Aluminum Boats... Best Bang For Your Buck

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

Looking into a 16’-17’ aluminum bass boat... any thoughts? I’ve looked into almost all the manufacturers.  Just looking for some opinions. I personally like the Xpress, but I’m also a fan of the Triton and love the value of the Tracker. Any insight would be appreciated. 

[Jig Man]

Xpress has the lift of a glass boat.  Most Trackers are under powered and plow through the water.

[Catt]

Ya talking aluminum Jon boats or aluminum bass boat?

[crypt]

xpress...crestliner...lowe….in that order.

[slonezp]

It's relative to the way you fish and the water you fish. You don't need a Pro V Bass if you're fishing 400 acre lakes and you certainly don't want to take a flat bottom out on the great lakes. Do you need 15 combos on the deck at one time or can you get away with 2 or 3? How much storage do you need? Fishing alone or with others? Tournaments? Answer some of these questions and then narrow down the choices.

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

5 hours ago, Catt said:

Ya talking aluminum Jon boats or aluminum bass boat?

Just a side console. Bass boat would be better as far as storage is concerned I think I’d be alright with a jon boat. 

3 hours ago, slonezp said:

It's relative to the way you fish and the water you fish. You don't need a Pro V Bass if you're fishing 400 acre lakes and you certainly don't want to take a flat bottom out on the great lakes. Do you need 15 combos on the deck at one time or can you get away with 2 or 3? How much storage do you need? Fishing alone or with others? Tournaments? Answer some of these questions and then narrow down the choices.

I usually have 8 rods total... 10 at the most. I’m going to start fishing tournaments next year so I suppose occasionally I’ll be fishing with others. I’d consider maybe going to an 18ft if I go with a jon boat. 

[Catt]

52 minutes ago, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

Just a side console. Bass boat would be better as far as storage is concerned I think I’d be alright with a jon boat

 

Practically all aluminum boat manufacturers allow you to add options like side console, rod storage, extended front deck, & others.

 

Unless you buy Xpress's Hyperlift series their other hulls are no different than everyone else.

 

Due to motor restrictions I'm running a 16' long 52" bottom Alweld with a 40 hp Tohatsu tiller. And yes I fish Toledo Bend out of it, I just pick-n-choose where I launch.

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

@Catt I mostly fish the marsh so I don’t cross many large lakes. I’m planning on fishing some tournaments as a “pro” instead of a co-angler next year so I’m going to need an upgrade from my little jon boat. I never thought about customizing another jon boat to my liking, but I am now and I’m liking the idea. 

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

@Catt What size transom do you have? And how fast do you run with that 40hp?

[Catt]

3 hours ago, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

@Catt What size transom do you have? And how fast do you run with that 40hp?

 

Standard 21" transom 

 

I'm running 40-43 mph according to a radar gun ?

 

1652 modified vee tunnel hull with Nauticus Smart Tabs

[Hower08]

How much do you want to spend. If you really want to go all out go look at vexus

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

3 hours ago, Hower08 said:

How much do you want to spend. If you really want to go all out go look at vexus

Definitely not looking to spend that much lol. 

3 hours ago, Catt said:

 

Standard 21" transom 

 

I'm running 40-43 mph according to a radar gun ?

 

1652 modified vee tunnel hull with Nauticus Smart Tabs

Just came across a friend with a Lowe 1652 with a side console. He blew the motor and decided to go fiberglass so he’s trying to get rid of the hull and trailer. 

[Hower08]

I would buy that boat if the price is right and it's got a decent trailer under it. Build the decks and storage the way you want and throw a tohatsu on it. It's probably rated for 40-50 hp which will push that boat well. Add a 24v tm and your set. 

[Troy85]

15 hours ago, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

@Catt I mostly fish the marsh so I don’t cross many large lakes. I’m planning on fishing some tournaments as a “pro” instead of a co-angler next year so I’m going to need an upgrade from my little jon boat. I never thought about customizing another jon boat to my liking, but I am now and I’m liking the idea. 

I have an 18' Xpress with the hyperlift hull, 115hp.  I think its a great boat for the marsh, I fish everything from the Pearl River system down to Venice.  Handles most marsh ponds and bays without an issue.  Also, has pretty good hole shot for getting out of those shallower places.