Looking to downsize - Basscat vs Tin boats

[Obi_Wan]

I have a 1999 BassCat Pantera.  I’m considering downsizing or making a lateral move.  Looking the BassCat Margay/Bobcat, Lund Renegade 1875/1975.  Wondering how a tin boat 1-2 feet longer than the glass boat will ride/fish in comparison.  

 

Also considering just repowering the old boat and continuing on.  I am just not a fan of the layout and lack of storage in the stern of the 1999 boat.

[WRB]

Aluminum bass boats are a different then glass bass boat in many ways, mostly stability, ride comfort and storage. 

Some very good aluminum bass boats available today that try to immolate a glass boat, the standard to compare.

To me if you never plan to beach your boat then study the storage schematic layouts of the higher end aluminum boats and base your decision on that.

Tom

[Obi_Wan]

18 hours ago, WRB said:

Aluminum bass boats are a different then glass bass boat in many ways, mostly stability, ride comfort and storage. 

Some very good aluminum bass boats available today that try to immolate a glass boat, the standard to compare.

To me if you never plan to beach your boat then study the storage schematic layouts of the higher end aluminum boats and base your decision on that.

Tom

Agreed.  My current boat is a 99 Pantera (19’1”).  Rides good, but I’m not fond of the layout.  I fish alone mostly and think i could get by with a Margay or Bobcat (17’7”).  But the Lund has more storage.  I would assume its rougher riding than the glass boat.  I would prefer a Lund Pro V Bass, but they are out of my price range. so is a Vexus, or Xpress.

[WRB]

Back in 2005 I sold my 19’5” tournament glass bass boat with 200+ hp OB because I moved to a home with a 19’6” depth garage and wanted a boat to fit without issues with folding tongue trailer..

What I bought was a Trident SF175 single console w/115 hp Optimax because the rod storage held 15 combos up to 8’ long. Tackle storage was amazing. Top speed around 55 mph with comfortable ride. This boat is an entry level bass boat but upgrading the TM, sonar units was more then I thought it could be.

This isn’t a big lake boat but road good over 2’ white caps and handle good in the wind fishing. Enjoyed this boat for 15 years before selling it. No longer have a boat, getting old is not fun?

[Jig Man]

I’ve fished many an hour in a Pantera.  They have a better ride than any tin boat that I have ever been in.  I’ve owned three tins.  They rode rougher than glass.  They were also affected more by wind than any glass boat that I have owned.

 

My personal preference is the ride and stability of glass.

[gim]

11 hours ago, Obi_Wan said:

Lund Renegade 1875/1975

 

I can't specifically comment on this specific model, but I have a mod V aluminum Ranger RT178 that is just a little smaller.  Its built similarly as the Lund Renegade series, which were introduced a year after I bought my boat.  The Lund is going to be rivet built, as opposed to mine which is welded, otherwise the hull design is the same.

 

Mine has a rod storage compartment that is off to the port side.  I believe the 1875 Renegade has a larger one in the middle, which I would prefer.  I will tell you straight up that a mod V is not very good in rough water.  I know the limits of my boat when it comes to wind and waves on larger bodies of water, and not only does it become difficult to control the boat and fish, its borderline unsafe.  A chop is fine, but 2 or 3 foot rollers are a big no no.  Its also rides rougher when there are waves compared to your glass boat but I'm sure you were expecting that.

 

The advantage of a newer tin version is what you are already looking for - better layout and storage.  Also, you'll burn far less fuel too both on the water and towing to and from the lake.  If you were looking for a tin version that is more closely related to a glass boat, the Pro V Bass would be the model, but you stated that is out of your price range.

[Alex from GA]

Don't know what they cost but a friend has an Avid 20XB and loves it.

[Fishin Dad]

I contemplated this very decision last year before buying my Lund Pro V bass.  Some considerations for me were length to fit in the garage (1875 fit perfect), seating ( I bought the XS version which allows seating for 4.   This is the only bass boat I found with this), storage (18 hole center locker and huge storage throughout).  I also like the depth of the hull.  Makes it very stable and handles rough water very well (just watch Ajay’s video on Menderchuck).   I actually used Ajay’s recommendation to help make my decision.  
I know it doesn’t ride the same as a glass boat,  but it handles very well and might be as close as you can get.   It is not a speed demon, but fast enough for me.  

[12poundbass]

A lot of it would be dependent on the size of lakes you fish and the type of weather as well. For me, my biggest lake around me is around 400-500 acres, so I don’t see rough waters there for a glass boat isn’t needed for me. If I traveled up to Lake Menderchuck or over to Lake St Clair I’d need to keep and eye on the conditions. Tin boats work for me, may not work for you.

 

The Lund Renegade looks like an awesome boat and as expected from Lund, has a ton of storage and it very well thought out. Since they moved the rod locker to the center, it’s on my short list of next boats! 

[Born 2 fish]

Here’s my personal experience I had a 17ft glass nitro it fished good didn’t blow around to much. My kids got older so I bought a brand new 2014 Lund impact 1875 I absolutely hated it from the first day i put in the water. I made the mistake by not taking a test ride. It blew around in even a light wind was a pain to launch and put on the trailer in the wind. I kept that boat until the Covid buying craze and sold it for what I paid for it. Now I’m back in a glass boat I’m currently in a 2023 Phoenix 819 pro and it rides and fishes so much nicer then the Lund. I would take a ride in the tin boat your looking at. As for  Lund renegade the couple videos I watched the boat seemed to slap the waves rather then cutting through them. I will never have another aluminum boat again but that’s just me.

if your looking at glass the bass cat margay/Bobcat  your thinking about would be perfect. As would the Phoenix 518 or 818. 
 

also keep in mind if your storage compartments will be dry I can’t comment on the new Lund renegade but my 2014 impact DID  NOT have dry storage if I was caught in rain everything needed to come out and dried out.

[Captain Phil]

I've owned bass boats since my first Terry Bass back in the late sixties,  most of them were fiberglass. My last fiberglass bass boat was a 19' 2000 Skeeter.  Before that, I had a few Rangers and Hydrosports, a 20' Gambler and a 22' custom built Storm.  I switched to aluminum around 2010.  It took me some time to get used to not having a flashy boat at the ramp. Kind of felt like I was starting all over again from scratch.  After some time, I believe I have a handle on the differences.   What you give up when you switch to aluminum is speed and ride.   There are some great aluminum bass boats being made, but they just aren't the same as a big fiberglass boat.   My 22' Storm was made to ride safely across Lake Okeechobee no matter what the weather.  When you are tournament fishing, you must go where the fish are no matter what.  On the other hand, It was like fishing off an aircraft carrier.  My Gambler would run near 80 mph with two guys and all the tackle.  If you are in no hurry, that's overkill.

Today, I own a Ranger RT178 which I am very happy with.   If looks more like a modern boat than a Tracker or a Lowe.  The storage is more than I need, the ride is good for what it is and the quality is the best I have seen.  Is it better than my fiberglass boat?  No.  It also didn't cost me a small fortune to buy and own.

 

[GaryH]

As already mentioned, the size of the lakes you fish is a big factor in what type boat will suit your needs. You will notice a substantial difference in an aluminum boat as compared to your glass boat. 
 

[BigAngus752]

On 7/6/2023 at 6:35 AM, Jig Man said:

They were also affected more by wind

^^^Prepare yourself for this^^^

I have a Ranger RT188 with a 115 4-stroke.  It's the last model year made by Ranger (not Bass Pro).  I love it.  I don't fish huge water, it's got very good (not great) storage, sturdy as heck, and with no exaggeration I can tell you I can go just an inch or two shy of anywhere a kayak can go depth-wise.  The only drawback is the weight.  I get blown around and I have my 24V Ultrex dialed down to the lowest possible settings and the spotlock will still nearly whip me out of the boat sometimes. 

 

I have an account set aside just for a new boat when I finally completely retire from my second career.  If the same boats are available then as now, I will not go fiberglass.  I will go with an aluminum Vexus or a Lund 2075. If you are used to a glass boat, I think you really need to get on the water in some aluminums before you buy. 

[Obi_Wan]

On 7/8/2023 at 8:07 AM, Fishin Dad said:

I contemplated this very decision last year before buying my Lund Pro V bass.  Some considerations for me were length to fit in the garage (1875 fit perfect), seating ( I bought the XS version which allows seating for 4.   This is the only bass boat I found with this), storage (18 hole center locker and huge storage throughout).  I also like the depth of the hull.  Makes it very stable and handles rough water very well (just watch Ajay’s video on Menderchuck).   I actually used Ajay’s recommendation to help make my decision.  
I know it doesn’t ride the same as a glass boat,  but it handles very well and might be as close as you can get.   It is not a speed demon, but fast enough for me.  

I would buy a Pro V Bass in a heartbeat if I had the $60-80k to spend.  I’ve researched lots of boats and I think it is one of the best bass boats on the market today.  Treated well, it should last a lifetime.  It would be good in small and large lakes.  I just don’t have that to spend.

On 7/8/2023 at 10:08 AM, Captain Phil said:

I've owned bass boats since my first Terry Bass back in the late sixties,  most of them were fiberglass. My last fiberglass bass boat was a 19' 2000 Skeeter.  Before that, I had a few Rangers and Hydrosports, a 20' Gambler and a 22' custom built Storm.  I switched to aluminum around 2010.  It took me some time to get used to not having a flashy boat at the ramp. Kind of felt like I was starting all over again from scratch.  After some time, I believe I have a handle on the differences.   What you give up when you switch to aluminum is speed and ride.   There are some great aluminum bass boats being made, but they just aren't the same as a big fiberglass boat.   My 22' Storm was made to ride safely across Lake Okeechobee no matter what the weather.  When you are tournament fishing, you must go where the fish are no matter what.  On the other hand, It was like fishing off an aircraft carrier.  My Gambler would run near 80 mph with two guys and all the tackle.  If you are in no hurry, that's overkill.

Today, I own a Ranger RT178 which I am very happy with.   If looks more like a modern boat than a Tracker or a Lowe.  The storage is more than I need, the ride is good for what it is and the quality is the best I have seen.  Is it better than my fiberglass boat?  No.  It also didn't cost me a small fortune to buy and own.

 

Those Rangers are nice boats.  I’ve looked hard at them too.  I found a Margay too far away to look at easily and too far to have shipped affordably.  I’ll probably end up keeping the 99 Pantera and just put a new motor on it.  I’m not a fan of how it set up, but I may have a way to fix my issues.

On 7/8/2023 at 10:09 AM, GaryH said:

As already mentioned, the size of the lakes you fish is a big factor in what type boat will suit your needs. You will notice a substantial difference in an aluminum boat as compared to your glass boat. 
 

Beaver Lake in AR - 28,000- 32,00 acres and Norfork in AR - 22,000 acres.  Lake Ft. Smith - 1,400 acres.  Occasionally Table Rock in the kings river arm or Bull shoals.

 

I asked someone that has fished Beaver for years today about it and he said there are more and more wake boats on the water in the summer and when they are there, even his 21 footer seems small in the big part of the lake.  Thought Aluminum or the Bobcat would be good in the river arms.

22 hours ago, BigAngus752 said:

^^^Prepare yourself for this^^^

I have a Ranger RT188 with a 115 4-stroke.  It's the last model year made by Ranger (not Bass Pro).  I love it.  I don't fish huge water, it's got very good (not great) storage, sturdy as heck, and with no exaggeration I can tell you I can go just an inch or two shy of anywhere a kayak can go depth-wise.  The only drawback is the weight.  I get blown around and I have my 24V Ultrex dialed down to the lowest possible settings and the spotlock will still nearly whip me out of the boat sometimes. 

 

I have an account set aside just for a new boat when I finally completely retire from my second career.  If the same boats are available then as now, I will not go fiberglass.  I will go with an aluminum Vexus or a Lund 2075. If you are used to a glass boat, I think you really need to get on the water in some aluminums before you buy. 

This may be where I go.  Repowering the current basscat will increase its value adn then save some money to get what I really want down the line.  But for some reason, I love the BassCat Bobcat.

[Fishin Dad]

31 minutes ago, Obi_Wan said:

I would buy a Pro V Bass in a heartbeat if I had the $60-80k to spend.  I’ve researched lots of boats and I think it is one of the best bass boats on the market today.  Treated well, it should last a lifetime.  It would be good in small and large lakes.  I just don’t have that to spend.

Those Rangers are nice boats.  I’ve looked hard at them too.  I found a Margay too far away to look at easily and too far to have shipped affordably.  I’ll probably end up keeping the 99 Pantera and just put a new motor on it.  I’m not a fan of how it set up, but I may have a way to fix my issues.

Beaver Lake in AR - 28,000- 32,00 acres and Norfork in AR - 22,000 acres.  Lake Ft. Smith - 1,400 acres.  Occasionally Table Rock in the kings river arm or Bull shoals.

 

I asked someone that has fished Beaver for years today about it and he said there are more and more wake boats on the water in the summer and when they are there, even his 21 footer seems small in the big part of the lake.  Thought Aluminum or the Bobcat would be good in the river arms.

This may be where I go.  Repowering the current basscat will increase its value adn then save some money to get what I really want down the line.  But for some reason, I love the BassCat Bobcat.

I totally understand.  Boat prices have sadly gotten insane.  My wife got a huge promotion and told me I could get it.  I waited a long time.  I am grateful and feel blessed to have it.  Good luck in your search.   Hope you find something awesome!!

[gim]

On 7/8/2023 at 8:59 AM, 12poundbass said:

The Lund Renegade looks like an awesome boat and as expected from Lund, has a ton of storage and it very well thought out. Since they moved the rod locker to the center, it’s on my short list of next boats! 

If this line of boats had been introduced a year earlier, I would have considered it. You can put a 90 on the 1775 renegade, it has a center rod locker, and the storage length is under 21 feet which will fit in most residential sized garages.

[Obi_Wan]

I think I’ve decided to just keep the Pantera and repower it and do some fixing up.  Rewire the triler, polish the trailer wheels, polish the gel coat, clean the carpet (I’d like to eventually replace it with SeaDek).  Then I’ll put a newer TM with spot lock on it.  Maybe move the TM batteries under the hatch in the front.  Who knows.  Boat is in great shape.  Has a few nicks in the finish that I will repair or get repaired.