First used bass boat

[TexJet]

Hello all. New to the forum here as I’ve decided to dive into the world of finally owning a bass boat (20-21 Ft). I’ve had advice from a few owners here and there and still can’t completely sort it out. Gonna take my time, but I think I’m down to Ranger, Legend, and Phoenix. I’ve read some opinions around the web (with a grain of salt) comparing those and realize there’s probably no clear cut objective winner. I’m told Phoenix and Legend have the ultimate ride (if you’re gonna head out on choppy days) but Ranger is the obvious choice for many as the preferred platform. Surprised to see some who own and have owned multiple Rangers recommend the other two… (and then see them still buy another Ranger, lol). So, knowing the engine is equally important on its own… between those three, in the 20-21 foot range and keeping it probably under $40K in this market, I’m interested in some additional input. Thanks!

[stclairtriton]

I purchased a demo Phoenix 21phx that was marked down 30 grand

[Gamblerman65]

If I’m not mistaken is out of business. May want to rethink that one.

[mikeky]

From reading on here I would add Basscat to your list and probably drop Ranger.

[RonCat]

Pretty sure Legend is no more, so no customer support. Some other things to consider include:

- Insurance is more on bigger boat
- Storage—will it fit in your garage, or you storing at a lot?
- Closest dealer for boat and motor….you will need them.
- Tow vehicle big enough to pull and more importantly stop
- Water to be fished, do you need a 20’ boat if you are just fishing small lakes?
- Do you want to upgrade electronics….a high dollar rabbit hole chasing the latest and greatest.

I am a BassCat fan, but there are lots of good boats out there. Test drive it, get the motor checked. With your budget you are looking at a 4+ year old boat depending on options, electronics. Yes it is fishing season, but don’t get antsy to get in a boat, buy the right one for you.

Post a pic once you have your new ride.

[TexJet]

Why would you drop Ranger?

[mikeky]

Why would you drop Ranger?

Take it for what it's worth, but from reading on here about the decline in quality for the last few years.

[davidsa]

Pretty sure Legend is no more, so no customer support. Some other things to consider include:

- Insurance is more on bigger boat
- Storage—will it fit in your garage, or you storing at a lot?
- Closest dealer for boat and motor….you will need them.
- Tow vehicle big enough to pull and more importantly stop
- Water to be fished, do you need a 20’ boat if you are just fishing small lakes?
- Do you want to upgrade electronics….a high dollar rabbit hole chasing the latest and greatest.

I am a BassCat fan, but there are lots of good boats out there. Test drive it, get the motor checked. With your budget you are looking at a 4+ year old boat depending on options, electronics. Yes it is fishing season, but don’t get antsy to get in a boat, buy the right one for you.

Post a pic once you have your new ride.

Good post here. I will build on it.

In the price range, the condition of the boat, engine service records and how the boat has been used would be critical and more important then brand hull. Last time I went looking for used I noticed lots of decent prices but the boats had been run hard in tournaments for years and even though they were 5 years old were the condition of 10+ year old boats. Keep in mind that a 250hp motor new is in the 30k range.

[TexJet]

What about considering 2010-2013 models before the sale?

[TexJet]

Great points on both posts. Thanks.

[twitch]

I think it is just like Ford,chevy and Dodge it is all personal preference or loyalty Test drive whatever your liking and make the decision on your feel for it and budget or whatever else you feel. Don't let anyone tell you what you want it is your decision ,many great fishing platforms out there

[shall36]

Whatever brand you choose to buy, make sure that either you inspect it thoroughly or you have a marine survey done on it. In particular, get the boat off of the bunks on the trailer and look for blistering. This is especially a big deal with boats manufactured during certain time frames. Engines are always a pig in a poke. Think through very carefully boats loaded up with high dollar electronics. Make sure that they are the electronics that you want. When putting a dollar value on high-end electronics, I would figure on 50% of the cost of New. The thing about electronics is that they get outdated so quickly And everyone has their own preference in terms of brand and configuration. You are buying a boat, not a car, so there will always be things that need to be fixed and there are always things that you’re going to want to change.

[davidsa]

What about considering 2010-2013 models before the sale?

my experience is that as any boat and motor passes the ~12 year mark, it needs lots of care, maintenance and upgrade. Even if the motor has moderate hours. The reason is dry rot or the equivalent. Things just start to break. Hoses, latches, Trolling motors, engine mechanical parts, carpet rips. Further, your trailer is now 12+ years old and in non-C channels you may have rust you can't see. If you are handy and like working on things it may be the way to go. The way I think about a boat in the say 2012 range is that the rig is 70% depreciated. Is it priced as such so that I can afford the upgrades when required.

[Mcfish]

Have the money ready! Whether that's already having wheels in motion with your lender, or better yet have cash in hand. The last time I bought a boat, an absolute killer deal popped up and I didn't have the money ready. A guy showed up 3 hours later and scooped it up.

Now, I'm not telling you to make a knee jerk buying decision. Definitely don't do that. But I had looked at MANY different bass boats and I had a feel for what I wanted and what was a good deal. The boat I missed was at least $10,000 less than it was worth.

[barbarian]

Texjet, Dallas is the land of used bass boats. Choices will be plenty. What age, price range are you looking?

[TexJet]

Agreed. I had a similar experience when shopping around for my truck.

[TexJet]

barbarian, I’m looking 10 years or newer. Trying to keep it under 40K. Been out with a few business associates on a few Texas lakes in the past and took a liking to Legend and Phoenix per their advice (of course they all drive Ranger, lol). Love Rangers, but I realize the fish don’t care about that. Merc or Yamaha on the back.

[DaveBrabec]

Bought my Legend used 11 years ago. Best boat I’ve owned. Haven’t needed anything Legend specific. I had a Ranger before it.

[I.P. Freely]

Take it for what it's worth, but from reading on here about the decline in quality for the last few years.

And that’s the problem. People running theirs mouths but have never actually owned one. My Ranger has been great, no problems and built like a tank. I would own another one if I was buying a bass boat. Reason you might hear about problems is because Ranger has been building boats for a very long time / sold a lot of boats. More boats sold than most manufacturers so sometimes problems will pop up. All manufacturers build great bass boats that easily last over 20 years these days.

[TexJet]

I hear you. But I question why some Ranger owners have told me that Phoenix would be the solid choice or Legend would be their first choice… yet they have a Ranger, …and in two cases, I learned they went out and bought “another Ranger” after that advice.