Bass Fishing Boats: Advice For The First Time Buyer

by William Scott

Bass fishing is a great past time that many people, both young and old enjoy. Once you get the taste of bass fishing, you might decide that you want to venture into buying your first bass fishing boat. This is truly an exciting experience, so it is best that you get some advice, being a first time buyer of a bass fishing boat.

One of the first things you want to make sure you have when you go to get your new boat is the right kind of vehicle for towing the boat. There are many vehicles that are just not made for towing something behind them. When you have your boat fully loaded with your gear as well as gas and attach it to your trailer, you can expect to be towing over 3500 lbs. behind your vehicle. You need to be sure to get a car or truck that can take that kind of load and pull it up a mountain or a hill.

When deciding on what size of a boat to get you will want to consider the size of the body of water that you will be fishing in. In larger bodies of water it is best to go with a boat that is at least 19 feet long where as if you are going to be fishing in a smaller body of water then you can go with a smaller outboard motor on a smaller boat. You can also choose which material your boat is made out of. Bass boats are generally made from aluminum or fiberglass. Each type of material has its good points as well as its bad points. For instance, if you were going to be doing most of your fishing in a small lake then you may want to go with the aluminum boat.

You may want to go with a fiberglass boat if you want a smoother ride on larger bodies of water. Fiberglass is generally more expensive then aluminum but not in all cases. The fiberglass boats are sturdier than the aluminum and they will not be blown around with the wind as much. Before making your choice, be sure to way all the options and check the pros and cons of each type to make the best educated decision.

You can buy either a new or used boat but again, there are pros and cons associated with both. Used boats seem to hold their value much longer but you have to keep in mind that outboard motors are generally short lived. If you decide to buy a used boat then you want to check out the motor properly before you use it. Another advantage to buying a used boat is the price. You can get a good deal for a used boat if you look around but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. If you get the boat at a cheap price you may have to be prepared to do some “fixing up” on the boat.

If you decide to go with a new boat then you will have the pleasure of getting a warranty with it. You will not have to worry about working on it and you can just get right to fishing. You will also most likely have more boats to choose from than when you are looking for a used one. No matter which way you decide to go, be sure to check out the vessel thoroughly, so that you know what you are buying.

About the Author:
William Scott contributes bass fishing advice to BassFishingAdvice.com, a site dedicated to helping people learn about bass fishing boats .

Fishing Boats

by James Williams

If you're trolling the market for a fishing boat, you already know it's a big investment. The last thing you want is to be all washed up in a holey mess because you bought a poor quality boat.

Fishing boats come in all sizes, from small motorboats for inland lake fishing, to small whalers, to yachts designed for cruising the deep seas. If you want to prove yourself as a hardcore fisherman, or fisherwoman, one of the best ways is by investing in a fishing boat. Be sure before you buy, and make the right investment in your new vessel.

Owning a boat can be great fun, but there are hidden costs to consider before you buy. Basic upkeep fees can net a lot of cash. You need to keep your boat clean and fueled. Unless you have your own marina or garage, you'll have to pay for parking and storage. Dry-docking your boat during the off-season will cost more than a nominal fee. Even if you plan to moor the boat under a tarp in the backyard, there is the transportation to consider. The boat will have to be towed home in the winter, and back to the water in spring. To do it yourself you'll need a pickup truck or van, a boat trailer, or a really good buddy who has both.

If you've decided that your budget allows, you can start comparing fishing boats. Shop around and research your options well, before making your final decision. It seems there are as many makes and models of fishing boats on the market as there are cars and SUVs, so you'll be up to your neck in options. With so much to choose from, you should be able to find the boat to suit your needs perfectly.

Bass Pro Shops is one brand-name boat model that offers good quality at a decent price. The famous angling supply store introduced their first "fish ready" Tracker boat way back in 1978. Since then, they've mastered the design and technology of boats, rigging all of them as if they're meant for pros. Bass Pro Shops boats come packaged with a motor and a trailer. Marine gear packages are optional.

Charger boats are another big name in crafts known for their performance and quality. Like Bass Pro Shops, Charger boats are built by a no-nonsense company that believes in providing effective and innovative fishing boats.

Spend money on a poor quality boat, and you can find yourself waist-deep in problems. Fishing boats are a big investment, but if you shop around and buy the right one, it will be nothing but smooth sailing ahead.

About the Author:
James Williams contributes to several web sites, on recreation and hobbies and travel and recreation topics.