Aluminum Bass Boats

[iamham3]

I'm looking into buying an aluminum bass boat in the not too distant future, and was looking for some guidance.  I'll mainly be bass fishing small to large bodies of freshwater in Texas and Louisiana, occasionally hitting up some shallow bays.  This will be my first boat, and my first real experience boating.  I've been in friends' boats a few times, but not often.  My requirements so far are at least a length of 17', rod storage of at least 7'6", and a recessed area for the foot control.  I've narrowed my choices to the Ranger RT178, Crestliner VT17, and the G3 Eagle Talon 17.  Any advice on other requirements I may want to consider, or advice/info on these boats would be greatly appreciated.

[KevO]

One of the best things I did for my tin boat was add a 24v variable speed trolling motor. 

[Catt]

Xpress or Alweld

[Long Mike]

If you are looking at buying a used boat, I suggest you take a hard look at the Tracker Tournament V-18.  Unfortunately Tracker quit making them for some odd reason.  It has a modified deep-V hull, so handles big water very well, yet will allow you to get into very skinny water  It has a huge front deck and tons of storage, plus the rod locker will handle 8 foot rods with ease.  Equipped with a Merc 150hp motor, it will do 50 mph.

[slonezp]

Most definitely order with a 24v trolling motor. Get a 3 bank onboard charger  You will need to pick electronics. For this, figure out which options you want and get the largest screen(s) you can afford.

 

As far as brand advice, There are rumors Ranger is changing the hull for 2015, they've had some porpoising issues they are trying to resolve. All 3 brands you listed make a quality boat. You should test drive each boat, on a small chop if you can. If you can test fish that's even better. Decide whose layout you like the best. Most importantly pick a dealer with a good reputation.

[Slade House]

I have a 2005 tracker pro team 175, I would definitley if i had the money go with an xpress boat.  they have ironed out all of the kinks and they are some sick boats (also big and fast). my advice is don't go with a 17 , go with at least an 18ft or above.  I have friends whio have g3, aluminum ranger and triton , and im not impressed with any of those in aluminum.  

[Catt]

Xpress Hyperlift if ya can afford it!

[tstone]

I saw you mentioned fishing bays, if you plan on fishing saltwater much I'd look for one with a galvanized or aluminum trailer. The painted steel trailers hate salt.

[slonezp]

 I would definitley if i had the money go with an xpress boat.  they have ironed out all of the kinks and they are some sick boats (also big and fast).

Have they resolved the "not so" dry storage issue?

[Catt]

Have they resolved the "not so" dry storage issue?

Aint heard that one!

[ww2farmer]

One of the best things I did for my tin boat was add a 24v variable speed trolling motor. 

Yup, me too. The next thing I am going to do is add a shallow water anchor.

[TNBASSIN]

i also plan on purchasing my first boat next year sometime and have decided to go with a Ranger RT 178 with a 24 volt trolling motor and Humminbird electronics.  I just have not decided what outboard engine to go with.  Maybe I could get some feed back on the following 2 engines.  75 hp Evinrude E-Tec or 75 hp Mercury Optimax?

[ww2farmer]

i also plan on purchasing my first boat next year sometime and have decided to go with a Ranger RT 178 with a 24 volt trolling motor and Humminbird electronics.  I just have not decided what outboard engine to go with.  Maybe I could get some feed back on the following 2 engines.  75 hp Evinrude E-Tec or 75 hp Mercury Optimax?

Personally.......neither. Go 4 stroke.

[FrogFreak]

I have a Crestliner VT17 and I really enjoy it. I did get the 24V trolling motor and I have an onboard 2 bank charger. I should have gotten a 3 bank but I listened to the silly sales guy who said 2 banks was enough. 

 

PM me if you want more info.

[TheBig1]

My wife and I had an agreement that I was going to get my boat in 2 years.  I was going to get a Tracker Pro Team 175.  Well this past spring while looking at Craigslist, because it was spring and I'm dying for a boat, I found a '99 Lowe 180 w/70hp Johnson on it for $5k.  I told the wife that if it was everything the guy said it was and wasn't a piece of junk that this was a good buy.  When I looked at it, it was all that!!!  He sold me everything that was in the boat also which was actually a lot of gear as far as boating items.  All I did was swap out the stock 42lb trolling motor for a used Craigslist 24v Minn Kota Maxxum Pro 80lb thrust trolling motor as well as put a 3 bank battery charger on there and my wife is now hooked on bass fishing herself.  We're out once to twice a week.

 

The point of this story is, I was looking at all of the brands of boats, Bass Tracker, Lowe, G3, etc... for their lowest "Bass boat" model which usually runs around $13k-$15k with prep and delivery which makes payments around $150-$200/month for 10-15 years but when I found deal I had to jump on it and we couldn't be happier.  For me to have bought an 18' boat brand new it would have cost around $18k-$20k if not just a tad bit more.  And be willing to look a few hours away on Craigslist, that's how I found a good deal on that trolling motor, it was 3 hours away and he met me half way in between.

 

We were actually fishing two weeks ago and a brand new looking red Tracker Pro Team 175 trolled past us as we were fishing a weed line and I told the wife that was the boat that we would have gotten in two years and she was grateful that we didn't.  It looked so small compared to our boat.

[iamham3]

Personally.......neither. Go 4 stroke.

 

Why do you suggest the 4 stroke?

[bighed]

I've had a Tracker and a Triton aluminum and both were good boats with many good features.  What turned me off to them was how badly the wind pushed these boats around.  At times it was nearly impossible to control them.  They dented easily when blown into timber as well.   

[jhoffman]

Why do you suggest the 4 stroke?

 

So when the cyl blows it costs you five times as much to fix it. Jk... not really. They both have ups and downs. 4 stroke, no need to burn oil constantly the newer two strokes are nothing like the older two strokes thats for sure. Whatever you get, #1 is fuel injection.

[iamham3]

I've had a Tracker and a Triton aluminum and both were good boths with many good features.  What turned me off to them was how badly the wind pushed these boats around.  At times it was nearly impossible to control them.  They dented easily when blown into timber as well.   

 

Would paying $5k-$10k more for fiberglass to keep from being pushed around by the wind be justified?  Was this only on very windy days, or was it even when it was just breezy as well?

 

I was told it would be less expensive to learn on an aluminum boat than fiberglass because timber would only dent aluminum, whereas fiberglass would end up with holes.

[TNBASSIN]

People I know that have aluminum boat have no problem on just breezy days (winds under 15 mph), on very windy days (winds above 15 mph) they don't go out.  I don't plan on being on the water on very windy days.  I bass fishing for the sport not to make a living.  I'm going with aluminum because the one's made today are not like those of old. They are good stable boats and a good all around value.   I asked about the Evinrude and Mercury to get some feed back on the two manufacturers.

[slonezp]

Would paying $5k-$10k more for fiberglass to keep from being pushed around by the wind be justified?  Was this only on very windy days, or was it even when it was just breezy as well?

 

I was told it would be less expensive to learn on an aluminum boat than fiberglass because timber would only dent aluminum, whereas fiberglass would end up with holes.

I paid fiberglass prices for an aluminum boat. I have a Lund 2010 Predator which is a musky/multispecies boat but if I had to describe it, it's an aluminum bass boat on steroids. This is my second aluminum boat and I had a 'glass boat prior to that. Wind can be a factor no matter what type boat you purchase. Aluminum boats tend to sit higher and can act like a sail. Much of that "problem" can be corrected with proper trolling motor operation, and better equipment such as a 24v or 36v trolling motor rather than a 12v system. Shallow water anchors and drift socks help as well and, guys with 'glass boats utilize these same items to make their days on the water less stressful. 

Fiberglass boats tend to weigh more and usually give a better ride in a chop. The difference in ride doesn't matter when it's calm to light winds. Common sense, proper boat handling, and time behind the wheel trumps whether the boat is tin or 'glass. 

Aluminum boats are no longer "beginner" boats unless you are researching jon boats. Todays tin rigs offer every bit the glass boats have and in most cases are less expensive to run and tow because they weigh less. Top end aluminum bass boats fully rigged for bass fishing run over $40k I would hardly call that beginner. 

I spent 3 years researching this boat purchase and looked at both aluminum and fiberglass boats. I fell in love with this boat as soon as I saw it. The storage, the layout, the size of the front deck, and the reputation of the manufacturer. It met every need I was looking for.     

[iamham3]

I paid fiberglass prices for an aluminum boat. I have a Lund 2010 Predator which is a musky/multispecies boat but if I had to describe it, it's an aluminum bass boat on steroids. This is my second aluminum boat and I had a 'glass boat prior to that. Wind can be a factor no matter what type boat you purchase. Aluminum boats tend to sit higher and can act like a sail. Much of that "problem" can be corrected with proper trolling motor operation, and better equipment such as a 24v or 36v trolling motor rather than a 12v system. Shallow water anchors and drift socks help as well and, guys with 'glass boats utilize these same items to make their days on the water less stressful. 

Fiberglass boats tend to weigh more and usually give a better ride in a chop. The difference in ride doesn't matter when it's calm to light winds. Common sense, proper boat handling, and time behind the wheel trumps whether the boat is tin or 'glass. 

Aluminum boats are no longer "beginner" boats unless you are researching jon boats. Todays tin rigs offer every bit the glass boats have and in most cases are less expensive to run and tow because they weigh less. Top end aluminum bass boats fully rigged for bass fishing run over $40k I would hardly call that beginner. 

I spent 3 years researching this boat purchase and looked at both aluminum and fiberglass boats. I fell in love with this boat as soon as I saw it. The storage, the layout, the size of the front deck, and the reputation of the manufacturer. It met every need I was looking for.     

 

Thanks a million for the insight!  This is the kind of info I'm looking for.  I'm definitely going to take my time and do plenty research before I pull the trigger.

[bighed]

Would paying $5k-$10k more for fiberglass to keep from being pushed around by the wind be justified?  Was this only on very windy days, or was it even when it was just breezy as well?

 

I was told it would be less expensive to learn on an aluminum boat than fiberglass because timber would only dent aluminum, whereas fiberglass would end up with holes.

 

I guess if beating the banks is what you like to do prob no big deal in an aluminum.  Trying to stay on structure in open water on a windy day is a different story.  I like doing the tourney thing so I fish whatever the condition, windy or not.  Up here its usually windy, 15-20 is normal.  I should say that mine was a hand control TM which I don't like and that may have added to my frustration.  You won't poke a hole through a glass boat but will scratch them on timber.  My pretty new white triton looked pretty bad in two years of bouncing off stumps.  It had stickers for graphics on the sides that looked cool till they got tore up too.  Kinda po'd me.  All that said, the triton had some features I really liked.  The 115 Merc 4 stroke would fish for days on $20 of gas.  The front deck was huge and so was the storage.  It towed easily and was easy to move by hand into my side entry garage.  After this boat I moved back to glass boats and do prefer them.  I'd say an aluminum boat WOULD be a great starter boat.  Inexpensive, cheap to operate, easy to tow, hard to sink.  JMHO

[slonezp]

I guess if beating the banks is what you like to do prob no big deal in an aluminum.  Trying to stay on structure in open water on a windy day is a different story.  I like doing the tourney thing so I fish whatever the condition, windy or not.  Up here its usually windy, 15-20 is normal.  I should say that mine was a hand control TM which I don't like and that may have added to my frustration.  You won't poke a hole through a glass boat but will scratch them on timber.  My pretty new white triton looked pretty bad in two years of bouncing off stumps.  It had stickers for graphics on the sides that looked cool till they got tore up too.  Kinda po'd me.  All that said, the triton had some features I really liked.  The 115 Merc 4 stroke would fish for days on $20 of gas.  The front deck was huge and so was the storage.  It towed easily and was easy to move by hand into my side entry garage.  After this boat I moved back to glass boats and do prefer them.  I'd say an aluminum boat WOULD be a great starter boat.  Inexpensive, cheap to operate, easy to tow, hard to sink.  JMHO

Oh? My Terrova Ipilot disagrees. This is what I meat by having the proper equipment for the type of fishing that one does. 

[bighed]

Oh? My Terrova Ipilot disagrees. This is what I meat by having the proper equipment for the type of fishing that one does. 

 

I'd love to try one but understand they are not effective in our timber filled lakes