good $4000 walleye boat?

[snotroket]

Ok, without offending anyone's particluar boat, what might be a good direction to look as far as a $4000 or so 16' fishing boat? I am not asking anyone to rip on any make or model but just honest opinion on what to look for and perhaps stay away from. Thanks people.

[JohnMickish]

Besides all of the boat dealers websites and the classifieds here (I am sure you have checked them all) be sure to check out that online auction place. You might not be able to find the boat you want within a few blocks of you but if your willing to drive a few hundred miles you can save big time.

[Slob_Samurai]

The online auction site provided me with my first boat at a great price, but also burned me 4yrs later on a falsely advertised boat. Wasted drive to Missouri only to have to turn around and comeback empty handed.

I would search the site that starts with "craig" atleast there you are keeping it local.

[AaronM]

Definitely get a used boat. There are some VERY good deals to be found, just be sure you don't rush into anything. Take your time, check websites like the list the Craig provides every few days and you'll get a good feel for different boat prices. You should have no problem finding a good deal.

[Esox_Magnum]

I know where theres a 17'6 walk thru in that range. pm or e mail me. Boats in that range are tough to come by that come equiped with good electronics and trolling motor.

[mr_jman]

If you are looking at an aluminum boat which is basically a must for rivers, and highly desirable for lakes as well than it seems like a Lund or Alumacraft will suit you nicely. I have a 16' Crestliner (older year) that I was able to get for $700 with a trailer. It doesn't have all the features you should expect in a $4000 boat but for the price its been worth every penny. I bought mine off the list of Craig as well.

In the $4000 range I think you will get more than you expected in whatever boat you find. I usually look at the boats up to about $1500 and have seen some very nice boats (w/o motors in some cases) at that range already!

[slick814]

I bought mine off the list o' Craig 2 years ago... paid $1500 for a 16' Crestliner with a 75hp motor on it. Spent a week and a half remodeling the interior (needed new wood in places, replaced carpet, etc.) added a new trolling motor and my own electronics. Grand total of around $3000, and I have a solid boat that is paid for.... don't be afraid to get something a few years older, maybe needing some work. As long as the motor and hull are in good, solid shape, the rest can be fixed for fairly cheap, and you'll have something worth smiling about.

[jeffreyd]

i just did a quick search for minnapolis, found 3 that if i lived closer i would look at. there is an 2007 lund with troll, fish finder and radio for 3700 includes trailer and cover. it was on the list of c.

[snotroket]

thanks everyone for there input. I am not buying right now but HOPEFULLY this summer. There is something called my wife that I have to first convince! I do appreciate the advice, I am a novice and just needed a place to start.

[wayne123]

When you start looking keep on eye on the accessories the boat has. If it has a good trolling motor and depth finder it may save you money in the long run. Or maybe buy more boat without a depthfinder and trolling motor and add it later. Personally I would want the depth finder and trolling motor sooner than later.

[pushbutton]

There is something called my wife that I have to first convince!

just a little heads up. not sure on specifics but the last boat i bought came with a title in the mail about a month later. so when she asked me if i had bought another boat and i promptly told her "no.... why?" i was completely busted. she wouldnt have even known....both boats were blue!

[mr_jman]

When I lived at home I had bought a new boat and it took my mom about 2 months, and I fished and pulled the boat out quite a bit. Even had it sitting in the yard by the driveway for 2 days after I bought it, before she even asked if it was a new boat.... SO MAYBE YOUR WIFE WON'T NOTICE IT AT ALL - If you already have A boat of some sort.

[slick814]

thanks everyone for there input. I am not buying right now but HOPEFULLY this summer. There is something called my wife that I have to first convince! I do appreciate the advice, I am a novice and just needed a place to start.

Never forget the 48 hour rule! If it's been there for 48 hours and she doesn't say anything, you get to keep it no matter what.