Best Bass Boat Brand In Your Opinion

[ElGuapo928]

I’ve owned a Tracker, a Cajun and 2 Rangers. For my money, an old Ranger is where it’s at - built to last forever.

 

If I were buying a new boat, I’d probably lean towards a Z518, but I’d take a hard look at the Vexus AVX1880 - d**n nice rig for the price.

[DaubsNU1]

This discussion reminds me of the Chevy/Ford/Dodge/Ram/GMC debates (or Honda/Toyota/Subaru...)

 

Each has their strengths and limitations.

 

Good advice here along the lines of dealer proximity, getting the boat that fits your style, fits your budget, etc.

 

Years ago if you would have asked me the answer would have been Ranger, hands down. Today...I have no idea which is best.

[Woody B]

Regardless of brand the best bass boat has an aluminum hull.  Fiberglass is for bath tubs.   

 

I'm perfectly happy with my inexpensive little Tracker.   If money were no issue and I was going to buy a glass boat it would be a Caymas.  They aren't the fastest but they ride like a Cadillac, and fish like an aircraft carrier.   

 

 

However, if money wasn't an issue I wouldn't buy a glass boat.   I'd probably go with an X-press.   Vexus boats are nice too but past history of cracked hulls would scare me a little.   

[Susky River Rat]

On 11/2/2023 at 7:00 PM, Woody B said:

I'm perfectly happy with my inexpensive little Tracker

I think people snub their nose to trackers a little bit because of the price point.  They are great boats for what you pay for them. Unless you have very specific needs or money to blow they will do just about everything you ask of them.

[FryDog62]

On 11/1/2023 at 7:31 PM, WRB said:

Today if I was looking for a new boat Bass Cat or Phenix would top the list for 19’-21’ boats.

This… 

 

I just sold my Lund Pro-V Bass due to a cross country move (and another move a year from now. Would sit too long in storage not being used). But nothing has the storage of the PVB… I will miss that. When I buy again I will consider another Lund although I miss aspects of glass. Aluminum painted boats scratch so easily where my glass boats still looked great after several years. 
 

In addition to Phoenix and BassCat, I would look at Caymas… don’t know enough about them. I like Skeeter, but the hulls are so heavy compared to other manufacturers. 

[J Francho]

I'll just mention this, I've owned a few bass boats and several other non conventional bass boats. I really liked my 17' Sea Nymph tiller. So much that I considered a Lund pro guide. My Bullet 22 XDC put to rest those comments about hem not handling big water - it did better than most bass boats I've been in. The hull was very responsive to throttle input when set up correctly. Keep in mind, I'm talking Great Lakes water, not chop. My Xpress H18 was a tank. I loved the layout of that boat and wish I still had it. I've ridden in a few Phoenix of various lengths and they have to be up there with the old Champions, just way more modern. 
 

The boat for me these days isn't a bass boat all. It does most things a bass boat can do, but is also good for cruising with family, hanging on the sand bar, or making a run from Florida to the Bahamas. A Caymas 26HB. 
 

https://caymasboats.com/product/26-hb/

[DogBone_384]

On 10/30/2023 at 9:24 PM, slonezp said:

There is no best. There is a best for you.

Gotta go with this, especially with today's boat prices.  My tin Ranger is perfect for me.

24 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

Aluminum painted boats scratch so easily

I agree.  My Ranger has a few scratches on it.  I tried to buy touch up paint for it, but the factory color is only available in quarts ... from Ranger & Cabelas.... 

[thediscochef]

I've never owned a boat, and "best" of anything is entirely subjective. 

 

for me, it is the Allison XB21 

[J Francho]

I've only been one Alli and it was nuts, even compared to my buddy's comp layup 20' Bullet. It was the model where there's a double seat single center console setup. You had to DRIVE that boat. 

[Captain Phil]

I have owned just about every bass boat brand made since 1970.  Some brands are no longer made, some are.  I beat the heck out of my boats.  I take care of them, but I expect a lot from them.  Some bass boats are fancy, some are fast, some are durable, a few do just about everything right.  If pure usability and durability is what you want, you want a Skeeter.  I have had three of them and they all did what I wanted for as long as I wanted.  They aren't the fastest, cheapest, most expensive or the fanciest.  They just work and they last like no other bass boat.   Outboard motors are where the real issues are. 

[ElGuapo928]

5 hours ago, Darnold335 said:

I think people snub their nose to trackers a little bit because of the price point.  They are great boats for what you pay for them. Unless you have very specific needs or money to blow they will do just about everything you ask of them.

I liked my Tracker (‘96 Pro 17) It got squirrely when the whitecaps started and the 40 was too slow for words, but I was happy with it overall. 

[Boomstick]

I have always thought those old Champion bass boats were great for fishing big waters. Many like Phoenix and Bass Cat a lot too.

For myself, if I ever get a bass boat, I would go for the Lund Pro V Bass which is about perfect for my needs.

[TOXIC]

All you ChampioN fans do know that Charger acquired all of their molds correct?  They are kicking them out everyday.😎

[Jig Man]

I think you need some research.  Kelly Power told me that Johnny Morris had the Champion molds destroyed.  He also told me that he and the Charger guy got hold of a Champion 210, cut it up and used it to build molds for the Charger 210 Elite.

 

That was when he and I were going to the plant to have a look at their progress.

[TOXIC]

Oh, I know the research and beyond all of the hype and whether Charger got the molds or splashed an existing mold, fact is they are a direct descendent of the ChampioN line.  I’m not going to debate sources but I know mine were on site during the Platinum Equity deals and at the original plant.  All of the backstory is kinda not relevant. 

[TnRiver46]

If you like to get the skin peeled off your face, east TN is where you should be shopping. Norris craft, Allison, and bullet are all made somewhere close by 

 

No clue exactly why this is the case, revenuers and G men don’t have many boats……..

 

[ATA]

If I want to name one bass boat, It will be Bass Cat Lynx BUT, After years of fishing, and style of my fishing, I would be very happy with 23' Willie Aluminum boat with mercury 250 jet engine and a 9.9 Honda side/trolling engine. Because I can use it for every fishing location, Lake or river. it is wide 102" and the width is very important for me.

[Old Hammer]

Over the 50 yrs I have fished and owned boats, rode in boats and fished in other boats there may not be a brand I haven’t been in. The highest quality of boat as far as material used to me is hands down Bass Cat. I own a Bass Cat and the seats and carpet have lasted 18 years so far and just now showing wear. This boat is kept under a shelter with a cover. I live in S. Florida and the sun is not kind to boat finishes. I am considering replacing the carpeting and seats in about a year or 2. I have already replaced the power head last year on the Mercury XR6. I will buy a new boat when I retire in a few years and it will be a Bass Cat.