BassCats Posted February 12, 2009 Posted February 12, 2009 What boat size do you prefer and why? I currently have a 16 ft fisher but am looking to upgrade in the next couple years. I want a larger boat and one made of fiberglass. The wind and traffic play hell on my small aluminum. Quote
drmnbig Posted February 13, 2009 Posted February 13, 2009 I started out in a 16' aluminum deepv then went to a 17 foot fiberglass bass boat and now a 18 1/2' fish and ski. I can say with ease that the bigger the boat the better I like it. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted February 13, 2009 Super User Posted February 13, 2009 I started with a 10' jon boat-kept that, then got a 14' aluminum bass boat, then a 15' aluminum bass boat, then a 18' fiberglass bass boat, plus a 12' jon boat. I have since sold the 10' jon, 12' jon, and fiberglass boat, and now have a 16' aluminum bass boat. At no point did I ever feel that I had one big enough or fast enough. What I have now covers all the waters I fish the most or care to fish. If you want a short cut, get the largest/fastest boat with the biggest motor. Quote
Super User cart7t Posted February 13, 2009 Super User Posted February 13, 2009 I just don't think I'd be any happier with a 20' boat than the 18 1/2 I have now. Yes, the storage space would be greatly appreciated but I can't imagine the extra expenses involved. Bigger engine in the tow vehicle, bigger OB. Both burning more gas. In fact, I often miss my old 16 1/2 foot superV Champion. It was quick, great handling little boat that could get into the tightest spots. Quote
SkeeterZX225 Posted February 13, 2009 Posted February 13, 2009 I started with a 10' jon boat, went to a 14' jon boat, then a 16 1/2' Tracker, then a 18 1/2' Skeeter, and now a 20' Skeeter. IMO opinion the 20' is the best. I can still get it into tight places and shallow water. But its plenty big enough to handle rough water, fast, smooth dry ride. Alot more storage than the 18 1/2' and more room when fishing three people. Quote
IDbasser Posted February 13, 2009 Posted February 13, 2009 I have a 14 ft aluminum semi v-hull with a 30hp that works well for some places, and I have an 18 ft fiberglass with a 150hp that I like for the bigger waters. The 18 ft works well for me when the dang water skiers think they need to drive their boat right next to me. Quote
bass or bass ? Posted February 13, 2009 Posted February 13, 2009 I have a 16' fiberglass boat with 80hp motor. This boat works great on our large deep reservoirs here in Arizona. It's plenty fast (45-50 mph) small enough that I can launch and recover by myself, and is roomy enough for 2 to fish 12 to 24 hours comfortably. I have a friend with a 24 foot boat and it requires 2 people to launch and recover. I'm satisfied with my boat. Happy fishing. ~B.A.S.S.~N.A.F.C.~BoatU.S.~ Quote
Super User Way2slow Posted February 13, 2009 Super User Posted February 13, 2009 It would take me a while to remember all the boats I've had since I bought my first one in 1965. Well, actually my first was a 17' Grumman canoe I bought in 62. I've always had extremely fast for their day and most all were overpowered. For a number of years I stuck with 17' size boats because I could put a 200 on them and run in the 70's with no problems. For the past 20 years I haven't had a boat that would not run at least 70+ mph. About 15 years ago I got my first 18 1/2' boat and thought those were great. Then about five years ago I bought my first 20' boat a Javelin R20. Now I don't think there's any way I would even want to drop back to an 18 1/2'. I kept my 285 Pro for several years thinking it would make a nice boat just to keep at the lake but when we went, we always used the Javelin so I gave the Stratos to my son. I just nice to be able to ride comfortable at 75 mph and have plenty of room to move around on the decks. As for aluminum boats, I have a 15' Fisher with a 50 Johnson I use in the river and I guess I'm just too old for those tin cans. I took it down to the St Johns river a couple of times bream fishing and it would take 20 minutes for my eyeballs to quit bouncing every time the water got a little choppy. After the second trip, I either took my Stratos or Javelin. I'm not a tin can man. Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted February 13, 2009 Super User Posted February 13, 2009 I prefer a big wide stable platform with lots of storage that can handle rough water. That is why I now own a 20.5' Champion. I have had smaller boats and hope I don't have to go back to any of them. Quote
Super User Catt Posted February 13, 2009 Super User Posted February 13, 2009 Like Way2slow I've fished out of/owned every thing from home built pirogues to the ultimate *** Bertram's 74' 2 model 700. I presently own a Stratos 258 which is 15' 8 powered by a 70 hp Johnnyrude; while on the small side this boat rides bigger than its size. The ideal size bass boat is an 18' with a 150 hp; it offers a safe dry ride in any conditions and has more than enough storage for the tournament angler. At this size one can still use a smaller tow vehicle; the 150 will offer good fuel mileage helping keep cost of operation down. Quote
BassnMan Mike Posted February 15, 2009 Posted February 15, 2009 Just like others have stated, save yourself some money, save up and get the biggest you can. When I first started tournament years ago I was a non boater so I got to ride in a bunch of different boats. IMHO, as well as others, the bigger boats handle the rough water better. True, allot depends on the driver but basic physics says the bigger the boat the more water it will displace, the smoother the ride. Quote
rfunfarm Posted February 15, 2009 Posted February 15, 2009 I have a 20ft pontoon--stability at its best--Lots of storage space--roof for bad weather-& I can launch it myself due to crank up style trailer. Did I mention the barbecue grill?? For Streams I use a 14 ft Flat bottom explorer--No potty--no grill--no roof--Thats ruffin it. ;D ;D Quote
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