Best handling bass boat..... 2024

5bass reply :

I am in the market to buy a new/newer boat.Right now I have a '00 Ranger 522 DVX with a 225 Merc Optimax....I bought the Ranger after selling a '99 Gambler 2100 DC with the same Merc outboard as the Ranger.

The Ranger is supposedly the "class" of the field but I can say first hand that the Gambler was a faster,better handling boat.

Anybody have suggestions about a good handling boat that I should try out?

Opinions anybody?

Glenn reply :

Ranger.

The new hull designs are light years ahead of your model. Go for a test drive and see for yourself. I think you'll be impressed. ;D

gamblerOH reply :

Go get yourself another Gambler, you deserve it and wont be satisfied until you get one. I have a 2100 with a 225 merc. I did fish in a new ranger last fall and they are very nice, as far as speed and handling nothing comes close to a gambler.

johnbr19792003 reply :

ive rid in many bass boats and as far as i can tell triton rides the worst and i like the wider beem boats like nitro. I also like skeeter.

JT Bagwell reply :

I think a lot of the ride depends on the skill level of the driver. For some people, they might be able to handle a low end boat like a Nitro and not be able to get a high performance boat like a Triton over 60mph.

High performance boats (Allison, Gambler, Triton, Bullet, etc) are built for speed and as a result they require more practice to properly drive. This is not the case with Skeeter, Ranger, Nitro and other brands. These boats have very little (if any) chine walk and they are simple to drive.

JT Bagwell

Fatdaddy150 reply :

I agree with J.T.!! It depends on the drivers skill.

I have found that the new Z series Ranger, Champion and Gambler are probably the nicest handling boats that I have driven.

Tight Lines,

Fatdaddy151

Glenn reply :

My '03 Ranger 520 Commanche is by far the easiest boat I've ever driven. However, I learned real quick that it'll turn sharper than you imagine on full plane. About threw myself overboard a couple of times it cut so sharp! Some boats "skip" or "slide" when they turn on plane - not mine. It "digs" and turns!! It took me awhile to get used to that.

flippnfish reply :

Alot of it is the driver. Prop selection will also make a world of difference in the handling. A boat is easier to control at mid-range rpm's, running creeks and rough water, with a 4 or 5 blade prop. My 21x Triton will not bite at mid range rpm's with a 3 blade 27. It will blow out every time you hit the gas. So, I swap props depending on conditions. It rides good in rough water and is very fast with the 250xs motor.

I also have a 94 model Astro F-20 (the fast hull) that has the same hull design as a Bullet or Blazer (Gambler is similar) and it runs the same mid or high range. Great for river's and creeks. It will turn on a dime. But, Will beat you to death on a big lake in rough water. Hull weight is only 1200 lbs. or less. A Champion also handles well, but, the livewells suck. Skeeter is also a good boat depending on the setup.

Larry_Landgren reply :

For rough water I don't think a champion can be beat.

Choose a boat that will suit your needs for you.

I run alot of big rough water so I baught a champion.

Dex202 reply :

It all depends on what you want out of your boat. A Ranger, Champion, and Skeeter are some of the best riding boats I've ever been in. Great looking and very dependable. Only drawback is the speed. Speed isn't everything and nothing for some. My boat handles great and has great speed, but you'll have to install a 2" reciever ball in your driver seat if the water gets rough! ;D

I've been in plenty of Nitros and sorry, I haven't a good thing to say about them. Not so good ride and you'll be traveling about half the speed of smell.

2-cents!

johnbr19792003 reply :

when you guys say rough water what do you mean. Here at champlain we have 5-6 footers all the time its aboutas rough as it gets unless your fishing hurricane season. You say lower end boats are easier to handle , isnt that good??? boat does 70mph handles great whats the differance how much it cost. You consider skeeter a low end boat you guys must have alot of money to call a 30,000$-35,000$ boat low end. Most bassboats are made equally just like vehicles it all depends upon preferance.

JT Bagwell reply :

I never said Skeeter was a low end boat, what I said was Nitro was a low end boat (and they are).

I also said Skeeters (along with the other brands I mentioned) are very easy to drive (and they are).

I also don't think an 882 with a 150 on the back is going to run 70 (at least not a true GPS speed). Low to mid 60's is probably more accurate.

JT Bagwell

Dex202 reply :

Ranger's, Skeeters and Champions are by no means low end boat. They all cost more than mine if your looking at same length with the same hp. One of the features a love about my boat is unlimited hp. Its hard to find a boat that is only 20' long and can handle a 300hp.

Just because I think Nitro are "low end" doesn't mean anything. Personal preferrence.

Nitro's are a dime a dozen around here.

johnbr19792003 reply :

who said anything about an 882 nitro going 70mph. I was saying any boat that goes 70 and handles great. Not my boat. yes it goes 65 with gps reading. got everything i need in it good enough for me. Im not a pro like you with your best weight out of 8 tourneys for a day in bfl tourney at 5.6pounds you must be good. Some day if I keep practicing i just might be able to break that 5.6 record. Just having some fun with ya you did some research on finding out what type of boat i had so i did some research on you.

clooney reply :

Oh geez.. :-X

JT Bagwell reply :

A. I didn't have to do much research to find out what boat you drive. You listed in the "What do you drive?" post.

B. You are correct about my BFL weights. It also clearly states that I was fishing as a Co-Angler because it was back when I was too busy making money to pre-fish. Additionally I must have done better than average since I finished that year ranked either 9th or 11th overall (can't remember because it was awhile ago). It sure wasn't something I ever tried to hide.

C. Who are you? Name doesn't ring a bell.

JT Bagwell

johnbr19792003 reply :

dont get all bent out of shape. Nobody does well all the time. I was kidding around. My names John Rielly and you wouldnt of heard of me anyway i do local tourneys for now. Too busy with family and work to devote my entire life to fishing. I have a buddy that does bfl ken davison I pick on him even though he does well. he won the northeast championchip at lake champlain a couple years ago. Its all in fun never wanted to affend anyone.

Fatdaddy150 reply :

I drove a 2005 champion 188 elite over the weekend. A buddy of mine just got it. WHAT A BOAT!! 18'8" long 92.5" beam 200 hp Mercury Optimax. Fast and handeled the rough water great. This was probably the nicest I have ever ridden in, rides better than any Ranger even the new Z, Triton, Skeeter, or any of the other Champion models I have driven. I WANT ONE NOW!!! Great boat, check one out. It is laid out very well, feels like you are in a 20' boat!! Of course he got all the options cost him over $32,000.00

Tight Lines,

Fatdaddy151

5bass reply :

Well fellas,I bought a Gambler.

21 foot

Evinrude 225

red hull,black stripe,red carpet

THANKS for all the input....

Nick_Barr reply :

Now go catch some fish before we all get jealous!!! ;D

Fatdaddy150 reply :

GREAT!! I HOPE YOU GOT WHAT YOU WANTED POST SOME PICS SO WE CAN TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR NEW BABY.

5bass reply :

If I can figure out how to post a pic I will,any tips on that?

I have the pics in a Kodak Easy Share file in my computer if that matters,just cant get them to show up on here.

I tried doing it with my username picture also but got nothing.

2100gambler reply :

OMG! someone is smoking crack if they think triton is a high performance boat and compare it with bullet, gambler and allisons!

and to put tritons in a class above rangers, champs, skeeter, ect??? whats up with that?

triton is a chopper gun boat too.

SBN reply :

Quote
If I can figure out how to post a pic I will,any tips on that?
I have the pics in a Kodak Easy Share file in my computer if that matters,just cant get them to show up on here.

I tried doing it with my username picture also but got nothing.

You will have to host them somewhere on the WWW to be able to post them here or any BB.

Plenty of free places out there to host pictures at.

Go to www.freepichosting.com and set up an account and host your pictures there. They will lead you right thru it all.

SBN reply :

Quote
OMG! someone is smoking crack if they think triton is a high performance boat and compare it with bullet, gambler and allisons!
and to build up a triton and put down rangers and such? i think triton is the bottom of the barrel for all the boats you mentioned !

I will have to concur that someone has been reading the wrong brochures about boats if they want to put them in the same class as a Gambler.

Sorry, not even close.

5bass reply :

Thanks for the info SBN....and does that mean you are a Gambler fan also?

I agree about the Tritons,you couldnt GIVE me a Triton.A guy in my club has a TR18 with a 150 and the chine walk is unbelievable,just on the 150.I also drove a 21X and overall it was a nice boat but the ride was horrible.I figured a bigger heavier boat like the 21 would be a little better than the 18,boy was I wrong.

I understand that Triton's are still a fairly new company and that they are the big boat sponsor for BASS now and it's easier to break into the big time if you already own one of the sponsors boats and can have an honest opinion about their boats but......

2100gambler reply :

triton doesnt have the best boat by any means but they sure do have good marketing strategies.

popularity gained from marketing doesnt mean it is the best or even average.

JT Bagwell reply :

I think a couple of people need to go back and read what was actually said. I didn't see anywhere in the previous posts where it said Triton was better than Skeeter or Ranger. I did see where it said they required more skill to drive.

It's kind of funny, I never saw anywhere that said Triton was the "best" either. I am not looking to start a pecker pulling contest over who makes the better boat. Frankly I couldn't really care less.

Just because a boat chinewalks doesn't make it a bad ride. It just means that you need more driving practice. My TR20 will chinewalk you to death if you don't know how to control it, but it rides good when I am behind the wheel.

JT Bagwell

5bass reply :

JT,not to get into a "pulling" contest but there are others here that have been driving boats just as long or longer than you.

That being said,I could probably get used to driving a Triton if I did it on a regular basis.I was just voicing my opinion about a boat that I have driven and also about Triton boats that I have riden in.And by the way,my boat driving skills are just fine,thanks.

JT Bagwell reply :

You made my point perfectly. Thank You.

You "can" get used to driving a Triton if you do it on a regular basis. That is what it takes to get rid of the chinewalk. It has nothing to do with your ability to drive a boat. It is simply your awareness of how to handle a boat that chinewalks.

JT Bagwell

Ps: I am sure there are tons of people on here that have been driving a boat longer than me. I am only 29 years old.

2100gambler reply :

and you need to go back and read what i said too.....i didnt say that you said tritoon was the best. i was saying that its a popular boat because it is marketed well. also i didnt say that you said it was better than a ranger or skeeter. i said that you must be smoking crack if you put it in a class with bullets, gamblers and allisons and that you can not put it in a class above rangers, skeeters, champs ect. when its manufactured the same way.

i will go even further and say that in MY OPINION a triton is only one step (small step) above a nitro

Glenn reply :

Well, it's all a matter of what you're looking for. Allisons, Gamblers, etc are known for their high speed. Rangers, Skeeters, etc are known for better rides and quality construction, but they won't beat the boats above in a race.

Everyone has an opinion. It just depends on what's important to the individual.

Mine? I'm partial to my Ranger. But I'm not going to knock other boats because other people choose them.

As for chine walk, that's usually an indication of poor setup. Typically the motor is too low and/or it's using the wrong prop. True, some hull designs are more prone to chine walk, and I haven't driven a Triton, so I don't have an opinion. However, several of my pro friends drive them and don't complain about chine walk - they complain of other things about the boat (like water leaking into the storage compartments).

At any rate, it's a matter of personal preference. What is one person's annoyance, other person overlooks it. It doesn't mean one is right and the other wrong. It's just personal preference.

johnbr19792003 reply :

you can always get rid of chine walking by adjusting the trim. Might lose a little speed but it will be a safe rid. What do you guys think of stratus boats i havent heard much about those on this site. I agree with the triton marketing, thats the only reason why people think there so good, because bass is sponsored by them or vise versa. Also is a bass cat a good boat I looked at a 21 footer today with a 225 e tech on it they wanted $23,000 for it .the boat is a 2002 or 2004 cant remember

Fatdaddy150 reply :

OK boys time to calm down! We all have a favorite boat manufacturer. No need to get out of shape. I have driven a Triton and Gambler they are very nice boats. I did not have a problem with chine walk in the Trition TR196 with a 200 optimax on it. The Gambler was also had good ride, fast too. Like Glenn said I think it may be in the setup or prop on the Triton this boat just may be harder to dial in. I am partial to Champions and Rangers myself. But everyone has their own opinion. My buddy has a Nitro and he swears it is the best boat made "it does ride pretty well and he has had no problems with it, He has had it for four years now speed is ok and ride ain't bad either". I think that almost all boat companies are on the same playing feild. It is just every anglers personal preference. The point is get what you want and congratulate a fellow basser on his new purchase.

Tight Lines,

Fatdaddy151

SBN reply :

Quote
Thanks for the info SBN....and does that mean you are a Gambler fan also?

Yea, a '97 209TE with a 225 ProMax. Rides good, runs good. Have owned many a boat in my 51 years, but this one has to be the best overall boat I have owned. Big front deck, plenty of storage, etc.

5bass reply :

Glenn, I tried out a Z like you suggested but couldnt justify spending $42 grand on a boat.....although I will probably buy one after they are out a year or two and depreciate into my price range.

I went with the Gambler just for the mere fact that I like a Gambler.....the huge deck,massive storage and fast smooth ride.

But thats just temporary for a year or two,I really like the Rangers also....they hold their value so well and are in my opinion the best built/best overall quality boats available.

My dad has always told me that Rangers are the Harley Davidsons of bass boats....I believe that.

2100gambler reply :

Quote
. Also is a bass cat a good boat I looked at a 21 footer today with a 225 e tech on it they wanted $23,000 for it .the boat is a 2002 or 2004 cant remember

john i think a basscat is a great boat. they are tuff as nails, have a good ride, handle well and have pretty good speed. and you probably cant find a better boat cheaper than a cat.

johnbr19792003 reply :

thanks for the info

abelfisher reply :

As fatdaddy151 said, "The point is get what you want and congratulate a fellow basser on his new purchase."

DITTO. I think my new Pflueger President Baitcaster is the best reel going. Doesn't mean it is better than all the others but it is the best I have ever owned and "just feels right for me"

We should be happy for each other when one goes out and purchases something you've been waiting to do....whether a boat or reel or whatever. ;D

Fatdaddy150 reply :

Quote
As fatdaddy151 said, "The point is get what you want and congratulate a fellow basser on his new purchase."
DITTO. I think my new Pflueger President Baitcaster is the best reel going. Doesn't mean it is better than all the others but it is the best I have ever owned and "just feels right for me"

We should be happy for each other when one goes out and purchases something you've been waiting to do....whether a boat or reel or whatever. ;D

Thanks for understanding what I was talking about abelfisher. Sometimes people like things we don't. And other times a guy has to buy what is in his price range. Just nice to tell a fellow basser good job and hope you really like the new purchase. Even if it was something we might not have bought ourseleves.

Tight Lines,

Fatdaddy151

Laser1550 reply :

Now I know that I am new to this board and want to say thanks and looks like a good board,but I have to say to Mr Bagwell and I did read the post VERY carefully before I made this reply. How in the world could you put a triton in the same class the one you called high performance,as the Allisons,Bullets, and I'll add a few that truly are high performance Strokers,Norricraft,Bamblers etc.. Now those are TRUE high performance boats. Yes Triton has some very good marketing strategy's and have the money to sponsor some of the pro's probably due to the fact that Earl has made a ton of money from his other companies ( not to say that TRUE high performance boat companies dont have the money they just spend it on makin HIGH PERFORMANCE machines). Could you please tell me what you have based your thoughts on? Have you ever rode in a Bullet,Gambler,Allison, Laser etc? Now mind you I am asking not pointing fingers but come on now how could you put a Triton in the high performance catagory that you did. Yes as far as chopper gun boats go yes they are pretty good but I have fished and drove them and personally I find them over priced and Earl needs to go back to the chalk board if he wants to run with the Big Boys as far as High performance is concerned. Just my 2 cents worth. Shoot I run with and outrun most Trtioons with my lil ole Laser (and it aint over powered). As I said just my 2 cents and was wondering how you are basing your opinion on what you said.

Glenn reply :

Laser - I think it depends on what your definition of "high performance" is. I take it yours is "high speed"?

I'd fathom to guess JT's definition is different. Not wrong, just different.

flyinallison reply :

another newbie here.... been reading these boards for a while and decided to get in on this, lol

JT's definition of high performance might be different than lasers definition , but i can only see it being two ways. if his definition is a custom made boat that puts more emphasis on performance than marketing or advertising then a triton does not fit. or his definition could mean a high horsepower which would also include skeeter, ranger, nitro and all other glass boats as well as some aluminum boat manufactures.

i think a triton compares with ranger, skeeter, ect and believe thats what class it belongs in and dont think it in any way compares with allison, bullets, gamblers, strokers, ect.

i run an allison but used my dads tr21 triton for 2 months after a tornado dropped a tree on my allison. i dont think a triton is a bad boat but i sure dont think it ranks at the top. in my opinion a basscat or a champion (pre genmar) or even a ranger or skeeter are better fishing platforms than a triton.

i have seen some good speeds from triton when compared to other production boats and i will give them credit for that but the ride has been sacrificed and heaven forbid you dont have a coke sitting on the deck while fishing and another boat passes flies by, because your carpet is fixin to get wet and sticky.

just my .02

Glenn reply :

All -

AGAIN, it's a matter of personal preferences choices - not who's right and who's wrong.

Allisons, Gamblers, etc. are perfect for some people, but absolutely horrible for others. At the same time, Rangers, Skeeters, etc. are perfect for some people when an Allison or Gambler is a terrible choice for them.

It all comes down to what works best for you. And if you're a gentleman, you'll respect the decisions and boats of others, rather than knocking them. Seems like a senseless argument anyway.

Instead of talking bad about other boats, why not tell everyone why you chose yours?

P.S. If you really cannot resist being combatitive and knocking people down, rather than talking about the positive aspects of your boat, then you need to find another forum. In fact, I won't tolerate that attitude here and have no problem banning people who insist on "winning the argument".

In short, keep your posts positive or move on.

5bass reply :

I agree Glenn.....I bought a Gambler because I wanted

1. more speed

2. more deck

3. more storage

but,I knocked myself out of the Ranger Cup incentive program by buying a Gambler.

And through talking to various people in the bass fishing world,Triton is handing out sponsorships like there is no tomorrow and it only makes sense to buy one of their boats and get a better shot at being sponsored by them.I fished Lake Gaston this weekend and 75% of the boats in the tournament were Tritons,obviously they are making a good impression on a whole bunch of people.

flyinallison reply :

i chose allison because it has the best ride, most durable, more features and 30 mph faster than a triton. not to mention it gets 5 mpg while that triton is getting 2mpg. just my opinion .

JT Bagwell reply :

Quote
I think a lot of the ride depends on the skill level of the driver. For some people, they might be able to handle a low end boat like a Nitro and not be able to get a high performance boat like a Triton over 60mph.
High performance boats (Allison, Gambler, Triton, Bullet, etc) are built for speed and as a result they require more practice to properly drive. This is not the case with Skeeter, Ranger, Nitro and other brands. These boats have very little (if any) chine walk and they are simple to drive.

I can not believe people are getting that worked up over that stupid a** statement. What I meant was that boats that are faster have a tendancy to chine walk a lot (until you learn to drive them). I did not mean that Rangers and Skeeters are crappy boats because I happen to like them both a lot.

In reality I could really care less what boat someone drives. If they like it then that is all that matters. Especially since they are the only ones that are making that payment each month.

To whoever that was that made the statement about Tritons being over priced: I agree completely. I think every boat on the market is over priced. There is no need for a boat to cost half as much as what people are paying for houses.

JT Bagwell

flyinallison reply :

LOL i get it now!

your sayin that rangers and skeeters dont run fast enough to chine walk? ;D

lol i am just messin with you JT :)

i understand what your saying. there is a point where every boat will walk and my guess is that its around 70 mph. no matter what brand it is, its gonna walk if it runs fast enough.

Nick.Culver reply :

Just remember this. The size speed and cost of the boat don't make you a better fisherman. In fact I bet their plenty of people out their who can fish just as well out of a tracker. Than half of us on this forum. I hate hearing people talk about how great their boat is. Yopu may like the boat and the company. So what? Who cares I don't. I also think it's wrong to judge a person by the boat they drive and what they say. I have a tracker and have caught plenty of fish out of it. I also have to deal with alot of people looking down on me because I'm 17yrs old. With sponsors backing me. You guys all have to realize their's people on here that can't afford a boat like you. I would love to have any of the baots listed in this list of posts. I'm trying to make a carreer out of this sport. I really don't like seeing this stuff. It's kind of like the thugs in school talking about who like low rider is better than whoms. Is just a ticking war and it's wrong. Sorry just had to get this off my chest. I'd really like to see stuff like this go away.

P.S. People really need to quit taking offense to people's post. I never saw JT disciminating any other boat. Plus he never made Triton sounded better than any other boat. He just made a well written reply.

Sorry if I affend or have singled any one out.

Glenn reply :

AMEN Nick!

I'm just about ready to lock this thread. You won't believe the number of posts I've deleted and/or modified due to insults or general lack of respect a few individuals have shown to others. That's totally uncalled for and simply not tolerated here.

If you're upset I deleted or modified your post - you're one of them, and I'm keeping an eye on you. Leave your attitude at the door, or I will block your posting abilities.

I shouldn't have to do that. But some people don't have the ability to make a post without hurling insults at people. I'm absolutely floored to see adults act like that -- and impressed a 17-year old has the wisdom a few others twice his age will never get.

BassChaser57 reply :

Why did no one mention a Stratus? I just bought a 19' -- did I make a mistake??

Fatdaddy150 reply :

Good purchase on the Stratos. They are very nice boats. Post some picks so we can see your new baby.

103

Best handling bass boat..... 2024

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