Gambler Or Bullet what's your thoughts. 2024

Hi-Powered Red Neck reply :

I'm currently working on a plan to get myself a new used boat. I've got a couple boats to sell first along with some other no long used toys. I thinking in the 15-18k dollar range. I looking for a 20 - 21' boat. I'm ready to go fast again. I've fished out of a Bullet and I like how they fish and how they look. The way the hull turns power into speed is incredible. I really like the way the Gamblers look as well. Plus Gamblers have a huge front deck. Both well made and fast. Anyone have experience in both. I grew up in a Bass boat so I'm no stranger to speed or how to handle it. I've owned several mid 70's boats. Yeah Yeah mid 70's isn't that fast but it's close enough for me. I haven't tournament fished in years and have no plans to start again. I'm just tired of the 18 1/2' class. I want a 20' and the hull to handle the power that goes with it. I've owned 3 Skeeters and 1 Ranger. Not interested in either of those. Don't get that twisted guy's both are great boats. But same hp and length a Skeeter will walk off and leave a Ranger. The fastest I've ever gone on the water was in a Bullet. But I'm leaning toward Gambler just cause they look sexier than anything else out there. In my humble opinion any way, followed closely by Bullet. Yes I know the magic happens with the trolling motor down.

Dirtyeggroll reply :

Ever caught a bass going in the mid-70’s?

of course I’m kidding. Good luck finding what you want.

WRB reply :

This thread may be moved to the Boats forum.

Speed is fun but also exspensive and hard on both boat hulls and engines. I believe a few members have experience with the boats of your interest. Allison is another very fast hull and BassCat makes a fast hull.

You will need to inspect any used fast boat for hull stress cracking and the engine for wear and tear, factoring in your budget rebuilding the engine.

Tom

J Francho reply :

I had a 21XDC w/ 2.5 Merc racing engine, Sporty LU and a Trophy II 27 prop. Fastest I got was 84 mph. You definitely had to drive the boat, unlike my Xpress that basically drove itself. The front deck on that Bullet was HUGE. There's plenty of these boats on the market, the hulls last forever. If you want to truly go fast, a 20' comp hull is super light, and less than 1000 lbs. Mine was 1280, I think. I've been in a few Gamblers, and while they're fast, they aren't Bullet/Allison/Stroker fast. Super exotic interiors, and slick styling, though.

Jig Man reply :

Of the two. Bullet

Mike L reply :

The fastest boat I’ve ever fished out of was a Bullet.
We were in a tournament, fully loaded. When my boater put on a hockey goalie’s mask in 80deg temp I knew what was coming.

He told me to hang on with both hands, jam my feet and to ride with my butt off the seat.
When we finally came down off plane I asked how fast we went, he said 92!!

Never fished with him again.

Mike

crypt reply :

can't go wrong with either one. Bullet will be faster though.

Hi-Powered Red Neck reply :

On 11/22/2019 at 1:26 AM, Mike L said:

The fastest boat I’ve ever fished out of was a Bullet.
We were in a tournament, fully loaded. When my boater put on a hockey goalie’s mask in 80deg temp I knew what was coming.

He told me to hang on with both hands, jam my feet and to ride with my butt off the seat.
When we finally came down off plane I asked how fast we went, he said 92!!

Never fished with him again.

Mike

That is strollin! Fastest I've been was also in a Bullet with a 280 Pro max. Not loaded to fish, no trolling motor. Minimal gas 108 according to the GPS. Never again! The guy that owned it said he had it to 112. I'm not looking for triple digits. Thats for the true speed freaks. I'm comfortable at 70. But given the right conditions, I'll hang it out there.

813basstard reply :

We can hit 28 on a slick day, no tackle
with beer in the boat..26

WRB reply :

I have driven blown fuel flat bottom drag boats over 150 mph and they are more stable and safer IMO then 80+ mph single pad bass boats. The pad bass boat is running on the prop with about 1 sq ft of wet hull surface at high speeds, balance must be perfect or lots things go wrong.

70 mph is a reasonable safe speed, 75 mph requires good driver skills and little wind with light surface chop, no cross wakes, 80 mph the hull is on the very edge and any water surface waves or side wind the boat start to snake and if the bow lifts you blow over. 350 hp race outboards with props 27"-30" pitch running over 90 mph are racing hulls, not set up to bass fish IMO.

Expensive hobby, special lower units, modified power heads, props etc, etc.

Tom

Hi-Powered Red Neck reply :

On 11/22/2019 at 12:13 PM, WRB said:

I have driven blown fuel flat bottom drag boats over 150 mph and they are more stable and safer IMO then 80+ mph single pad bass boats. The pad bass boat is running on the prop with about 1 sq ft of wet hull surface at high speeds, balance must be perfect or lots things go wrong.

70 mph is a reasonable safe speed, 75 mph requires good driver skills and little wind with light surface chop, no cross wakes, 80 mph the hull is on the very edge and any water surface waves or side wind the boat start to snake and if the bow lifts you blow over. 350 hp race outboards with props 27"-30" pitch running over 90 mph are racing hulls, not set up to bass fish IMO.

Expensive hobby, special lower units, modified power heads, props etc, etc.

Tom

Thanks for the words of wisdom Tom. What I'm hearing is a wise man keeps it under 75. Seems pretty reasonable to me. I'm not looking for a high strung, highly modified, over the top kinda fast. I'll be happy with being able to hit 75 when I want to. I've seen a blow over, not something I want to be involved in. The guy lived but he was pretty badly broken up. His boat was destroyed. I gained a lot of respect for just how hard water really is that day. To be honest 70 is fast enough. I'm all but running the guts outta mine to hit 62. I'd like to be able to back it down into the 60's. You know with some power in reserve, just in case someone in a Ranger or a Skeeter makes the mistake. LOL

moguy1973 reply :

Fastest boat I’ve been in is my uncles Z521L Comanche and it does about 64 with me and him and all fishing stuff loaded down on flat water. That’s plenty fast for me. His friend’s Nitro Z21 with a 300 on it does 73 and they use it during tournaments they know they need to make long runs on to get to the fish. They’ve won tournaments because they’ve used the faster boat and have gotten to the “spot” because they were 10mph faster than the other boats in the tourney.

Logan S reply :

Might consider a Phoenix? They are fast boats but are still in that 'standard' class of bass boats...As opposed to the Bullet/Allison/Gambler types that might be considered specialized on the speed side. The full size Phoenix models should run in the mid 70's or higher while still set up to actually fish (IE, not tweaking everything for speed).

Might also want to look at modern models of all brands, most 250hp rigs (and some 225's) will hit 70+ these days, including some Ranger models. I have a 21' Skeeter and I can hit 74-75 with a light load...It cruises at 60mph very easily, with essentially no driver input.

If 70mph is your number, it's not as hard to hit these days, so you may not need to look exclusively at the go-fast models.

Way2slow reply :

One word of caution from someone who has been there, done that many times. You get on of those hydro rockets like the Allison and Bullet, that basically have no speed limitation. The more you add horse power and better the setup, the faster they go, and you are a speed freak like me, you are creating you one huge money pit, and time hog. You never quit trying to make it faster.

Because of that, if I had to have one, I would lean toward the Gambler. They are a fast boat, but they seem to have their limits, meaning when they get to a certain point, it's almost pointless to keep trying because that little extra you gain, is not worth the money and effort it takes to get.

Because of my first paragraph is why I've stuck with my 20' Javelin for over 15 years now. When I get that wild hair, I can throw my 326 hp hot rod motor on it and wipe that funky grin off every Triton driver on the lake wants to give you when he goes by. I know that boat has it limits and I've reached it. It's very easy to get it into the mid 80's with a load and passenger, but it hits a wall at the mid 80's. I have had 450hp motors on it breaking them in and testing them before sending them home and it only ran in the lower 90's then, a 7mph gain for a whole lot more expensive motor, ain't worth it.

webertime reply :

A used boat that routinely went 80+... nope too much wear and tear for me to want to worry about things going wrong.

Look at a Basscat in that price range. Fast but fishable.

OnthePotomac reply :

A guy bought a new boat with a big 300 Merc and took it out for a test run. Back at the dock area while wiping down his boat another boater pulled along side and the fellow looked over and asked, new rig huh? The new boat owner smiled and responded, Yep and this baby really goes, to which the other boater said, yes, I could tell you were really hauling ass as I went by you.

Tennessee Boy reply :

I knew a guy that traded in his 3 year old Bullet that would do 80 mph and borrowed another $30K to buy an Allison that would go 88 mph. The bait monkey is a wimp compared to the boat speed gorilla.

TnRiver46 reply :

Bullet and Allison boats are both made pretty close to my house, Hillbillies love horsepower!!!

Hi-Powered Red Neck reply :

On 11/24/2019 at 6:12 AM, Tennessee Boy said:

I knew a guy that traded in his 3 year old Bullet that would do 80 mph and borrowed another $30K to buy an Allison that would go 88 mph. The bait monkey is a wimp compared to the boat speed gorilla.

That's a great line.

Hi-Powered Red Neck reply :

On 11/23/2019 at 3:36 AM, Way2slow said:

One word of caution from someone who has been there, done that many times. You get on of those hydro rockets like the Allison and Bullet, that basically have no speed limitation. The more you add horse power and better the setup, the faster they go, and you are a speed freak like me, you are creating you one huge money pit, and time hog. You never quit trying to make it faster.

Because of that, if I had to have one, I would lean toward the Gambler. They are a fast boat, but they seem to have their limits, meaning when they get to a certain point, it's almost pointless to keep trying because that little extra you gain, is not worth the money and effort it takes to get.

Because of my first paragraph is why I've stuck with my 20' Javelin for over 15 years now. When I get that wild hair, I can throw my 326 hp hot rod motor on it and wipe that funky grin off every Triton driver on the lake wants to give you when he goes by. I know that boat has it limits and I've reached it. It's very easy to get it into the mid 80's with a load and passenger, but it hits a wall at the mid 80's. I have had 450hp motors on it breaking them in and testing them before sending them home and it only ran in the lower 90's then, a 7mph gain for a whole lot more expensive motor, ain't worth it.

With a handle like Way2slow, and talking the HP you're talking. I'd guess you are a big league speed freak. I've hung out on the sand bars that the super speedy guys hang at. I've ridden in a few really fast boats. Been in two Allisons that were extremely fast but never took me over 90. The Bullet I got to ride in was hyper space. He opened it up, Holy horseflies I don't mind saying I was scared. Neither of the Allison guy's went hammer down. Those 3 boats are all 100+ speed freaks. I just a minor league speed freak. I never mentioned Allison cause they are usually outta my price range. Plus, both the ones I've been in are not set up to fish very well. I've fished out of a Bullet and It was a really nice boat that was pretty fast with out being overly modified. There are a bunch of Bullets for sale in my price range. I've seem several Gamblers on the water but never been in one. There are a bunch of them for sale as well. They seem to be priced better as well. I think I'm leaning toward Gambler, really because of the looks. I've still got to unload some toys before I buy another. Now the wife's talking about a new kitchen. I swear just as soon as I started talking about another boat. What is the world coming too? Thanks for your insight.

Shimano_1 reply :

For whatever reason a local lake I tournament fish on is like the bullet capital of Kentucky. Anywhere else I go i see one occasionally. On this lake in a 100 boat tournament there's probably 30 bullets. Super nice boats but I've watched them as they blow by me and I have no desire to own something that handles like they do at high speed. Looks dangerous but apparently isnt as I've never heard of anyone wrecking one. I personally favor triton boats. Little more speed than most but still plenty easy to drive. Few years ago I would have loved the speed. Now I can't get the thought outta my mind of where my wife and kid would be if I lost my life or got paralyzed from a boat wreck. Guy I know went from a big ranger to a new bullet. Says he loves it but that he had to learn to drive it where as the ranger just put it on pad and cruise.

Hi-Powered Red Neck reply :

On 11/24/2019 at 10:09 PM, Shimano_1 said:

For whatever reason a local lake I tournament fish on is like the bullet capital of Kentucky. Anywhere else I go i see one occasionally. On this lake in a 100 boat tournament there's probably 30 bullets. Super nice boats but I've watched them as they blow by me and I have no desire to own something that handles like they do at high speed. Looks dangerous but apparently isnt as I've never heard of anyone wrecking one. I personally favor triton boats. Little more speed than most but still plenty easy to drive. Few years ago I would have loved the speed. Now I can't get the thought outta my mind of where my wife and kid would be if I lost my life or got paralyzed from a boat wreck. Guy I know went from a big ranger to a new bullet. Says he loves it but that he had to learn to drive it where as the ranger just put it on pad and cruise.

Yeah the thought of a blow over keeps me a bit more grounded than it did in my youth. Once we are married with kids our lives are no longer truly our own. I'll keep it below 75. I want the 65 - 70 to be with in easy reach. Power and speed left in reserve. Thanks for you input.

WRB reply :

Go back and re read my 1st post.

Few bass boat owners have the skill to safely drive a bass boat over 70 mph.

Bass boats running over 70 mph need ideal water surface conditions with no cross wind or wakes. How often when bass fishing do you have light head breeze with 3"-4" chop without any other boat traffic making waves.

Racing outboard engines are not fishing outboard engines, they are noisy with tuned exhaust and load up when running at lower rpm's because they run richer fuel mixtures to reduce burning pistons at higher rpm's. 250 hp stock OB's are difficult to find in good condition within your budget range, however will achieve 70-75 mph on several bass boat hulls, Bass Cat being a good choice for reasonable speed and excellent bass boat to fish out of.

The op thinks Triton 21' w/250 is slow, 70+ mph hull isn't a slow boat and another boat to consider.

Both Bass Cat and Triton look like run of the mill bass boats, not "race" or high speed looking like Bullet.

Good luck with your search, be safe speed is costly.

Tom

Way2slow reply :

Lets just say, it's always been in my blood. I could be a wealthy man if I had all the money I've spent one fast vehicles, boats and motors. Built my first hot rod, 55 Ford, when I was 16, that was 1962. Bought it with a I-6 on my 16th birthday, went through a hopped up 272 and 312 V-8 and was installing a wicked 427 in it on my 17th birthday.

I raced go-carts, micro midgets, drag raced, and circle track dirt racing back then. Drove for another in Modified Sportsman. Got into boats in the mid 60's and in 68, I had installed two 135BHP Mercs on a 16' Allison, that was running 80mph.

I bought a new 1969 Charger R/T 426 Hemi, and had the heads off and swapping the cam out with less than 50 miles on it.

Don't think I was born with one of the silver spoons in my mouth, there was a lot of times we had nothing but beans for supper. Being a county boy, I got hooked up with hauling moonshine at 15. I was driving at 13 and had a car, 48 Ford I bought for $10, just was not supposed to drive in town. At 16, I was making $120 a week from three runs a week. That was major money back then.

Even my chain saws are supped up. One was 4.1hp, It now has almost 7. That sucker screams through big oak log.

I'm like Tim Allen in the Tool, gotta have more POWER.

Now, what you will find, the lions share of those folks that have those high powered fast boats, will get tired of spending their money on them and get rid of them. Unless they are already old enough, like me, to have gotten them out of their system, and have already gotten rid of them. It cost to play, and that play money is gone forever, with very little but memories to show for it. Keep it reasonable and in a range that you can afford to feed the motor regularly so you can enjoy going fishing. Those big, fast motors, go through huge dollars worth of gas maintenance, real fast.

Contrary to most, I consider 75 a reasonably fast speed and don't care to own a boat that runs much slower. That's why I keep my 225 ficht that runs in the lower 70's on my boat and typically cruise between 50 and 55mph, but can still go play when I want to. After all, I've had an STV that would run 121 but at 72 though and retired on social security, that need for speed doesn't come as often.

TnRiver46 reply :

@Way2slow, just curious, why are those merc 135 so darn powerful? This ole boy that comes on our camping/fishing trip has one on a big heavy boat and the thing will fly. He leaves people with 200 hp in the dust. I asked him about and he said “I don’t know, I think the guy I bought it from set it up for speed”

WRB reply :

Way2Slow is OMC, don't think he is all that familiar with 135 Merc?

135 Merc comes in several engine blocks from inline 6 to V6, what engine are you asking about? For example the V6 is a detuned 150-175 hp engine. The inline 6 in the 135 hp is top end stock hp carb engine, light weight smaller CC block that can be modified to turn 8,000 rpm's, dought anyone is using a inline 6 race engine and doesn't know It. The V6 is easy to add 75 hp.

Tom

Way2slow reply :

Yep, back then, there were no V6 Merc's. As mentioned, the 135BHP was an I6, with a small brass, bullet type lower unit and a huge exhaust port at the anticav plate. Stickly intended for racing.

As WRB mentioned, I haven't done much with merc's since the early 70's.

I thought the only 135 V6 they made was the Mariner.

I like the OMC looper motors, got into those a few years after they came out with it in the 60's with the 3 cylinder models. Those could be made to scream. Then the V6's in the mid 80's. When OMC developed those, they left so much horse power on the table, it very easy to get bunches of cheap horse power out of them. The things were just built like a tank.

Mercury did a much better job in manufacturing, so they got a much better HP to Weight ratio, but didn't have all the free extra power that could easily be gotten. To modify a merc, you have to rob Peter to pay Paul. In other words, if you want bunches of horse power, you have to give up bunches of bottom end torque (hole shot), and spin them a zillion RPM so they have to go on lighter boats to take advantage of that extra HP.

I can take a 200hp 3.0 OMC motor, get over 300hp (well over 400hp from a 3.3) from it and still launch a heavy Stratos 201 or Ranger like they were shot out of a canon, and not have to turn it that zillion rpm to get that 300hp.

TnRiver46 reply :

All I know is the cowl says mercury 135 and it flies haha. I didn’t even know they had a 135 until the first time I saw that motor

Way2slow reply :

It's very common for people to change decals on motors when they are similar looking , especially in areas where the law or local guidelines don't allow a motor the have more horse power than the hull is rated.

504

Gambler Or Bullet what's your thoughts. 2024

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