Great points Randy, but I'm gonna take it a few steps further. Because this is what I do for a living and consistently see people getting hosed or talked into a headache basically, which soon becomes my headache. Compression Test is great, however if the seller has nothing to hide, as the buyer, have the boat brought to a reputable shop for a pre purchase Inspection. Typically about an hour or so depending, and have the shop do a general check over and inspection of the boat and the engine. Then you know if there are issues or not. I always give an unbiased report to both parties involved that way they just flat out know. And yes its costs a few bucks but could save you thousands in the long run. Also the shop may want to advise against a purchase etc. based on the year and model of certain engines as some models have their known issues. After that. You need to test drive the boat! again, if there are any issues they will show up, and that also gives you a feel for it as well. And 3rd of all. Stay as new as you can afford. avoid anything over 30years old, I recommend no older than 15 to 20years and even that is pushing it in some cases. And as a buyer if you feel like something is off, listen to your gut and walk. Best of luck everyone. Happy Boating
I agree with you. I've had several boats, one with tandem axles. They are a bear to move about by hand. I always get a spare tire with a matching rim, even with the tandem axle I had. I get Randy's point and somewhat agree, but changing a tire, while not fun, is not a big deal.
One thing to consider is aluminum boats tend to sit higher in the water than fiberglass boats. If you have any type of back or hip trouble the constant bobbing up and down in an aluminum boat will wear you out quick. You will be subconsciously adjusting your body weight in relation to the boats movement under your feet.
I remember always being told to max out the horsepower that the hull is rated for. It might be counterintuitive but it’s safer, and in addition it will provide better resale. If it’s within your financial means, of course.
Yea I was told this exact same thing and I have read some forums on this where it may be cheaper to get something with a smaller motor but when you want to sell it it may be harder.
Moisture Meter ! Check the transom, stringers, wet lockers and any through hull fittings for moisture or rot. Check all engine fluids and components after the sea trial. Check trailer hubs for heat and wiggle after travel to / from test drive. Be certain title and documents are clear and authentic before payment. Thanks Randy for covering so much. Over
I have a electric 1/2” impact wrench with a socket selection and a shop floor jack in my truck in order to change out flats quickly. I put new tires on my trailer each year regardless to insure fresh tires. I also have one of those heavy duty moving blankets from Harbor Freight to put on the ground in case I have to do work around the trailer.
Unless you’re hauling your boat 30-40k miles a year, I can’t imagine why anyone would change tires every year. I fish a lot of tournaments, and average 3 years on a set. Edit: unless you have a trailer with those awful, small tires, then I understand. But those damn things are an accident waiting to happen if you’re hauling any distance.
Great information Randy. I bought a used boat this summer and I absolutely love it. I didn’t know what I wanted exactly and after buying it you learn what you like and dislike. I think the most important thing to do is test drive, test drive, test drive.
Randy,it don't matter what boat you buy your gonna get screwed. Ive bought new ive biught used and it didn't matter got screwed every time. If they won't test drive with it walk away. They tell you oh have to leave to pick up the kids
Also climb under the boat on the concrete driveway , crawl underneath and look good to see the gel coat , scratches or chips , I agree to with Mr Randy , go run it with the man that’s selling it , launch it take it out
Good points. The single axle trailer a bit of a choice. Two hubs easier to maintain than 4. I have a single axle, w/ spare, jack, and tire iron. Gotta have a spare. The odds of not getting where you're going fixing 1 flat a low chance but dual axle has benefits. Buy quality name brand tires is key. Cheap / Chinese trailer tires will burn you every time. And maintain the hubs every 3 years minimum and ur good for road trips.
I've had single axle trailer bass boats. They hopped all over in tow. Needless to say, not good for the boat. Just my preference to haul with tandem axles. Many of my outings are 100+ miles. If you are traveling long distances this is something to consider.
best ***tip*** after u buy the boat 1. change the water pump ( don't care what the sales guy says) 2. change the oil top 2 to do after u buy the boat unless the guy can show u it was done in 90 days just spend the few hundred it's well worth it
Don't really agree with a tandem axle trailer as a broad statement. It's imperative that you take your storage into consideration as a starting point. Maneuvering a dual axle trailer is a total pain if you are constantly putting it in a side garage or having to maneuver it by hand.
I've been looking at used and new boats now for about 2 years. I currently am and have been taking care of my 90 year old parents for the past several years. It's the only reason why I have not bought one because it would see almost no use. My point is with all the demand for boats since covid came in 2020, the boat market has gone absolutely nuts. Most people ( on Boat Trader) want as much for a used boat as a new one so it's become difficult NOT to get screwed! I've had six boats in my 65 years so I have a pretty darn good idea what to and not to buy. Just hoping this so called slowdown and inventory surplus will lead to lower retails!
All this advice really puts a wrench on the boat I was going to buy for my first boat which was a Lund brand, more specifically, the Lund Crossover XS. I was looking for something that would be used by me fishing 95% of the time, but wanted the ability to take my kids skiing or bring my wife along on a fishing trip. Also, another factor is size, I have a car that can only tow 3500lbs and fiberglass is much heavier than aluminum, and finally I don't want to get a starter boat bigger than 18 or 19 ft.
I have never seen a fiberglass boat that's actually been used for any amount of time without stress cracks, but I am in Florida and most of our boats see real waves. They have never caused me any problems either. The best thing to do is ignore them.
Bass boats aren’t made for the ocean. That said, my Regulator 41 has fished plenty of Marlin, and 5 years in, it has no stress fractures. Just gotta care for your boat, and not leave it the water all year.
@@Stonehorn Yeah but 5 years isn't really that old. Stress cracks arent from some kind of lack of care. The only way you can prevent them is to not hit waves. But I agree, don't ever leave it tied to the dock all summer getting beat up against the pilings with every wake.
I'll never go back to a boat... the big lakes fishing pressure will be getting worse & worse, with tournaments on the rise...the "technology" called Livescope along with excessive tourneys will have a very negative effect on fishing the big lakes...I'll be sticking to fishing yaks & smaller lakes/rivers from now on
I was one of those people who was afraid to fish from a kayak, I’m a big guy, I finally bought one. Wow! I love it, I have never caught so many fish as I do now. I love getting into places others can’t, like you said, I’ll never buy another boat.👍
@@oxyfee6486 amazing how stable fishing yaks are......I have a 10' Old Town & a 12'10" Jackson kayak....the lighter one I can take anywhere, and the bigger one when I want to feel like I'm fishing from the couch 😆...like u, the amount of bass both numbers & size I've caught makes it all worth it
@@andybales7318 I bought a Feel Free Lure 11.5, it slides right into our Jeep, it has the wheel in the keel, it so easy to roll around. I will be upgrading in the spring, it’s so relaxing, and less stressful than launching a boat, I wish I would have bought one years ago, have a great day!
For me a boat has to be a center console with nothing stopping me from fighting fish that circle the boat, like cobia. And I'd prefer a catamaran hull.
I have had 4 used boats in my lifetime and have became a decent mechanic over the last 35yrs. Nowadays I only fish a few club tournaments a year and mainly focus on travel and fun fishing I choose older boats that are in good shape. Ones I can make fit to my needs. My latest is a one owner 1988 364 Ranger that was always garage kept. 5k is upgrades and it does what I need, No boat payment!!!!!!!!
great video Randy! Check out Team Marine sometime. They have a youtube channel and a ton of great videos where they build a boat and show the price when done. I bought a used Ranger 198 and I love it. The guy who originally owned it added lots of upgrades. I got a great deal and really enjoy it. I bought mine from a dealer who stood behind it.
I have a 2022 FXR and the wiring is a joke. All non marine wiring, ive had warranty work specifically on the wiring and its the second time all my electronics just stopped working.
and if your luck is like mine your flat tire will always be on the passenger side of the boat so your ass is hanging out in the road when you have to change it.
Randy, just curious as to why you're no longer with Ranger? I know you have spoken about Forest and Nina helping you a lot in the early days. You are so correct about new boats today . There are several that are way over 100 K, way out of reach of most of us. Thanks for posting this, great info.
@@randyblaukatintuitive I figured as much. Not what it used to be when the Woods were running it. Many problems. Never be folks like them again! Thanks for answering.
