First-Time Bass Boat for Fun Fishing and Tournaments

[UmairF]

Hi Everyone,

 

I’ve read some of the posts on here and I’d be interested in getting a bass boat in the next few years. Starting to gather info about it now so that I’m ready by the time I decide to pull the trigger.

 

I’m not looking for somethings super fancy with all the bells and whistles. Just something to get me started on the water by myself with the basics and that I can customize with electronics down the road. Would like to stick with the boat for a while so quality and durability matter. Here’s some other info that might help with suggestions:

 

- I tournament fish as a co-angler a good amount throughout the year mainly in WI and IL lakes/rivers.

- Would be nice to be able to use my boat in tournaments eventually once I build up enough experience fishing as a co-angler

- Bodies of water I fish are anywhere around 2,000 to 10,000 acres. Size is relative but I’d say they’re smaller to medium-sized natural lakes. Not like I’m fishing the great lakes but would be nice if it could handle the crazy pleasure boater wakes since it’s tight quarters at times.

- Need to fit myself and another person comfortably while we’re fishing.

- Nothing super big but preferably not tiny either. I have a small SUV that I’m sticking with for a while so would probably need to get a hitch installed.

 

Let me know if there’s any other info that might help give suggestions. Again, I’m not in a hurry to get a boat. Just seeing my options for the near future!

 

Appreciate any advice!

Umair

[gim]

37 minutes ago, UmairF said:

I have a small SUV

 

This is probably going to be the first step here, at least in terms of safety.  You will want to know the towing capacity of your SUV, and then limit your boat to something less than that.  Remember, boat weights are generally listed as "dry hull weight" so you'll need to add approximated outboard, trailer, and gear weight to that total.  And personally, I try to stay 75% or less of the total towing capacity myself.

[UmairF]

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

 

This is probably going to be the first step here, at least in terms of safety.  You will want to know the towing capacity of your SUV, and then limit your boat to something less than that.  Remember, boat weights are generally listed as "dry hull weight" so you'll need to add approximated outboard, trailer, and gear weight to that total.  And personally, I try to stay 75% or less of the total towing capacity myself.

Okay yeah good point. Tried finding the towing rating for my car but to be honest, there isnt one listed and it’s not really the best for towing something over 1000lbs. I guess that’s step one. I’m not in a hurry and I can wait till I upgrade to a larger vehicle but thanks for pointing this out. I just read some other forums here talking about bass boats ranging from 4,000-6,000 lbs with trailer, outboard, trolling motor, gear, etc. I’m thinking I’ll need a vehicle with at least 5,000 lbs towing capacity at least? Glad I’m thinking about this now though. Good to plan things out when making decisions in the next couple years lol

[Choporoz]

I realize you are probably a ways from deciding on a budget, but even very rough number will help shape this conversation.  Are we talking $2500 or $95,000?   

[gim]

5000 pounds is a pretty standard amount for a lot of mid-size SUVs.  Full size SUVs can tow more, and most full size 1/2 ton trucks are about 10 or 12,000 pounds.

 

My truck is rated for 7500 pounds but I would not feel comfortable towing a trailer that weighed even remotely close to that.  Stopping safety in an emergency is just as important as towing capacity.

 

If you have an SUV that is up for 5000 pounds, I'd be looking at an aluminum boat in the 16 or 17 foot range.

[WRB]

Trailer hitch class 3 w/2” receiver is appropriate for bass boats between 2,500 to 3,500 lbs covering nearly every glass bass boat 18’/21’. Any vehicle with 5,000 lb tow rating works good. If tow vehicle is lighter weight trailer with breaks are recommended. Lots of mid size SUV’s and boats to choose from.

Enjoy,

Tom

[UmairF]

23 minutes ago, WRB said:

Trailer hitch class 3 w/2” receiver is appropriate for bass boats between 2,500 to 3,500 lbs covering nearly every glass bass boat 18’/21’. Any vehicle with 5,000 lb tow rating works good. If tow vehicle is lighter weight trailer with breaks are recommended. Lots of mid size SUV’s and boats to choose from.

Enjoy,

Tom

I have a VW Taos not sure if that’s even considered a mid-size lol. I was thinking maybe an aluminum bass boat would be lighter but may not be light enough for my car to tow with it being fully loaded plus trailer. I’m a little confused on how hitches work. The car can only pull a certain amount without it ruining the engine. I’ve seen hitches with much higher tow ratings. Not sure how that works and how to match the right hitch with the appropriate vehicle.

 

31 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I realize you are probably a ways from deciding on a budget, but even very rough number will help shape this conversation.  Are we talking $2500 or $95,000?   

Well budget-wise not looking to spend anything too crazy. Not sure what a god starting point is since I’m looking to hopefully get a boat in the next few years. A lot can change in a couple years. Lets just say under $15-20k? I’d like to have the basics a tournament bass boat would need not sure what that would cost in total. Would prefer a new boat but open to used if that’s out of the question based on the budget.

 

Thanks,

Umair

[DaubsNU1]

I agree with @gimruis, safety and especially stopping ability is paramount!

 

My wife's Outback 3.6L is rated to tow 3,000 lbs. We have never towed anything with her car, but I would be very hesitant to put my Lund behind it.

 

My Lund 1775 listed right around 2,000 dry weight. Add in fuel, all my junk, I am probably right around 2,400-2,500 lbs., for reference.

 

 

 

[gim]

7 minutes ago, DaubsNU1 said:

My Lund 1775 listed right around 2,000 dry weight.

 

The dry weight is just the hull/boat itself, right?  Then you have to add whatever size outboard and the trailer, batteries, bow mount, plus the stuff you mentioned.  That's my understanding to get a total approximate weight of what you intend to tow.

 

Edit, just found my answer.

 

The dry weight of a boat is the weight of the boat when it leaves the factory, without any additional equipment like an outboard motor. If the boat has an inboard motor, the motor is included in the dry weight. 

 

[WRB]

VW Taos towing rating on the VW site is 5,000 lbs and class3 towing kit is available for 2022-2024 Taos.

Check with your dealer!

Tom 

PS Bass Cat 17’7” Bob Cat w/150 hp is an excellent boat for your needs.

 

[UmairF]

52 minutes ago, WRB said:

VW Taos towing rating on the VW site is 5,000 lbs and class3 towing kit is available for 2022-2024 Taos.

Check with your dealer!

Tom 

No way! I saw online somewhere it’s only 1500 I think the atlas which is the larger SUV is 5000. I’ll call and double check but I’m hoping Im wrong because thatll be GREAT 😂

 

UPDATE: Called the dealer and he said the Taos has a capacity of 1000-1500 and to stay near the lower end if I need to at all. It has the same engine as the jetta 😂. Regardless, I may upgrade my car in the next few years so good thing to keep in mind. Maybe I can start off with a decent jon boat setup with a nice deck? At least I can get on the water with a buddy that way and gain some experience before making the big jump car and boat-wise?

Edited September 11, 2024 by UmairF

[WRB]

VW should correct the Taos towing data!
Always call the dealer👍

[casts_by_fly]

What you’re describing is saying small aluminum. Even a 16’ tracker classic is almost 800# dry weight. A pro 170 is 880# dry so you’ll be 1100# fishing weight. But that’s a decked boat laid out like a bass boat. It will fish pretty well with a 50 or 60 hp. It won’t be a speed demon but for learning boat handling and learning how to find fish yourself it will get you there. 

[DaubsNU1]

3 hours ago, gimruis said:

 

The dry weight is just the hull/boat itself, right?  Then you have to add whatever size outboard and the trailer, batteries, bow mount, plus the stuff you mentioned.  That's my understanding to get a total approximate weight of what you intend to tow.

 

Edit, just found my answer.

 

The dry weight of a boat is the weight of the boat when it leaves the factory, without any additional equipment like an outboard motor. If the boat has an inboard motor, the motor is included in the dry weight. 

 

 

 

Here is what the Lund web site lists...

 

 

[Susky River Rat]

Are you going to be looking at new boats or used?

[Catt]

2024 TRACKER®

GRIZZLY® 1754 SC

w/Mercury® FourStroke 75 ELPT FourStroke

$23,580

 

Add your own trolling motor & electronics 

[wvhunt]

I don't fish tournaments and never will, but when I purchased a new boat last year, I went with an aluminum boat.  Lower cost, lighter weight to pull, generally easier to repair, and some argue stronger construction.

[gim]

3 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

Here is what the Lund web site lists...

That’s a nice feature they post on specs. Now I’m kinda wondering if mine is like that on the Ranger website.

[WRB]

I have no idea what the OP’s budget is?

Owned serval bass boats and a few smaller aluminum boats.

When op says he plans to fish tournaments at some point he needs a boat bass anglers like to fish out of.

If I was to buy a bass boat today for the size of lakes the mentioned and enjoy the fun factor of owning a bass boat it would the I recommended Bass Cat Bob Cat w/ 150 hp 4 stroke factory assembled used or new.

Tom

[DaubsNU1]

3 minutes ago, gimruis said:

That’s a nice feature they post on specs. Now I’m kinda wondering if mine is like that on the Ranger website.

 

I've been very happy with the Lund and Mercury. Picked up used just over a year ago. Heck, I've fished 26 times already this year (counted my fishing logs this evening). The motor / H-bird battery crapped out last weekend...I think it was original to the boat. Aside from that, no issues, no problems (knock on wood). 

 

@UmairF, you might consider used boat? I saved some $$ buying used...and put that money towards brand new electronics. The used market is about to pick up....all those fishermen looking to dump boats before they have to store them for the winter. 

 

Nice thing about the Lund V-hulls....I've had it in 8" of water here in Nebraska....and on the Missouri reservoirs in South Dakota running through heavy chop. Handles both with ease. Be careful though...you want the Lunds with composite transoms...I think they transitioned to all with composite in 2018. 

 

Good luck!!

 

[Bird]

Lowe Stinger 175, check them out.

[Catt]

8 hours ago, UmairF said:

Lets just say under $15-20k? I’d like to have the basics a tournament bass boat would need not sure what that would cost in total.

 

Given you suggest budget, tow vehicle & wanting a boat, motor, trailer, trolling motor, & electronics you're looking at Tracker Pro 170 with a 50 hp. 

 

The Classic XL has a two piece livewell that is notorious for leaking.

[WRB]

$15-$20K think good condition 2005 Trident SR 175 w/ 115 opimax.

Tom

[HawkeyeSmallie]

Mind if I piggyback this thread?

 

Do most of you keep your boats in your garage?

 

How deep does a garage have to be to store a boat?

 

For example, if your boat is say a 18 ft boat, how much more do you need for the trailer?

[rangerjockey]

Like a lot of guys I started with an aluminum boat years ago, a Lowe stinger with 75 hp. They are cheaper and tow easier but they just don't fish or ride as well as a glass boat. 

When I traded my Lowe for a Ranger I was amazed at how much better the Ranger was on the trolling motor. It also didn't blow around with a little breeze like the Lowe.

I personally would buy a used glass boat.