Getting A Bass Boat.. Recommendations ?

[Mainebass1984]

 I am seriously looking into buying a bass boat. I don't want to break the bank  with a 45,000 - 60,000 dollar boat. I am looking into boats with a single axle trailer and 150-200 hp. I would very much prefer a brand new boat not a used one. I was thinking about getting a skeeter but I am undecided. I would like to hear everybodies recommendation and opinions on what brand of bass boat to get and why.

[starcraft1]

I've owned 5 so far and the best by far (imo) is the Skeeter zx202dc I own now. I had a 2003 Triton 21' with a Yamaha 250 - good ride sluggist out of the hole, 97' ranger 520 - great ride - slow boat, and a 16' Jason - 90 h.p. Evinrude - rough ride, fast (58mph) for it's size, great for skinny (shallow) water and tight places. As for a single axle trailer boat, you'll have to stay in the 18 to 20' range (Triton has a single axle on their 20'er). 18' & 19' will have a rougher ride on the water, harder to fish with 2 anglers (boat movement & fishing room), but if your fishing smaller waters those 2 would be the way to go. I think you'll find (in tournaments) a 19' would be the shortest I'd go. If this is your 1st boat, I'd look for a 19' 175 or 200 hp in the used department. A 2005 or newer (for the motor's sake - low hrs.). BWARE! If you find a cheeried older boat, first look at the motor hrs. and take it to a marine mech. you know to have it checked out. Skeeter is a very fast "out of the hole" hull and team it with a 200 Yahama HPDI and you'll have a 70 mph + ride. Skeeter's are a learn to drive type of hull and will throw you off your game if your not ready for the power and quick hole shot. I've had my 202 up to 73 mph (with complete rebuild on a 200? h.p. V-Max. Their also a very quick on responce, so keep your eye on the water and both hands on the wheel. Make sure it has colum trim.

Good luck!

[starcraft1]

Sorry, forgot the other 2, they were older boats I bought in the 80's

[Brian6428]

I love my triton! it is an '07 Tr186 with a 150 merc. If you have any specific questions that I could answer i would be happy to. The Nitro z8 is a very good looking boat as well. Skeeter and ranger make very good boats but I'm not familiar with them.

[Brian6428]

I've owned 5 so far and the best by far (imo) is the Skeeter zx202dc I own now. I had a 2003 Triton 21' with a Yamaha 250 - good ride sluggist out of the hole, 97' ranger 520 - great ride - slow boat, and a 16' Jason - 90 h.p. Evinrude - rough ride, fast (58mph) for it's size, great for skinny (shallow) water and tight places. As for a single axle trailer boat, you'll have to stay in the 18 to 20' range (Triton has a single axle on their 20'er). 18' & 19' will have a rougher ride on the water, harder to fish with 2 anglers (boat movement & fishing room), but if your fishing smaller waters those 2 would be the way to go. I think you'll find (in tournaments) a 19' would be the shortest I'd go. If this is your 1st boat, I'd look for a 19' 175 or 200 hp in the used department. A 2005 or newer (for the motor's sake - low hrs.). BWARE! If you find a cheeried older boat, first look at the motor hrs. and take it to a marine mech. you know to have it checked out. Skeeter is a very fast "out of the hole" hull and team it with a 200 Yahama HPDI and you'll have a 70 mph + ride. Skeeter's are a learn to drive type of hull and will throw you off your game if your not ready for the power and quick hole shot. I've had my 202 up to 73 mph (with complete rebuild on a 200? h.p. V-Max. Their also a very quick on responce, so keep your eye on the water and both hands on the wheel. Make sure it has colum trim.

Good luck!

Make sure it has column trim AND a hot foot. One is worthless without the other IMO.

[slonezp]

First, find out who the reputable dealers/mechanics are in your area. Narrow your choices down from there

[bobh64]

Bought my Tracker Avalanche from a my local marine dealer used, You can't go wrong with Nitro/tracker I was lucky the dealer had all the records on everything they had done on the boat. I am very sold on these boats very rugged. My next one will be a Nitro for sure. I second the responder saying check your local dealer/mechanic you will need them.

[Logan S]

A few smaller points that often go unnoticed.  

 

You can never have too much storage, especially front deck storage.  No explanation needed .

 

Flush mounted electronics are really nice, but after 5 or so years when you want to upgrade it can be a PITA.  My boat sports a now unused smaller Lowrance mounted in the dash because I can't fit any of my newer, larger stuff into the mount/hole.  RAM mounts are also more functional in that you can turn them around to face the front deck if you wanted/needed to.  Also nice to be able take your $1000+ units inside when travelling for safe keeping.  

 

Get the biggest you can afford and store, I've never heard anyone wish they went smaller...But plenty who wish they went bigger.  

[South FLA]

If I were in the market for a quality bass boat, I would seriously consider Bass Cat boats.  When shopping for boats, make sure you can test drive it and put a fulls day fishing in on one to see what you do/don't like and compare it to others.   

 

Beware of value boat manufactures, not because they are bad boats, but when you look closely at components (outboard motor type, trolling motor, electronics, deck hardware, compartment hinges, electronic wiring, battery types, water pump types,  etc), craftsmanship (gel coat thickness/quality, do the lids close correctly, is it easy to get to water pumps, are systems well engineered or gimmicky, etc) , trailer quality (Torsion axle vs. suspension, types of rims, brakes or no brakes, galvanized or aluminum, painted or some type of durable coating, hub type, tire size and load rating) , etc, that is where the manufacture cuts cost and entice those into pulling the trigger on a less expensive boat.    Last, but not least make sure if you don't service the boat yourself that you are close enough to the dealer for service or at least have a local marina that you trust have the boat serviced for you.   No sense in choosing an Bass Cat over a Ranger/Skeeter/Charger etc.  if the nearest dealer for Bass Cat is 3 hours away, when you can get service less than 30 minutes away.  

 

At the lower end of your budget you could get a nice Bass Cat Sabre w/150HP and have money left over or in the middle you could get a Bass Cat Eyra with a 200HP outboard.   

[Christian M]

Are you leaning toward a glass or aluminum boat? That should be one of the first things you address. I'm guessing from the HP you are looking for you're leaning toward a glass boat. If you fish smaller, more shallow waters then you might want to go tin. If you're fishing bigger, deeper waters then glass is a good choice...just my 2 pennies