Hello everyone, I just became an addicted duck hunter 3 years ago and now it is time for me to build a sick ass boat for killin all of the mallard, cans, sprig, wooduck, everything we have around the bay area of good 'ol California. I decided at least one forum would be the best way to make sure that I purchase the perfect tool. I love to watch birds hang there feet right in my face as we stand up and dump 'em!!!

This being said, I will admit to the world, (you folks here on MMT!), that I think there aint no one else in California that loves the art of duck hunting more than I do!! Im only 24 years old and Im ready to buy an aluminum boat with a SURFACE DRIVE MOTOR. I know exactly what I want. However, I still have a bunch of things that I need to consider.....

My first question: Since I want a side console steered 17-18ft boat with gun boxes and all that good stuff, is it worth taking the time to cruise around the internet for a used boat?? Or, should I just consider the fact that everyone that has ever bought an aluminum boat with a surface drive motor and SIDE CONSOLE most likely aren't selling their boats that were "custom" built or however you may....? Should I just spend the full amount and buy myself a "new" boat?? Anything helps gentlemen. Glad to be aboard....!

Get out while you can...

if you can afford it, buy new. that way it will be exactly what you want, how you want it laid out, and designed for your style of hunting.

Welcome to the site bro, i would have one built the way you want it laid out, i was gong to buy new but found out it was cheaper to have one built the way i want it. Search around on here there are a bunch of guys with some good looking boats that you could get some real good ideas from for your boat!

i decided i wanted a rig several months before i purchased. I researched it to death, drove myself nuts. that being said, i figured out what i wanted. it came down to pro drive or gator tail. I'm not an extremely rich man and I like to find a good deal so I started searching used. I was looking for a deal. After a couple months of searching this site and others, I was about ready to buy brand new. then i saw a post on this site for a great boat at a great price. I drove 12hrs to meet the guy and bought it. Sure, it didnt have exactly what I wanted. I wanted the GT extreme hull and this was a regular gator tail hull. But, it had a lot of options that it would have taken me a lot of time and money to add. So it turns out i gave up what i wanted in one area and was able to save money and get options I like a lot. I say search around for a little while and see whats out there. If you find something that fits your needs, great. If not, pony up and buy brand new and get it how you want. Thats just my $.02

Very helpfull, thank you.