Need Help, 18’ Aluminum boat suggestion.

[WPCfishing]

I’m ready for a new boat. I know what I want for finders and a trolling motor. 
I need information about the boats out there these days. My budget is 25k-30k.

I’ve only seen YouTube videos so far. No boats around to look at.

I have a tracker now, want to get better. 
 

Thanks in advance..

 

[Fishes in trees]

Where is the closest boat dealer to your house?  That's where I'd go look first.

[TnRiver46]

I have an 18’ duracraft aluminum, it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin

[newbiedmv]

My neighbor has a 15 foot roughneck  that seems indestructible  with the channel in the center and a turbo prop on a merc 40. No storage on it though.

Easier to handle than my 17' crestliner. 

I wouldn't recommend crestliner, to heavy for the size and ALL accessories stink, including the trailer. 

[Jig Man]

Xpress 

[moguy1973]

Ranger RT178 or RT188

[Tennessee Boy]

I have a 2018 Ranger RT188.   I would give it a B- grade.   It does what I need it to do but Ranger ain't what it used to be.  

[gim]

I've got the Ranger RT178.  Mine is a 2015 so it was prior to when Bass Pro acquired Ranger.  There are some members on here that more recently bought one so maybe they can comment on what they think so far.

 

Lund makes a Renegade in 18 feet that looks pretty good and it can handle a 90 hp.

[WPCfishing]

I’ll checkout the Lund & Express again online..

 

Prices for aluminum boats have gone sky high. I think the Ranger which I will not consider is 40k. 

What about the G3? Are they still solid? I know they were popular some time back.. 

[fishingram24]

You can get an Xpress H 18 with 115 Yamaha for 30 or a little less depending on options. I bought a 2021 X 18 last year with 150 and sea dek for 33. Only problem is finding one to look at. Many dealers of all boat brands seem to be still having problems getting boats in stock.

[DDog1]

On 7/6/2021 at 9:44 AM, WPCfishing said:

I’ll checkout the Lund & Express again online..

 

Prices for aluminum boats have gone sky high. I think the Ranger which I will not consider is 40k. 

What about the G3? Are they still solid? I know they were popular some time back.. 

I sent you a message WPC, have a 18 ft Lund I am looking to sell.

[WPCfishing]

8 hours ago, fishingram24 said:

You can get an Xpress H 18 with 115 Yamaha for 30 or a little less depending on options. I bought a 2021 X 18 last year with 150 and sea dek for 33. Only problem is finding one to look at. Many dealers of all boat brands seem to be still having problems getting boats in stock.

I’ll contact them tomorrow. I think their boats have the padded bottom and rear stepped transom. Am I correct?

[Jig Man]

On 7/6/2021 at 8:44 AM, WPCfishing said:

I’ll checkout the Lund & Express again online..

 

Prices for aluminum boats have gone sky high. I think the Ranger which I will not consider is 40k. 

What about the G3? Are they still solid? I know they were popular some time back.. 

Yes G3 is still a good boat.  Yamaha bought them a few years ago.

[Captain Phil]

I recently purchased a new Ranger RT178 with a 75 Merc 4 stroke.   I've owned numerous bass boats over the years. Started with Terry Bass in the sixties, then Hydrosport, Ranger, Gambler, Skeeter and a custom built Storm.  I also owned an aluminum Bass Tracker for a while and a Lowe Roughneck for ten years.  I'm 74 years young.   I refuse to let age keep me off the water.   I want the looks, performance and quality of my old bass boats without the weight and cost. A 17 foot aluminum bass boat is about as large as I can handle by myself comfortably.  My Ranger tops out close to 40 mph loaded.  That's fast enough for me.

 

From what I have seen, there aren't any "bad" aluminum bass boats these days.  Some are more stylish, have better carpet, seats or higher quality components.  I paid less than 28K for my complete rig and I have $2K in electronics and extra features.   One thing I would suggest.  Most of these boats come with a 12 volt trolling motor.  Upgrade to a 24 volt.  All I can say about my Ranger so far is good. It turns heads at the ramp and gets me to the fish.  

 

 

[NHBull]

You can find 2013-15 lund rebels in that size with 75 hp merc for under 20k I believe most were delivered  with 24v TM and basic electronics at the helm.

[gim]

On 7/8/2021 at 5:43 AM, Captain Phil said:

My Ranger tops out close to 40 mph loaded. 

Hey Phil just wondering what prop you use to achieve that speed.

[WPCfishing]

Lund is a riveted boat.. I’ll pass.

The Express and G3 have my eye. 
Would help if I could get either to answer their phone. I want to speak directly with a factory rep. No mistakes that way. 

[Captain Phil]

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

Hey Phil just wondering what prop you use to achieve that speed.

 

Don't know. My boat is currently back in the garage where I can't get to it. 

[detroit1]

Nothing wrong with riveted boats. My "cheap" '96 grumman has rivets and no leaks yet. I guess you don't travel by air either.                 ?

[BobP]

I have a Vexus aluminum 1880 bought 2 years ago with a 115 hp Merc four stroke (it can take up to a 135 hp motor).  All welded, bass boat hull and top designed.  Good storage, 9 hole rod locker.  Came with Humminbird sonars, 24v trolling motor, 6” jack plate.  Will run 50 mph gps with one person and a moderate load.  Forest Wood started Vexus after he sold a Ranger to Bass Pro Shops.  To my mind, Vexus is what Ranger was before its sale, in terms of quality.  I paid 34 k for the boat.

[gim]

14 hours ago, detroit1 said:

I guess you don't travel by air either.

What does traveling in a plane have to do with traveling in a boat?  Obviously planes are riveted but they are not designed to be in the water and prevent leakage.

[detroit1]

True, but i read about more complaints with weld cracks than bad rivets on new or very young boats. I am just saying don't think that you won't have problems with a welded boat, or that welded is any better than riveted. Good luck with whatever boat you choose, i am sure you will love it WPC.

[king fisher]

On 7/9/2021 at 12:09 PM, WPCfishing said:

Lund is a riveted boat.. I’ll pass.

I have seen 40 year old riveted Lunds in Alaska outlast a dozen welded boats, as well as other riveted brands.  They are  also much lighter than welded boats.  Airplane floats are riveted, not welded for two reasons. Light and strong.  I am not saying some welded boats are not strong, just very heavy for the strength.

[TnRiver46]

I’ve torn apart welds and rivets intentionally, they are both extremely strong. The rivets from the 50s are the strongest thing I’ve come across

[Konajon]

No one has mentioned Crestliner yet, they are another option for a welded aluminum hull.