Mod V vs Deep V for bass fishing

[ChelseaFisher]

Greetings!  I'm very new to bass fishing, but am already thinking about a boat.  I know, it's nuts, but it's also addicting.  What are the pros/cons of these two different types.....other than just how they look.  I'm in Alabama and would be fishing the various lakes with driving distance of Birmingham....Martin, Logan-Martin, Lay and Mitchell.  TIA

[Hig4s]

Deep V is better cutting through rough water and generally has a higher person/weight capacity in the same length of boat, Mod V usually is more stable in calm water and better for standing and casting, also usually allows shallower water access. I just went through the same thing and bought a 17.5 ft Mod V. I don't plan on doing any rough water fishing. It has a 4 person capacity, but really is great for two, and only OK for three people fishing. But it drafts less than 2 ft.

[Deleted account]

In a boat with little draft and freeboard as are bass boats, the size and weight of the boat is going to be as important if not more important than the running bottom. Sure some boats of same size are going to run better than others, but you aren't going to run hard into any serious seas. Experience and judgement go a long way as well. 300 horses behind a 21 ft boat, what could possibly go wrong (See Kevin Hart Barracuda incident)...

[WRB]

Draft is the depth of the hull below the water line measured in inches for small fresh water boats, freeboard the distance above the water line, engine skeg hits bottom long before the hull.. V bottom boat is a little misleading regarding small fishing boats, the deep V is the bow end, the middle to stern bottom planning surface is nearly flat on aluminum boats. 

I think of a aluminum modified V being a Bass Tracker*  hull design to maximize deck surface area and storage. If you are including glass boats the hull bottom contours are more complex and can run across 2' white capped water with ease.

XPress aluminum hulls are similar to glass if you want a aluminum hull capable to run in 2' white capped water. If the waves are exceeding 2' you need to slow way down in small boats.

Tom

* Bass Tracker aluminum boats are very popular because they are good for bass fishing for the vast majority of recreational anglers.

[ChelseaFisher]

I’m just talking small lakes around Alabama....definitely nothing like 2’ waves.  The trackers caught my eye because A) I see a lot of them and )B they are affordable for a recreational fisher which is all I aspire to be.

 

i am married with a 10 year old.  I think I would certainly go Mod, but the Deep I wonder if it would be better for just cruising around with the two of them on occasion......also may be an easier sale for the wife which never hurts 

[NorcalBassin]

A few years ago I was in the market for a new boat and ended up going with a 21' deep hull with a 115 Honda. I try to take my dad out bass fishing as much as possible, and the inside of the boat and seating is a lot more stable and comfortable for someone 70+ with multiple joint replacements. Under deck storage is significantly less compared to a traditional bass boat, but the side storage brings a decent amount of that back and hitting typical afternoon waves at WOT (41mph) and no concern is pretty great. I thought I would miss not having a traditional bass boat, but I have to admit I couldn't be happier with the purchase. 

[haggard]

Largely dictated by the size of the water you'll typically be fishing. I had a mod V that worked great for some of the lakes up here (900 acres or less), but probably wouldn't be too great on the 1,800 acre lake on a choppy day.

[Hig4s]

4 hours ago, ChelseaFisher said:

I’m just talking small lakes around Alabama....definitely nothing like 2’ waves.  The trackers caught my eye because A) I see a lot of them and )B they are affordable for a recreational fisher which is all I aspire to be.

 

i am married with a 10 year old.  I think I would certainly go Mod, but the Deep I wonder if it would be better for just cruising around with the two of them on occasion......also may be an easier sale for the wife which never hurts 

I ended up going with a Lowe boat, not too much more than a Tracker, but seemed much better quality to me. Of course time will tell.

[deadadrift89]

On 9/6/2019 at 4:52 PM, ChelseaFisher said:

I’m just talking small lakes around Alabama....definitely nothing like 2’ waves.  The trackers caught my eye because A) I see a lot of them and )B they are affordable for a recreational fisher which is all I aspire to be.

 

i am married with a 10 year old.  I think I would certainly go Mod, but the Deep I wonder if it would be better for just cruising around with the two of them on occasion......also may be an easier sale for the wife which never hurts 

  Mod V would be good choice for fishing that situation.

   Regarding Tracker, the Pro Team 175 twx has enough storage for tackle and would also be fine to take wife and child on lake/river excursions. You can find good deals on used ones with low motor hours. 

  I gave my oldest child my larger fiberglass Stratos and bought a 2013 Pro Team with 40hrs. last year so I can tow behind our 5th wheel camper and have no regrets. It's on second trip to Minnesota right now? 

[Jleebesaw]

I have a tracker 170 mod v and really like it. It's on the small side, but it's a great little boat for 2 people bass fishing. 3 adults would be cramped for fishing. It handles rough water fairly well within reason. It's a wet ride though. Any wind and that sucker sprays you when you are moving at speed. I have been saying my next boat will be a glass bass boat, but I'm looking more and more at deep v boats. I'm a multi species guy, and the tracker is not ideal when fishing perch or walleyes when its 40 degrees outside.