If I were you I would look around in the local paper and at boat dealers for used boats. I was lucky and found a great deal on mine. I paid $4,200 for mine. When I bought it, it looked as if it had never been used. Garage kept and all. First off you need to decide what you want. Fiberglass or aluminum. A bass boat or a fish and ski. There are so many options out there. WhenI bought my boat I also wanted something big enough to let the fiance tube or lay out in the sun. However, my fishing was the first priority for buying a boat. So far I have been happy. Here is a pic.