Kevin Van Dam Forums

I am going to purchase my first bass boat this coming March 2012.  any suggestions what I should look for? 

I am hoping to spend 8500 or less.  It needs to be big enough to fish 3-4 family members from it from time to time.

Be sure to check the transom, make sure there isnt to much flex when you lift up on the motor. check the floor for rot by walking around, have a mechanic check the motor for compression or buy a gauge and check it yourself. Have the person meet you at a lake and take the boat for a ride, make sure the gauges, electronics, trolling motor, ect all work. check the overall condition of the boat and trailer. First looks will tell alot in how the boat was taken care of.

Thanks for all the helpful information.  I will definitely take all the tips of what to look for when I go looking for a boat.

Stick um has great advise.
What size and kind of body of water do you usually or want to fish?

Most the lakes I usually fish by boat can handle larger boats such as a bass boat.  I definitely want to have one big enough to handle Kentucky and Barkley Lakes.  I have my 15’ boat that I can use for lakes 40 acres or less with a 9.5hp and a trolling motor.  I plan on fishing larger lakes more often this next year such as the Madison WI chain o lakes, Illinois chain o lakes, possibly Norfork Lake in Arkansas again, and for sure Kentucky Lake.

I have found some early 90’s Ranger bass boats with 150-175hp motors for some decent prices.  Any opinions on these boats?

To fish 3-4 people comfortably, I wouldnt look at anything under 20’.

I figure 18’ would be the smallest I would go and ideally would like to find a 19’.  Figure fish 2 on the front deck, 1 maybe 2 on the back, or 1 in the middle with 1 on the back deck.  We usually fish 3 more often than 4 but it does happen.

Mine is 17.5 and 3 is cramped when you figure rods and all the gear.

I have a 285 Stratos, 18 1/2 ft I get my whole family out in it no problem. Thats me, my wife a 5 yo and 2 yo. Not everyone is casting, but bobber fishing. I have fished 3 bass fishing before, its a little tight but doable.

The fishing trips I go on with some buddies usually have us bass fishing 3 from a couple of 18” bass boats.  It’s not too bad as long as no one brings every rod and lure they own

Anyone have any opinions about early 90’s Ranger bass boats?  Found a few for sale and am wondering if they are worth it?

kirkster - 14 October 2011 11:54 AM

The fishing trips I go on with some buddies usually have us bass fishing 3 from a couple of 18” bass boats.  It’s not too bad as long as no one brings every rod and lure they own

Anyone have any opinions about early 90’s Ranger bass boats?  Found a few for sale and am wondering if they are worth it?

well how much are they asking for them?

Pax has an 89 (or maybe 86?) cant remember..

I have seen a couple of them ranging from 3800 to 7200 depending on condition and motor size.

A couple of good articles on buying a boat.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&&mode;=article&objectID=28787&cat;=&subcatID=0&objectType=article

http://bassnman.com/boating/tips-for-buying-a-used-bass-boat/

Like on the basspro article, the wider the beam the better!! 

Do you have your mine set on a Ranger?

You can easily fish 3 in a 18-1/2’ boat.  I’ve fished 5 adults in mine, very crowded.  4 Isn’t bad.

I’ve just always loved the Ranger name and the quality, even of their older boats.  They have a lot of room.  I have been looking at other brands too but just keep going back to Ranger boats.

kirkster - 14 October 2011 11:54 AM

The fishing trips I go on with some buddies usually have us bass fishing 3 from a couple of 18” bass boats.  It’s not too bad as long as no one brings every rod and lure they own

Anyone have any opinions about early 90’s Ranger bass boats?  Found a few for sale and am wondering if they are worth it?

Older Ranger’s are just plain cool. I have an 85 350v and it fishes great. The problem with the older boats is they most likely will need updated(electronics,TM…ect.) and some cosmetic work. The older boats aren’t as fast or comfy as the newer ones and lack all the gadgets but they will definitely get you from A to B quick enough. As far as the room goes, I believe mine is 18’6 and with a few rods, some tackle and a couple guys on board it can get a little cramped.