Am I crazy ?

[Cagney McDonald]

So I grew up fishing with my dad, he has been passed away now for close to 20 years. I actually have not fished much at all in over a decade. The fishing that I did do was off of docks or banks. I am strongly considering buying a really nice bass boat and getting into it seriously.

Am I crazy for wanting to jump into something so expensive so quickly ?

I'm recently divorced and just realized I don't have any real hobbies anymore. I don't have any kids and bring home about 82k after taxes. When I tell my friends I'm looking at bass boats they tell me I'm crazy as hell once they realize how much I want to spend on one.

Someone talk me in or out of this damn boat.

[coldfront]

not crazy.  not crazy at all.  but do try to find folks to take out, go out with.
helpful to share those hours out there.  even if it's just a dog.

now, your boat choice?  might depend upon the waters you fish, the weather you want to be out in.

I'm a tin guy.  looking at my 'next' boat and contemplating do I want to spend $50K (lund 1875b with a LOT of high end electronics).  and finding that choice hard.  I'm cheap.

been where you are.  I get it.

best 'buy' I ever made was my new bass boat (Ranger RT178) within a month/two of divorce getting finalized.  have used it just about EVERY week since and as a bonus:  it really pissed off my ex (or so I heard   )

for me, time on the water, time around here with all  you all was a lot cheaper than therapists.

oh, and consider a dog?  a smiling face and a wagging tail really help lift the mood, plus they 're always happy to go out on the boat with you.  or anywhere you want to go.

[Lipripper]

Your not crazy and it's your money spend it however you want. Just check it out to make sure it will fit your fishing needs.

[coldfront]

and welcome to the board!

[Captsteve]

Welcome and happy hunting on the boat....enjoy

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[Smallie_Stalker]

Cagney, Welcome to the Ultimate Bass family! Pleasure to have you with us. Pull up a chair, make yourself right at home and jump in wherever you feel comfortable.

If you are looking for someone to talk you out you might not get many takers.    There are much worse things you could be spending that money on. Seriously, it's your money. You worked hard to earn it and you can't take it with you so why not enjoy it now?

Of course, since we love  boat porn around here we are gonna need to see some pics of that new boat. 

You may want to stop by the Fishing Reports boards and find your state. You can get some ideas of what works on the waters you fish aand get to meet some other folks from your neck of the woods in the process.

Would like to win some free gear from some of the great companies that sponsor our site? Be sure and put your name in for the New Member's Contest. We also have Weekly Contests so be sure and get in on those too each week as they become available..

We love pictures around here. Please feel free to post some pics of your catches anytime in our Catch of the Day board.


We're looking forward to seeing you around the boards and to learning from what you share with us.

In the meantime, if you need any help with anything at all please don't hesitate to contact me or any other staff member.

Once again, Welcome!

><> Smallie_Stalker  <><

[Donald Garner]

Cagney McDonald

Welcome to the UltimateBass Family we're glad you're here 

Best wishes and good luck on the new start in your life.  In reference to buying a boat when you get the chance read the article below.  This would apply to buying a Glass Bass Boat also.  Just click on the link.

  Boat buying guide

[SteveTX]

Hell yes your crazy. But if you stick around here I think quite a few of us are myself included.  I also divorced the wife of 25 years and not long after got a boat. Her last idiot thing to do was bring a stray dog home and so I kept the dog but ran her off. Me and the dog get along really good. Always happy to see me and never argues when I complain about stuff. 

If you want to spend a lot on a really nice boat that is your call. But a really nice boat isn't a must to go fishing. Just be aware they are a lot like automobiles. That brand new one you will take the biggest hit on in devaluation. A nice second hand one is usually a "better" investment. But if you don't give a shit about $ go get a bad ass one and have fun. 

Oh and welcome to UB. 

[zippyduck]

I have an opinion on buying a new bass boat.

First is this is going to be a huge learning curve. You will be looking at the fish finders all day rather than fishing.
Lots of bells and whistles to play with rather than learning how to fish out of a bass boat.

Most of bass fishing is in your mind and all that jazz clutters it up.

Look for a good used boat that will be easy to launch by yourself and then find some gentlemen that know the sport, who will mentor you.
Guys are always going to jump at the chance to go fish out of a good boat.


And ask lots of questions on Ultimatebass.com

[Capt. BassinLou]

Welcome to UB, and welcome back to world of bass fishing. As far as buying a bass boat....you know what's best for you. Follow your gut. It's a heckuva of a expense, just be sure you are ready to really take that on. Good luck!!

[mygreenihc]

First off,  welcome aboard.


Secondly,  what you buy is up to you,  but I don't think you are crazy.  You need to consider that there is no way possible to make a boat a good investment.  There are only levels of poor decision.  I know this from present experience.  =)


I have to agree with Zippy on this one,  it depends upon what your goal is.  If you just want something to do and want to look good doing it,  go buy something nice that you are proud of.  If you are really interested in learning to fish and getting good at it,  go buy yourself a nice clean boat without all the bells and whistles,  then start fishing.  As you learn,  you can buy the things that are "next on the list" to learn.  Graphs are a very good thing,  but if you do not know how to read them,  they will take a lot of time and get in your way.  Something else to think on,  you have not fished much in a decade,  so you are not going to know the difference in the various graphs and technologies,  so there is very little chance that you will buy what you need for your type of fishing the first time.


But,  don't get me wrong,  you can learn in a new boat if you are serious about it.  My point is that with a new boat with lots of goodies,  there will be a lot of wasted money from the original purchase up until the point you are finished.


Brad

[BarryFL]

Look at bassboatcentral for used boats. Be patient and be willing to travel to get it.

I picked up a 2019 Nitro Z18 MLF boat with all factory warranties like new. Basically paid for the boat, motor and trailer and got all of the MLF upgrades, about $15k worth, for free.

Good hunting. PM me and I'll send you the dealer info that liquidated the MLF boats.

~Barry~

[Mike the fox]

You ever see an unhappy person in a bass boat? Nope, me neither. Just buy it.


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[Sixpack]

You are not crazy, but you may be headed in that direction. Find a good boat that fits your needs and build it the way you want it. I personally prefer a big boat to allow more fishing room and a better ride. There are plenty of options out there and a wealth of knowledge on this forum to steer you in the right direction. Good luck in your search, be patient and do your homework. If you have any questions ask them. Every man deserves a hobby and stress reliever...

[coldfront]

You ever see an unhappy person in a bass boat? Nope, me neither.

this observations just stands the test of time!   

[SHC286]

Dude, If you're freshly divorced and can afford it, you'd be crazy NOT to jump into something like this with both feet. This isn't even a "should I, could I" situation, this is mental health we're talking about here. You just closed a chapter in your story, wanna have an indefinite intermission or keep the story going?

[Capt. BassinLou]

To the OP, since this was your one and only post 2 months ago, what have you decided to do since last posting? 

[Fun4me]

To the OP, since this was your one and only post 2 months ago, what have you decided to do since last posting?

Hopefully he didn't find a new girlfriend that hates fishing

[Capt. BassinLou]

Hopefully he didn't find a new girlfriend that hates fishing

That would be funny.

Florida Bass Fishing Reports , Dobyns Rods , Lockett Lures

[coldfront]

That would be funny.

I beg to differ!   

[Capt. BassinLou]

I beg to differ!   

Love works in mysterious ways...  .... 

[Princeton_Man]

A bassboat can cost you as much as a woman, probably more. They can both put a smile on your face or make you cry. You play the game right and you can have both. 

[znate80]

If it brings you joy, buy it. It is your $ to spend however you see fit.


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