"Bass boat" or deep V? 2024
Elkins45 reply :
I live in KY. I mostly fish for bass, but I also jug for catfish and muskie fish in the fall. Often I will fish and camp for 3-4 days, and as retirement gets close I hope to do a whole bunch more of this. I'm looking at used boats in the $10K range. Dealers have all sorts of "bass boats" but there are also a few deep V types at similar prices. Most of the Vs are configured so there's a lot more space in them for "stuff" as opposed to the bass boats that are mostly flat decks with storage spaces under doors. The Vs also have a much higher load and person capacity for the same trailer weight and the physics teacher in me assumes this is because they displace more water.
What are the advantages of a deep V configuration as opposed to a traditional "bass boat" for use as an all-around fishing boat? I think I remember reading somewhere that the V is better for rough water? What makes a "bass boat" better for bass fishing?
Junk Fisherman reply :
The advantage of the Deep V is it generally runs better in choppier water compared to the flatter front of the bass boat. You will lose deck space in the Deep V and will have a very narrow back deck unless you look at some of the newer options. The Deep V's higher sides will catch more wind and will make boat control more difficult in the wind. The bass boat will be better on the trolling motor and you will be lower to the water and have a better platform to fish shallow cover. I like the saying- you fish "on" a bass boat and "in" a Deep V.
I would decide what is most important to you. If you are looking for a more versatile boat that handles rougher water better, get the Deep V. If you want a better bass boat- get the bass boat. You can do either type of fishing in either boat.
I would get the bass boat and simply don't fish the real rough days when you are retired. I have run plenty of trout line and jugs with my dad in his old Tracker so it can done. Good luck.
Fishing Rhino reply :
The deep "V" will give you a better ride, but, the boat will move around more in the wind because the sides are higher.
All boats are compromises. A bass boat is a specialized rig. It is built for fishing efficiency not comfort. They have low sides to reduce the impact of the wind when fishing. The low sides may also allow the wake of another boat to slop over the stern.
You are more likely to fall over the side of a bass boat because you are basically on a flat platform with no depth other than in the cockpit.
Anything that is optimally built for one specific purpose is not likely to be good at other things.
Only you can decide what is best for you.
slonezp reply :
In addition to what was said, a bass boat gives you the feeling that you are fishing/riding "on" the boat. A deep v gives you the feeling you are fishing/riding "in" the boat.
Way2slow reply :
A bass but is not going to be friendly jug fishing if you have more than an handful. They are designed to put you lower to the water with fairly unobstructed casting, and room to move around. Other than the small, low area at the seats, everything is a flat surface elevated to within a few inches of the top edge. Not exactly an ideal area to have a bunch of jugs being blown by the wind when running down the lake.
At the same time, the deep V would be great for your jug fishing and most everything else, but not so good for bass fishing.
So, are you primarily a bass fisherman that does a little other types, or are mostly a multi-species fisherman that enjoys a little bass fishing in the spring and fall when they are easier to catch and fish for everything else between those times.
You could take the decision process out and just buy both.
fishnkamp reply :
Try this, since you are now very aware of you two choices, go watch some of the shows like Bass Masters, FLW, abd Major League fishing. Watch closely at how they fish, how their boats handle. Then watch shows like Lindner's fishing edge, Babe Winkelman's Good Fishing, In Fisherman and others. These guys fish all types of waters, fish from all designs of V hulls and fish for all species of fish. Watch how they handle big waters, rivers, and small bodies of water. Then go look online and see what floor plans fit your style of fishing. Make sure you consider your body of water and the challenges it presents. In my case, I have owned 11 boats, everything from canoes and jons to big fiberglass rocket ships. I currently fish from an aluminum bass boat. Several years back I purchased this boat to fish a couple of decent size lakes. I outfitted it great and it met my needs. Now I fish tidal rivers and the Upper Chesapeake Bay. I am having difficulty sitting still to fish around docks due to current. The boat is big enough to get kicked around by current and wind but not heavy enough to stay put. Since I can not afford two power poles I am thinking about adding brackets and shallow water anchor poles. So no one boat excels everywhere. Sometimes it is just a compromise. If you fish for bass, cats, crappie and other species the V hull with no carpet may be an advantage. Even some of the newer style bass boats offered a spray in liner or removable carpet. That can be nice.
WRB reply :
Both deep V and traditional "bass" boats ride the same at speeds over 30mph, on the planning pad. The difference is a deep V cuts through waves better because of the gunnel height and narrower front end at speeds when not on a plane.
Boats differ between glass and aluminum, glass boats are heavier, apples and oranges so make comparison considering weight when deciding on your boat.
Higher gunnel height equals drier ride for passengers without a wind shield, another consideration. Bass boats have more dry storage than most deep V boats, there are exceptions.
If you plan to fish from the front of the boat primarily, then a bass boat excels. If you plan to fish with more than 2 anglers, troll and use rod holders a deep V excels.
Choices!
Tom
Elkins45 reply :
I think I need a tall front casting deck and just a bunch of open space down near the console and rear. Sort of a "semi bass boat." Is there such an animal?
Junk Fisherman reply :
On 1/29/2017 at 7:47 AM, Elkins45 said:I think I need a tall front casting deck and just a bunch of open space down near the console and rear. Sort of a "semi bass boat." Is there such an animal?
I considered a Crestliner Fish Hawk for a long time. It has one of the biggest front decks in its class yet it has open space around the cockpit since it doesn't have a large rear casting deck. I don't think people would call it a "semi-bass boat" but it is one of the better tin deep Vs for bass fishing IMO.
slonezp reply :
On 1/29/2017 at 7:47 AM, Elkins45 said:I think I need a tall front casting deck and just a bunch of open space down near the console and rear. Sort of a "semi bass boat." Is there such an animal?
Yes but finding one in your price range might be tough
Ohio Archer reply :
I'm very happy with my v hull compared to my bass boat. Much more comfortable. I bass, crappie and Muskie fish from it without any problems. It is a walk-thru windshield type that really helps in the fall and early winter. No more getting drenched on cool, windy days. There is more floor space than the BB but somewhat less compartment storage. The back deck on the v hull was very narrow but mine came with an optional flip up deck extension that has folding seats underneath.
Cost considerably more than $10k though
RoLo reply :
Having owned many trihedral hulls & deep-V hulls, it all boils down to one word 'COMPROMISE'.
Differently put, it's a choice that only the captain can make.
A bass boat is more stable at rest, a pike boat is more stable underway (that's all she wrote).
A bass boat might offer more topside deck space, but most of your equipment will be stored
underneath a lidded compartment (big drag). In most deep-V hulls though, your gear will be
readily accessible, gear that you'd better remove in restauarant & hotel parking lots.
Though I currently own a bass boat, I have an eternal crush on deep-V utility boats & center-consoles.
Roger
Scott F reply :
There is a boat that I think would fit what you're looking for and would fit your budget. Your biggest problem might be finding one. Today, Ranger offers the "Fisherman" series of boats. Over the years, they have evolved into huge, expensive, battleships meant for the walleye, musky tournament fishermen. Back in the day beginning in the late 80's they were smaller, lighter, inexpensive, multi species boats. The models produced in the 90's refined the design and were good for bass fishing, kept the occupants dry, but were not the very deep V's seen today. I still have mine from 1988. The only thing I'd trade it for is a mid to late 90's model with a bigger gas tank. Look for the model 681VS
Edited by Scott FWRB reply :
You can search "fish & ski" bass boats.
Tom
SWMIBASSER reply :
You said you will fish and camp for 3-4 days. How do you think that will influence your boat decision. I'm just curious as I haven't noticed that mentioned in a thread about choosing boats.
Elkins45 reply :
On 1/30/2017 at 2:00 AM, SWMIBASSER said:You said you will fish and camp for 3-4 days. How do you think that will influence your boat decision. I'm just curious as I haven't noticed that mentioned in a thread about choosing boats.
Because when I'm first loading the boat it gets loaded with a tent, food/water for multiple days, backpack, etc. as well as the normal compliment of tackle boxes, rods and other fishing stuff. A flat deck makes me think getting to the console would be like running an obstacle course if I have to pile up all that stuff instead of just dumping it in the deep space.
I used to own a 16' Glasstron (I think) from the 70's that I bought used. It was sorta like what I mentioned, with a flat spot in the front. Some previous owner had built a platform in the rear but I tore it out so I could use the floor space. I wish I had taken a picture of it. It had all the problems you would expect a $2000 boat to have, so I sold it about 20 years ago and bought a 16' Lowe 1648 Jon boat that I still have. I built a low platform in front to mount a casting seat and I am fairly comfortable fishing with it orher than the fact it wanders all over the lake in the wind. Because I most often fish a HP restricted lake nearby it has a 9.5 tiller steer. My plan is to keep it and add a boat for fishing bigger water with 40-50 HP so it has a bit of speed.
If I had to I could scrape up 14-15K, but if I'm spending that much money I'm probably going to buy something new so at least I know I can get three good years out of it before the repair bills become my own.
Edit: I think I'm wrong about the boat brand I used to own. It might have been Astroglass or something like that. It was a bass boat but it had sort of an odd modified tri-v bow configuration. It weighted a ton but it was great in the wind.
SWMIBASSER reply :
Considering the budget, how it'll be used and the HP you are looking at I would be looking at a 16-17ft TILLER deep V.
Casting deck up size up front, as well as storage can be more than adequate with an extension.
The rest of the boat will be wide open.
gimruis reply :
If you primarily bass fish via the traditional casting method, a bass boat works better using a bow mount up front. If you do more trolling, back trolling, anchor fishing, etc then a multi-species deep v would be better. Another thing to consider is how many people you are going to have in the boat most of the time. Bass boats are not really designed for anything more than 2 people, regardless of whether they are 18 feet long or 21 feet long.
The Lund Pro V Bass is kind of a hybrid bass/multi species/deep v boat. It sits higher than a bass boat but it has optional layouts of a deep v but finding one for $10 grand might be a problem.
Elkins45 reply :
Honestly I really miss having a steering wheel. I think tiller steering is fine for small engines but at speed I like being further forward in the boat. I also like being able to stand up and steer, to look for logs, submerged timber or rocks.
I almost always fish by myself. Two people at the most. When my wife is with me she's just boating.
Junk Fisherman reply :
You are going to have to compromise somewhere since there is not a boat that can do everything great. Decide what is most important and then get that kind of boat. Make everything else work. With that said, the deep V sounds like it is the best compromise taking into consideration all the different things you want to do. Now if you skip docks and pitch shallow cover 50% time, you probably won't be satisfied but for all other types of bass fishing a deep V is fine.
And I know all about compromising with your boat choice. I wanted a boat so I could do Great Lakes smallmouth fishing but still be able to put on a kicker motor and fish horsepower restricted lakes. My boat has a semi-deep V layout and it is not ideal for shallow water largemouth fishing but I make it work.
fishnkamp reply :
What part of the country do you live in?
NorcalBassin reply :
I had a similar decision to make when I upgraded a couple years ago... "v" won for me so I could also tow the kids around on a tube. There have been a couple times I would have liked having a bass boat such as when a co-angler (friend) likes to be up on the front deck with me, but outside of that I've been very happy with the "v."
Elkins45 reply :
On 1/30/2017 at 10:13 AM, fishnkamp said:What part of the country do you live in?
Kentucky, and I generally fish in-state. The only time I really see rough water is on Kentucky Lake because the main body is really wide but quite shallow outside the river channel. On summer afternoons the whitecaps really jarred my teeth out in my heavy old bass boat.
fishnkamp reply :
Would a boat like this interest you? https://lexington.craigslist.org/boa/5978607898.html
Here is another one https://lexington.craigslist.org/bod/5952364252.html
Here is a much newer one. It's at the upper limit of your budget but it is a 2015.
https://lexington.craigslist.org/bod/5952074446.html
If a more traditional bass boat layout is what you may want take a look at this one. It is rare to even see a Ranger Cherokee come up for sale. https://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/5973612865.html
Elkins45 reply :
On 1/30/2017 at 12:34 PM, fishnkamp said:Would a boat like this interest you? https://lexington.craigslist.org/boa/5978607898.html
Here is another one https://lexington.craigslist.org/bod/5952364252.html
Here is a much newer one. It's at the upper limit of your budget but it is a 2015.
https://lexington.craigslist.org/bod/5952074446.html
If a more traditional bass boat layout is what you may want take a look at this one. It is rare to even see a Ranger Cherokee come up for sale. https://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/5973612865.html
Thanks for the links. I hadn't seen the Sea Nymph because I limited my searches to newer boats. It looks pretty good but I'm not sure about a boat that old--by now I would expect the wiring to be cracking and maybe the deck/carpet to have begun to rot. I know condition is more important than age but time seems to take its toll on stuff, especially when it's just siting around.
There's a dealer nearby that has the same model Lowe in a 2014 still unsold for $14K. I'm going to go take a look at it this week.
IntroC reply :
I owned a v-hull before I bought the bass boat that I have now. My decision was based on what species and the style of fishing I did the most. I fish primarily bass and walleye with a little musky and salmon thrown in. Regardless of what I'm fishing I like casting and liked the large front casting decks on a bass boat. Pros of a bass boat for me was the obvious casting deck. I like that you can put most tackle and rods under the floor instead of on it. More speed. You can get into extremely shallow water. Can get under low bridges.
Pros of the deep v would be safety if you have small kids that will be fishing with you. Safer on big rough water. If you are a troller they have more options for mounting rod holders and other accessories on the rails.
The ole man has a Ranger Reatta that IMO is THE best compromise on the market. Has a large casting deck. Handles great in rough water. Your not really fishing down in the boat as the sides seem to half way between a bass boat and your typical deep v. Would be tough to find one in the ten grand range though.
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 1/28/2017 at 10:28 PM, Elkins45 said:I live in KY. I mostly fish for bass, but I also jug for catfish and muskie fish in the fall. Often I will fish and camp for 3-4 days, and as retirement gets close I hope to do a whole bunch more of this. I'm looking at used boats in the $10K range. Dealers have all sorts of "bass boats" but there are also a few deep V types at similar prices. Most of the Vs are configured so there's a lot more space in them for "stuff" as opposed to the bass boats that are mostly flat decks with storage spaces under doors. The Vs also have a much higher load and person capacity for the same trailer weight and the physics teacher in me assumes this is because they displace more water.
"What are the advantages of a deep V configuration as opposed to a traditional "bass boat" for use as an all-around fishing boat? I think I remember reading somewhere that the V is better for rough water? What makes a "bass boat" better for bass fishing?
Boats of identical weight, without regard to shape, will displace the exact same amount/volume/mass/weight of water. It takes a ton of displaced water to support a boat that weighs a ton. They have a higher load capacity because they have higher sides.
The higher sides make it more difficult for water to slop over the sides into the boat, making it less likely to swamp when weather conditions deteriorate.
"In sailing and boating, a vessel's freeboard[1] is the distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, measured at the lowest point of sheer where water can enter the boat or ship. In commercial vessels, the latter criterion measured relative to the ship's load line, regardless of deck arrangements, is the mandated and regulated meaning.[2]
In yachts, a low freeboard is often found on racing boats, for weight reduction and therefore increased speed. A higher freeboard will give more room in the cabin, but will increase weight and may compromise speed. A higher freeboard also helps weather waves and reduce the likelihood of being washed over by full water waves on the weather deck. A low-freeboard boat is susceptible to taking in water in rough seas. Freighter ships and warships use high freeboard designs to increase internal volume which also allows them to satisfy IMO damage stability regulations due to increased reserved buoyancy."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeboard_(nautical)
fishnkamp reply :
That looks like a nice boat and it should hold all of your camping gear before you unload and setup, even with a second person.
Since you live in Kentucky ( it sound like you may more western KY) do you spend anytime on Dale Hollow Lake? I live in MD but vacation on that lake as well as Center Hill in TN. We usually stay at Hendricks Creek Resort over in KY.
Elkins45 reply :
On 1/30/2017 at 8:52 PM, Fishing Rhino said:Boats of identical weight, without regard to shape, will displace the exact same amount/volume/mass/weight of water. It takes a ton of displaced water to support a boat that weighs a ton. They have a higher load capacity because they have higher sides.
The higher sides make it more difficult for water to slop over the sides into the boat, making it less likely to swamp when weather conditions deteriorate.
Yeah, I didn't say that very well. It CAN displace more water before it swamps because it's taller.
I really like the floor layout of the Lowe fishing machine. The only thing that bothers me are the photos on the Lowe website. There's one of two guys standing in the boat and there is a LOT of boat sticking out of the water below them. I can imagine in a decent breeze they will find themselves sideways to the wind and drifting pretty easily.
Oh well, like everyone has said every decision is a compromise. I suppose if I do buy the V that just means I will have extra room for a couple of 5 gallon buckets to tie out as sea anchors 
fishnkamp reply :
Equipment like drift socks, your buckets for use as sea anchors,and for more shallow fishing you could consider a pair of shallow water anchor poles. I have the Lowe Stinger 170 which is a 17 1/2 foot long bass boat version. It sits higher out of the water than say some of my other aluminum bass boats I have owned prior. It rides better also. The higher ( by inches) hull does catch a bit more wind and current. It has been no problem river or lake fishing, tidal water is another situation. If I am fishing an area no big deal, if I want to sit and fish a dock, well that is a bit more challenging. My answer is a Dig In shallow water anchor pole and rear hull bracket, I am looking at a Venom Lures Dine Right anchor pole unit for my front trolling motor.
Elkins45 reply :
Well, that Ranger Cherokee didn't last long...
Further North reply :
On 1/30/2017 at 10:29 AM, NorcalBassin said:I had a similar decision to make when I upgraded a couple years ago... "v" won for me so I could also tow the kids around on a tube.
I have no problem towing skiers in my Crestliner.
On 1/29/2017 at 7:47 AM, Elkins45 said:I think I need a tall front casting deck and just a bunch of open space down near the console and rear. Sort of a "semi bass boat." Is there such an animal?
Yes. Lund Pro-V Bass, or used, a Crestliner CMV - I have the latter....even used, it would push your budget, but as a hybrid, it might be worth looking for.
On 1/28/2017 at 10:28 PM, Elkins45 said:Most of the Vs are configured so there's a lot more space in them for "stuff" as opposed to the bass boats that are mostly flat decks with storage spaces under doors.
I would challenge that deep-v boats have more room for stuff.
I have had 6 boats in the last 10 years...and all but the current one were deep-v. On my current boat (Crestliner CMV 1850) all my "stuff" is below deck and out of my way while I fish. With the v-hulls...a lot of my "stuff" was out on deck, in my way and underfoot.
All my lures, all the rods I'm not using, and all the other misc. gear in my boat is put away and out of the weather when I'm not using it. In my v-hull boats, there were tackle boxes on deck, coolers in the way...always something getting in the way of fishing.
...all that said, you need to get the boat that fits your style best. Look a lot, think a lot, if possible, fish on all types of rigs before you plunk your money down. You're the only one who knows what you like and how you'll use the boat.
jimf reply :
I've owned both, and like everyone has said it's a compromise. My current boat is a small 16' deep V (Lund Fury) with a 25 hp tiller that I bought new last year. Previously I had owned two different bass boats, one fiberglass and one aluminum. I wanted a small boat to get on some 25hp restricted lakes, and I went with the deep V because some of the lakes by me are open and perched and can get really rough. I'm so happy I did, I've been out in some pretty rough stuff with whitecaps and the little boat cuts through them great. And the tiller option was maybe the best decision I made because it opened up so much space, although as a poster above mentioned that might not be the case with a big engine. But small engine - tiller. It's just so much more practical. I really don't have an issue getting back into some really shallow water with the deepV, I've never once not been able to get into water I need to. Again I have a small boat.
The biggest disadvantage is getting pushed around in the wind.
I love the deep V, and the tiller really allows for alot of space. This boat is the smallest and least powered boat I have ever owned, and my favorite that I have ever owned.
carlm01 reply :
I traded in a bass boat to get a deep V , I'm happy with sitting a little lower and having a smaller casting deck, You stated that you fish for various species , Your better off with a deep V, as for not performing as well with the trolling motor , I find no difference at all although my Lund Rebel does sit a little lower in the water ... Good luck either way
Pete-K reply :
Hard to beat my 1825 Pro Guide Tiller Lund. Open floor plan and plenty of room.
Petre
I fish for catfish, Crappie, Stripers, Sauger and bass. Works for all of other then flipping for bass.
carlm01 reply :
MattC reply :
On 1/29/2017 at 8:22 AM, Junk Fisherman said:I considered a Crestliner Fish Hawk for a long time. It has one of the biggest front decks in its class yet it has open space around the cockpit since it doesn't have a large rear casting deck. I don't think people would call it a "semi-bass boat" but it is one of the better tin deep Vs for bass fishing IMO.
my father jumped on a lightly used Fish Hawk 1650 over the summer last year for a smoking deal, he was in the same shoes as you are deciding between deep V or bass boat but when the list started for what he wanted and wanting to be able to get him me my little brother and mom on it for a day out fishing and cruising around so deep V was the only practical option and when he located this boat he didn't believe price but price was true drove 2hrs one way bought it on sight and its been great so far. the guy selling the boat wasn't lying either when he said hardly used, when the boat went in for winterization they ran tests on the merc 90hp and it only had 11hrs total run time on it. only issue I've seen is storage is sorta tough but ya make do and when it's only me dad and brother and we stop to fish the back row seats unfold down to further extended the rear casting deck which is a BIG plus!
Elkins45 reply :
Well, here's what I ended up with:
It's a 2007 G3 16 ft deep V with a 50hp Yamaha two stroke. It looks like it has spent most of its life in a garage. Everything was in exceptional condition and I got to take it out on the water before buying it. $7000. I think I got a super deal, so if I decide I don't like the V hull I can probably trade without taking too much of a hit.
jimf reply :
Nice! I've heard very good things about the G3. Congrats!
On 2/16/2017 at 9:07 AM, Pete-K said:Hard to beat my 1825 Pro Guide Tiller Lund. Open floor plan and plenty of room.
Petre
I fish for catfish, Crappie, Stripers, Sauger and bass. Works for all of other then flipping for bass.
I don't have near the boat you do (Lund Fury 16') which is probably all the more reason I just love and appreciate the tiller layout. A friend of mine who goes through new boats very couple of years bought a tiller a few years ago which surprised me, and when I saw it the lightbulb went off. I'll take a little spray in my face to open up all of that space. My current boat is almost 2' shorter than my previous bass boat with a console but it fishes bigger than that boat.
Tiller and deep-V - 30 years ago when I had a nice shiny fiberglass boat I would have laughed at me launching this thing, but yet here I am and I love it.
starbuck reply :
On 1/30/2017 at 11:55 AM, Elkins45 said:
Kentucky, and I generally fish in-state. The only time I really see rough water is on Kentucky Lake because the main body is really wide but quite shallow outside the river channel. On summer afternoons the whitecaps really jarred my teeth out in my heavy old bass boat.
I have both a 2016 ranger 520c and a tracker 175 wt ... I fish ky lake often ... unless I'm gonna flipping or pitching skipping under docks for sure ... I much prefer the hull and it's only a 16 foot 8 inch boat boat rides way better on the 3-4 foot days on Kentucky ... even then I can still pitch flip skip just fine out of the v hull ... I like it so much probably going to move to new ranger 1880ms or a Lund and sell the tracker
On 3/1/2017 at 6:43 AM, Elkins45 said:Well, here's what I ended up with:
It's a 2007 G3 16 ft deep V with a 50hp Yamaha two stroke. It looks like it has spent most of its life in a garage. Everything was in exceptional condition and I got to take it out on the water before buying it. $7000. I think I got a super deal, so if I decide I don't like the V hull I can probably trade without taking too much of a hit.
You did great
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