Introductory Bass Boat Package

[Trophy-Seeker]

Hey, guys.

I'm thinking about entering the wonderful world of bass boat ownership and was wondering if any of my more experienced brothers and sisters here (a.k.a. you guys!) might have some advice for me about the best starter package.

I'm looking for the "usual" bass boat features (dual electronics, trolling motor, casting platforms, rod storage), but a live well is not essential.

In terms of price range, I'd like to stay within the $30,000.00 (total) range, if possible.

Any thoughts and/or advice about makes/models and vendors (within an hour of the Greater Toronto Area) would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Woodsman]

If you even remotely think bass tournaments are in your future than a live well is essential.

[Trophy-Seeker]

If you even remotely think bass tournaments are in your future than a live well is essential.

Thanks for the advice, Woodsman. I will certainly keep that in mind.

Anyone on a starter package?

[line052]

30K will get you some best electronics, battery system, a good bow mount IPilot and maybe a 115 hp motor..but no boat. I have a buddy who has a 16ft tin, with a 30hp tiller. He shames all the other musky hunters. If you intend to go out on Big Lakes, 18ft minimum, if getting there fast is not important, then a 115hp will do just fine.

Determine what body of water you will be fishing, then size boat for that body.
Size the motor on what you can afford and how quick you need to get there
You can spend 10K easy on Batteries, IPILOT trolling motor, Electronics
Will you use the boat for kids, do you have kids (or just for your fishing) consideration
Vehicle to tow and launch
Trailer, easy load, tongue folding (for garage storage)
DO you have room to store at home or off site

We bought our first boat 10 yrs ago, have upgraded 3 times since...trying to save you some pain over our mistakes.

I think that is the best advice I can give you.

[Deer Wrastler]

all good advice above from line52

you will want a livewell if even to store live bait in or if you get into bass tourny or walleye fishing...you know...many bass fishermen grow up and become walleye fishermen not to mention living in GTA you have great salmon and trout fishing in lake O..
I would shoot for at least 18' or bigger. 16' wont do well on a big lake you will be limited to perfect weather conditions

[One_Tracc_Mind]

It's going to come down to a glass rig or aluminum rig... I can tell you you budget of $30,000 will not get you a decent rig glass or tin. With $30k you can get a decent used rig with some decent options. If a bass boat layout is something you think you will out grow I would look at a multi species rig like a crestliner fishhawk or Lund impact. If you end up with a aluminum bass boat you will end up spending $5000 plus in upgrades and will most likely be in the price point of a glass rig with the same options. I see these guys buy tin rigs for what I think are a lot of money because the glass boats are more money then add better TM, better graphs, higher hp motor, trailer options etc... and by the time they are done the price of that tin rig ended up being the same price as the glass rig that already came with those options. You have a great used boat budget take you time and you will find a great rig. I did...

[line052]

This is a very good point...right here...[QUOTE=You have a great used boat budget take you time and you will find a great rig. I did...[/QUOTE]

[Trophy-Seeker]

Thank you for all of the input.

I am open to a used boat, but, given your comments, that might be the way to go. If anyone knows/hears of a decent used package, I would appreciate the info.

Thanks again, all!

[Bandwagon]

The used bass boat market is pretty small however they can be found on Kijiji at times. Very few dealers here in Ontario so I looked south of the boarder.

Check out the Bass Boat Central web site, it's owned and run by a Canadian and has all kinds of resources and a great "used boat" section.

30K will get you a pretty good used rig.

[Trophy-Seeker]

Thanks, Bandwagon! I will check out that resource.