Good bass boat for $2000???

[swick]

What should I expect to find in acceptable condition for under 2 grand on a bass boat?

Looking for at least a 15' with console, trailer, outboard, etc. There is some junk out there, but I've also seen some real good deals pass me by too. What is realistic??

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Good bass boat for $2000???

I know up here those nice little packages are actually more sought after than larger fiberglass boats. I sold a 14' aluminum grumman with 15 hp motor and trailer for $2500 on Ebay 2 years ago... its really hard to say..just keep looking in your area and you'll get a feel for what people are asking.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Good bass boat for $2000???

IMHO, in my area for what you want that's about the bare minimum to spend and have any hope of finding something decent. It's going to take some detective work on any prospective boats you find. Biggest things to look out for on the engine are compression and water in the gear oil, make sure the tilt/trim works, and if at all possible go for a test ride. At the very least it should start right up on muffs. As far as the boat - make sure everything works, look at the general condition of everything, and the biggest thing is possible water damage. Soft spots in the deck are a sure sign of much larger problems. As much as possible check the stringers for soft spots. Push/pull HARD on the engine, the transom should have absolutely zero flex or movement. Look for signs of water seeping out of any screw holes etc. in the transom. Tap firmly with the blunt end of a screwdriver all over the transom, it should sound fairly uniform with no hollow thuds (the only sure way to check for a wet transom is to drill into it from the inside, but nobody's going to let you do that). If you even think the transom is bad walk away (unless you can negotiate a great price and you're up for a large project).

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Good bass boat for $2000???

IMO you can find exactly what you want at the exact price you want to pay
You just have to be patient & look hard

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Good bass boat for $2000???

They're out there, just keep looking.

Here's a picture of one I sold a couple of years ago for $2200. Trailer was an 82, boat was an 83 and engine was an 84. 17' Monark with a 75 Johnston on it. Sold it for $50 less than I paid for it 15 years earlier.

 

[Thad]

Re: Good bass boat for $2000???

They're out there, just keep looking.

Here's a picture of one I sold a couple of years ago for $2200. Trailer was an 82, boat was an 83 and engine was an 84. 17' Monark with a 75 Johnston on it. Sold it for $50 less than I paid for it 15 years earlier.

Should have brought that up here to northern Illinois, could have got $3,000= easy.

My buddy just sold one similar, 84 Bass Tracker with a 60hp Merc. He bought it for $1500 from a buddy hard up for cash, sold it this spring for $3200. And he kept the electric anchor.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Good bass boat for $2000???

They're out there, just keep looking.

Here's a picture of one I sold a couple of years ago for $2200. Trailer was an 82, boat was an 83 and engine was an 84. 17' Monark with a 75 Johnston on it. Sold it for $50 less than I paid for it 15 years earlier.

So you only lost about $900 in "real" money after inflation. Not too bad for a boat.

http://westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi
What cost $2250 in 1992 would cost $3411.43 in 2008.
Also, if you were to buy exactly the same products in 2008 and 1992, they would cost you $2250 and $1495.51 respectively.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Good bass boat for $2000???

So you only lost about $900 in "real" money after inflation. Not too bad for a boat.

http://westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi
What cost $2250 in 1992 would cost $3411.43 in 2008.
Also, if you were to buy exactly the same products in 2008 and 1992, they would cost you $2250 and $1495.51 respectively.

The way I look at it, "real" money is what I handed the seller when I bought it, and what the new owner handed to me 15 years later, not some arbitrary dollar amount after figuring in inflation and depreciation.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Good bass boat for $2000???

The way I look at it, "real" money is what I handed the seller when I bought it, and what the new owner handed to me 15 years later, not some arbitrary dollar amount after figuring in inflation and depreciation.

Yeah, right. Whatever.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Good bass boat for $2000???

Inexpensive bass boats are not that hard to come by. I have a 15 footer that I might put up for sale after I swap out engines (it is rated for an 85 and I have an 88 on her now ... dropping her down to a 75 before selling so the 88spl will be the family spare).

Good engine, 12 volt trolling motor, Lowrance depth finder, Decent little rig ... 25 year old boat and trailer. Decent shape. If and when I officially decide to sell her it will be in the $2500 price range.