Bass Boat Length

[Tackleholic]

Is the significant cost difference between a 20 foot boat and a 21 foot boat worth it?  What is the advantage?  Reference a Triton, Bass Cat, Ranger, or Vexus.

[OnthePotomac]

They are both out of my league, so I would not have a hint except to say a little more deck space.  Others can comment on whether a 21 can handle a 300hp and maybe a 20 cannot, but I do not have a clue.

[Shimano_1]

I honestly feel that a 20 ft boat is better for what i would want. Pretty sure I read that denny brauer ran a 20ft boat for years because it was a little easier to maneuver.  Most 20ft rigs are going to handle a 250 which is all I'd ever want on a bass rig. Obviously the 21ft boats give u a little more deck and storage as well as a little better ride in big water. Personally I can't see a situation where I'd be in a 20ft boat and be saying man I wish this rig was a foot longer.  I just traded in a 20ft Triton a few months ago for an aluminum rig. It was all the boat a man would have ever needed for any type of bass fishing. 

[Jig Man]

Even with a swing away tongue a 20’ is as long as I want in my garage and it is deeper than most garages.

[John O]

The longer the hull the better the ride in big water I have a Triton TR-22 and a Triton 180. The 180 is much more maneuverable in the creeks and shallow channels....

[WRB]

We used 19' bass boats as the ideal length for years until longer decks accommodated 2 anglers up front. 

Overall boat length includes a jack plate, the engine and troller motor; 22' bass boat is about 26' o/a length.

Tom

[Boomstick]

I am definitely no pro, but I would look first and foremost at deck space. How many people will be fishing on your boat with any sort of regularity? A 20' foot boat will accommodate two in the front and one in the back very comfortably, and that would be my first measurement of which boat to buy. Other advantages of the shorter boat is the shorter boat will handle better in tight spaces, might be slightly cheaper to buy and tow and easier to launch. The larger boat should provide better stability on choppy water and might accommodate more horsepower.

 

I would really be happy with a 18 footer myself, although space is definitely tighter with two up front but I have been on a 17 footer and my oldest son and myself were able to find room -- it helps that I cast left handed and he casts right handed.