Conclusion:

Here's the run down on the boat:

2006 Champion 198 Elite - Dual Console
225 Mercury Optimax ProXS - 118 hours
Tandem Axle Trailer
Custom Canvas Cover
Minn Kota 24v 80lb Thrust Trolling Motor w/ Lift Assist
Lowrance LCX 28c HD on bow (7" color w/ GPS)
Lowrance LMS 332-c at console (5" color w/ GPS)
Lowrance flasher
Hamby's Keel Guard
10" Manual Jack Plate
Mercury Tempest 25p Prop
Boarding Ladder
Lighted Compartments
Rod Organizer
Livewell Pump-out
2 800GPH Automatic Bilge Pumps

After a purchase price of $24k, the whole thing wound up costing around $29k to dial in, tune up, pay taxes on, cover, and repair.  I bring up the money to give a perspective on what the real costs are to buy a used boat.  Boats are expensive, and bass boats may win the prize for high maintenance costs.  Be ready. 

In the end there are an unlimited number of possibilities when you set out to buy a used bass boat, drive it cross country, maintain it, and store it.  In hindsight I made some stupid mistakes, but hindsight is 20/20.  I hope that in reading this article you will find one or two tidbits to make your purchase easier and put the money side of things in perspective.  After a lot of hard work and headache I'm ready to take my boat out, drop the hammer, and forget about everything but the fishing.