New Bass Boat Help!

[Carolina Rig]

I’ve owned several boats in my day; but, this one will be the first that’s 100% dedicated to bass fishing.

 

I will mainly be fishing in West Texas.  I’ll fish a handful of tournaments each year, as time allows.  I don’t really have a price range.  I’d prefer to buy something new from a dealer and I’m leaning towards a glass boat that’s at least in the 19’ class.

 

I’m not entirely sure what’s out there these days and want to get the most bang for my buck as possible.  I don’t need to go super fast - I’m more interested in solid electronics and trolling motor, something that’s both comfortable and reliable, and something that doesn’t feel cramped with an extra angler on board (rare).  A big deck and plenty of storage are also important.

 

Interested to hear what you might recommend and any suggestions/pointers you have for considerations, accessories, and how the boat should be set up for fishing that part of the country.

 

Truck is not an issue - whatever it is, I can pull it.

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

CR

[Jig Man]

The first thing I would look at is the proximity of a dealership.  Quite often new rigs are going to have to go back to the dealership for items overlooked at rigging or to have some things tweaked.  Also find out about the dealers reputation and customer service.

 

The reason I mention this is I bought a boat from a dealership over 2 hours away.  They don't take appointments so I am expected to drop it off and wait ????? until they call me.  I took it back and was treated rudely by the owner when I questioned some of the setup (I will never go back there).  Finding these things out ahead of time can help you avoid a melt down later on.

 

Next do some reading about the boat that interests you.  You will have brand loyal guys rave about what they own.

I have my own brand preference but you need to decide on what works for you.

 

In today's world if you plan to sell or trade putting the max horse power on will help.  Do a lot of reading about trolling motors and electronics.  Minn Kota and Humminbird work well together as do Motor Guide and Lowrance.  Lowrance may be coming out with a trolling motor that works with their own units.  What ever electronics you get will be obsolete within a year.

 

Good luck on your quest.  Take your time, you won't regret it later.

 

 

[Carolina Rig]

Hey Jig Man,

 

Thanks for the advice.  I hadn't even considered the proximity of the dealership.

 

I'll admit, I am somewhat interested in Rangers.  Since I was a kid, the epitome of a bass boat was always a Ranger.  I've built a few out on their website that I'm happy with that are at a price point that I can tolerate.  However, the 'build your own' process is so overwhelming with all of the options, I'm not really sure what I need and what I don't need.

 

I do know that the majority of my fishing will be done solo and, for that reason, I think that some type of 'spot lock' feature between my GPS and the trolling motor would be pretty helpful.  My dad bought one of those aluminum Rangers and I'm fine running the trolling motor, I'm just guessing the wind in West Texas will be a little more considerable and having the ability to keep the boat in one spot while I tend to other things like landing a twelve pounder (more like getting unstuck from brush, grabbing a snack, or pulling a hook out of my finger) would be ideal.

 

Also, I've read a little bit about depth shading and even pre-selecting courses on the electronics and then having the trolling motor basically do an autopilot?

 

These are things that just didn't exist the last time I was fishing for large mouth.  So I'm hoping that, between now and when I make this purchase, I can learn a lot more about features that are currently available, what's going to suit me best for that part of the country, and what is considered 'fluff' or something that I shouldn't waste the money on.

 

Additionally, like I said earlier, I've always been interested in the Rangers simply because my perception was that they were the best bass boat money could buy.  Kinda like a kid thumbing through the Sears catalog before Christmas.  Now that I'm older and I'm ready to pull the trigger on one, I'm also interested in hearing some feedback on the other brands out there and how, specifically, they compare to Rangers in regards to quality of the build, experience for the angler, and value.

 

Thanks!

[TOXIC]

Everybody thinks they bought the best boat on the water and for that reason you need to go out and either climb around in or if possible get a ride on the boat manufacturers you are interested in.  Since you are buying new, most dealerships have sponsored anglers and it's their job to do demo rides and explain boat features.  I know because I was one for a number of years.  You will find that there will be boats that just "fit" you better than others.  It's best to study up and find out what you need/want from the boat so you can narrow down the choices.  Things like big motor manufacturer because as a rule, you can't get a mercury on a skeeter for example so if you were set on a merc, skeeter would be out.  Trolling motors and electronics are interchangeable but you are correct, some work in tandem with each other.  Every manufacturer lists options and measurements like deck width etc.  Good luck!!  Half the fun is the journey.  

[kenmitch]

Good luck on your quest for the perfect boat. As already mentioned dealer support should be a consideration when making your purchase. Texas is a big state and I'm sure there are many new boat dealers scattered from one end to the other. I guess it's just a matter of how far your willing to drive in the times of need. Maybe at least mention the general area in which you live. I'm sure many Texan bass anglers hang out in the forum.

[Carolina Rig]

Thanks Toxic,

 

I didn't know about that, either.  I'll call some dealerships when I'm down there to see about getting some rides.  I'm having a lot of fun reading about these boats.  I can't believe how much they've changed since I used to regularly fish from bass boats.

 

Can anyone comment on motor life?  I know it's probably foolish to think I can buy this one and have it last forever; but, part of getting the best bang for my buck is the lifespan of the boat so if any of these brands are prone to more issues than others, that would be nice to know, as well - motors included.

 

Does anyone here fish in Central/West Texas?  I had a buddy tell me to buy the biggest glass boat I can afford because it's windy and getting blown around is no fun.  I grew up fishing in a Tracker Pro Team 175 and that was plenty for a 16 year old kid.  Now that I'm a little older, I'm wondering about what size to buy.  I don't want to be constantly fighting the wind.  However, it seems like some Power Poles and a good trolling motor can combat a lot of that.

 

Any recommendations on size?  I'll be fishing by myself almost exclusively; but, it'd be nice to not feel cramped if someone else came along.  I'm thinking 19'.  Would 18' be okay?  Should I go up to 20'?

 

Also, I'm seeing some boats with livewells that are like 40 gallons and others that are like 25.  Can anyone comment on this?  I don't remember the size of the livewells on the boats I used to fish out of.  I'm aware of obvious things like "The fish will have more water in a 40 gallon livewell!!"  Just curious about how that might benefit or hurt someone fishing tournaments.

 

Sorry for all of the questions.  I promise I've already found your search function and have been using it profusely.  I just have a few more questions and enjoy speaking with folks about them specifically compared to looking over old information that might not be 100% relevant.

 

 

4 minutes ago, kenmitch said:

Good luck on your quest for the perfect boat. As already mentioned dealer support should be a consideration when making your purchase. Texas is a big state and I'm sure there are many new boat dealers scattered from one end to the other. I guess it's just a matter of how far your willing to drive in the times of need. Maybe at least mention the general area in which you live. I'm sure many Texan bass anglers hang out in the forum.

 

Thanks kenmitch,

 

I'm not 100% sure.  The job is based out of Midland/Odessa; but, I'll be all over the place working and I'll be living at work.  I'm thinking about renting an apartment while I'm down there so I have a place to go whenever I have time off.  If I do that, I'm strongly considering the Lubbock area to try to put a few hours between me and work on days off.  However, nothing is set in stone, at this point, so I can't really comment on exactly where I'll be living/storing a boat.

[Allaroundfishing]

to be completely honest I've only rode in two brands of bass boats a ranger and a few skeeters. Honestly I preferred the ranger over all three of the skeeters I rode in. Now I could be biased because the ranger that i rode in was a buddies 2008 520c with a 2017 Yamaha SHO 250. We were running lake Norman in 3-4 ft waves at 50+ mph and we stayed dry, comfortable"meaning my back didn't hurt like hell the next day" and never once did i feel unsafe in that boat, and with the yamaha on it when we were on flat water we pushed 74mph with 2 of us in it. the skeeters rode fine and i enjoyed them but youre right ranger is the epitome of a bass boat its stable, safe, long lasting and above all comfortable. but this is just my opinion on the matter. as for motors I have never had problems with my yamaha.

[J Francho]

FYI, Skeeter is Yamaha.

 

For the OP, I'd say get some seat time, even if it's just at the dealership.  Poke around, look at the storage, features, and learn what options are out there for that boat.

[Allaroundfishing]

18 hours ago, J Francho said:

FYI, Skeeter is Yamaha.

 

For the OP, I'd say get some seat time, even if it's just at the dealership.  Poke around, look at the storage, features, and learn what options are out there for that boat.

yea I know that yamahas come standard on skeeters my buddy just re-powered his ranger with the yami because he was so impressed by the performance. All the skeeters i have drove or rode in have impressed me but to me nothing rides like a ranger so i am a little biased ?‍♂️?

[Jig Man]

You mentioned motors.  My last one was an Optimax.  I ran it for 14 years and had very few repair bills non of which exceeded $400.  Ranger was my boat of choice until I went to make the deal.  They wanted $75,000 for it and offered me 25% below trade value for mine.  So I opted out.

 

If I were to make a list for myself, it would include Ranger, Phoenix, and the new Charger 210 Elite (Champion 210 with Charger emblems on the side of the boat).

 

On my current boat I have a Mercury Verado.  I never knew how much I would like a 4 stroke motor.  When I is idling I have to look back at the pee hole to see if it is running.

 

You also mentioned sonar units and trolling motors.  Lowrance and motorguide can be linked.  (There is rumor that Lowrance will be building their own trolling motors and severing the current tie).  Humminbird and Minn Kota can be linked.  I am in the process of switching from L & M to H & MK.

 

My philosophy is you can not have a boat too large or a trolling motor too powerful.