Tin or glass for tournaments 2024
BrandonB reply :
Hello everyone,
I need some professional advise, kinda in a delima. I currently fish local and club tournaments and have consistently placing in the top 10 over the last year. Next year I want to jump up to bigger tournaments. I own a tracker 175 txw with a 60 hp. Way to small for big tournaments ( most have min of 150hp and 18ft). I have narrowed my search down to 3 aluminum brands mainly for the lower price tag. MY question is based on your guys experience would I be good in a 19ft aluminum boat with a 150 on the back or should I go with the glass in the same length with a 200? I have looked at all the numbers and pros and cons. I just need to know what you would do if you could do it all over again knowing what you know.
Thank you for your help
Tight lines!
A-Jay reply :
Hello Brandon and Welcome to Bass Resource ~
I'd choose an 19ft Aluminum Boat with a 200 hp.
Every Time.
A-Jay
Dirtyeggroll reply :
On 2/27/2018 at 11:52 AM, A-Jay said:Hello Brandon and Welcome to Bass Resource ~
I'd choose an 19ft Aluminum Boat with a 200 hp.
Every Time.
A-Jay
Can you elaborate the primary reason(s) why?
A-Jay reply :
On 2/27/2018 at 12:20 PM, Dirtyeggroll said:Can you elaborate the primary reason(s) why?
Yes ~ and while there are quite a few reason why I made this choice, these are some Primary ones.
Durability & Design (no wood build), Very Low Maintenance, Taller Free board and has an actual Transom, Stable & Capable in sloppy weather conditions and effective use of space with ample storage. Note that I did not list cost, as that was not a primary factor for me.
This is specifically in regards to the IPS2 Hull I'm running and I can not (and am not) speaking to or for any other design.
A-Jay
WIGuide reply :
That's a really personal decision. Aluminum boats have been made better and better over the years and the designs have improved immensely. A-Jay's Pro V Bass is a prime example of that as it's basically the same layout as a fiberglass boat with a little added depth. Not sure what models you're looking at, but that most likely isn't the case with other brands. Personally, in most cases, I'd go with a glass boat as a tournament rig. The main reason for me is just the fact that in most (not all) they have a better layout and make more use of space giving both you and your co-angler a better platform to fish out of with the ability to grow into it more with all your stuff. I was just comparing some at a show this last weekend and the glass hulls are wider and virtually every inch of space is utilized and although more expensive, the difference really isn't that much and it'd be worth it to me.
3dees reply :
for larger tourney's I would go with glass. your going to encounter large bodies of water in who knows what conditions. yeah, you can go tin, but I would go with a bigger one like a Xpress or Crestliner PT20. probably make do with the Ranger 198, Tracker 195, or Crestliner PT18 all with a 150. if you go deep v, then Lund for sure.
Russ E reply :
as stated above it is a personal decision. they both will work.
I had 2 aluminum mod v boats, before buying my current ranger glass boat.
I will never go back.
My fiberglass boat is much easier to control in the wind and is like walking around on an aircraft carrier.
It has a much drier ride. there is no wood in my boat. it is all glass.
an aluminum boat may be more durable if you are fishing around rocks all day, but I have hit a couple stumps and got hung up on a tree, without even a scratch.
Modern fiberglass boats are a lot more durable than people think.
If you go fiberglass I strongly recommend a Keel guard, because often times you have to beach the boat at weigh in.
J Francho reply :
I've used both for tournaments. It really depends on the water, and your preference.
BrandonB reply :
Thank you for all the great advice! I was looking at the rt198p, tracker 195txw and pt18. I went and looked at the 198p and 195txw today. The tracker was big and cheap but I plan on using this boat for a while and the wood caused me to toss the 195txw. I don’t have a crestliner dealer near me so I haven’t had a chance to look at them. The ranger was really nice but I feel like they could have made it with a wider beam, only 7’6. Maybe I’m just being picky! I haven’t had a chance to start looking at glass boats but I think based on my budget ($35k) I would be very limited on my options.
Thank you again for all your advice and help!
Obi_Wan reply :
I have looked at several different boats and I'm saving money for a boat just like A-Jay described. The 2075 or 1875 Pro-V Bass is such a great boat. Crestliner's Basshawk would be a 2nd choice. No other boats on the market quite like these boats.
Lasher reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 8:25 AM, BrandonB said:Thank you for all the great advice! I was looking at the rt198p, tracker 195txw and pt18. I went and looked at the 198p and 195txw today. The tracker was big and cheap but I plan on using this boat for a while and the wood caused me to toss the 195txw. I don’t have a crestliner dealer near me so I haven’t had a chance to look at them. The ranger was really nice but I feel like they could have made it with a wider beam, only 7’6. Maybe I’m just being picky! I haven’t had a chance to start looking at glass boats but I think based on my budget ($35k) I would be very limited on my options.
Thank you again for all your advice and help!
I am currently searching and doing homework on Aluminum and fiberglass as well. I seem to get mixed reviews about aluminum's being blown around in the wind and being rough in choppy water. On the other hand, they are lighter to pull, can go in shallow water, and more affordable to maintain over time. The selection of used fiberglass is much greater than aluminum and I'm starting to think for the money, a used glass rig with upgrades is the way to go but still doing homework. I live close to you in Asheville and fish a lot of the same lakes.
Further North reply :
On 3/1/2018 at 11:43 AM, Obi_Wan said:I have looked at several different boats and I'm saving money for a boat just like A-Jay described. The 2075 or 1875 Pro-V Bass is such a great boat. Crestliner's Basshawk would be a 2nd choice. No other boats on the market quite like these boats.
You can occasionally find one of the predecessors to the Bass Hawk (and, conceptually, the Pro-V Bass), a Crestliner CMV.
They were made in the early to mid 2000s (mine is an '05) and are atypical of aluminum hulled "bass boats). The 1850s are 8 ft. wide, have tons of below deck storage and are all casting deck where it matters.
The last few I have seen on-line have sold in $15K - $16.5K range.
There was a similar Crestliner series right before that (a neighbor used to have one), but I am CRS-ing on the name.
On 3/2/2018 at 9:59 PM, Lasher said:I am currently searching and doing homework on Aluminum and fiberglass as well. I seem to get mixed reviews about aluminum's being blown around in the wind and being rough in choppy water. On the other hand, they are lighter to pull, can go in shallow water, and more affordable to maintain over time. The selection of used fiberglass is much greater than aluminum and I'm starting to think for the money, a used glass rig with upgrades is the way to go but still doing homework. I live close to you in Asheville and fish a lot of the same lakes.
A friend has a glass boat the same size as mine...there's no real difference between ride on choppy water, assume you drive them right...and the "blowing" in the wind comparison is usually made between a fiberglass bass boat and a multi-species style aluminum boat with much higher sides. We see no difference between our boats regarding wind...mine actually sits lower than his and gets moved around a little less, but we are pretty convinced it's a weight distribution issue - his boat is heavy in the back end and the bow tends to get moved around. Easily, and invisibly countered with a Terrova/Ulterra/Ultrex.
Lasher reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 2:17 AM, Further North said:You can occasionally find one of the predecessors to the Bass Hawk (and, conceptually, the Pro-V Bass), a Crestliner CMV.
They were made in the early to mid 2000s (mine is an '05) and are atypical of aluminum hulled "bass boats). The 1850s are 8 ft. wide, have tons of below deck storage and are all casting deck where it matters.
The last few I have seen on-line have sold in $15K - $16.5K range.
There was a similar Crestliner series right before that (a neighbor used to have one), but I am CRS-ing on the name.
A friend has a glass boat the same size as mine...there's no real difference between ride on choppy water, assume you drive them right...and the "blowing" in the wind comparison is usually made between a fiberglass bass boat and a multi-species style aluminum boat with much higher sides. We see no difference between our boats regarding wind...mine actually sits lower than his and gets moved around a little less, but we are pretty convinced it's a weight distribution issue - his boat is heavy in the back end and the bow tends to get moved around. Easily, and invisibly countered with a Terrova/Ulterra/Ultrex.
What kinda of aluminum boat do you have? I was thinking of Ultrex would be a nice with aluminum for boat control.
JLBBass reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 8:25 AM, BrandonB said:Thank you for all the great advice! I was looking at the rt198p, tracker 195txw and pt18. I went and looked at the 198p and 195txw today. The tracker was big and cheap but I plan on using this boat for a while and the wood caused me to toss the 195txw. I don’t have a crestliner dealer near me so I haven’t had a chance to look at them. The ranger was really nice but I feel like they could have made it with a wider beam, only 7’6. Maybe I’m just being picky! I haven’t had a chance to start looking at glass boats but I think based on my budget ($35k) I would be very limited on my options.
Thank you again for all your advice and help!
If you're looking to go a "mod V", and if there are any Polar Kraft dealers in your area, I'd give them a look. I choose a Polar Kraft 195 Pro over Ranger and Crestliner when it came to a mod V aluminum boat. One reason is shown in picture below of front of a Polar Kraft 195 Pro mod V. It has a very distinct "V" in front bow section. MUCH better in rougher water!
19'5", 96" beam, and the beam stays wide throughout the boat!
also............their mod V's are 100% wood free!!!
Further North reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 3:28 AM, Lasher said:What kinda of aluminum boat do you have? I was thinking of Ultrex would be a nice with aluminum for boat control.
I run an '05 Crestliner CMV.
It is a virtual twin to the current Bass Hawk.
I use a 36 volt, 112 lb. thrust Ulterra as my bow mount, it works great. An Ultrex would work great.
I chose the Ulterra as the ability to power trim the trolling motor was important to me - I wind up moving back and forth between shallow and deep water often, and I hated having to re-set the depth on my old TM all the time.
On 3/3/2018 at 3:31 AM, PolarKraft195Pro said:If you're looking to go a "mod V", and if there are any Polar Kraft dealers in your area, I'd give them a look. I choose a Polar Kraft 195 Pro over Ranger and Crestliner when it came to a mod V aluminum boat. One reason is shown in picture below of front of a Polar Kraft 195 Pro mod V. It has a very distinct "V" in front bow section. MUCH better in rougher water!
19'5", 96" beam, and the beam stays wide throughout the boat!
The more I look at your rig, the better I like it!
JLBBass reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 3:53 AM, Further North said:I run an '05 Crestliner CMV.
It is a virtual twin to the current Bass Hawk.
I use a 36 volt, 112 lb. thrust Ulterra as my bow mount, it works great. An Ultrex would work great.
I chose the Ulterra as the ability to power trim the trolling motor was important to me - I wind up moving back and forth between shallow and deep water often, and I hated having to re-set the depth on my old TM all the time.
The more I look at your rig, the better I like it!
thanks!........me too!
Cory Doras reply :
Vexus is going to be unveiling their aluminum at the classic in 2 weeks. They put out a couple of teaser pics yesterday. Its a game changer. Curves like a glass boat but aluminum. 150hp G3 on the back. Also saw a side by side pic of helm of a Vexus and a Ranger. Makes the Ranger look like an old Bass Tracker. Im in the market now for a new boat. I got a Ranger 205vs now and wouldnt have even considered a tin boat. I may end up with a Vexus tin from just what Im seeing.
JLBBass reply :
I'm betting those aluminum Vexus's won't be cheap!.with the max HP on it, I"ll bet it pushes right through the $35,000 price tag, and approaches the $40,000 tag, from what i have been hearing.
Lasher reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 3:31 AM, PolarKraft195Pro said:If you're looking to go a "mod V", and if there are any Polar Kraft dealers in your area, I'd give them a look. I choose a Polar Kraft 195 Pro over Ranger and Crestliner when it came to a mod V aluminum boat. One reason is shown in picture below of front of a Polar Kraft 195 Pro mod V. It has a very distinct "V" in front bow section. MUCH better in rougher water!
19'5", 96" beam, and the beam stays wide throughout the boat!
also............their mod V's are 100% wood free!!!
So your username is Polarkraft195Pro and you suggest, promote, and post pictures of Polarkraft?
Cory Doras reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 4:26 AM, PolarKraft195Pro said:I'm betting those aluminum Vexus's won't be cheap!.with the max HP on it, I"ll bet it pushes right through the $35,000 price tag, and approaches the $40,000 tag, from what i have been hearing.
Maybe even higher. We'll find out in a few weeks. But....I was just at a Ranger/Triton dealer last weekend. Price tags of $75-88K rigged was quite common.
The tin Rangers are up around $35 rigged as well.
J Francho reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 4:44 AM, Lasher said:So your username is Polarkraft195Pro and you suggest, promote, and post pictures of Polarkraft?
His former user name was XpressH51. I'm going to assume he's just using what boat he runs as his usser name. Lots of guys do that.
JLBBass reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 4:44 AM, Lasher said:So your username is Polarkraft195Pro and you suggest, promote, and post pictures of Polarkraft?
lighten up Francis!
I don't work for Polar Kraft!
it's just a suggestion! LOL
oh yea!...also, that's not just pics I got off internet, that's MY Polar Kraft that i just "bought" a couple weeks ago! Only picture that isn't my boat is the picture of the front "V" of hull.
JLBBass reply :
the reason why I posted the post, with pics, is because these boats are not out there too much at all, and most know nothing about them.Just wanted to throw another GREAT option out there!
Cory Doras reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 5:11 AM, PolarKraft195Pro said:the reason why I posted the post, with pics, is because these boats are not out there too much at all, and most know nothing about them.Just wanted to throw another GREAT option out there!
There's been a lot of great boats built over the years but never got traction and end up going out of business or bought out by the competitor. And then we're left with the market flooded with sub-par boats.
I will say this, the big players are building the worst boats. Once you peel off the bling, its horrifying whats beneath.
slonezp reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 2:17 AM, Further North said:You can occasionally find one of the predecessors to the Bass Hawk (and, conceptually, the Pro-V Bass), a Crestliner CMV.
They were made in the early to mid 2000s (mine is an '05) and are atypical of aluminum hulled "bass boats). The 1850s are 8 ft. wide, have tons of below deck storage and are all casting deck where it matters.
The last few I have seen on-line have sold in $15K - $16.5K range.
There was a similar Crestliner series right before that (a neighbor used to have one), but I am CRS-ing on the name.
A friend has a glass boat the same size as mine...there's no real difference between ride on choppy water, assume you drive them right...and the "blowing" in the wind comparison is usually made between a fiberglass bass boat and a multi-species style aluminum boat with much higher sides. We see no difference between our boats regarding wind...mine actually sits lower than his and gets moved around a little less, but we are pretty convinced it's a weight distribution issue - his boat is heavy in the back end and the bow tends to get moved around. Easily, and invisibly countered with a Terrova/Ulterra/Ultrex.
No disrespect. You're misleading the folks here. Your boat is not a cookie cutter aluminum mod v which is what most folks equate to an aluminum bass boat. Here's one for $13k http://basasmarine.com/boats-for-sale/2005-crestliner-cmv-1850-bolingbrook-illinois-6079675/?print=1&full=1
To the OP. There's aluminum and then there's aluminum! The large cookie cutter tins run $25k to $40k. The large non cookie cutter tins are going to run in the $30k to $60k range. A mod v with motor fuel and gear might tip the scales at 1800-2000lbs. The v hull bass boats are going to be between 800 and 1200lbs heavier than the mod v's. That will make a difference with both the ride and blowing in the wind. My tin weighs over 3000lbs when she's floating, and that's without people.
BrandonB reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 3:31 AM, PolarKraft195Pro said:If you're looking to go a "mod V", and if there are any Polar Kraft dealers in your area, I'd give them a look. I choose a Polar Kraft 195 Pro over Ranger and Crestliner when it came to a mod V aluminum boat. One reason is shown in picture below of front of a Polar Kraft 195 Pro mod V. It has a very distinct "V" in front bow section. MUCH better in rougher water!
19'5", 96" beam, and the beam stays wide throughout the boat!
also............their mod V's are 100% wood free!!!
That polar kraft is sweet!
slonezp reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 4:10 AM, Cory Doras said:Vexus is going to be unveiling their aluminum at the classic in 2 weeks. They put out a couple of teaser pics yesterday. Its a game changer. Curves like a glass boat but aluminum. 150hp G3 on the back. Also saw a side by side pic of helm of a Vexus and a Ranger. Makes the Ranger look like an old Bass Tracker. Im in the market now for a new boat. I got a Ranger 205vs now and wouldnt have even considered a tin boat. I may end up with a Vexus tin from just what Im seeing.
Methinks this will be competition for the Lund Bass line
BrandonB reply :
On 3/2/2018 at 9:59 PM, Lasher said:I am currently searching and doing homework on Aluminum and fiberglass as well. I seem to get mixed reviews about aluminum's being blown around in the wind and being rough in choppy water. On the other hand, they are lighter to pull, can go in shallow water, and more affordable to maintain over time. The selection of used fiberglass is much greater than aluminum and I'm starting to think for the money, a used glass rig with upgrades is the way to go but still doing homework. I live close to you in Asheville and fish a lot of the same lakes.
Honestly the wind seems to blow them all around. Definitely one with higher sides will catch more wind but my buddy’s z18 gets blown around just as much. The shallow water capabilities are nice and if I ride up on a stump in my 175txw I tend to go straight over it. I seen a guy in a glass boat have to get pulled off a tree in Santee.
On 3/3/2018 at 10:22 AM, slonezp said:
Methinks this will be competition for the Lund Bass line
I was wondering what their boats will look like. This is the new company that is launching this march? Can’t wait to see them at the classic. Who will be the first pro to fish from one ????
Russ E reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 10:28 AM, BrandonB said:Honestly the wind seems to blow them all around. Definitely one with higher sides will catch more wind but my buddy’s z18 gets blown around just as much. The shallow water capabilities are nice and if I ride up on a stump in my 175txw I tend to go straight over it. I seen a guy in a glass boat have to get pulled off a tree in Santee.
can't speak for the z18, but my Ranger does not get blown around in the wind near as much as the 2 aluminum mod v boats I previously owned. the constant Kansas wind is why I switched to fiberglass.
It also handles rough water much better when running the big motor. I have heard the new Lund bass boat does well in the wind.
Further North reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 10:14 AM, slonezp said:No disrespect. You're misleading the folks here. Your boat is not a cookie cutter aluminum mod v which is what most folks equate to an aluminum bass boat. Here's one for $13k http://basasmarine.com/boats-for-sale/2005-crestliner-cmv-1850-bolingbrook-illinois-6079675/?print=1&full=1
To the OP. There's aluminum and then there's aluminum! The large cookie cutter tins run $25k to $40k. The large non cookie cutter tins are going to run in the $30k to $60k range. A mod v with motor fuel and gear might tip the scales at 1800-2000lbs. The v hull bass boats are going to be between 800 and 1200lbs heavier than the mod v's. That will make a difference with both the ride and blowing in the wind. My tin weighs over 3000lbs when she's floating, and that's without people.
Thanks for helping me clarify...you're spot on with regard to my boat not being a cookie cutter aluminum Mod-V. I did a poor job of setting that up.
The Lund Pro-V Bass, current Crestliner Bass Hawks, and my semi-ancient CMV are nothing like the "standard" aluminum bass boat out there. Different animals completely.
PS: Your tin's a heavy girl... mine is somewhere around 2,800, absolute max, on the way to Canada for a week, but only the last 45 miles with full tanks. Typical is down around 2,400.
PPS: I love your rig. If I could steal it, I would keep it until I died, if I didn't have the CMV.
JLBBass reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 10:14 AM, slonezp said:No disrespect. You're misleading the folks here. Your boat is not a cookie cutter aluminum mod v which is what most folks equate to an aluminum bass boat. Here's one for $13k http://basasmarine.com/boats-for-sale/2005-crestliner-cmv-1850-bolingbrook-illinois-6079675/?print=1&full=1
To the OP. There's aluminum and then there's aluminum! The large cookie cutter tins run $25k to $40k. The large non cookie cutter tins are going to run in the $30k to $60k range. A mod v with motor fuel and gear might tip the scales at 1800-2000lbs. The v hull bass boats are going to be between 800 and 1200lbs heavier than the mod v's. That will make a difference with both the ride and blowing in the wind. My tin weighs over 3000lbs when she's floating, and that's without people.
No disrespect, but I disagree to a point.
slonezp reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 10:43 AM, Further North said:Thanks for helping me clarify...you're spot on with regard to my boat not being a cookie cutter aluminum Mod-V. I did a poor job of setting that up.
The Lund Pro-V Bass, current Crestliner Bass Hawks, and my semi-ancient CMV are nothing like the "standard" aluminum bass boat out there. Different animals completely.
PS: Your tin's a heavy girl... mine is somewhere around 2,800, absolute max, on the way to Canada for a week, but only the last 45 miles with full tanks. Typical is down around 2,400.
PPS: I love your rig. If I could steal it, I would keep it until I died, if I didn't have the CMV.
Hull is 1650lbs, 500 for the motor, 400 in fuel, 400 in batteries and trolling motor, 250 in livewell, plus talon, gear, and my fat azz
On 3/3/2018 at 10:52 AM, PolarKraft195Pro said:
No disrespect, but I disagree to a point.
I'm not knocking mod v's, just stating there's a difference.
Further North reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 11:06 AM, slonezp said:Hull is 1650lbs, 500 for the motor, 400 in fuel, 400 in batteries and trolling motor, 250 in livewell, plus talon, gear, and my fat azz
Yeah, I get you on the my fat azz thing...bit we don't have to tow that...
I save #s on the Talon, the livewell (mine is 100% empty, all the time), I trade off for the 360°, extra battery, extra charger, and a ~1,300 hull weight.
Your Predator is a kickazz rig. I'd have bought one in a heartbeat had I not tripped over the CMV first.
I want to see one of the new Bass Hawks in person. Not that I'm gonna buy one, I just need to understand my options if one of Wisconsin's 9X drunks wipes out the CMV...
Glenn reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 4:44 AM, Lasher said:So your username is Polarkraft195Pro and you suggest, promote, and post pictures of Polarkraft?
Ease up there captain. This is a fun, easy-going forum. Comments like that don't live up to our standard.
Further North reply :
On 3/3/2018 at 12:01 PM, Glenn said:Ease up there captain. This is a fun, easy-going forum. Comments like that don't live up to our standard.
...and that...right there...is why I love this place!
Thanks, Glenn.
AC870 reply :
I’d take a look at Xpress. They have a great reputation due to the Hydrolift hull. My next boat will be a big Xpress.
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