Howdy all,
I'm in the market for my first bay boat. I've fished freshwater for most of my life in other peoples' bass boats and I've been fishing salt for about 10 years, wading & kayaking. I've never actually owned my own setup. I'm a needle starting from zero basically.
I have about $12K to spend (a few bucks more if I have to) and I'm looking for a used (obviously) 20+ footer. I've seen some pretty nice 1990's models for that kind of money, but I'm clueless on how to shop for them, what brands/makes to avoid (I know that pathfinders are supposed to be good), what's too old, how many hours on the motor are too many...pretty much everything you should know before purchasing. I have some buddies that are fairly knowledgeable, but I figured I'd solicit as much input as I can get.
Also, I have to start from zero on how to navigate the bays, where to fish and when (I've only fished the shallows off my kayak - places like SLP, Sea Isle, etc.)...pretty much starting from zero on this front too. I also don't want to be one of those potlicking/rude A-holes that don't know what they're doing out there.
Basically, I don't want to get burned on the purchase due to my own naivity and want to be a responsible boater out there on the water...not to mention, I'd like to be able to catch some fish occasionally!
Anyone have any sage-like advice for a boat newbie?
I'm in the market for my first bay boat. I've fished freshwater for most of my life in other peoples' bass boats and I've been fishing salt for about 10 years, wading & kayaking. I've never actually owned my own setup. I'm a needle starting from zero basically.
I have about $12K to spend (a few bucks more if I have to) and I'm looking for a used (obviously) 20+ footer. I've seen some pretty nice 1990's models for that kind of money, but I'm clueless on how to shop for them, what brands/makes to avoid (I know that pathfinders are supposed to be good), what's too old, how many hours on the motor are too many...pretty much everything you should know before purchasing. I have some buddies that are fairly knowledgeable, but I figured I'd solicit as much input as I can get.
Also, I have to start from zero on how to navigate the bays, where to fish and when (I've only fished the shallows off my kayak - places like SLP, Sea Isle, etc.)...pretty much starting from zero on this front too. I also don't want to be one of those potlicking/rude A-holes that don't know what they're doing out there.
Basically, I don't want to get burned on the purchase due to my own naivity and want to be a responsible boater out there on the water...not to mention, I'd like to be able to catch some fish occasionally!
Anyone have any sage-like advice for a boat newbie?
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