Your budget allows you allot of choices. As far as size? It matters whether you trailer, how far, and where you fish mostly. I ask this because if you trailer long distances and fish for many species (great lakes & inland lakes) you have to weigh in the versatility factor. If its great lakes only? Then its a Deep V- Fiberglass only. Some of the better boats in your budget are Thompson, Grady White, Aquasport, Penn Yan, Black Fin, Mako, Pro line, and a few more. There are some to stay away from for Lake Erie- Bayliner, Renken, Larson. They are light boats and dont take the constant beating as well as others.

I would weigh it out. Is it a family or just fishing boat????? or both??? Will I stay overnight on it or trailer home/hotel???

Keep in mind when you buy a great lakes boat you are buying the hull, power pack, and trailer. Electronics will probably get upgraded anyway.

When buying a veratility boat. Ease of trailering, cost of trailering, cost of running. All these are addressed best with a Lund, or other top Aluminum boat.

Aluminum will get you out, but you will have to leave earlier then the fiberglass boats if the weather becomes inclement.

Size---20' minimun either/or type or make.

The better fiberglass boats I recommended have great hulls. I would not be concerned about what year the boat was built as much as the condition of the engine and wiring.

C Ya on the Water

P.S. I run a 1984 20' Center Console Aquasport w/ a 1994 200 HP Johnson. Works great, but I still get blown off the lake.