Purchasing a new bass boat is an exciting event in any bass fisherman’s life. Your bass boat should be an investment that lasts you for years if you choose it properly.

Here are some things to consider when choosing your bass boat and your bass boat dealer.

What Size Bass Boat Do You Need? – Bass boats range in size. The first thing to consider when choosing the size bass boat you need is the amount of gear you carry.

Your bass boat should comfortably hold all your gear. The second item to consider when choosing bass boat size is how many people the boat needs to hold. A good rule of thumb is to buy a boat big enough to accommodate the number of people you have with you about 80% of the time.

It’s important not to be crowded in your boat; it’s uncomfortable and unsafe. On the other hand, you don’t want to pay for more boat than you need.

Fiberglass or Aluminum? – Bass boats are typically made in either fiberglass or aluminum.

Most bass boat dealers will carry boats made from both materials, so that you can compare and buy the boat that best suits your needs. If you do a lot of fishing in rivers where you may run up on rocks, a fiberglass boat is not a good idea. On the other hand, if most of your fishing is done in lakes, a fiberglass boat is a good choice.

What size motor? – Most experts recommend that you buy the biggest motor your boat can handle for its size. Most people agree that a boat handles better with the biggest motor for its size. Talk to your bass boat dealer to help determine the right size motor for your bass boat.

What’s Your Budget? – Of course, finances are always a consideration when purchasing any high ticket item. Determine how much you can afford to spend before you start shopping. Then, when you visit your bass boat dealer, have him only show you the bass boats in your price range.

What kind of service do you expect? – Finding the right bass boat dealer is just as important as finding the right bass boat. Your boat will need servicing and may need repairs from time to time. It’s important to know that your dealer will be able to provide the service you require after the sale. In addition, you should ensure that your bass boat dealer is certified to service your boat so that all repairs and service are covered under your boat’s warranty.

Choose your bass boat and your bass boat dealer wisely. Doing so will help ensure that you have many enjoyable years with your bass boat.

So, you live in California, and you’re finally near the water. And, your dream has always been to restore an old boat, but you hardly know where to begin.

Well, this is one dream that you can definitely make a reality. You just have to know where to start.

Your first step should be to make a plan.

This can be the hardest part, and, I admit, may go partly out the window when you run across the right boat. But, before you start shopping for a boat to restore, you should at least have an idea of these things:

. How much you can afford to spend on the original body
.

Your vision of the finished boat
. How long you plan to take to get to the finished boat
. How much money you can spend on restoration right away

(By the way, I highly recommend if you’re married that you and your spouse agree on these four points before you get started!)

If your vision of the finished boat is several years away, I also recommend that you plan to make her seaworthy well before that.

You should be able to feel some sense of accomplishment and enjoy your investment within a reasonable time, or it’s not going to be a lot of fun.

Now, that you have a better idea of the boat you want and what condition you can afford, it’s time to pay a visit to a California boat salvage dealer. In fact, visit more than one.

Befriending a California boat salvage dealer that you believe you can trust to give you good advice and good deals on the boat and on parts later down the road is one of the biggest advantages you can get when restoring an old boat. Luckily, because there is so much coastline in this state, there are dozens of California boat salvage dealers around. With any luck, you can find one or two who can help you throughout the process of restoring your boat.

Take your time choosing your boat body. If there’s nothing suitable on your first couple of visits, don’t lose heart. Tell your California boat salvage dealer what you’re looking for, give him your business card and ask him to contact you if something suitable comes in.

However, after you’ve done this, keep shopping in case he doesn’t come through.

Once you’ve located a body you’re ready to purchase, inquire immediately of your California boat salvage dealer what appropriate parts he has on hand. You may not be able to afford to purchase all of them today, but you can at least see what’s on hand.

A boat restoration is a long process. Take your time, and use your local California boat salvage dealer as a resource for information as well as parts for your boat. Before you know it, you’ll be sailing the high seas (or at least your local lake) in grand style!