You haven't rode in a ranger 522,they are about as good as it gets in a bass boat.Im sure there are others out there but a 522 ranger is hard to beat.In my buddies 522 we were running 60/70mph in big white cap swells,my 196 triton would have beat your guts out in the same conditions.
Not worrying about stress cracks and the condition of the hull is a good way to end up with a boat that is worth far less than you paid.
I was not implying dont inspect the hull or that if you see stress cracks, don't worry about it. I am saying dont worry so much about the age which the op specifically mentioned. Typical issues around here would be the transom and rotting flooring. Flooring typically rots because they left it out uncovered. Transom issues are typically the result of hitting something with the motor running down the lake. Both are relatively easy to spot if you know what you are looking for. I have bought and sold allot of boats over the last 40 years and never heard anyone mention having the hull inspected by a marine surveyor but I don't live along the coast. People just inspect it themselves. I would not hesitate to buy a 20 year old boat hull. As a matter of fact, I own one now. I would be far more concerned with the engine. You should always test the compression before you buy and that's not a 100% guarantee the engine doesn't have issues.
With you on that but I'm partial to them. They are WAY more comfortable to fish out of that anything I have driven, sat, and fished out of.
You giving it a quick once over and worrying about the outboard is fine, keep doing that. I personally think having a professional evaluate the boat for $500 is a fine investment. Especially with how much money I was spending on boats at one point.
No, I have never evaluated stringers on a boat. I have had to replace stringers. My early days of buying boats, I did not check the boat for soft spots thoroughly enough and ended up ripping up the floor and replacing the floor and the stringers. In addition to learning the importance of thoroughly inspecting the floor no matter how good it looks, I also learned that anytime you have to rip up the floor, there is a good chance you will have to deal with the stringers. I also learned allot about fiberglassing.
Funds catch too much wind,not a good livescope
Most boys catch more wind when fishing ,they are nice in the rough stuff though.
I think your talking about a different kind of boat.This thread Is about opunions on a used fiberglass bass boat.I don't know anyone that would pay $500 for someone to inspect a used bass boat they are looking at buying.You can open the back bilge compartment in most and see the through hull fitting or there may be an access panel.
One similar to this will take the waves good
I know how much he loves wake boats, ski boats, jet skis and anything else that can be on the lake besides fishing boats so figured I'd remind him how good they ride.
My guide down in the gulf has a Blackjack 256, there is one in my future within the next 2 years.
Ya'll should buy one together and learn to surf. Make you forget about fishing.I'm sure I HATE them as much or more than he does
