What Is Your Ideal Bass Boat? 2025
livemusic reply :
I am getting back into bass fishing after being 'out' for several years.
My pet peeve in a bass boat is no covered lockable rod storage. I sold my 17' bass boat last year, which I used about twice. Work got it my way. As for the boat, it didn't have storage and I didn't trust the motor. I have been looking for another, even used. A large motor can be nice but I don't have to have it. It's nice to go fast and nice to have a long boat but I don't fish open water that much. I have been thinking that fishing my tree-filled lakes, a long boat is a hindrance. But I'm open.
Let's say you are going to buy the bass boat you will have the rest of your life and you are willing to spend what it takes. For me...
- new or used but favor used due to bang for buck if I can find what I want
- material: I am favoring aluminum, don't know why other than I guess it costs less and there are a lot of used aluminums to choose from
- length: 17-18 is plenty long
- motor: 50-115 hp, and I suppose 4-strokes are favored these days?
- shape: probably semi-v instead of flat bottom jon boat
- large aerated live well
- covered rod storage that will accept up to 7.5' to 8' rods
- adequately powered troll motor (24 volt better?)
- two fish finders (I don't know enough about them to choose yet but am intrigued with at least one higher end one)
- vinyl / carpet -- I don't know enough about this either but I wonder if vinyl is better. Although, a friend said it can get hot in summer on feet.
- trailer -- Must be easy to unload and load by myself!
- spare tire
- back up camera or dang good mirrors. I can back up real well but I must be able to see!
- lots of storage everywhere, including under the middle seats (wasted space if they don't use it!)
- decks -- front and back decks
- console steering. Stick steering is nice because you have it right there, but I need a deck.
- LED lights. I have seen some decked out with LED lights and I suppose that is cool for night fishing.
- color: I don't care that much but do not want camoflauge. If it looks nice, that's a bonus.
- easy to clean
I might have found a used Tracker, but in case he doesn't come through... I have found some I like...
Bass Tracker
War Eagle
Lowes
G3
Custom Whatever
I really like the looks of the G3.
I fish in AR/LA/TX and there is a lot of timber and other hazards.
A boat that you could 'design' -- that might be cool. But, you might find just what you want all ready to go.
What would be your ideal bass boat? Any must-haves, any tips?
Lately, I have been fishing some out of my 14' jon boat with 5HP Nissan and a hand-controlled troll motor. I fished that way a zillion times when I was young but I tell ya, it's certainly not ideal! Not stable enough and I have to run the troll motor off the stern and the wind makes me saw around a lot. The boat is too small to install a deck on it.
slonezp reply :
My ideal bass boat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z0CodkhhZM
slonezp reply :
I am getting back into bass fishing after being 'out' for several years.
My pet peeve in a bass boat is no covered lockable rod storage. I sold my 17' bass boat last year, which I used about twice. Work got it my way. As for the boat, it didn't have storage and I didn't trust the motor. I have been looking for another, even used. A large motor can be nice but I don't have to have it. It's nice to go fast and nice to have a long boat but I don't fish open water that much. I have been thinking that fishing my tree-filled lakes, a long boat is a hindrance. But I'm open.
Let's say you are going to buy the bass boat you will have the rest of your life and you are willing to spend what it takes. For me...
- new or used but favor used due to bang for buck if I can find what I want If it's my last boat it needs to be new or slightly used
- material: I am favoring aluminum, don't know why other than I guess it costs less and there are a lot of used aluminums to choose from I'm a fan of aluminum as well
- length: 17-18 is plenty long Does it have enough room for my stuff
- motor: 50-115 hp, and I suppose 4-strokes are favored these days? 4 strokes is where the market is heading
- shape: probably semi-v instead of flat bottom jon boat modified or deep v
- large aerated live well yes
- covered rod storage that will accept up to 7.5' to 8' rods yes
- adequately powered troll motor (24 volt better?) yes
- two fish finders (I don't know enough about them to choose yet but am intrigued with at least one higher end one) yes
- vinyl / carpet -- I don't know enough about this either but I wonder if vinyl is better. Although, a friend said it can get hot in summer on feet. carpet is quiet and easier on the feet, vinyl is easier to clean. Some manufacturers offer vinyl with snap in carpet as an option
- trailer -- Must be easy to unload and load by myself! yes
- spare tire yes
- back up camera or dang good mirrors. I can back up real well but I must be able to see! no opinion
- lots of storage everywhere, including under the middle seats (wasted space if they don't use it!) yes You'll have a difficult time finding ample storage in the boats you have listed. It's going to come down to how much you want to pay.
- decks -- front and back decks sure
- console steering. Stick steering is nice because you have it right there, but I need a deck. yes
- LED lights. I have seen some decked out with LED lights and I suppose that is cool for night fishing. you can add these yourself if you are mildly mechanically inclined
- color: I don't care that much but do not want camoflauge. If it looks nice, that's a bonus. no opinion
- easy to clean
I might have found a used Tracker, but in case he doesn't come through... I have found some I like...
Bass Tracker
War Eagle
Lowes
G3
Custom Whatever
I really like the looks of the G3.
I fish in AR/LA/TX and there is a lot of timber and other hazards.
A boat that you could 'design' -- that might be cool. But, you might find just what you want all ready to go.
What would be your ideal bass boat? Any must-haves, any tips? Add an onboard charger, boat buckles, rod buckles, stereo, shallow water anchor, side imaging graph(s), hot foot, a good cover, trailer brakes, cooler, and plenty of cup holders
Lately, I have been fishing some out of my 14' jon boat with 5HP Nissan and a hand-controlled troll motor. I fished that way a zillion times when I was young but I tell ya, it's certainly not ideal! Not stable enough and I have to run the troll motor off the stern and the wind makes me saw around a lot. The boat is too small to install a deck on it.
Rhino68W reply :
Any free new boat with a lifetime full warranty...hehehehe
Bluebasser86 reply :
The one I currently have is pretty close to your description.
- new or used but favor used due to bang for buck if I can find what I want 2012 with very low hours
- material: I am favoring aluminum, don't know why other than I guess it costs less and there are a lot of used aluminums to choose from Look closely, aluminum isn't as cheap as it used to be. I paid less for my glass boat than the aluminums I was looking at would cost.
- length: 17-18 is plenty long 18' 9"
- motor: 50-115 hp, and I suppose 4-strokes are favored these days? 150 Pro XS
- shape: probably semi-v instead of flat bottom jon boat Standard bass boat hull shape
- large aerated live well check
- covered rod storage that will accept up to 7.5' to 8' rods my 7' 10" swimbait rod fits no problem
- adequately powered troll motor (24 volt better?) 80lb 24V
- two fish finders (I don't know enough about them to choose yet but am intrigued with at least one higher end one) 2 Garmin 93SV's plus a small Hummingbird in the console.
- vinyl / carpet -- I don't know enough about this either but I wonder if vinyl is better. Although, a friend said it can get hot in summer on feet. Carpeted decks with a vinyl cockpit that includes snap out carpet for easy cleaning.
- trailer -- Must be easy to unload and load by myself! check
- spare tire check
- back up camera or dang good mirrors. I can back up real well but I must be able to see! My Tundra's mirrors work just fine
- lots of storage everywhere, including under the middle seats (wasted space if they don't use it!) There is no middle seat, it's a day box instead. The step up to the front deck has storage, the cooler is bigger than the livewell in my old boat, the rod locker has 20 something rods and room for more, all my tackle minus my swimbait box are locked in the storage areas, enough storage I have one box just for my nonboaters gear.
- decks -- front and back decks check
- console steering. Stick steering is nice because you have it right there, but I need a deck. check
- LED lights. I have seen some decked out with LED lights and I suppose that is cool for night fishing. I have LEDs in my storage, livewells, and under the console. I night fish quite a bit but don't really see a big enough advantage to the LEDs on the deck to justify them.
- color: I don't care that much but do not want camoflauge. If it looks nice, that's a bonus. I really like the color of mine, orange/black/silver
- easy to clean Has to be as much as I fish 
Crappiebasser reply :
One that floats, runs, and is paid for.
livemusic reply :
...
What would be your ideal bass boat? Any must-haves, any tips? Add an onboard charger, boat buckles, rod buckles, stereo, shallow water anchor, side imaging graph(s), hot foot, a good cover, trailer brakes, cooler, and plenty of cup holders
I forgot onboard charger! What are boat buckles, rod buckles? A hot foot, is that a foot throttle? Why do you want that? A good cover... for sure, forgot that! A cooler... what do you mean by that, a cooler that holds ice for food/drinks?
livemusic reply :
On 4/11/2015 at 5:51 PM, Bluebasser86 said:The one I currently have is pretty close to your description.
- new or used but favor used due to bang for buck if I can find what I want 2012 with very low hours
- material: I am favoring aluminum, don't know why other than I guess it costs less and there are a lot of used aluminums to choose from Look closely, aluminum isn't as cheap as it used to be. I paid less for my glass boat than the aluminums I was looking at would cost.
- length: 17-18 is plenty long 18' 9"
- motor: 50-115 hp, and I suppose 4-strokes are favored these days? 150 Pro XS
- shape: probably semi-v instead of flat bottom jon boat Standard bass boat hull shape
- large aerated live well check
- covered rod storage that will accept up to 7.5' to 8' rods my 7' 10" swimbait rod fits no problem
- adequately powered troll motor (24 volt better?) 80lb 24V
- two fish finders (I don't know enough about them to choose yet but am intrigued with at least one higher end one) 2 Garmin 93SV's plus a small Hummingbird in the console.
- vinyl / carpet -- I don't know enough about this either but I wonder if vinyl is better. Although, a friend said it can get hot in summer on feet. Carpeted decks with a vinyl cockpit that includes snap out carpet for easy cleaning.
- trailer -- Must be easy to unload and load by myself! check
- spare tire check
- back up camera or dang good mirrors. I can back up real well but I must be able to see! My Tundra's mirrors work just fine
- lots of storage everywhere, including under the middle seats (wasted space if they don't use it!) There is no middle seat, it's a day box instead. The step up to the front deck has storage, the cooler is bigger than the livewell in my old boat, the rod locker has 20 something rods and room for more, all my tackle minus my swimbait box are locked in the storage areas, enough storage I have one box just for my nonboaters gear.
- decks -- front and back decks check
- console steering. Stick steering is nice because you have it right there, but I need a deck. check
- LED lights. I have seen some decked out with LED lights and I suppose that is cool for night fishing. I have LEDs in my storage, livewells, and under the console. I night fish quite a bit but don't really see a big enough advantage to the LEDs on the deck to justify them.
- color: I don't care that much but do not want camoflauge. If it looks nice, that's a bonus. I really like the color of mine, orange/black/silver
- easy to clean Has to be as much as I fish
What make and model do you have, sounds like a nice boat!
slonezp reply :
Boat buckles are retractable straps that hold the stern of the boat to the trailer while you're towing. Rod buckles are retractable straps on the deck to keep the rods from flying in the lake when you're under way. Hot foot is the foot throttle. With that I can keep both hands on the wheel. Yes, a cooler to hold drinks and sandwiches. My boat, which happens to be my dream boat, is the one I posted in the video. It's only flaw is there is no cooler. I use the stern livewell as a cooler.
A-Jay reply :
On 4/11/2015 at 8:06 AM, slonezp said:My ideal bass boat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z0CodkhhZM
This guys has my boat - for me it does & has it all.
So Slone is there a will I need to be included in or what ?
A-Jay
RoLo reply :
Aluminum Hull: Lund
Fiberglass Hull: Phoenix
slonezp reply :
On 4/11/2015 at 10:58 PM, A-Jay said:This guys has my boat - for me it does & has it all.
So Slone is there a will I need to be included in or what ?
A-Jay
We could always get married and then divorced 
A-Jay reply :
On 4/11/2015 at 11:58 PM, slonezp said:We could always get married and then divorced
Oh Man - Though it would kill my up standing reputation in the community that boat is Almost worth it.
A-Jay
gulfcaptain reply :
TMI A-Jay.
Back to the topic
I like the idea of one that is well made, runs great, and most importantly PAID FOR.
A-Jay reply :
On 4/12/2015 at 12:28 AM, gulfcaptain said:TMI A-Jay.
Back to the topic
I like the idea of one that is well made, runs great, and most importantly PAID FOR.
You're right I fixed it.
A-Jay
gulfcaptain reply :
On 4/12/2015 at 12:29 AM, A-Jay said:You're right I fixed it.
A-Jay
Always fun to read your posts, think this year has been even better. You can only make snow angels so long before you go crazy. You guys have def had a long winter to deal with.
A-Jay reply :
On 4/12/2015 at 12:33 AM, gulfcaptain said:Always fun to read your posts, think this year has been even better. You can only make snow angels so long before you go crazy. You guys have def had a long winter to deal with.
No Doubt ~
Thanks for the support.
A-Jay
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/11/2015 at 8:35 PM, livemusic said:What make and model do you have, sounds like a nice boat!
I think it is, way nicer than anything I've ever owned before.
It's a 2012 Stratos 189VLO
Catt reply :
18 feet in length
96 inch beam
Hydraulic steering
150-175 horsepower 2-stroke
Hydrauluc jack plate
36 volt trolling motor
Oxygenator Pro
Aint a techno nerd so any basic di/si
C'est Fini 
livemusic reply :
On 4/12/2015 at 8:16 PM, Catt said:18 feet in length
96 inch beam
Hydraulic steering
150-175 horsepower 2-stroke
Hydrauluc jack plate
36 volt trolling motor
Oxygenator Pro
Aint a techno nerd so any basic di/si
C'est Fini
- hydraulic steering, never heard of it on boat, ignorant of it, so, why do you want/need it?
- why do you favor a 2-stroke?
- what is hydraulic jack plate?
- what does a 36 volt troll motor do for you?
- oxygenator pro, does that just keep fish alive better in live well?
- what is a di/si?
Thank you, learning, lol.
retiredbosn reply :
On 4/11/2015 at 6:36 AM, livemusic said:- shape: probably semi-v instead of flat bottom jon boat
If you're wanting a true modified v, the only option is the Tracker series and I would go with the 190TX. I can already envision the knee jerk reactions from Ranger and G3 owners, sorry fellas your boats are a modified Jon boat flat hull, not a true modified v. I just bought a boat and was leaning toward aluminum and looked at them all. I wanted a modified v for the ride, every sales person and piece of literature claim modified v hulls on the ranger and g3. I crawled under them, not one had a true modified v that was carried all the way to the stern only Tracker. Additionally the Ranger and G3 didn't have a true v at the bow. The Tracker also has reversed chines, not advertised but they're there. So if you're wanting a modified v there is only one choice, however a deep v is another story plenty of options, but for the water you described they're more boat than u need.
As for what I got, a 2007 Nitro 911CDC
Catt reply :
My ideal bass boat must have the ability to run & maneuver in heavy chop.
Hydraulic steering & jack plate offers ease in maneuvering at high speed & in rough water.
2-strokes! It's like American Muscle on water, I just like the sound!
Down Imaging/Side (imaging) Scan
36 volt trolling are for fishing grass!
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Aluminum Tunnel hull with a 90/65 jet and a 24v motor, basic electronics and room for 8'6" rods.
gobig reply :
I am a huge fan of the champions. IMO they had the best big water hulls ever made in a bass boat. My 190 eats up rough water.
kikstand454 reply :
Aluminum- 19' express
Glass- ranger z
retiredbosn reply :
If I were still in WV fishing the New and Greenbrier rivers, I would have a river-pro, for the big lakes here in SC I have my ideal boat, got lucky.
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