| One of the biggest investments a fisherman will | | | | purpose-built for getting to bass quickly. This is |
| every make is the purchase of a fishing boat. Just | | | | the sort of boat you see on those ESPN fishing |
| like cars, fishing boats come in all shapes and sizes | | | | tournament shows. Bass boats usually have larger |
| and varying levels of quality. To avoid buying a | | | | outboard motors than the general-purpose boats |
| "lemon", it is always advisable for the potential | | | | and have much more storage space as well. |
| boat owner to educate themselves on the ins and | | | | Additionally, bass boats will have a full complement |
| outs of boat ownership. | | | | of fishing electronics such as depth and fish |
| All-Purpose Fishing Boats | | | | finders. |
| These boats are intended for those who fish for | | | | There are usually raised casting platforms in the |
| just about everything. They can be made of | | | | bow of the boat, and quite often in the stern as |
| aluminum, wood, or fiberglass and sizes usually | | | | well. There will usually be provisions for a trolling |
| range from 15 to 20 feet (4.5-6 meters) in length. | | | | motor near this platform. Most bass fishing boats |
| Aluminum boats are generally the least expensive | | | | are made of fiberglass, but they can also be |
| option available, with prices ranging from $1,500 | | | | found in aluminum. Bass boats are usually |
| up to about $25,500. Keep in mind that these | | | | between 16 and 25 feet in length, with prices |
| prices are generally without a motor, which will | | | | ranging from approximately $10,000 to $30,000+. |
| have to be purchased separately. | | | | These boats can be trailered and are comfortable |
| Wooden boats are still being made, but they are | | | | for up to 4 people. |
| difficult to find, and very hard to get. Used | | | | Center-Console Fishing Boats |
| wooden fishing boats are readily available in the | | | | Because of their design, with the control station in |
| classifieds section of your newspaper or any | | | | the center of the boat, these boats allow for |
| number of places on the Internet. Maintenance is | | | | fishing from almost any place on the deck. |
| the big issue with wooden boats, as the wood is | | | | Additionally, the center station allows for easy |
| susceptible to dry rot and fungus, and so must be | | | | netting of fish. These boats are generally larger |
| painted and kept in good shape at all times. | | | | than the other two types, and usually have much |
| Fiberglass boats are probably the most widely | | | | larger engines, though still outboard as a general |
| used these days. There are many manufacturers | | | | rule. |
| and styles of fiberglass boats, and prices range | | | | Because of their versatility and pricing, these |
| from about $8,000 to $30,000 for a new boat. | | | | boats have grown in popularity in recent years. |
| A general purpose fishing boat will usually have | | | | Some of these boats even have small cabins and |
| spaces for fishing gear and several bench seats | | | | toilets. Some of the larger center-console design |
| or pedestal style seats with backs. The driver's | | | | boats can even be used for offshore saltwater |
| area will be very simple; some boats can be | | | | fishing. Center-console boats range in size from 16 |
| found that even use a steer-by-tiller layout. These | | | | to 35 feet in length and are generally trailerable. |
| boats are almost always outboard powered, and | | | | The larger varieties can comfortably |
| are usually trailerable. The capacity range for a | | | | accommodate up to 6 people. Prices for |
| general purpose fishing boat is 1-4 people. | | | | center-console boats range from around $15,000 |
| Bass Boats | | | | up to over $60,000. |
| Bass boats are almost self-explanatory. They are | | | | |