bass boat advice

hello all,

new to forum first post. i need some advice from the more experienced bass boaters on here. i want to get a decent boat for my wife and i to go fresh water large mouth bass and striper fishing with. i would like to here osme advice on boat length, engine size, and must haves for my first boat. not adverse to buying used either.
budget is open but would like to keep it somewhere around 10000. top speed is not top priority but I would like to be able to go at least 40 mph.

also, if a center console would be better let me know

i am interested in hearing your responses.

Opinions, opinions, opinions. That is what you will get anywhere. You need to make your own opinion. Test rides, and also evaluate the service in your area. That is how to decide.

i.e. Broke down Chevy, dealer takes 2 weeks to fix, you will hate Chevy's. Same situation with another brand, they fix in one day, you will LOVE that brand. I just used Chevy as an example, not trying to http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/stirthepot.gif Honestly.

Just my .02 worth.

Welcome to the BBC also!! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

My advice is to buy as big as you can. For that price I would thnk you can get a pretty nice used boat. You will probably get a better price from an individual as opposed to a dealer. I started with a SeaArk 1652 then after a couple of years I found that I used the boat ALOT. I upgraded this year to a 20' G3 and love all the extra space. Now is probably a good time to purchase because people that do not use their boat much are wanting to get rid of it before having to store it all Winter. Good luck.

What type of water are you going to fish? (large open lakes, rivers or wooded lakes) Do you want alum. or fiberglass? Every one as different opinion so you will have to decide for yourself. Down here there are some nice used fiberglass boats available in your price range. As far as year model it depends on how well it has been took care of. When you find a boat your interested in be sure to test drive it. During the test drive be sure to run it at different speeds to check the handling at all speeds not just top end. To me a nice starter boat is a 17-18 ft fiberglass with a 150hp engine. But that's just my opinion and my wife told me years ago it don't count.

thanks for the replies. after doing some research I have many more questions than answers. there are lots and lots of boats. guess i will have to get the wifey involved here. as for the type of water mostly just big open lakes.

If you are buying used, make sure you get a compression check.

Buy as big as you can, the ride will be better. Also check out the storage, it makes a huge difference in the boats utility. FInd a boat with an accessable rod locker, good storage.

You might need to go more than 10K, unless you go used. Have a dealer look at any used engine.