Looking to buy my first big bass boat!

Dollarth · January 04, 2021, 03:07:18 AM

I've got about 15k saved up for a boat. I'm looking to purchase basically the perfect used bass boat. I want to start fishing tournaments for real, and also just being able to casually go out and fish big water! I don't know that many people in my life who have a lot of experience with bass boats, so I figured I'd ask here. Y'all are sort of my fishing family.

I've been browsing Craigslist religiously for months, and have seen a few decent boats come up...

Recently a 2000 Skeeter ZX195C came up, with a rebuilt 2004 Yamaha VMAX HPDI 225hp. It also has a lowrance hds12 gen2 and structure scan. A 80lb/24v motorguide and a 3 bank charger. Has hotfoot and blinker trim. He's asking 12k for it.

I went and checked it out and we took it out on the water. Started right up, easily went 65mph. Everything on the boat works, all the lights and electronics. Even most of the dash (no speedometer). I basically told him that I'd like to buy the boat.

I'm literally clueless on this stuff other than the research I have been able to do. It seems that the biggest catch I'm seeing is that this particular boat is only rated for a 200hp engine, and it has a 225hp. Is this going to be a headache for me? I'm reading that insurance might be a problem, fish&game might ticket me for it, and tournaments might disqualify me.

As this would be my first boat, I don't particularly want to deal with any of that crap. I also don't know how legitimate online forums are for advice in this (ironic).

Regardless, I just want some advice on this particular boat, and if anyone has any advice at all about buying your first "big boy" bass boat! The price no matter because I won jackpot on the best online casino.

FD · January 04, 2021, 04:40:48 AM

Your concern over the potential headaches is real.

You might be able to buy insurance because I don't think the VIN is going to tell them the max HP rating. However, if you ever have an accident, the investigation will find out and your policy will be voided and you will be liable for everything...

The FWC probably will not catch it but if they do you will be fined.

If you fish big boy tournaments you will probably get away with it until you win some money and your fellow competitors will rat you out and then you will be DQ'd and probably banned.

Find another boat.

CPF Lures Pro Staff
CPFLures.com

Oldfart9999 · January 04, 2021, 05:58:08 AM

I agree with FD, look for another boat that has a legal motor on it. Your best bet would be to have someone go with you that knows boats and boating.
Rodney

Bass Dog · January 04, 2021, 07:08:11 AM

I agree with them not a good deal, one thing to remember if he did not fallow the rules by adding a motor bigger then it should have then what else did he do that might be wrong! $:-\$

apenland01 · January 04, 2021, 08:13:51 AM

When I started looking at used boats, I wanted a big boat as well. I had a hard time finding a decent one, but started using search tempest and expanded my search nationwide. I found my Ranger 492VS in Dallas, which is a long way to go get a boat. In the end it was worth it, as the boat is amazing and just what I was looking for.

Don't be afraid to expand your search area and be prepared to drive a ways to go get it.

Before I made the drive, I paid a boat mechanic in Arlington do a once over and check out the boat, motor and trailer/bearings. I had new tires put on it in Dallas before I hauled it back to Arizona. Uneventful trip and it was worth every minute and every dime...

Wizard · January 04, 2021, 08:37:14 AM

Used bass boats are selling at premium prices during COVID. Some manufacturers have an area on their site where owners can sell their used boats. Most of the boats are legitimate prices and owned by tournament anglers. These folks are notorious for fixing problems and keeping their rigs looking good. Also, after a short while, you will get a feel for boat prices.

Wizard

Princeton_Man · January 04, 2021, 11:59:55 AM

Back up a bit. Just because it seems like a great deal, doesn't mean that it is. If you're serious about buying any boat, ask the buyer to take it to your mechanic and be willing to pay the shop to do a thorough check of the motor. Compression test, lower unit, computer logs, everything. It might cost you a hundred, maybe even $150. Out of the water, tap the hull everywhere listening for wet and rot. In the water, fill the livewells, check all the pumps, and check the bilge for water.
I'm not suggesting any of this, but some guys have painted their cowling to hide the HP. Others have simply bought a cowling from a lessor HP motor that fit. I've also heard of guys who have had their boat re-certified for a higher HP rating.
A close friend who's been in the business a very long time once explained to me that often times manufacturers would have boats certified for particular HP ratings based on marketing strategies. Same boat model, but different year, would have a different HP rating. Having a higher HP rating would essentially make a boat sell better and give it a higher price tag.

zippyduck · January 04, 2021, 01:59:21 PM

If you have engine problems on that set up you will probably have trouble finding someone to work on it. It is illegal for shops to work on an engine that is over the boats rating.
Also all the others are right about tourneys also.

Donald Garner · January 04, 2021, 07:22:37 PM

Great advice shared here. I too recommend that you pass on this boat. Keep looking and I know it's hard to do with you got a pocket full of $$$ and you're really wanting to buy a boat.

Good luck and keep us informed of what your looking at and test driving. If you get the chance take some pictures of these boats and post them for us to take a look at.