FS Digest

I’m just turning 18 and I’ve decided to make the jump and buy a fishing boat. Anything specific that you’ve encountered that others should look out for? Thanks!

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by beansballs

FS Digest

Make sure it has all the proper paperwork to get it registered depending on your state. This applies to trailer also.

I was 20 a year ago and got to excited bought a boat and trailer and realized it had no paperwork. $1400 down the drain since it i got denied all the time trying to register it. At this point it just sits in the back yard.

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by th33unsaltednutt

FS Digest

Also look up if you need some sort of boating certificate or liscense in your state

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by th33unsaltednutt

FS Digest

Build a lake around it :p

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by yuiman

FS Digest

All depends on the type of water you fish. Is it shallow and calm or big deep and windy? Is it a river, lake or bay? Is there vegetation to get a motor caught on?

I suggest you pick the type of fishing you want to do most. Go down on foot scout it out and see what other guys boats look like.

If you already have this down. The basics of what to be aware of when buying each type can be found on youtube. Some boats have wood transoms that should be checked out. Some may have slip coatings that need replacement. And if you plan for ease of replacing motors or working on them in the future get an outboard engine.

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by SpreadNSpit

FS Digest

Make sure paperwork is in good order and get originals. Don’t take anyone’s word as gospel.

If there are materials that can rot make sure they are in decent shape.

This should be obvious but never buy something you don’t look at in person and if you can test drive it do that.

Don’t be afraid to bring someone you know who knows boats, a 6 pack of beer as a thank you is a lot cheaper than making repairs to something you just bought

Business isn’t personal, do you research on price and don’t be afraid to offer less than they’re asking if they’re asking too much.

If it looks too good to be true it probably is.

It’s a boat not an investment, you may never get your money back but that’s not the point.

Watch videos on boat safety, I almost found out the hard way that you should always check to make sure the drain plug is in....

Good luck and I hope you find a nice and safe boat that keeps you on the water chasing fish!

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by Roccomicelotta

FS Digest

Remember that on your first outing, you are legally required to wear a nautical themed pashmina Afghan while blaring The Lonely Island.

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by Bass-2-Trout

FS Digest

A good working motor, and lots of storage

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by smokey5454

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

In addition to what’s mentioned
Look for stability and storage.
Make sure it’s a match for what you want to use it for. A 12 ft John boat is a lot of fun in small waters but Not so much on big lakes.

You didn’t make mention of budget so I’m making assumptions

Typically a first boat is fairly inexpensive which translates to used and typically older
This also translates into a lot of TLC. Make sure that the skill level of the required TLC is a match for your skill level or that of someone who is willing to help.
Check the transom and floor for rot.
Unless you know how to make those repairs, Walk away from it
Same goes with electrical and engine work.
Remember a used boat is someone else’s problem. You will be buying those problems.
I’ve wrenched on and restored and customized enough boats Thru the years that I finally grew weary. I bit the bullet and bought new from show room .
Still wrenching on it. Adding stuff

Know going in that in most cases you will not recoup any investment you make in the boat. Therefore it’s best to buy one you don’t have to put a lot of time and money in

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Well, since you have two,possibly three months to choose, take your time. This is the best time of year to buy a boat because there will be people wanting to get out from under their rig. So don't be in a hurry, but be diligent, but not in a rush.

You didn't say where you were and what kind of water you would be fishing in, so be careful. I would also recommend you have a professional check the rig out you are interested in buying. Good luck and post some photos of your rig and any catch. Just Sayin....RJS

Doug Lemmon Loc: Rochester Mills, PA

Your 1st boat will be a learning step in the direction of your next boat.. After you spend enough time on the water, you will figure out what you like and what you don't. With that said, I would look at the reliability of the motor. Nothing worse than setting at the dock trying to get her to run.. As long as she runs well, you'll enjoy it until you figure out on your own what to look for. We all have different preferences.

Maximo Loc: Jupiter, Fl

Don’t buy from a ‘friend’. If things go bad, you and friend may part ways.

JKD

MONEY!!!
Jack

Jungle Ranch Fish Camp Loc: Punta Gorda, FL

Wow. Flashback. 1982. I was 19 years old. Just completed my freshman year of college. I had just started working a summer job and had four weeks of pay. My parents were against it, my uncle said I was being goofy, my older brothers didn’t understand , my friends said that would be typical of me to do something crazy like that... to go blow all my money on a boat. My dad ( WW2 coast guard ) and I went and looked at one , he said he would not loan me any money to buy one, so not sure why we even went and looked at that one , except it was only a couple miles away and parked in the yard.

So yeah, I had 400 dollars, maybe 410 dollars total, and found an old red white and blue with mahogany boat , old, but a classic, the guy was asking 550 for. 1958 16’ whirlwind runabout, wooden. With 40 hp Evinrude on a rusty trailer with dry rotted tires. I said 400 was all I had. He said ok, but he was keeping the battery.
So I borrowed 30 bucks from my mom, and bought a battery and took it to the nearest lake.

That evening was great, two buddies and my older brother and I cruising on the local reservoir, drinking beer , i was like King Kong!!

Oh yeah, quit my job next morning. Didn’t make it. Lol

That weekend we went back to the ramp, same small Maryland reservoir, and there was a line of sail boats and row boats. A guy walked up and said, “ you know they require a reservoir stamp/sticker on your boat”.
Huh?

“Oh, and also, they don’t allow gas engines on this lake”.

Lol

So yeah , go get your boat. Don’t listen to anybody else’s advice, if your 18 and you want to own a boat, you will. You are young and resilient and will figure it out as you go along.
I’m 57 now, own a great waterfront property in FL, have had several boats, have always had a boat , right now own a brand new Key West and a nice row boat. Go for it. I DARE YOU!

whtoak Loc: South Carolina

Get the oldest and wisest person you know with a great deal of boating and fishing experience and ask them for advice and to go look at the boat with you. In my opinion, based on my limited experience fishing and boating mostly in lakes but some inshore and near shore as well, I would get the widest boat that fits all my other needs. I personally like a side console or tiller steer because it gives MUCH more room. I find that most of my "boating" while fishing is done with my trolling motor. The remote control with anchoring system on the trolling motor is worth the cost. I'm not entirely satisfied with my Minn Kota Terrova, but I would, at the appropriate time check out ALL brands. If your budget allows, I'd focus on boats that are foam filled and won't sink. You can google each brand and see if it sinks or not. This has not been a problem in lakes but the ocean can get a little rough quickly and fill a small boat with water faster than you think. Read read read. Checko ut Gene Jenson "The Flukemaster" on you tube Boating for Beginners. BE PREPARED. Things can go south FAST in a boat.