First bass boat questions

[Critter]

Hello all, as the title says I'm in the market for my first boat. I've done quite a bit of research over the winter and as it gets closer to spring I'm getting more anxious to buy a boat. I started out thinking I would like to buy new but I would rather not sit on a 250 dollar payment. I have my eye on a 2008 Triton tr186 (private seller), a 2007 Ranger vs188, and a 2011 Nitro z7. They are all pretty close in price range as well as engine hours. The only thing is the nitro comes with 2 more years with the mercury warranty but lacks in fit and finish along with options the previous owners of the other boats added. I'm looking for any info you guys have had with experience with any of these boats and things I should look for when purchasing a used boat. Here are the links and thanks in advance.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2008-Triton-Tr-186-605359

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2007-Ranger-VS-Series---188VS-102171894

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2011-Nitro-Z-7-102154356

[BassmanRudy]

All of em being about equal(and it's good to narrow em down like that!!) I would go w the one that more suits your style of fishing! If you like extra rod storage(or need an 8' rod box), or need more tackle/gear area(may have Plano box slots already there), or have a co-angler/buddy w ya a lot so some back storage for them, trolling motor size, electronics, etc. You mentioned  the "extras" the previous owners have added so those could help you a lot! Electronics are usually upgraded at least in viewing screen size and could be Side/Down Imaging as well. I bought used and was very happy!

[Polaris425]

Tough one, originally I was going to say go with the Z7 it's a decent boat & warranty is a HUGE plus.

Upgrades (electronics, etc) can always be added by you later on. I'm having to slowly upgrade mine on the Sabre. It still had the 10yr old original graphs front & rear.

So I would still lean very heavily on the Z7. I love the wide front deck they have.

But if you are dead set on not having to upgrade electronics, then I would pick the Ranger over the triton all day long.

[Critter]

Thanks for the input. Originally when I was looking into buying new, I was dead set on the z7. The warranty on the z7 has me leaning towards it anyway. Just have to do some research and find book value and try and get the best deal I can on it.

What do you guys usually look for in used boats when making sure they check out?

[Polaris425]

Depending on location, I ask if it's been In saltwater.

Has it been serviced, if so when was last service & what all was done? (Impeller, foot oil, plugs?)
Do they have service records/receipts?

How many hours on motor?
How old are batteries?
All electronics function properly?
Live wells function properly?
Bilge pump works?
If lighted compartments do all lights work?
Make sure they leave running/nav lights?
Fire extinguisher?
Are they including any PFDs?
If trailer has brakes ask about them.
Also, check what kind of bearings trailer has & if they are greaseable ask when last time they were greased or replaced.
Check tires on trailer for uneven wear, dry rot, etc...
Check all lights on trailer.
Make sure they leave you a drain plug.

That's what's on the top of my head right now I'm sure I'm missing a few things

[jonboy]

stress cracks in the gel coat around the transom, a little bit of spidering is normal on a used boat but it should only be minor. look under the rear cover at the transom for any white powdery looking marks. Fiberglass powders when it cracks. Also squeeze the cap and the hull and look for movement around the edges at the bumper. Mainly at the front.

[Polaris425]

Also check what kind of fuel line is on it. A few years ago they all had to switch to ethanol resistant line. But boats before that won't have it & the eth will eat up the lines.

[bass1cpr]

   Check the bilge battery area of the boat if it's clean then it's been well cared for also look at the mounting bolts inside the transom in the bilge area. If you see any dark spots or stains around the washers or rusty color marks, same for the outside around the mounting bracket. Move on to another boat.
   Take the motor off the transom saver with the motor trimmed up bounce it and look for any movement of the transom.

[Critter]

Thanks for all the help guys!