WHICH BASS BOAT IS A GOOD STARTER BOAT?

[wormburner]

I've been doing some checking around on the used bass boats that are around, and just looking for some input, the current boat I have is a 16' Lund, great walleye boat but not enough room for all my bass stuff, also the kids are big enough now, so they won't walk over the edge of the boat, the time has come to move ahead and get a boat that meets the needs.
I think to start off, something in a 17.5 - 19 footer is a good starter, but the next hurdle is the tow vehicle, 2000 Explorer v-6, it pulled my lund around great but a glass boat will be about twice as heavy. I think something along the lines of a used ranger 372 or something along that line should work, but have also checked on some of the used aluminums, Phantoms or Dominators by Crestliner and Alumacraft, there really are alot of choices, so any info is appreciated. The Rangers that I have been in have a great ride, how do the aluminums (v-hull) compare? Thanks ahead for any info!

------------------
Good Luck To All, Wormburner!
Buy a trailer,help support my fishing habit!
[email protected]

[CMWINTER]

I would stay away from the aluminum bass boats. You will get a much nicer ride and stay alot drier in a glass boat. Good luck with your shopping

[andy j]

I have a 95 lund pro bass, and it has been a nice boat for me, not the fastest or the dryest but will take big water, decent storage, divided livewell, I would like to get a bigger one someday for tournys but have done well in tournys with my lund. You can get these boats for a steal, if you look around, maybe have to drive to get one. My dad got mine in Iowa for $4000 3 years ago, with 90 horse mariner, 24 volt motor, 3 batteries, electronics, on board charger, in good shape. Good luck

[ricqik]

We have a aluminum 18' tracker tournament edition w/125hp merc bass boat. It rides and handles very nice. The reasons aluminum are alittle rougher riding than glass it because it's lighter but we get just as wet with cross winds as any glass bass boats we've riden in. So I think the dryer ride is mute among bass boats.

[delmuts]

worm. do a lot of looking and ask any and all of the guys you see on the water about their boats. many will give you a ride if you just ask . set a price range that you want to stay in a look around.it is getting later in the season and you may find some great deals. del

[wormburner]

Thanks for the info so far, I was down in cities yesterday and stopped into Frankies later last night, had a couple decent boats, but the one I saw that interested me had a Suzuki on it, don't think they are the best motors? Was hoping to stick with a Merc or a Yamaha or something along those lines.

[Ray Esboldt]

wormburner,

I've known several people with Suzuki's. I wouldn't be afraid to own one based on there experiences.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but Suzuki was an innovator in 2 cycle Fuel Injection and has made many advances in with 4 cycle motors. Suzuki isn't a cheapo motor vendor.

------------------
Ray Esboldt

Catch-N Tackle
MarCum
Stone Legacy

[Dan Wood]

Suzuki is one of the leaders in the mid range 4 strokes. I have a 115 4 stroke that is a great motor - I choose this motor over Merc. and the others. They were a bit more $ from what I remember, but close in price. The Suzuki also had the best warranty available at that time, 5 yrs. I think it is.

The main seller for me on Suzuki, was the gear reduction. This allows you to troll at slower speeds vs. the competition (at that time 2 yrs. ago nobody else had it, not sure now).

There may be better options depending on what size your looking at, but in my opinion, Suzuki offers one of the better motors in that mid range 4 stroke class.

[Dan Wood]

I'd go glass too, as long as you don't fish a lot of Northern rocky lakes.. Glass is a bit smoother, but tougher to maintain.