Family, little kids, and bass boats? 2024
tcbass reply :
I own a bass boat now and it works great. However we maybe having a change of lifestyle with a kid on the way. My current bass boat is 18-1/2 feet. I would like to get a 22 footer. I am thinking something like the Ranger Z522D. But now that we may have a kid I was debating on a more family friendly boat. I'm thinking new boat 2-3 years down the road. If possible I'd like to stick with a bass boat.
I have a friend who has 2 young children and he said fishing them off of his bass boat hasn't been a problem, he has a 18' Nitro. Obviously they wear life jackets. My biggest concern is that they'd fall out of the boat and secondly that they couldn't lie around/sleep or just chill as kids get tired/bored quickly.
Not looking for a boat to multi-purpose boat like a fish/ski to pull people behind while wakeboarding or skiing. Strictly a fishing boat. So, I wouldn't get a fish/ski for the purpose of skiing, but if it was better for kids to fish out of. I know that bigger boats like Lund Tyees could be hard for smaller kids to fish out of because of the high walls, although safer for them.
I'm also worried about ride. My brother and I were riding in my Stratos this year and hit some fairly small waves so hard that I thought I broke my tailbone and the bottom of the boat. And we were only going 40mph. I'm hoping a boat like the Z522D would have a deeper hull and prevent a rough ride like that.
So, who has a bass boat with family, small children and does it work fine and is the ride good?
J Francho reply :
A big front deck is great. I can have two adults and two kids up front on my Bullet 21XDC (21'10"). I don't recommend toddlers at that stage where you have to chase them around telling them not to touch this or that stage in a boat. Usually around 2-3 yo, and they listen well, and understand the safety aspect. Don't expect to ANY fishing with kids on board, until they are at least 8 yo or so.
tcbass reply :
On 10/30/2016 at 2:08 AM, J Francho said:A big front deck is great. I can have two adults and two kids up front on my Bullet 21XDC (21'10"). I don't recommend toddlers at that stage where you have to chase them around telling them not to touch this or that stage in a boat. Usually around 2-3 yo, and they listen well, and understand the safety aspect. Don't expect to ANY fishing with kids on board, until they are at least 8 yo or so.
Thx. Yeah, I read you. When you're fishing with kids, you aren't fishing.
gimruis reply :
It is my opinion that bass boats are generally not designed to be family-oriented water crafts. Virtually every bass boat out there is designed to fish 2 people (ideally) and maybe 3 (depending on how big it is). Your probably gonna have to just make a decision. Do you want to keep your bass boat and continue to enjoy that or sacrifice it for more of a multi-species watercraft? Regardless of what kind of boat your in, if you have young children, you won't be doing much fishing. You'll be doing more babysitting and supervising, just like J Francho said.
fishnkamp reply :
What type of waters do you fish? Where do you live? First I have owned 11 boats and have made some of those changes do to what type of water I could fish. Obviously I would keep your current boat and not fish the little fela for about 4 years. Then I would start by finding a good pond to start out with. Ponds have good bluegill, perch, bass and catfish to teach him on first. River banks on small creeks and rivers are almost as good to learn on. When he gets that part down then I would consider if a Lund style boat would work for you. They handle rougher water and yes you benefit from the higher sides. Even Ranger, Skeeter, and others make boats they call walleye boats and that would have almost all of the benefits of your bass boat and yet not look like a ski boat. I have to admit though the nicest boat I have ever owned was my ProCraft 20 foot fish n ski boat. Also look at the new bass boat Lund brought out this year, I have heard good things about it. It does have the heart of a Lund and their innovations as well..
S Hovanec reply :
On 10/30/2016 at 1:53 AM, tcbass said:I would like to get a 22 footer. I am thinking something like the Ranger Z522D. But now that we may have a kid I was debating on a more family friendly boat.
Look at a 621 of you want to stay with Ranger.
I'm partial to Lunds and if I was in your shoes, I'd be looking hard at a 2075 Tyee.
IMO, the multi species boats are way more family friendly than bass boats. You are IN the boat, not ON the boat.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I have to keep a close eye on my son, but I bought my Stratos VLO because my wife thought it would be more family friendly than the boat I had before we had him. He's never made it longer than about 30 minutes in the boat, but that's about all that can be expected from a toddler.
tcbass reply :
On 10/30/2016 at 10:57 AM, S Hovanec said:Look at a 621 of you want to stay with Ranger.
I'm partial to Lunds and if I was in your shoes, I'd be looking hard at a 2075 Tyee.
IMO, the multi species boats are way more family friendly than bass boats. You are IN the boat, not ON the boat.
Great point about being in the boat vs. on the boat.
That Ranger 621 looks nice! I like that it has a larger now area than the Tyee.
On 10/30/2016 at 1:36 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I have to keep a close eye on my son, but I bought my Stratos VLO because my wife thought it would be more family friendly than the boat I had before we had him. He's never made it longer than about 30 minutes in the boat, but that's about all that can be expected from a toddler.
So after 30 mins do you go home?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/30/2016 at 3:12 PM, tcbass said:So after 30 mins do you go home?
Unless you want your kid to lose all interest and associate negative feelings towards being in the boat and going fishing, yes, going home is what happens when he wants to go home. We go to lakes that are close, or have other activities that he can do. I wouldn't ever suggest taking your kid with you if you're wanting to really go fishing until they get a little older. Think of it as an investment. You take them out and make sure they have fun, even though that means hooking up and hauling the boat, unloading and loading, all for 10 minutes to maybe an hour on the water. You make sure they have fun and enjoy the experience, so when they get older and their patience gets longer they'll still want to go out with you. Make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks for them. We even have a portable DVD player that he can watch his cartoons on and that usually keeps him busy for awhile once he's done fishing.
fishnkamp reply :
Bluebasser86 you are a SUPER DAD!!!! I have a friend that grew up here in MD on Chesapeake Bay waterfront property. His dad and grandpa did the same with him. Now he is a dad and all summer long he has been taking his son out on longer and longer trips to fish for panfish, bass and snakeheads on the Potomac River. He has also been teaching him how to drive a 20 foot Ranger. Two weeks ago he brought him and another friend back to his old stomping grounds. Between the 3 of them they caught 120 stripers and his son out fished them both, at least that is what his son said. He refused to let dad do anything this time, he cast his rattle trap and he reeled in his fish. Bryan was one super proud papa!! These moments are priceless, no money can buy them Congrats , tcbass see what you have too look forward to. One thing ponds and bank fishing can do for you is allow you to make your early trips into some fishing, some ball play, a family pick nick etc. Nothing fancy, cook a dog on the grill or pick up a bucket of chicken and some good desserts, like his favorite flavored popsicle. Lots of fun and less risk of him falling in the water. No guarantee he won't jump in the water, but that is a different thing. Boys will be boys!
BrianSnat reply :
On 10/30/2016 at 10:57 AM, S Hovanec said:Look at a 621 of you want to stay with Ranger.
I'm partial to Lunds and if I was in your shoes, I'd be looking hard at a 2075 Tyee.
IMO, the multi species boats are way more family friendly than bass boats. You are IN the boat, not ON the boat.
Hard to beat the Lunds for a family. My fishing buddy has a 2075 Tyee and I'm jealous. He bought it specifically because he had a family and wanted to have a boat that was good for the family, but it is a great boat to fish from for bass or anything else.
tcbass reply :
On 10/30/2016 at 9:18 AM, fishnkamp said:What type of waters do you fish? Where do you live? First I have owned 11 boats and have made some of those changes do to what type of water I could fish. Obviously I would keep your current boat and not fish the little fela for about 4 years. Then I would start by finding a good pond to start out with. Ponds have good bluegill, perch, bass and catfish to teach him on first. River banks on small creeks and rivers are almost as good to learn on. When he gets that part down then I would consider if a Lund style boat would work for you. They handle rougher water and yes you benefit from the higher sides. Even Ranger, Skeeter, and others make boats they call walleye boats and that would have almost all of the benefits of your bass boat and yet not look like a ski boat. I have to admit though the nicest boat I have ever owned was my ProCraft 20 foot fish n ski boat. Also look at the new bass boat Lund brought out this year, I have heard good things about it. It does have the heart of a Lund and their innovations as well..
Central Minnesota.
I fish fairly shallow lakes like Forest Lake, Bald Eagle, Whitebear and others. Not big lakes like Mille Lacs or Vermillion.
A friend recommended the Ranger 621 multi-species.
It seems like a nice boat but the back deck is fairly small and cannot have a pedastal seat.
I think a longer back deck is nice if a kid wants to sleep back there and obviously the pedestal seat is nice.
I see that the Ranger Reata has that exact back deck that I think is good. Too bad the 621 doesn't have a back deck like that.
S Hovanec reply :
On 11/1/2016 at 2:52 PM, tcbass said:Central Minnesota.
I fish fairly shallow lakes like Forest Lake, Bald Eagle, Whitebear and others. Not big lakes like Mille Lacs or Vermillion.
A friend recommended the Ranger 621 multi-species.
It seems like a nice boat but the back deck is fairly small and cannot have a pedastal seat.
I think a longer back deck is nice if a kid wants to sleep back there and obviously the pedestal seat is nice.
I see that the Ranger Reata has that exact back deck that I think is good. Too bad the 621 doesn't have a back deck like that.
There is a rear deck extension for the 621 with a pedestal seat base in it.
J Francho reply :
On 11/1/2016 at 6:09 PM, S Hovanec said:A friend recommended the Ranger 621 multi-species.
I've been in one - really cool boat!
S Hovanec reply :
On 11/1/2016 at 8:33 PM, J Francho said:I've been in one - really cool boat!
I really like the 621, but what I like more is how careless I can be with my tin. I think my next boat will be a 2175 Pro-V.
tcbass reply :
On 11/1/2016 at 6:09 PM, S Hovanec said:There is a rear deck extension for the 621 with a pedestal seat base in it.
Perfect.
What would be a better boat, a Lund Pro V or Ranger 621FS?
Would they be similar in price?
S Hovanec reply :
On 11/1/2016 at 10:30 PM, tcbass said:Perfect.
What would be a better boat, a Lund Pro V or Ranger 621FS?
Would they be similar in price?
Hard to say which is better. I think the Ranger would handle heavy water better because it's a deeper V. I think the Lund would draft shallower.
I priced both last fall with a Yamaha F300 and the Ranger was $1000 cheaper.
tcbass reply :
On 11/1/2016 at 10:36 PM, S Hovanec said:Hard to say which is better. I think the Ranger would handle heavy water better because it's a deeper V. I think the Lund would draft shallower.
I priced both last fall with a Yamaha F300 and the Ranger was $1000 cheaper.
Wow. Surprised that the Ranger is cheaper. What did they price out at? Was it base boats or did you add certain features?
Anyone else think the price of new ridiculous?
J Francho reply :
On 11/2/2016 at 2:40 AM, tcbass said:Anyone else think the price of new ridiculous?
Quite so. Depends on where you're at, though. New, with financing might be a better option.
S Hovanec reply :
On 11/2/2016 at 2:40 AM, tcbass said:Wow. Surprised that the Ranger is cheaper. What did they price out at? Was it base boats or did you add certain features?
Base boat, no options. Lund was $72k. That was MSRP. I'm sure it could be had for less.
And that's why I still have my 2005 17' Lund!!
Further North reply :
If you are looking at Lund, check out Crestliner. Same factory, same people, great boats. I've had both, I'd buy either again.
...my Pro-V had just as much draft as my friend's Ranger. New ones have more.
On 11/2/2016 at 2:40 AM, tcbass said:Anyone else think the price of new ridiculous?
Way, way past ridiculous. I know it makes me sound old, but $72K for a boat is nuts...we paid $85K for our first house, brand new, including lot...in 1992.
slonezp reply :
On 11/1/2016 at 10:30 PM, tcbass said:Perfect.
What would be a better boat, a Lund Pro V or Ranger 621FS?
Would they be similar in price?
The Pro V and the Ranger are 2 completely different boats with the biggest difference being the hull material. The Lund 219GL would be a closer match and has a better cockpit layout that includes removable storage. The 2016 base models were selling mid $60's moderately equipped. If it were me, fishing the shallow hard bottom lakes of MN, the glass boat would be at the bottom of my list.
It sounds like you are looking for a family fishing boat. I don't want to tell you how to spend your money, but I certainly wouldn't be dropping north of $70k on a fishing boat to cart my wife and kid around. You'd be better off buying a second boat like a bowrider for the family outings and once your kid is old enough, wean him over to the Stratos
The Ranger VS1780, or Mirrocraft Dual Impact, a number of Alumacraft, Smokercraft, and Crestliner models should do exactly what you want in a single boat for under $30k
Yeajray231 reply :
Lol 72k for a boat. I have 600 in my "rig" including trailer, wiring, seats, and trolling motor, and lights. Must be nice.
Maybe if I didn't have a kid and decide to go back and live with my mother I can get financed for a 12 year payment deal.
tcbass reply :
On 11/2/2016 at 8:03 AM, Yeajray231 said:Lol 72k for a boat. I have 600 in my "rig" including trailer, wiring, seats, and trolling motor, and lights. Must be nice.
Maybe if I didn't have a kid and decide to go back and live with my mother I can get financed for a 12 year payment deal.
I think the prices of new boats and trucks is ridiculous.
I am having my first kid at almost 40, live with my wife, and both have stable jobs. So I'm at a little different point in my life.
Doesnt mean I don't think $70k on a boat is crazy though.
Yeajray231 reply :
Ha-ha . My dad is a grandfather at 42!! Is what it is man. Good for you seriously !! I know I've missed out on a lot of personal time because of having a child but I really don't wish it to be different.. my girlfriend and daughter got in a car accident while i was at work one day and I about puked my nads up. I couldn't imagine coming home and not seeing their smiling faces..
I make do with what I can ! As long as I touch a bass every week I get my fix. If I had 70k for a boat I'd build a huge pond instead and stock it with bass and heavy amounts of forage.
tcbass reply :
On 11/2/2016 at 10:28 AM, Yeajray231 said:Ha-ha . My dad is a grandfather at 42!! Is what it is man. Good for you seriously !! I know I've missed out on a lot of personal time because of having a child but I really don't wish it to be different.. my girlfriend and daughter got in a car accident while i was at work one day and I about puked my nads up. I couldn't imagine coming home and not seeing their smiling faces..
I make do with what I can ! As long as I touch a bass every week I get my fix. If I had 70k for a boat I'd build a huge pond instead and stock it with bass and heavy amounts of forage.
It's a give and take brother.
I have a friend who's a grandfather in his 60's and he can still take his grandkids trapping and fishing and stuff. Which is great.
Because I'm older I wonder if when/if I'm a grandfather I'll be physically able to do that type of stuff with my grandkids because of my age.
I wish I had had my kids in my mid 20's, not nearly 40.
Yeajray231 reply :
Best of luck to you @tcbass . Both with your family and fishing (;
tcbass reply :
On 11/2/2016 at 10:50 AM, Yeajray231 said:Best of luck to you @tcbass . Both with your family and fishing (;
You too brother!
the reel ess reply :
I bought a fish/ski when my daughter was very little with the idea that we could enjoy watersports as a family and I could also get my fishing needs fulfilled. WRONG! We've almost never used it as a family. My wife has only been in it once. Later, I bought myself a kayak and my daughter one when she was finally old enough to enjoy it. That has been a lot more useful.
If I had it to do over, I'd have bought an aluminum bass boat of some kind for fishing when it's too cold for the kayak.
tcbass reply :
On 11/2/2016 at 9:23 PM, the reel ess said:I bought a fish/ski when my daughter was very little with the idea that we could enjoy watersports as a family and I could also get my fishing needs fulfilled. WRONG! We've almost never used it as a family. My wife has only been in it once. Later, I bought myself a kayak and my daughter one when she was finally old enough to enjoy it. That has been a lot more useful.
If I had it to do over, I'd have bought an aluminum bass boat of some kind for fishing when it's too cold.
Friend who used to be a bass Pro had a kid and as it got older he sold his Skeeter bass boat for a Ranger 621. He still bass fished a ton but not as much professionally if I recall.
His wife and kid never were able to go. He sold his 621 and got a Ranger bass boat.
WRB reply :
Under 6 years old kids are unpredictable what they will do in any boat, over 6 they are fairly safe and tend to enjoy longer outings as long as the weather is warm, no wind etc.
Both my son and daughter went fishing with me in bass boats, short trips well planned. I added rod holders that mounted on the inside gunnel that were removable so the child could put the rod in the holder when tired of holding it. Take along some toys and snacks they like, life jackets like you wear and sun protection. Bass boats are as safe as long as you remember what the outing is all about, slow speed day outing to be enjoyed with your children.
10 to 12 year olds like to fish tournaments with dad! Take your time when they are very young and remember kids grow up very fast, it's up to you to teach them to enjoy fishing.
Tom
Mosster47 reply :
If it were just me I'd have a 17' boat max, but I have two young boys so I just bought a TR-21X. The little guy still doesn't go out yet, but my 6 year old goes with me all the time and started going with me when he was 4. I have his "go-pack" with us. It has TONS of snacks and drinks, toys, his tablet, pillow & blanket, etc. He knows how to fish on his own and when he wants to fish, he fishes, when he gets bored he does something else.
If their only option on the boat is fishing you're going to waste a whole lot of time and money taking them out for an hour.
fishnkamp reply :
Thinking a little more go take a look at a Lund Pro V 1875 or 2075. They RE available with a straight bench or two buckets and extra fold down seats. That might be a great compromise,It is still a full blown bass boat with some extra seats that can flip up.
tcbass reply :
On 11/5/2016 at 6:08 AM, fishnkamp said:Thinking a little more go take a look at a Lund Pro V 1875 or 2075. They RE available with a straight bench or two buckets and extra fold down seats. That might be a great compromise,It is still a full blown bass boat with some extra seats that can flip up.
Thanks. I have looked into them.
What about Lund trailers vs. Ranger trailers?
Ranger trailers seem to have some nice features like Road Armor coating and manual brakes.
slonezp reply :
Lund doesn't make their trailers. They are made by Shorlander and can be basic or decked out with whatever you can afford
"hamma" reply :
Before you drop a bunch of money,... Lunds and Bassboats are awesome rigs, and please dont get me wrong here. I would love to have either. And just before my first of three daughters were born I could of afforded either, and did check them out at the boat show I attended, when searching for "our platform",... and for the years to come it was and is "ours".
I almost bought a 20' skeeter with all the trimmings, but opted for a more reasonable, tracker super guide v 16 tiller model,.. And Im glad I did. The slower, higher gunneled boat, was the ticket as I had taken each of my girls fishing when they were young til there now teenaged years, completely comfy, and safe. With the room for them to crash, if needed, and soft seats for them to play on their cell phones when the inevidable boredom arose. (as I navigated back to the ramp) The higher sides kept them "dry" when they were really young, the lack of a console really opened up the boat providing good "crash time"
Nowadays they enjoy bass fishing with lures along with dad for a day off the same rig they used to bobber and worm fish for bluegills and such. In retrospect? I made the correct choice as the 40K I saved when they were young came in handy as days went on,.. and we all had fun on the tracker, whether it was all of us, or just a day for me.
Did I wish I got the "better" boat??,..not even once. I rigged my tracker with the best of accessories that I could. Its been 19 years now, It needs a new on board 15 amp per bank charger as the one on it finally died, new carpet would be nice, and I did re-power as my health choose that for me. But I couldn't be happier with the choice I made back then. The girls got to fish off a "safe, comfy" boat throughout their lives so far, and not once complained at all. I know old club members that had kids loose interest in fishing, as the Big Bass boat bounced them around some, fell out while dad was "up front" running the tm, etc.
Yes ,..a lund is a much better rig, but for what I did, and what your about to do? Think about it before you commit, figure your priorities, and more important what the needs of your kid, or kids will be. Cash may not be a issue now,... but kids change things
Just a thought, and some "parental" insight,...
Robeng reply :
Wide deep gunnels n a comfortable place for momma n junior to relax n play.
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