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1. 

   War Beagle I

   101 Points

   10/29/08

   I am looking for either a Bass Cat Sabre or a similar Boat. My buddy has a Ranger 185 VS. I would be interested in hearing what you thought were the key things to consider with a used boat.
   
   Thanks

   10/29/08

   Reply from greeneboat:

   Thanks for the note. I'm glad to help any way that I can. Buying a bass boat should be fun - whether you're buying new or used; however, many people get so frustrated and confused by the endless options and specifications that they become stressed and overwhelmed. I don't want your buying experience to be a bad one so hopefully these points will help you in purchasing a used boat.
   

   • Bass boats are an investment. You are investing your money but you are also making an investment in time, fun, recreation, safety, and even monetary payback. Quality needs to be considered before purchasing any boat. Always ask yourself, "How long has the manufactuer been building boats and will they be in business next year to back their warranty?" Bass Cat has been building bass boats since the 70s and have no intention of going anywhere. They are building the best boat on the market, evidenced by their four JD Power & Associates awards for customer service.
   • Most bass boats look good new but many of them look very different after a few years. Always make sure the finish still looks good, there are no stress cracks in the boat - especially the transom, and that the carpet and interior has been well-maintained. If you buy a Bass Cat, you should not have to worry about stress cracks or a weak transom. Their boats are built to last - and they do!
     
   • Always get a compression reading on the engine. Make sure all of the cylinders are within about 10 pounds of each other. You don't want to sink precious pennies into something that is going to give you a problem down the road and cost you more money.
   • See if you can obtain service records on the motor. It is good to know the history (including warranty history) of the motor and if the motor has been well-maintained. Many anglers fail to do preventative maintenance on their motors. Preventative maintenance will save a lot of money in the long run.
     
   • If you ever decide to sell the boat, make sure it has a good resale value. Bass Cat tends to hold its value better than most boat brands.
   • Make sure the ride is comfortable and something you can live with day in and day out. My dad used to joke, "Never let your favorite fishing cap get wet!" The boat should have a safe ride, a dry ride, and a comfortable ride. Bass Cats do!
     
   • Get in the boat. See if it "feels right" for you and the style of fishing you do. Do you have room behind the console/steering wheel? Is the front deck spacious enough for you? Is there room for all of YOUR fishing rods and equipment? The boat always look big empty. Try to imagine what it will be like when you add a partner and tackle (or your wife, kids, and picnic lunch). Is there ample storage? Is there "dry" storage?
     
   • Performance is important as well. If you get stuck in rough water in your boat, how will it perform. Try to take a demo ride if possible. Does the boat handle the rough water well? Do you feel safe? Are you in control of the boat or is the boat in control and you're just holding on? When the wind is gusting, will your boat get you back to your truck?
     
   • Pride is important in buying a boat as well. Will you be proud when you tell your friends about your boat? Pride of ownership makes the payments easier to swallow.
     
   • Make sure the boat meets your budget. On top of the sticker price there is also gas and insurance. It's great to have your own boat because every weekend can become a vacation. But with the price of boats, make sure you give yourself enough room in your budget to enjoy these vacations.
     
   • If you choose to buy from a dealership remember that there's more to buying a boat than price. Can you trust your dealer or is he/she just out to get the sell? Does the dealer know the product? How long has the dealership been around? Does the dealership have repeat customers? If so, talk to them! Many times your fishing buddies are your best allies when you need a reference. A boat is only as good as the service department that backs it. Are the techs trained? Will the service department keep you on the waiting list rather than the water? Does the dealership have a caring attitude? Will the dealer care about the interest of the customer and not just the sell?
     
   • Inspect the boat very carefully. Take your time. If you see a piece of non-skid on the boat, make sure it is not covering a giant hole. Make sure the gauges work, the depthfinders work, the trolling motor works, the battery charger works... well, you get the picture. Greene Boat & Motor inspects everything for you and offers you a 30-day warranty on used boats.
   • If you know the owner of the boat you are going to buy or, even better, friends of the owner, try to find out if the boat was taken care of and how much abuse the boat has actually suffered.
   • If possible, check the hours on the motor.
     
   • Make sure the trailer hubs are taken care of and the wiring is in good shape.
     
   • Make sure everything that is on the boat when you decide to buy it is still there when you pick it up. People do some dishonest stuff sometimes.
     

   I write all this not to overwhelm you. Again, the search for a boat should be fun. I simply want to get your mind thinking. There is more I can tell you but this should be enough for you to think critically and make a great choice on your next boat. If you need any help, I'm happy to help out any time - whether you buy from me or not. Let me know if you need anything.
   
   Andy Greene
   Greene Boat & Motor
   andy@greeneboats.com
   828.286.2290
   

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