Originally Posted by
cutbait
Since we are talking Bass boats, I have some experience and have been in all models.
I would suggest you buy new or close to new. I've had 4 boats, all in the 10-20 year old range and I sold my last boat because I was sick of the non-stop maintenance.
99% percent is minor repairs such as switches, rusted cables, new bilge/aerator pumps, trolling motor bearing... etc,etc. The cost of these minor repairs was not the issue but the time and energy it took to work on each problem as it came up.. I JUST WANTED TO GO FISHING,,, not work on a boat before every trip!
The biggest expense was the batteries needing changing often.. Bass boats have 3-4 batteries and seems every season one or two would need changing. 150 bucks a pop.
Insurance was nominal as registration was..
Currently I'm boatless and saving for my first ever brand new.. NO MORE HEADACHES!..
I also suggest 4 stroke.. Honda, Yamaha, Mercury in that order. I know of a certain evinrude that has 1,000,000 hrs on it and still going strong though...
As far as Bass boat manufacturers,, I've been in all and would rank them this way
Ranger- most expensive but ride in rough water is not matched by others
Basscat- most underrated boat and most fisherman friendly setup
Legend- High end boat
Champion- not made anymore when merged with Stratus but fastest hull out
I would lump the rest together
Stratus, Nitro, Triton, etc
If your pulling with a Ranger I think your going to be ok with a 16 footer, I personally wouldnt go much higher, but I don't know tongue weights and all that stuff!!