Purchasing a second hand crappie boat is like purchasing used car and hoping motor runs. Sure, you want to get a good deal but there are always things you cant see at the time until you pull away from bank. Fishing for crappie is about being patient and a boat that wont stay still isnt going to work well for that type of fishing.
Speed is not important but staying in one spot so you can catch them in the dark is key. Spending less money on a boat may cost you more when you has to trailer the busted boat back into town. There is a lot of folks selling used fishing equipment in the market, but very few have fished much out of shallow water and even fewer have fished through ice.
So they dont know what it takes on equipment. Most people will tells you the boat ran great. That’s the bare minimum.
Beyond scratches and scuffs, we want to evaluate electrics and structural integrity. Bad deals cost money. Rarely do you get a deal; this is more about avoiding a bad deal.
Here are the things to focus on to tell a smart buy from a lemon. Most crappie boat hulls is aluminum. Aluminum is good at resisting rust, but bad at stopping dents.
Key Checks for Buying Used Crappie Boats
Inspecting Aluminum Hull Integrity
Pay attention to any soft areas on the walls or floorboard of the boat. Push firmly on metal. Does it move?
If so, you have a weld issue, meaning you’ll need some serious metal work done. The transom gets the brunt of the torque from motor, so pay special attention there. Delamination or cracks here will cause the boat to be unsafe for use with big motor.
This reduces your utility by a considerable amount. You want a solid foundation, or you are just moving trash around the lake.
Testing Electronics and Fish Finders
Next, check out the electronics. Fish finders is critical to crappie fishing, especially those with a lower frequency for seeing through surface clutter down into the school itself. Take the unit out and dont believe salesman when he says it’s good. Ask to have it fired up from boat at the dock or bring your own electricity to test it.
Examine the screen for any dead pixels, those is typically caused by water getting inside. Are the cables coming off of the transducer frayed? Sharp turns will do that.
Wiring in older boats can be a weak spot. If the wiring is bad or crudely taped together, expect problems. Replacing good electronics isnt cheap.
Keep that cost in mind.
Evaluating Trolling Motor Condition
Look at the trolling motor Trolling motors is the heart and soul of crappie fishing. Do the foot pedal or hand controls operates smoothly?
Any jerking indicate internal gear wear within the head. Look for corrosion or pitting on the shaft…especially around the prop. Exposure to salt water will wreck it in no time.
Has this boat been in brackish water? Also look for galvanic corrosion if fresh water was used and anodes were not installed. Sometimes you can pay more for a good used motor then you do the boat.
And when looking for a Minn Kota or Cuda, find out what year it was made. Newer motors runs longer on batteries and are much more efficient. An older motor may be cheaper now, but it burns your batteries up twice as fast.
Assessing Comfort and Interior Features
Lastly consider the comfort features. Consider seat quality and rod storage. How long are you planning on crappie fishing?
It’s a lengthy endeavor. Do the seats rip out or rot away? Does your rod holder snap off under heavy duty rods?
Is there standing water in bilge with mold growing? That moisture will cause the insulation in the floor to rot as well as give off nasty odors. These are small things, but they is important when spending long days on the water.
You want to be dry and clean.
Final Inspection and Test Drive
If at all possible, take it out for a spin before signing on the dotted line. As you turn the wheel listen for unusual sounds.
Watch how it tracks at slower speeds. It’s aggravating to fish from a boat that wanders all over the place at trolling speed. Check to make sure the hull identification number and title match.
This will save you trouble later. Buying a used boat involves risk. Your goal is to go from guessing to knowing with checks of the hull, electronics, motor and comfort factors.
While you may not get a perfect boat, you’ll eliminate those that is overpriced. Ask tough questions, keep your eyes open and dont allow a good story to override a bad inspection. The water doesnt care about the sellers’ narrative.
Make sure the boat can back up the seller’s narrative.
