There’s nothing that quite matches the excitement of walking into a marine dealership or attending a boat show knowing that you’re going to buy a new boat. It’s akin to the beginning of a new relationship – that honeymoon phase when your palms get sweaty and your heart beats a little stronger.
 Because that’s what buying a new boat is – the forging of a new relationship with your favorite fishing partner. You don’t want to wake up the next morning and think you’ve made the wrong choice. “Buyer’s Remorse” is the pits, especially when it comes to a big-ticket item that you’re passionate about.
 So before you get out that checkbook, do your homework and make sure you get the perfect fishing boat for your present desires, as well as your potential future needs.
 CONSIDERATION #1: WHAT KIND OF ANGLER ARE YOU?
This is an important decision to make, because it will determine the type of boat you should get. Some rigs are designed for fishing and nothing else. Others, often called “fish & ski” boats, are set up for boating, skiing, tubing, etc. with some angling features thrown in for family fishing.
 If you’re a fishing maniac like me, you have little interest in boating. The thought of going for a pleasure cruise around the lake bores me to tears. If I’m on the water, I must fish 100% of the time. That’s why my boat, a Crestliner Tournament Series, is designed exclusively for serious angling.
 The people at Crestliner think the same way I do. Every boat they build is designed for fishing, first and foremost. Many models, like their Sportfish, are extremely versatile for all watersports and will please every member of the family. But the “soul” of a Crestliner is fishing.
 CONSIDERATION #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FISH SPECIES?
For freshwater fishing alone, there are bass boats, walleye boats, musky boats, catfish jon boats and models for every other species-specific pursuit you can imagine. A bass boat has a shallow draft and low profile, to keep the angler close to the waterline. Walleye boats are deeper to safely handle big waves on big water. Deciding which style is best for you, based on the type of fish you’re after, is an important consideration prior to purchase.
 CONSIDERATION #3: ALUMINUM OR FIBERGLASS?
Both construction types have their advantages. Glass boats often have a sleek, sophisticated look with flashy cosmetics. However, fiberglass boats are typically heavier than their aluminum counterparts, which means they can require more horsepower on the water and more fuel consumption when pulling them down the road. They’re also costly to repair if you hit an unseen rock or gouge a dock pole.
 Aluminum boats are tough, well-weighted and fishing-friendly. In Minnesota, where I live and do a lot of my fishing, aluminum boats are king. Years ago, most of them were basic bench-style models or simple open-floor designs with limited storage. But today, marine engineers have loaded the interiors of aluminum hulls with amazing storage, huge livewells and every creature comfort a serious angler could want.
 CONSIDERATION #4: WHAT SIZE?
Fishing boats typically come in 14, 16, 18 and 20-foot sizes. Ideally, you’ve fished out of every size at some time and have experienced the advantages of each length. If your pleasure is to skip around to little lakes, a compact 14-footer with a small outboard might be the perfect boat for you. But if you’re a big guy with a big appetite for big fish on big water (like yours truly), then a big 20-footer is the ticket. Keep in mind that as boats get longer, they also get substantially wider and deeper. All good things.
 In my opinion, the best all-around size for most freshwater anglers is a 16-foot model with a wide beam, spacious interior and generous storage (including a rod locker and aerated livewell).
 CONSIDERATION #5: WHAT PRICE?
This is real deciding factor isn’t it? All of us would choose the mack-daddy fishing boat with every option imaginable if price was not an issue. The good news for anglers is that competition between boat companies has never been more fierce. Which means they’re building better boats with more goodies for great prices.
 A good example of this is a new model that fits right into that popular 16-foot category discussed in CONSIDERATION #4. It’s a boat that Crestliner introduced called the 1600 Fish Hawk – a water-ready package that includes a Mercury 50, trailer, trolling motor, fishfinder, side console, recirculating livewell, big carpeted floors, the works. They’ve price the whole package at $13,495, which is amazing. Plus they’ll throw in a free St. Croix rod and reel so you can literally drive it from the lot to the lake and start fishing.
 Boat buyers have never had better options when it comes to low payments. Today there are financing companies that specialize exclusively in the marine business and work with dealers to get customers the most competitive interest rates. My best advice is to decide what monthly payment you’re comfortable with, then visit a dealer and get the ball rolling from there.
 I hope this information helps if you’re shopping for that perfect boat. Visit all the company websites and arm yourself with the information you need to make the best decision. Then get out there and fish from your new boat, because there’s nothing better.
 Good Fishing!
 Babe Winkelman is a nationally-known outdoorsman who has taught people to fish and hunt for more than 25 years. Watch the award-winning “Good Fishing” and “Outdoor Secrets” television shows on Versus (formerly OLN), Fox Sports Net, The Sportsman’s Channel and WILD TV.  By: Babe Winkelman / Babe Winkelman Productions
