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

If you have to push your boat trailer into its storage space by hand, that’s a lot easier to do with a single axle trailer.

@TN-Vols-Fan

10 ай бұрын

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.

@robertparker7284

3 ай бұрын

Fought this many times with tandem. Surge brakes add another challenge.

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.

@erichildreth7562

10 ай бұрын

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.

Great video and great topic , in my mind mr Randy just helped the entire public buying a boat , awesome video

Good tips Randy. I'm just a weekend warrior. My old 97 Bass Tracker pro team 18 serves me well.

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.

Thanks for this info !

Great Info randy. I'm trying like crazy to be in the boat buying market.

I am totally with you on everything especially your opinion on dual consoles and tandem trailers

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.

@Stonehorn

10 ай бұрын

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.

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

Watch the RPMs , to see if it’s propped right , make sure ur trailer tires are tall , don’t buy the lil small tires

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.

If the seller refuses to let you take it out on the water walk away. I don’t care how new it is walk away he’s hiding something

Can you do a video on the water boat test run if possible?

Thanks. The only problem with a tandem axle is if you run over something that pops a sidewall normally equals to spending twice the money on tires.

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.

@jimmurphy834

4 ай бұрын

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.

Great Video! Thanks for the info! Well here I go!!!!😂😂😂 💪💯

What are your thoughts on the new Nitro Z18 Pro ?

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

When the snott sticks to side of face it's a good boat. 😂😂

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.

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'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!

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.

@Stonehorn

10 ай бұрын

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.

@Steve-ev6vx

10 ай бұрын

@@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.

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.

BassCats for me.

@kennywitek771

10 ай бұрын

Smart!

Is there an aluminum brand of bass boat that you particularly like?

@jesseo355

10 ай бұрын

Express seems to lead the way with the aluminum sector. Lots of brands are close but none seem to be better in my opinion.

@drjaywhitlock

6 ай бұрын

Gator Trax

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'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

@oxyfee6486

10 ай бұрын

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.👍

@andybales7318

10 ай бұрын

@@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

@oxyfee6486

10 ай бұрын

@@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!

@Steve-ev6vx

10 ай бұрын

Yeah well I am in Florida and only take my yak in saltwater. To many alligators. I want to at least be in a chair up off the water.

@oxyfee6486

10 ай бұрын

@@Steve-ev6vx Ya, I’m in Ontario Canada, I definitely wouldn’t feel safe around gators, pike are the only gators we have. Lots of Karen’s though.😂

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.

@kennywitek771

10 ай бұрын

They are very cheaply made

I had to laugh when you said when you're buying a new boat

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.

@Lawnfella

10 ай бұрын

Probably because they got bought out by Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris

@timroyall6513

10 ай бұрын

@@Lawnfella Well, thanks Randy.

@randyblaukatintuitive

10 ай бұрын

Most of the Ranger pros including myself were thrown under the bus after bass pro bought them out

@timroyall6513

10 ай бұрын

@@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.

# 1 Do Not buy a tournament fisherman"s boat !! Only buy a boat Parked/Stored in a garage !!

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!!!!!!!!

# 1 way to not get screwed when buying a bass boat!!! Buy a kayak instead.... It worked for me past 9+ years.