought a new to me boat myself... 2003 521 VX with a 250 Evinrude, 2 LCX 111C HD's, Minnkota 101 added a second console, bought a two year warrantly for the Evinrude and a buffer and some rubbing compound to make it all shiny again... right at 20k. That was a nice deal and I bought it even though I wasn't in the market. Reason I mention that is it is a buyers market. If you can go 20k and are willing to travel a bit you can probably get a low hour 20 foot boat with a 225 on it 2000 or later model year. Food for thought and good luck in your hunt.

+ 1.. nice post

This is some good info right here... Its a buyers maket for sure .. you can find some great deals .. take you time and shop around..

george · Post by **george** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:06 am

Jared,
Not a problem, give Jim a call at 209-947-8950 and tell him I told you to call. He owns and operates C&C Marine in Modesto, CA. I know he has some great deals right now on everything.

George

Mark Pollard · Post by **Mark Pollard** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:39 am

The Western Bass Classifieds are a good place to luck, Also if you like Nitro, Skeeter and Triton Boats Gone Fish'n Marine in Dixon is a great place to get a used boat. Great service to.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 10:12 am

Right on...thank you fellas. I checked out some of the places you mentioned and have a few leads. One more question....what would you consider to be low hours? I mean, I know that low is low, but would you consider 300 to 400 hours low?

Ringer · Post by **Ringer** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 10:21 am

At our Alamo tourney 2 weeks ago one of the guys said his buddy is out of work and hurting for money. He is selling a 2005 Champion 206 with a 225 Yamaha and low hours for $22000. I just sold my 2004 for $24000 and that was a real steal. The 225 will not push that boat over maybe 64mph but it is a real fishing machine and is great in heavy water. Let me know if you are interested and I will get the guys number. You might be able to get it for $20k.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 12:26 pm

for sure...i am definitly interested in the champion...thanks

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 1:27 pm

hey was wondering if there was any problems with the v-max...I have been looking at a few boats today and one that i'm looking into has a 150 v-max on it. Good motor? The only motor I have any experience with is the optimax and it has performed flawlessly on the boat I fish out of....but???

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 8:33 am

I bet if you toss some bones at this guy you could get a deal
..

http://modesto.craigslist.org/boa/1115065500.html

Stratos278 · Post by **Stratos278** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 8:52 am

kopper_bass wrote: Lastly, i would recommend that no matter whether its your friend, neighbor, of just a friendly fisherman, don't buy a used boat without paying to have it inspected by an outside mechanic. that's a must!

Good Luck,

Kopper

If at all possible, take it for a test drive too...

snapitoff2002 · Post by **snapitoff2002** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 12:39 pm

I have an older boat, and I have been wanting to upgrade. Why are you wanting a 200 hp motor, and are you happy with 18-19ft?

I don't know how much you fish, but if you can't choose the days you fish, and only have weekends, some of those weekends are going to be windy. I have fished out of smaller boats, but I would never own one under 20ft, unless I lived on a private lake. I know there are some that are going to say "I love my 19fter", and that's great.. but that extra foot goes a really long way. Champion is the only one I would give the nod to for 19 ft and rough water. But I would be looking for a 520.....

Chad LeBlanc has a 2001? with an 06' motor professionally installed. I have ran in it, and it would be a great buy, once he has the compartment lids warrantied by Ranger.

Good Luck! Wish I had some extra dough to plunk down!

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 3:06 pm

No I don't care about the 200 hp part at all. I just heard that the smaller horsepower motors (under 150) have more problems...but I don't even know if the person who told me that knows what they are talking about. Personaly I perfer a 150hp because they are cheaper and Idon't care at all about going fast. The only reason I mention 200hp was because I really didn't want anything bigger than that because of gas, but if it was a good deal I would go for it.

18 or 19 foot...ya I would probably go for that but of course the longer the better. Honstly, I have about 15k to 20k in a couple of weeks for a boat (saved some money, getting a refund check and willing to take out a small loan from the credit union for the rest) and I just want the the best boat I can get for my money.

If you friend Chad is still selling his boat...let me know were I can go to check it out...i would definitly be interested. I'm pretty much interested in anything that falls in my price range.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 3:07 pm

stickbait...thats funny...i just went and looked at that boat at Bob's marine yesterday...its a nice boat and I am considering it...it has quite a few hours on it though...

eagle123777 · Post by **eagle123777** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 3:27 pm

if ya havent found what u are looking for..shoot me a PM..got a 03 triton 225 opti..that might have 100 hrs and thats pushin it..all electronics included....jack

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 4:31 pm

eagle123777...i dropped you a pm.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 9:40 pm

hey man...just so you know I never got the pictures...can you resend them...i may have deleted them.

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 1:56 pm

I dont know where you live or how far you want to travel to look at used boats but if it were me I would call Inland Marine in Antioch Ca.
If call boat dealers close to major Bass fisheries I believe you have a better chance of finding what you are looking for.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 2:02 pm

i live in the central valley...Turlock to be exact. I would travel down south or the bay area if that is were it is at to look at something if I knew there was a good chance that I could and would buy it...I will give them a call.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 8:26 am

Jim Conlow Sr. wrote:I dont know where you live or how far you want to travel to look at used boats but if it were me I would call Inland Marine in Antioch Ca.
If call boat dealers close to major Bass fisheries I believe you have a better chance of finding what you are looking for.

i called they only had one bass boat...a 1980 somthing ranger...guess I was a little late.

aNNieNsaLTIE · Post by **aNNieNsaLTIE** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 8:32 am

Ranger 2002 Comanche 520 $17,500

http://www.oasiswatersports.com/pre_own ... veh=892241

If i had the money I would try to wheel and deal this one!

Steven

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 8:56 am

aNNieNsaLTIE wrote:Ranger 2002 Comanche 520 $17,500

http://www.oasiswatersports.com/pre_own ... veh=892241

If i had the money I would try to wheel and deal this one!

Steven

it is nice...but 400 hours? isn't that a lot?

aNNieNsaLTIE · Post by **aNNieNsaLTIE** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:07 am

That is a question you need to ask a mechanic you trust! It would not hurt to give this guy a call after you do some fact finding!

I am always looking for deals out there, i do not know why, I just bought a boat....

I'll keep looking.

Steven

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:49 am

birdi23nls wrote: it is nice...but 400 hours? isn't that a lot?

From Yes, to Not Really, To Not at All.... It depends on what the computer shows for the motor for the most part. The Opti is even more detailed than the EFI's by 7fold in what the motors computer can/will show.

My current boat had 417 hours on it I believe the first time we plugged it in at Inland-Marine. What it showed was that 1/2 of the hours on the motor were under 2k RPM's the remainder were under 4k RPM's and very little hours were over 4k and above.

You can ask for a compression test, service records from the dealer/previous owner's paperwork, last impellor replacement, shop/dealer warrenty ... but another thing to look into is a "Leakdown" test witch is better than a Compression test.

The two things that sort of stick out at me personally for that 520 -- Is it being a single axeld trailor on that heavy of a boat... and no Jack Plate for motor height adjustments.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:05 am

DeltaDan wrote:
birdi23nls wrote: it is nice...but 400 hours? isn't that a lot?

From Yes, to Not Really, To Not at All.... It depends on what the computer shows for the motor for the most part. The Opti is even more detailed than the EFI's by 7fold in what the motors computer can/will show.

My current boat had 417 hours on it I believe the first time we plugged it in at Inland-Marine. What it showed was that 1/2 of the hours on the motor were under 2k RPM's the remainder were under 4k RPM's and very little hours were over 4k and above.

You can ask for a compression test, service records from the dealer/previous owner's paperwork, last impellor replacement, shop/dealer warrenty ... but another thing to look into is a "Leakdown" test witch is better than a Compression test.

The two things that sort of stick out at me personally for that 520 -- Is it being a single axeld trailor on that heavy of a boat... and no adjustable Jack Plate.

What numbers am I looking for on the compression check? I know I wan each cylinder to be close...but how close. Also, what are the actual numbers that I am looking for, or what number should each cylinder fall ino?

sker13 · Post by **sker13** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 2:38 pm

I just purchased this boat for a little less than what they are asking for that one . Same as the one you are looking at, but 432 hours, dual console and updated trolling and electronics. The single axle trailer was actually a positive for me. Besides it had new Axle, Oil bath hubs, and trailer brakes. It is easier to get into my garage and it really tows great. My Optimax had (1) cylinder at 115, (1) at 105 and (4)at 110 PSI. The Merc Tech I took it to in Lake Havasu said that was normal/good numbers. I looked a long time before I found what I wanted at what I was willing to pay. Be Patient! I almost pulled the trigger on less boat a couple of times and I'm really glad I waited!
http://www.azbasszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74179

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 3:30 pm

sker13 wrote:I just purchased this boat for a little less than what they are asking for that one . Same as the one you are looking at, but 432 hours, dual console and updated trolling and electronics. The single axle trailer was actually a positive for me. Besides it had new Axle, Oil bath hubs, and trailer brakes. It is easier to get into my garage and it really tows great. My Optimax had (1) cylinder at 115, (1) at 105 and (4)at 110 PSI. The Merc Tech I took it to in Lake Havasu said that was normal/good numbers. I looked a long time before I found what I wanted at what I was willing to pay. Be Patient! I almost pulled the trigger on less boat a couple of times and I'm really glad I waited!
http://www.azbasszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74179

is this boat for sale or did you buy it? I may have to sign up at that site to get a hold of the sellers. That 2003 champion was one heck of a deal.

sker13 · Post by **sker13** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:10 pm

I bought it the 01' Ranger 520 DVX that is! Boats are a little cheaper outside of Cali from my research. You don't need to sign up with that site to contact the seller.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 6:32 am

Ringer wrote:At our Alamo tourney 2 weeks ago one of the guys said his buddy is out of work and hurting for money. He is selling a 2005 Champion 206 with a 225 Yamaha and low hours for $22000. I just sold my 2004 for $24000 and that was a real steal. The 225 will not push that boat over maybe 64mph but it is a real fishing machine and is great in heavy water. Let me know if you are interested and I will get the guys number. You might be able to get it for $20k.

Ringer thanks for the number and the contact...called yesterday but I was a few days late....SOLD.

MIKE VAN WAGNER · Post by **MIKE VAN WAGNER** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 7:44 am

Jared

Please give me a callif you are intersted we have a 1997 Ranger 462V with 175 hp Mercury EFI in the $10,900.00 price range.

Thanks
Mike Van Wagner
Capitol City Marine
7812 Auburn Blvd
Citrus Heights Ca. 95610
916-729-0590

Flippinjigs · Post by **Flippinjigs** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 6:43 pm

Take your time look around, see the different options that are available to you both in a new and used boat. Review the advice above there are some very good points. It's your money. Good Luck.

Good Fishin

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 9:32 pm

MIKE VAN WAGNER wrote:Jared

Please give me a callif you are intersted we have a 1997 Ranger 462V with 175 hp Mercury EFI in the $10,900.00 price range.

Mike Van Wagner
Capitol City Marine
7812 Auburn Blvd
Citrus Heights Ca. 95610
916-729-0590

Thanks Mike but Im looking for somthing newer....but if anything else shows up...please let me know
Thanks

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 9:34 pm

Flippinjigs wrote:Take your time look around, see the different options that are available to you both in a new and used boat. Review the advice above there are some very good points. It's your money. Good Luck.

Good Fishin

It is my money and I'm finding that there are a lot of deals to be had right now...i'm trying to take my time...but also waiting on some money suppose to be headed my way soon....we will see...but thank you all for the help.

XMAN · Post by **XMAN** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 7:28 am

also keep in mind when buying a used boat that MTBE was phased out by 2006 in the gas--that stuff was not an outboards best friend or cars either-----xman

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 3:16 pm

XMAN wrote:also keep in mind when buying a used boat that MTBE was phased out by 2006 in the gas--that stuff was not an outboards best friend or cars either-----xman

MRBE...I have no idea what that means?

XMAN · Post by **XMAN** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 3:45 pm

MTBE is what the refiners had to add to the gas for 4 yrs. to oxygenate it and help octane ratings per EPA--a mechanic told me awhile back, this stuff eats seals and carbs in autos and boats and to just watch problems start occuring in outboards--due some DD and see what i mean--buy a boat hopfully with some warrenty left and that might save ya abit---5 years back i had a chance to buy 2 differant boats with rebuilt motors on them, both blew up a year later--buyer beware-----xman