A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a USED Boat! (Bass Boat Edition!)

Buying a used boat can be difficult, to say the least. Figuring out exactly what should go on the boat, how it should be rigged, how old the boat is, etc. These are all things we look at. In this video, I break down exactly what I would look for when buying a used boat, but I go a step further in explaining what I look for in a bass boat. If you have questions, please drop them below in the comments. If you like the video, hit a thumbs up! If you haven't yet, please SUBSCRIBE!
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[@martinallison8719]

Congrats on the 12k Andrew! You gave solid advice. I've been fishing aluminum for the last 5 years, but I'm just a recreational fisherman with no interest in tournaments. It gets the job done and fits my old retired guy income.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

That’s a good way to look at it. It’s about comfort!

[@matthewbrummett3043]

Great info. Goes down to condition, condition, condition. I bought a used boat last year from out of state and ended up spending some extra money using a boat surveyor to go over it. Was great peace of mind having an experienced professional look it over and say the boat & trailer was good to go.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Couldn’t agree more. It’s always good to have someone you trust help you with the buy.

[@TimeOnTheLake]

Love this video man, very useful. Hopefully it helps in the search for a used boat

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I hope so buddy!

[@jackstein5486]

Thanks for your enthusiasm. Congratulations on the 12K.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Always! Thanks for watching buddy

[@areddfishing7473]

I’ll be honest I just want a tin rig they are affordable or just a John boat for now. I can fish places other people can’t and I’m not killing the bank account owning it.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I like the way you think!

[@chrismargarum6863]

12,000 subs that's great andrew, keep up the good work and solid content, and another thing that got me to sub, is that you take the time to reply to almost all your comments bud, no one does that. Keep up the good work bud thx man

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Thanks Chris! Means a lot

[@jeremiahaltmannsberger8914]

Great video need to save this one if I do look for a boat in the future.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@tlalexander3]

8:03 while you are under the boat, also look at the underside of the beams on the trailer. Many can get rusted pretty quickly and are prone to rusting out. And I also make sure the boat I am getting has a dual axle trailer. If something happens to one tire heck you can just take it off and keep driving. If one tire blows out on a single axle trailer, you have a much higher chance of getting in a wreck

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Couldn’t agree more

[@StaticSift]

Guide to buying a boat. Pro tip number one. Have someone else pay for it lol. Jk kinda. Love your boat my man. Those colors

[@rbfishing9870]

About a year and a half ago I bought a 1983 Ranger 330-V for $1,000. I put a little over 4,000 in it sense. Had seats redone, new garmin fish finders, new carpet, extended front deck back and added two tackle compartments, new gages, wrapped it in the American flag thyme. Plus other small details that I did on it too. Don’t look nothing like the same boat. Neat add on is live scope.

[@nickfountain8420]

I did a similar thing as you. Picked up a 2000 Blazer 18' with an '89 Merc 135 for $2,000. Repairs/updates have almost $7,500 in it now. SeaStar pro hydraulic steering (the seller had put a single cable on it 🤣, it was deadly), voltage regulator, 23P Tempest Plus, had trim/tilt unit rebuilt, re-wired most of it, 2 Garmin Echomap Plus 9's when bass pro had them at $600 a pop. Livescope, UHD transducer w/blackbox, and did all new plumbing for the livewells, bilge pumps. Doesn't cost me a dime when I don't use it though! B'law's paying $415/mth for a '20 Z518 w/200 Merc. I didn't want that problem.

[@rbfishing9870]

@@nickfountain8420 👍 I have the same garmin too 9”. Want to get another one just like it to put at the bow. Right now I just have a striker 7”. Like to get the 9” for live scope and use the 7” for down and side imaging.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Awesome adds buddy. How you did it is how I would do it!

[@bill-qv3er]

I have a 97 Pantera ll I bought new in 1997 and it has a 1998 200 Opti Max with about 400 hours. Still runs as good as the day I bought it. I do want Power Poles but they are just cost prohibitive at this point. Great video, keep up the good work !

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Thanks buddy!

[@outdoorsdream]

Solid advice thank you!

[@tlalexander3]

This is probably one of the best videos I've seen for buying a used boat. I got burnt on my last boat not know much about fiberglass... that cost me a lot and stuff broke on it all the time. It was a 1999 but it was in rough shape. Now I am buying a 21 foot triton with a 225 Mercury EFI. I believe this is a much better boat. Heck it looks brand new except for the seats. It has a few little gauge issues, one bank is dead on the charger and the trolling motor was burnt up because the guy didn't have it wired right, and it needs one new tire since it has a slow leak in it. With all the stuff wrong with it, which isn't anything too bad, I negotiated a price that I am firm on once the buyer gets everything fixed. He is an awesome guy and is getting everything fixed for me so it'll be set once I get it (seats, charger, new TM, new tire etc). Now it is an older motor, but I am ok with that. I have already test drove the boat and it got up to 74mph... It should be a healthy motor if it can do that but I am still having the shop I take my boats to look it over and compression test it. It sure does pay to research motors also. I could pay for a newer triton (2007) but I am scared of the motor. The 2007 I was looking at has a 225 optimax. I looked up the price for a powerhead and it is about $6000 vs that EFI is around $3000. Not to mention the optimax is fancy electrical wise... If the compressor goes out that is a $1000 part and it can take the motor out when it goes. I would rather have an old motor that runs good, uses more gas, and is easier to fix if something goes wrong than spending $5000 more on a used boat and possibly face big bills if something goes wrong.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Thank you so much🙏. I appreciate the support, I agree. You can sink so much into a boat and waste a lot of money.

[@OhKee12]

Great video, congrats on the 12k!!

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Thanks Sean!

[@malcolmgreene6861]

Great advice..I've been looking at getting a newer boat for a couple months..I think patience is key also.i have rods that want fit in the box. graphs, trolling motor , big motor, trailer..yes sir all big factors..id love a 21ft but I love to fish to so, putting myself in debt for a boat out of budget means less fishing and more working

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Patience is a big deal. Gotta have it.

[@Traylors_outside]

Great honest video!

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Thanks Darrell!

[@CHIPPOFISHING]

Good video Very informative Surprise you didn’t mention spot lock

[@rogbass]

Hmmmmm. Budget. Scary word. Lol. Seems to be common word coming from our accountant. Lol. I’m in so deep I mine as well get a bass boat. Thanks for the tips.

[@philiph1802]

Man it keeps turning my notifications off. Driving me nuts when this is how I feel I can support your journey.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Gotta love KZbin! Lol

[@glennboone7832]

I spit my beer when you popped under the boat! Great video. I did what ya dad did and got a very nice aluminum boat so I could put power poles and the best depth finders I could afford. It’s all old now but I still love it cause I fish shallow. Only problem is I can’t run around Toledo or Rayburn in the main lake and move around as much as I’d like. It floats like a bobber. May never see Veach unless they build a landing. Just curious about how much your boat went for. Ball park. Thanks.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Thanks Glenn. Yea. My dad has it figured out. I love how his boat is rigged! Lol

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

Great walk thru!

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Thanks!

[@diejeffy]

My first boat was a 1975 Cajun boat with an 85 hp Mercury Thunderbold motor. I won a tourney on LOZ in that boat lol. The next boat was a 1988 BassTracker TF 1800. Killed the motor on that. Bought a 2008 Ranger 618 and that Yamaha motor lasted one season. Pulled the old Tracker home, replaced the powerhead and I play in that. Plus I have access to a new Tracker V16. I'd love to find a Bass Cat Jaguar hull. As long as it's not over 20 years old. Build the boat myself as I want and hit the water.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I’ve always wanted to do that kind of project too. Might do that and give it to my dad.

[@tnbass2833]

I'm going a little bit different route. I bought a boat knowing it needs work. The po simply didn't seal the transom correctly. It's going to cost 8500-9500 for a total rebuild with coosa board transom. That's sounds high until it's compared to a 35,000+ for new hull. My thoughts on it is that I'm getting it back new.

[@wesleybigham1]

If I ever buy a boat I will definitely reference this video. Thanks for the video dude.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Heck yea buddy!

[@wesleybigham1]

@@AndrewUpshawFishing hey Andrew have you used the TLC3000 spinning reel by lews? Is it a good reel?

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

That’s the only Lew’s spinning reel I use anymore.

[@wesleybigham1]

@@AndrewUpshawFishing well I’m glad to hear that, cause I ended up buying one not knowing much about it. I ended up pairing it with a 7’ medium heavy St. Croix rod. I’m going fishing tomorrow and going to try it out!

[@eddie1123w]

I wish this came out about 5 years ago I'm doing a restoration on my dads old 94 ASTRO that's been out in the weather since 09 with no cover looking at about 20k to get it all finished. Been posting on my Instagram and at this point its almost a regret lol

[@timmysd88]

Thank you!

[@marksucci2110]

Good advise video. I wish you had spoken more about engine Hours. Which seems to be the first question from buyers. These engines are built to run for thousands of hours. That being said a engine could have 50 hours on it an end up blown. Proper maintenance will help prevent most engine problems I.E Change Impellar yearly. If you really want to save money on the purchase of a used boat consider a Pro Staff boat. It is by far the best route. If a Boat is 1 year old and has 250 hours that's fine they are meant to have thousands of hours. Also that 1 year old boat still has 7 years of warranty if something were to occur. Save yourself $10k-$15k by buying a used Pro Staff Boat.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I truly believe buying a pros boat is the way to go.

[@jondoepenn3637]

Got the ole 89 bass tracker for $2300....still fun

[@tlalexander3]

I will make one comment about the depth finders: some of the old depth finders are still really good. For example, I bought a hummingbird 1197 and 787 two years ago for my bass tracker. Later I ended up buying a skeeter with new depth finders. Heck the 1197 I have works better than the Humminbird Helix that is much newer. Fast forward, now, I am buying a new to me boat next week. It is a 2002 Triton TR21 and has a Hummingbird 898 at the console and a 787 mounted in the dash up front. I am not mad that the boat doesn't have new depth finders. They work well and I know how to use them well. Now I do have a brand new Garmin 73cv UHD I will add to the front of the boat, but I won't be ripping the others off and replacing them. The Garmin was bought last year when my Lowrance ELITE 7 HDI broke that was on my Skeeter. Only got to take it out for a few trips before it broke. It was terrible laggy and just sucked. I happened to make a 1 hour trip on a road that wasn't so great and it must've rattled something loose in it and broke it. I ensured it had the correct update, changed the transducer, set to factory default settings and it wouldn't work. Point of this long story is some of the old depth finders are better than this new stuff.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I agree, they are. I did mention as long as updates are available, that I think they are good. I had that Humminbird 1193 and liked it a lot

[@FinkeFishing]

There's several videos on what to look for when buying a used boat but what about determining the value of the boat you can find used bass boats from 1500 to several thousand dollars how can you determine if the asking price is fair or if someone is asking too much for it

[@masfishing1]

Andrew, congrats on the 12k,. Thanks for doing this video! It's a topic I really wanted to hear from you for awhile. Question. I don't have any boat background and I'm thinking of buying an aluminum bass boat, possibly an Express boat. Is there a certain size I need if I move to Texas or Tennessee because I hear pros talking about weather conditions on large lakes can be challenging or is it a safety issue with large waves on an aluminum boat? I was thinking 18 or 19 ft aluminum. Would that be a good safe choice?

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

An 18ft is a very good size. That’s by far a big enough boat

[@masfishing1]

@@AndrewUpshawFishing Thanks Andrew for your input

[@granthintonoutdoors]

Hey Andrew. Just got a 9sv from the christmas sale. Would love to hear what settings you run to get the best picture

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I’ll see what I can do

[@DanielDavis007]

When do change from forward view to perspective on garmin?

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I keep mine on forward 99% of time

[@cgfishingandoutdoors9336]

We have a 1982 ranger bass needs some repairs

[@jeremybrumley25]

When will your boat be up for sale? An what do you have to do to lock it up

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

As simple as a deposit. This boat is sold, my next one will be available for purchase in November

[@billwhite7099]

If you had a $1500 budget for electronics, would you buy two graphs the best you can find for the 1500, or would you lay it all out on the one top of the line machine, and would you put it on the front or the helm? Or is there another scenario staying around the $1500 mark.

[@ChaseFlutyFishing]

you will not fine a top of the line graph for 1500. get 2 9 inch graphs

[@lesterculp3756]

Buy one decent graph and put it on a mount that swivels so you can see it from the front. Some fish finders like Humminbird will also let you run more than one transducer so you can mount a transducer in the front select between the two

[@jakehorton1410]

Engine engine engine a motor has no recuperating parts lol. Due you have any input on the legends performance wise. How to load or props jack plate position.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I ran one for a while. I just set my jackplate at 2 and let it eat.

[@jakehorton1410]

@@AndrewUpshawFishing what prop at that height and how was you loading. Bc mine gets dumb above 70 like that really appreciate the response very much. I was picking at you on the engine thing. Just like i do hallman and todd. Your information will help alot as not as many have ran legends. Mine is a 14 199 merc 225.

[@jakehorton1410]

@@AndrewUpshawFishing i also kn the v20 ran different even tho it was said to have the same hull. My boat will cut and ride with the best top end is here or there. I would rather turn 180s at 55 over 70mph only problem is my co anglers get sick and dont fish hard. And the same when i set up for speed the walk makes them sick lol

[@DavidMccallister65]

"Comprehensive"? Meh.... I was expecting like more in depth inspections of all things mechanical with tips on specific things to lookout for. This video seems pretty basic and elementary more geared to the banker that gets off work on Friday afternoon and says, "Honey dear! I think I'm gonna buy us a bass boat this weekend!😃" 🤣 love you bro

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Come on now! Lol

[@thegiant573]

what's the deal with Jackplates? Is that a must have?

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I think it’s all personal preference. Sometimes people have to run them (shallow water fisheries) or are very concerned with speed.

[@cgfishingandoutdoors9336]

I fish tournaments out of a 1982 ranger bass boat

[@captainron3494]

Speaking of the g2 ev. They will have a 4 stroke by 2024 is the rumor we will see

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

We shall see!

[@larryjudd8178]

You still have your 2020 Eyra up?

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

It’s sold

[@iam73en]

Wish I’d had this to watch months ago

[@thegiant573]

Blow up might be a little extreme. Break, fail, leave you stranded sure but not likely handgrenade.

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

🤷‍♂️seen them blow. Maybe not like a grenade, but enough to startle you.

[@kwd1253]

I would like to buy Andrews used graphs with all waypionts on every lake he fished last year 😂

[@undercover1299]

same. i want his cumberland waypoints

[@thegiant573]

Used Boat 75k fully loaded, waypoints another 100k everything is for sale.

[@kwd1253]

@@thegiant573 another 100k for waypionts 😂 them waypoints not worth that lol. that hiring money for andrew bring me fishing couple times. Or i could just follow him around in tournament and set waypoint everytime he catch a bass for FREE 😂

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

That’s funny!

[@bradleyhouston9037]

I'm honestly surprised that you guys have to pay for your lower units. Is that with a majority of pros or are there plenty of guys who get them for free?

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Most guys have to pay

[@bradleyhouston9037]

@@AndrewUpshawFishing that's a fact that more guys should learn!

[@captainron3494]

Last thing from captain I ran rangers for many years but rangers is NOT the ranger of old sorry it is what it is... ranger built one at a time yea right beside nitro lol lol

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Yes they did

[@captainron3494]

Andrew at some point they must have rules for electronics 5 year or so... I don't want to play video game fishing if so I buy Playstation.... last thing they stop a rig so they can put rules in place... now I love my Garmin but some point.... YOUR THOUGHTS BUDDY

[@coreypowell7194]

There's definitely a reason that boats with the Evinrude are15 k cheaper then any others

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Exactly!

[@jacobcollins5827]

Soooooooo you're saying that your boat is for sale? 🤔

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

Not at all. My boat is sold.

[@timmyp34]

Figure out what you need? Simple then. Pretty much nobody needs a boat at all. My net worth is in the top third and I would never consider more than $2000 for a boat. Apparently most fishermen are millionaires? There is an expression about fools and money...

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

I typically don’t respond to people who put others down, but I will say this. First off you lost all credibility to me when you started talking about how much money you have. Secondly, you could/can never relate to bass fishermen and what goals they would like to accomplish. To accomplish those goals, they would need a boat, and a $2000 boat isn’t going to cut it for what they are doing. I really hope you think about what you say before you make yourself look like a complete idiot. Good luck with your money.

[@timmyp34]

@@AndrewUpshawFishing I am saying the boats are too expensive, you are saying they are affordable, and I am the one bragging about money? You don't normally respond to others that put people down, just seconds before... putting me down. Impressive. When were you elected Spokesman for All Bass Fishermen?

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

You didn’t say boats were too expensive. You said you wouldn’t spend more than $2,000 for a boat. You went on to say “There is an expression about fools and money…” the sentence prior to this one you proceeded to say that fishermen must be millionaires. Therefore you’re saying fishermen are fools. Am I reading between the lines good enough? What did I say that was putting you down? The fact that I lost respect for you for talking about how much money you have? Or the fact that you should think before you speak? Furthermore, I say boats are “affordable” because some people would rather have a nice boat and drive a 15 year old truck to pull it. That make sacrifices so they can have what they want, whether new or used. Obviously the boat industry is booming right now and plenty of boats that cost 50k plus are going out the door daily. I’ll break it down one further. A brand new Ranger, loaded is going to cost you over 100k. A similarly rigged Bass Cat will cost about 75k. Which would you deem the affordable option?

[@kennethlangford5797]

1500 on trolling motor? $1,000 per graph? I think your sponsors have gotten into your pricing. Lol if you want to become a millionaire fishing start out as a billionaire

[@AndrewUpshawFishing]

You can get a good trolling motor for $1,500 and you can get a decent/good depth finder for $1,000. How Did I miss on that?

[@kennethlangford5797]

@@AndrewUpshawFishing I would agree you don't need the latest and greatest technology unless you're high profile tournament fishing. Might get by with $1,000 graphs but a $1,500 power drive trolling motor will be regretted. $2,500 Terrova would be a strong recommendation from me. I haven't been able to get an honest opinion on Garmin lake maps I've tried Navionics and hated them love lakemaster. $1,500 hummingbird would be the minimum console graph I would recommend