First
Figure out what price range you can afford. It would be a good idea to talk to your bank or credit union to get the monthly rates based on different price ranges. With some of the boat dealers' financing packages, you can stretch out your payments up to 10 or 12 years. I don't recommend this because most people only keep a boat that long, and it puts you upside down on your loan if you want to sell in five to six years. Stay in the 5- to 7-year loan periods or less if possible.
Second
Look at the construction of the boat hull, stringers, transom, cap (top of the boat), casting deck, floor, and carpet. Most of the better fiberglass boat manufacturers have gone to composite construction because it will last longer and not rot or deteriorate, like wood. Push your hand on the sides of the boat and see if it gives or flexes (it should not), walk on the deck (how solid is it?), and check the doors on the boxes. Are they watertight and insulated? The same goes for aluminum boats. You need strong stringers, a heavy hull, and side thickness to resist dents from stumps and rocks. Has the aluminum been pre-stressed? Check the paint for toughness. The aluminum boats manufactured now have the rough-water handling, feel, "fishability," and look of the fiberglass rigs and are economically priced.
Check the carpet quality, upholstery, door handles, and locks. If your fishing spot is the back deck, how big is the area, and is the seat comfortable? Is the deck area large enough for two to fish comfortably if you share the front deck? Does the butt seat have more than one seat-mounting hole to give you flexibility in the fishing area and easily reach for the trolling motor? Sit down in the driver's seat and see if you can see the gauges. Does the steering wheel tilt, can you see over the dash to drive, and is the seat comfortable for long runs down the lake to that hot spot?
Sit in the passenger's seat and check it out. If this is your side of the boat, do you want it to be a dual console? Having a second dash will help protect you from the rain (rain at 50 miles per hour feels like marbles hitting you) and the wind running down the lake. What accessories come with the base package? Does it include the electronics? You need to pay attention to these things because add-on items will raise the price. Check storage. Does the boat have a large rod box? How long is the box, and how many rods can you carry?
Third
Consider the outboard motor. It should be at least mid-range or larger in the recommendation for the horsepower of the boat manufacturer (If the recommended range is 100 hp to 200 hp, then 150 hp or 175 hp may be the best choice). You can get the largest motor the boat will handle. Generally, a size or two smaller will work great and give you good performance and gas mileage.
Fourth
Check out the trailer. If you are handling the boat alone, I recommend a single axle. If you get a 20-foot or larger boat, you will need a tandem axle with brakes. Tandems are hard to move by yourself, and the brakes can add to your problems in backing up, but they do pull on the road great. You can save a few dollars on the trailer by sticking to steel or chrome wheels rather than aluminum and making sure there is a spare.
Fifth
You must include a demo ride on the water, preferably in the boat you are getting or at least in the same model boat with the same horsepower motor. Taking a ride in a different model or horsepower may leave you with a different impression of what you buy. Pick a somewhat windy day. Any boat will run well on a smooth surface, but how does it do in actual conditions?
By all means, common sense will tell you that if you become uncomfortable at some point with your selection, don't make the deal. You're making a significant investment and need to shop hard to get the best deal. If you find the boat you like, you can check with a few dealers to get the best price, but keep a good boat show deal from getting away from you.
As part of your selection criterion, you may also want to consider the dealer's service, how responsive and friendly the salespeople are, and their reputation for standing behind the rigs they sell. How you are treated when looking at a purchase will also give you an idea of how they may treat you after the sale.
Bonita is sponsored by Cobra Boats, Mercury Motors, Bowie Marine, Hamby's Protectors, Solargizer, Falcon Rods, Bob's Machine Shop, Minn Kota, and Tournament Chasers.
