How to Buy a Used Fishing Boat
Decide what you’re looking for in a fishing boat., Choose the type of boat you want.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Decide what you’re looking for in a fishing boat.
Prospective buyers have several things to consider when choosing a boat to purchase:
Size:
Fishing boats come in a wide variety of sizes, from watercraft you can store in your shed to mammoth vessels that require boathouses.
Be sure you select a boat you can store appropriately, and don’t overstretch your limits.
A poorly stored watercraft can suffer irreparable damage in harsh weather conditions.
Cost:
The larger the boat, the bigger the price tag.
Most sellers will be willing to bargain, but it would be wise to come up with a maximum amount you’re willing to spend and stick to it no matter what.
If you’re having trouble finding something you like in your price range, be patient and extend your search.
Purpose:
Are you a casual fisherman looking for something to take out on the lake behind your cottage? Or are you a tournament angler seeking a boat that will give you that edge in the next competition? What you plan to do with your boat will go a long way in narrowing your search so you aren’t left with one fruitless visit after another.
Engine type:
If you opt for a powerboat, you will need to decide how much engine power you’re looking for.
Consider where you plan to use the boat and choose your engine accordingly.
If your fishing hole is a small, quiet lake, you don’t need a powerboat with a lively engine. -
Step 2: Choose the type of boat you want.
There are a number of options here:
Inshore fishing boats are simple and cost-effective boats for anglers who plan to keep it simple.
They’re effective in shallow water and on flat surfaces, and is known for being easy to transport and store.
Offshore fishing boats are much larger and elaborate due to their need to withstand punishing ocean waves.
These boats are limited to fishing enthusiasts with plenty of money to spend; it is difficult to find used offshore fishing boats.
Jon fishing boats are flat, square boats with pointed bows that are perfect when fishing on calm, flat surfaces.
They are usually made of aluminum or wood and are among the easiest boats to move.
Drift fishing boats are shaped like canoes, only with far more space in the middle.
The design makes these boats the optimal choice when fishing in fast-moving water like active lakes or rivers.
These boats are generally constructed out of fiberglass, wood or aluminum.
Pontoon fishing boats are the most unique of the bunch, consisting of a seated area with pontoons on either side to keep the craft afloat.
These boats are great for individual anglers who don’t need a lot of extra space.
They’re also affordable and easy to store.
Sport or jet fishing boats are engine-operated boats that allow users to cover great distances in a short amount of time.
Sport fishing boats use engines that are blade-propelled, while jet fishing boats use water propulsion engines and are safer to use in shallow water.
Detailed Guide
Prospective buyers have several things to consider when choosing a boat to purchase:
Size:
Fishing boats come in a wide variety of sizes, from watercraft you can store in your shed to mammoth vessels that require boathouses.
Be sure you select a boat you can store appropriately, and don’t overstretch your limits.
A poorly stored watercraft can suffer irreparable damage in harsh weather conditions.
Cost:
The larger the boat, the bigger the price tag.
Most sellers will be willing to bargain, but it would be wise to come up with a maximum amount you’re willing to spend and stick to it no matter what.
If you’re having trouble finding something you like in your price range, be patient and extend your search.
Purpose:
Are you a casual fisherman looking for something to take out on the lake behind your cottage? Or are you a tournament angler seeking a boat that will give you that edge in the next competition? What you plan to do with your boat will go a long way in narrowing your search so you aren’t left with one fruitless visit after another.
Engine type:
If you opt for a powerboat, you will need to decide how much engine power you’re looking for.
Consider where you plan to use the boat and choose your engine accordingly.
If your fishing hole is a small, quiet lake, you don’t need a powerboat with a lively engine.
There are a number of options here:
Inshore fishing boats are simple and cost-effective boats for anglers who plan to keep it simple.
They’re effective in shallow water and on flat surfaces, and is known for being easy to transport and store.
Offshore fishing boats are much larger and elaborate due to their need to withstand punishing ocean waves.
These boats are limited to fishing enthusiasts with plenty of money to spend; it is difficult to find used offshore fishing boats.
Jon fishing boats are flat, square boats with pointed bows that are perfect when fishing on calm, flat surfaces.
They are usually made of aluminum or wood and are among the easiest boats to move.
Drift fishing boats are shaped like canoes, only with far more space in the middle.
The design makes these boats the optimal choice when fishing in fast-moving water like active lakes or rivers.
These boats are generally constructed out of fiberglass, wood or aluminum.
Pontoon fishing boats are the most unique of the bunch, consisting of a seated area with pontoons on either side to keep the craft afloat.
These boats are great for individual anglers who don’t need a lot of extra space.
They’re also affordable and easy to store.
Sport or jet fishing boats are engine-operated boats that allow users to cover great distances in a short amount of time.
Sport fishing boats use engines that are blade-propelled, while jet fishing boats use water propulsion engines and are safer to use in shallow water.
About the Author
Joseph Thomas
Brings years of experience writing about crafts and related subjects.
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