in the market for a new used boat

[FSU Basser]

I am in the market to buy a new used boat. I mostly fish inland college tournaments but would like to start to fish some out on St. Clair. My debate is this, I only have a budget 8,000. Do I get a smaller but newer boat aka 17.5 with a 90hp or get a mid to late 90's boat with at least being a 18.5 with a 150hp?

[fishstick]

Get the bigger one for sure!

[gmetime24]

If you want to run the big water you need to go with the bigger boat. A nice deep hull will help a lot on windy days too

[Rangerman]

Sure Nuff Bigger is Better for water like St. Clair, Erie etc.

[MIBasser]

B.O.A.T - Bring Out Another Thousand......  Bigger also means more expensive bills to fix it, bigger motor means more gas & oil, bigger boat means bigger tow vehicle (more gas).  Also look at storage if you have it available.  If you are all set with all the extras go with the big boat! 

[motocross269]

There are some great deals on used boats right now.......My advice would be to take your time and look around.  You may have to be willing to drive to get the deal you are looking for...

My advice would be no smaller than 19 feet and no less than 150 hp for a bass boat if you want to run LSC and bigger water on a daily basis...

Have you thought about going with a tin v bottom boat....You can get away with Less motor and a little bit of length if you go with a V bottom rig... Plus Tin is cheaper to maintain and work on...

[1javelin]

I may know a guy selling a 2000 Javelin Renegade 20 with a 200 horse Johnson at the end of the season for around your budget, with some nifty Humminbird electronics and possibly some equipment as well.  Seems now that children have arrived his wife is no longer happy with him fishing.  A little bit of cosmetic work and it can handle big water great.

1jav

[Firefighter Jeff]

  Years ago I had a 17' 4" Stratos with a 115 out on Erie.  I was tucked behind some islands fishing.  The wind picked up some and I knew the ride back might be a little rough.  I had to go through 3 to 4 footers (which is not that bad) and that 115 really had to work hard not to keep the boat from spearing the waves. I wouldn't go with less than a 150.

[Firefighter Jeff]

I may know a guy selling a 2000 Javelin Renegade 20 with a 200 horse Johnson at the end of the season for around your budget, with some nifty Humminbird electronics and possibly some equipment as well.  Seems now that children have arrived his wife is no longer happy with him fishing.  A little bit of cosmetic work and it can handle big water great.

1jav

   Hmmmmm wonder who's boat this is???  lololol      And your second one hasn't arrived .....  yet.   

[LAPORTE]

My buddy has a 1998 Ranger 519 DVS for sale p.m. me if interested asking 16000

[MSURoss]

Blaine I got my 18.5ft with 200hp for around 6k. Handles any water for the most part. Like others said. Save about 2k in your budget for repairs and maintenance.

[YpsiBass]

Save about 2k in your budget for repairs and maintenance.

Can't stress this part enough.  Also don't shear off your lower unit in Kent Lake.

[Waterfoul]

I might know a guy who knows a guy.     Right Ross? 

Talk to Ralph Blasey at Wonderland Marine.  He's a member here under the name FOB.