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Im looking to purchase my first bass boat, and I have come to the conclusion that BassCat is a good fit for me. I live in Fayetteville, Ar and fish smaller lakes in the area, and Beaver Lake pretty frequently. I was curious what the best boat would be for me? Ive been looking at getting a Sabre thats possible a few years old. I am fresh out of college and I would like to spend 25k or less, less being better but it all depends on the deal. What is everyones experience with used boats and If anyone knows any good Cats for sale in the area, Id love to know.Thanks!
JParr, The choices are many our would hope, however somewhat limited in your category as it seems most 18 owners keep their boats long terms. If you cant find an 18 Sabre FTD in your range, which is what we would suggest, then look at a stripped down Margay with smaller engine as a starter. You can redress it as you wish and figure out your options, also have some new warranty on the engine. Check the For Sale board and see what is there, take your time also to make a decision as you dont want to just jump on one unless it is the one right one luckily first shot. From here you can determine what you prefer and what our options are. The new dealer in NW Arkansas is Mobile Marine and they may be able to loop you to a Sabre FTD in the area used. Though again they are very limited. Keep the search and you will find one to fit. BCB
JParr,Take a look at this one. It is a little more than what you indicated you wanted to spend, but this is a really nice rig. It belongs to Kelly White. He takes really good care of his rig. I personally have had the opportunity to fish out of this boat. It is well kept.Best Regards,Carky Freemanhttp://basscatowners.yuku…-ETEC-200HO#.T_iOyNK69IE
You asked about everyones experience with used boats……I have bought 2 used boats and both have been BassCats. As with anything with an engine (boat, car, truck, motorcycle, 4-wheeler, etc) the engine is the main thing that concerned me when buying used. I was lucky on my first boat (1992 Sabre/150 Evinrude Intruder) in that I knew the man and knew exactly how it was used and taken care of. The 2nd rig (2004 Cougar/225 Mercury) I did not know the people, but they had the local Mercury dealer helping them sell the boat and he knew the people as well as how meticulous they were with the maintenance. After speaking with him and taking the boat out for a good test ride (including driving the boat at an idle as well as mid-range and wide open to see how the engine ran and sounded, and even killing the motor and restarting, trying all the pumps, lights, trolling motor, electronics, etc) I made the decision to go on with my purchase. That is the best advice I can give when looking at a used boat……check it out to the best of your ability and if possible either get it checked by a mechanic or talk to the dealer that has been servicing it. The Sabre is a great boat. It is good for a beginner but it is also big enough to use in bigger waters and even in tournaments. I ran mine on Toledo Bend Lake the entire time I had it and I was never scared of being out there. As BassCat said, a lot of us (owners of the smaller boats) keep them for a long time. They really are great boats and you can use them in tighter areas. Also, it is difficult to wait on the right one to come along, but it will happen. Try not to jump on the first one in your price range just because you dont think you will find anything else. Good luck and enjoy the hunt.Last edited by toledobasser on July 7th, 2012, 7:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console
I have a Sabre with 150 Merc. Love it
Ya, I really like the Sabre layout a lot, and i feel like it would be the perfect size. Hopefully I can find one soon!
Not sure where youre located but Sherm has a leftover 2011 Sabre FTD thats a beauty. http://shermsmarine.jalbum.net/2011%20Sabre/
I would not rule out a PII or P4 at all you can find one in your price range and step up into a bigger boat.
I have a 2008 Sabre FTD/150 Optimax with under 30 hours on the motor. If you are intrested send me an email to [url=mailto:[email protected]][email protected][/url]. and I will send you pictures.
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