"Bass boat" or deep V?

[Elkins45]

I live in KY. I mostly fish for bass, but I also jug for catfish and muskie fish in the fall. Often I will fish and camp for 3-4 days, and as retirement gets close I hope to do a whole bunch more of this. I'm looking at used boats in the $10K range. Dealers have all sorts of "bass boats" but there are also a few deep V types at similar prices. Most of the Vs are configured so there's a lot more space in them for "stuff" as opposed to the bass boats that are mostly flat decks with storage spaces under doors. The Vs also have a much higher load and person capacity for the same trailer weight and the physics teacher in me assumes this is because they displace more water.

 

What are the advantages of a deep V configuration as opposed to a traditional "bass boat" for use as an all-around fishing boat? I think I remember reading somewhere that the V is better for rough water? What makes a "bass boat" better for bass fishing?

 

[Junk Fisherman]

The advantage of the Deep V is it generally runs better in choppier water compared to the flatter front of the bass boat.  You will lose deck space in the Deep V and will have a very narrow back deck unless you look at some of the newer options.  The Deep V's higher sides will catch more wind and will make boat control more difficult in the wind.  The bass boat will be better on the trolling motor and you will be lower to the water and have a better platform to fish shallow cover.  I like the saying- you fish "on" a bass boat and "in" a Deep V.  

 

I would decide what is most important to you.  If you are looking for a more versatile boat that handles rougher water better, get the Deep V.  If you want a better bass boat- get the bass boat.  You can do either type of fishing in either boat.  

 

I would get the bass boat and simply don't fish the real rough days when you are retired.  I have run plenty of trout line and jugs with my dad in his old Tracker so it can done.  Good luck.  

[Fishing Rhino]

The deep "V" will give you a better ride, but, the boat will move around more in the wind because the sides are higher.

 

All boats are compromises.  A bass boat is a specialized rig.  It is built for fishing efficiency not comfort.  They have low sides to reduce the impact of the wind when fishing.  The low sides may also allow the wake of another boat to slop over the stern.

 

You are more likely to fall over the side of a bass boat because you are basically on a flat platform with no depth other than in the cockpit.

 

Anything that is optimally built for one specific purpose is not likely to be good at other things.

 

Only you can decide what is best for you.

 

 

[slonezp]

In addition to what was said, a bass boat gives you the feeling that you are fishing/riding "on" the boat. A deep v gives you the feeling you are fishing/riding  "in" the boat.

[Way2slow]

A bass but is not going to be friendly jug fishing if you have more than an handful.  They are designed to put you lower to the water with fairly unobstructed casting, and room to move around.  Other than the small, low area at the seats, everything is a flat surface elevated to within a few inches of the top edge.  Not exactly an ideal area to have a bunch of jugs being blown by the wind when running down the lake.

At the same time, the deep V would be great for your jug fishing and most everything else, but not so good for bass fishing. 

So, are you primarily a bass fisherman that does a little other types, or are mostly a multi-species fisherman that enjoys a little bass fishing in the spring and fall when they are easier to catch and fish for everything else between those times.

 

You could take the decision process out and just buy both.

[fishnkamp]

Try this, since you are now very aware of you two choices, go watch some of the shows like Bass Masters, FLW, abd Major League fishing. Watch closely at how they fish, how their boats handle. Then watch shows like Lindner's fishing edge, Babe Winkelman's Good Fishing, In Fisherman and others.  These guys fish all types of waters, fish from all designs of V hulls and fish for all species of fish. Watch how they  handle big waters, rivers, and small bodies of water.  Then go look online and see what floor plans fit your style of fishing. Make sure you consider your body of water and the challenges it presents.  In my case, I have owned 11 boats, everything from canoes and jons to big fiberglass rocket ships. I currently fish from an aluminum bass boat. Several years back I purchased this boat to fish a couple of decent size lakes.  I outfitted it great and it met my needs. Now I fish tidal rivers and the Upper Chesapeake Bay. I am having difficulty sitting still to fish around docks due to current. The boat is big enough to get kicked around by current and wind but not heavy enough to stay put. Since I can not afford two power poles I am thinking about adding brackets and shallow water anchor poles.  So no one boat excels everywhere. Sometimes it is just a compromise.  If you fish for bass, cats, crappie and other species the V hull with no carpet may be an advantage. Even some of the newer style bass boats offered a spray in liner or removable carpet.  That can be nice. 

[WRB]

Both deep V and traditional "bass" boats ride the same at speeds over 30mph, on the planning pad. The difference is a deep V cuts through waves better because of the gunnel height and narrower front end at speeds when not on a plane.

Boats  differ between glass and aluminum, glass boats are heavier, apples and oranges so make comparison considering weight when deciding on your boat. 

Higher gunnel height equals drier ride for passengers without a wind shield, another consideration. Bass boats have more dry storage than most deep V boats, there are exceptions. 

If you plan to fish from the front of the boat primarily, then a bass boat excels. If you plan to fish with more than 2 anglers, troll and use rod holders a deep V excels.

Choices!

Tom

[Elkins45]

I think I need a tall front casting deck and just a bunch of open space down near the console and rear. Sort of a "semi bass boat." Is there such an animal?

[Junk Fisherman]

33 minutes ago, Elkins45 said:

I think I need a tall front casting deck and just a bunch of open space down near the console and rear. Sort of a "semi bass boat." Is there such an animal?

I considered a Crestliner Fish Hawk for a long time.  It has one of the biggest front decks in its class yet it has open space around the cockpit since it doesn't have a large rear casting deck.  I don't think people would call it a "semi-bass boat" but it is one of the better tin deep Vs for bass fishing IMO.  

[slonezp]

48 minutes ago, Elkins45 said:

I think I need a tall front casting deck and just a bunch of open space down near the console and rear. Sort of a "semi bass boat." Is there such an animal?

Yes but finding one in your price range might be tough

[Ohio Archer]

I'm very happy with my v hull compared to my bass boat. Much more comfortable. I bass, crappie and Muskie fish from it without any problems. It is a walk-thru windshield type that really helps in the fall and early winter. No more getting drenched on cool, windy days. There is more floor space than the BB but somewhat less compartment storage.  The back deck on the v hull was very narrow but mine came with an optional flip up deck extension that has folding seats underneath. 

 

 Cost considerably more than $10k though 

[RoLo]

Having owned many trihedral hulls & deep-V hulls, it all boils down to one word 'COMPROMISE'.

Differently put, it's a choice that only the captain can make.

 

A bass boat is more stable at rest, a pike boat is more stable underway (that's all she wrote).

A bass boat might offer more topside deck space, but most of your equipment will be stored

underneath a lidded compartment (big drag). In most deep-V hulls though, your gear will be

readily accessible, gear that you'd better remove in restauarant & hotel parking lots.

Though I currently own a bass boat, I have an eternal crush on deep-V utility boats & center-consoles.

 

Roger

 

[Scott F]

There is a boat that I think would fit what you're looking for and would fit your budget. Your biggest problem might be finding one. Today, Ranger offers the "Fisherman" series of boats. Over the years, they have evolved into huge, expensive, battleships meant for the walleye, musky tournament fishermen. Back in the day beginning in the late 80's they were smaller, lighter, inexpensive, multi species boats. The models produced in the 90's refined the design and were good for bass fishing, kept the occupants dry, but were not the very deep V's seen today. I still have mine from 1988. The only thing I'd trade it for is a mid to late 90's model with a bigger gas tank. Look for the model 681VS

Edited January 29, 2017 by Scott F

[WRB]

You can search "fish & ski" bass boats.

Tom

[SWMIBASSER]

You said you will fish and camp for 3-4 days. How do you think that will influence your boat decision. I'm just curious as I haven't noticed that mentioned in a thread about choosing boats. 

[Elkins45]

39 minutes ago, Sanother siteBASSER said:

You said you will fish and camp for 3-4 days. How do you think that will influence your boat decision. I'm just curious as I haven't noticed that mentioned in a thread about choosing boats. 

 

Because when I'm first loading the boat it gets loaded with a tent, food/water for multiple days, backpack, etc. as well as the normal compliment of tackle boxes, rods and other fishing stuff. A flat deck makes me think getting to the console would be like running an obstacle course if I have to pile up all that stuff instead of just dumping it in the deep space.

 

I used to own a 16' Glasstron (I think) from the 70's that I bought used. It was sorta like what I mentioned, with a flat spot in the front. Some previous owner had built a platform in the rear but I tore it out so I could use the floor space. I wish I had taken a picture of it. It had all the problems you would expect a $2000 boat to have, so I sold it about 20 years ago and bought a 16' Lowe 1648 Jon boat that I still have. I built a low platform in front to mount a casting seat and I am fairly comfortable fishing with it orher than the fact it wanders all over the lake in the wind. Because I most often fish a HP restricted lake nearby it has a 9.5 tiller steer. My plan is to keep it and add a boat for fishing bigger water with 40-50 HP so it has a bit of speed.

 

If I had to I could scrape up 14-15K, but if I'm spending that much money I'm probably going to buy something new so at least I know I can get three good years out of it before the repair bills become my own.

 

Edit: I think I'm wrong about the boat brand I used to own. It might have been Astroglass or something like that. It was a bass boat but it had sort of an odd modified tri-v bow configuration. It weighted a ton but it was great in the wind.

[SWMIBASSER]

Considering the budget, how it'll be used and the HP you are looking at I would be looking at a 16-17ft TILLER deep V. 

 

Casting deck up size up front, as well as storage can be more than adequate with an extension.

The rest of the boat will be wide open. 

 

[gim]

If you primarily bass fish via the traditional casting method, a bass boat works better using a bow mount up front.  If you do more trolling, back trolling, anchor fishing, etc then a multi-species deep v would be better.  Another thing to consider is how many people you are going to have in the boat most of the time.  Bass boats are not really designed for anything more than 2 people, regardless of whether they are 18 feet long or 21 feet long.

 

The Lund Pro V Bass is kind of a hybrid bass/multi species/deep v boat.  It sits higher than a bass boat but it has optional layouts of a deep v but finding one for $10 grand might be a problem.

[Elkins45]

Honestly I really miss having a steering wheel. I think tiller steering is fine for small engines but at speed I like being further forward in the boat. I also like being able to stand up and steer, to look for logs, submerged timber or rocks.

 

I almost always fish by myself. Two people at the most. When my wife is with me she's just boating.

[Junk Fisherman]

You are going to have to compromise somewhere since there is not a boat that can do everything great.  Decide what is most important and then get that kind of boat.  Make everything else work.  With that said, the deep V sounds like it is the best compromise taking into consideration all the different things you want to do.  Now if you skip docks and pitch shallow cover 50% time, you probably won't be satisfied but for all other types of bass fishing a deep V is fine.  

 

And I know all about compromising with your boat choice.  I wanted a boat so I could do Great Lakes smallmouth fishing but still be able to put on a kicker motor and fish horsepower restricted lakes.    My boat has a semi-deep V layout and it is not ideal for shallow water largemouth fishing but I make it work.  

[fishnkamp]

What part of the country do you live in? 

[NorcalBassin]

I had a similar decision to make when I upgraded a couple years ago... "v" won for me so I could also tow the kids around on a tube. There have been a couple times I would have liked having a bass boat such as when a co-angler (friend) likes to be up on the front deck with me, but outside of that I've been very happy with the "v." 

[Elkins45]

1 hour ago, fishnkamp said:

What part of the country do you live in? 

 

Kentucky, and I generally fish in-state. The only time I really see rough water is on Kentucky Lake because the main body is really wide but quite shallow outside the river channel. On summer afternoons the whitecaps really jarred my teeth out in my heavy old bass boat.

[fishnkamp]

Would a boat like this interest you?   https://lexington.craigslist.org/boa/5978607898.html

Here is another one https://lexington.craigslist.org/bod/5952364252.html

Here is a much newer one.  It's at the upper limit of your budget but it is a 2015.

https://lexington.craigslist.org/bod/5952074446.html

 

If a more traditional bass boat layout is what you may want take a look at this one. It is rare to even see a Ranger Cherokee come up for sale.  https://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/5973612865.html

 

[Elkins45]

7 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Would a boat like this interest you?   https://lexington.craigslist.org/boa/5978607898.html

Here is another one https://lexington.craigslist.org/bod/5952364252.html

Here is a much newer one.  It's at the upper limit of your budget but it is a 2015.

https://lexington.craigslist.org/bod/5952074446.html

 

If a more traditional bass boat layout is what you may want take a look at this one. It is rare to even see a Ranger Cherokee come up for sale.  https://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/5973612865.html

 

Thanks for the links. I hadn't seen the Sea Nymph because I limited my searches to newer boats. It looks pretty good but I'm not sure about a boat that old--by now I would expect the wiring to be cracking and maybe the deck/carpet to have begun to rot. I know condition is more important than age but time seems to take its toll on stuff, especially when it's just siting around.

 

There's a dealer nearby that has the same model Lowe in a 2014 still unsold for $14K. I'm going to go take a look at it this week.