I was lucky to inherit my boat from my dad. I’m the fourth generation to own it. Little 14’ aluminum semi-v job, needs some transom work before I can mount the outboard (1974 15hp Johnson or a 2016 merc 8hp 4stroke) so I’m stuck with just the trolling motor for now, which is fine since the closest lakes to me are electric only. No live wells, just some comfy seats, rod holders, a sonar, and it floats. All I need to catch fish and be happy, and I take it out at least once a week, often more.
I keep an eye on the used market, and you’d be surprised what pops up. Sign up to a few local fishing forums if you can find them and let people know what you’re looking for. Buying a new boat is, unless you have the extra money, a little nuts considering what you can get one used for. It seems like a lot of guys buy something shiny fast and new and end up having to offload it after a year or two, or they move and need to be rid of it. I’ve seen nice 16’ console lunds, with the outboard, go for less than the outboard itself is worth.