NCLunker

I reached out to the mfg rep and the empty hull is 1200 lbs. The Hull is .100", with .125" for the transom, transom gussets, and certain junctions. Adding everything else plus the motor ( Yamaha - 480 lbs) and the trailer ( ~750 lbs)and the total is 3,000 lbs. The 570 lb difference is everything else which includes a fair bit of fiberglass. Vexus video on the hull build: I don't recall total weight of the Xpress but I do recall they used .125 aluminum thickness throughout the boat. I liked the Ranger alums too but was concerned it wouldn't handle big water as well. The Vexus felt very solid throughout the test drive, and there wasn't any noticeable hull slap. Perhaps someone else with more experience would have found flaws but everything about the boat had a quality feel. As some on this thread have already stated "time will tell". Regardless it seemed like the best choice "for me".

Its close to your price range but If you have a Vexus dealer nearby I would check out the AVX 189 or 1880 with a 115 Merc. Like the Xpress they have a padded hull and are heavier than a typical aluminum, hence better in bigger water with some chop. https://vexusboats.com/model/avx189/overview/ I was going to get an Xpress but ended up ordering a Vexus 1980 after riding in one and researching. I also have 2 Vexus dearlers that are not too far from me. If you dont have a dealer near then I would get a Xpress if you can afford it.

@slonezp I'm assuming he means if he breaks down on water. Correct. My brother-in-law boats exclusively on Lake Norman (ski boat) so he has a membership with Seatow. Unfortunately companies like Seatow and BoatUS don't appear to cover all of the major lakes in NC; hence my question. Progressives Sign and Glide boat assistance services uses a company called Compass Marine Services. No idea if they are good or not. I hope I don't have to find out the hard way. Regardless I will have some quality marine rope on-board and ready should the need arise for myself or someone else. Thanks to everyone who responded.

Buying a new bass boat and wondered if anyone has recommendations on Boat and equipment coverage in North Carolina, plus coverage for breakdown and tow services? Freshwater only of course. I have been researching on what to get coverage on (boat comprehensive vs tackle/electronics, etc) but I am not sure who is better when it comes to claims/service? I have read some horror stories but no recommendations. Some insurance companies offer additional services such as tow and breakdown. I wonder how good is the coverage considering the dozen of lakes/reservoirs I might fish in NC? P.S. Not sure if this the right forum but it made the most sense to me.

Thanks guys! Especially @slonezp. This is extremely helpful. I seriously doubt I will start fishing tournaments, so is there any reason to max out the motor? Being aluminum (and lighter) would 115hp not be enough? Am I way off here? If I did decide to max out the motor wouldn't it make sense to get a jack plate as well? I am thinking about splurging on the SeaDek Liner instead of carpet. My understanding is that it is much easier to clean and you don't have to worry as much about mold.

After a long time I can finally buy my 1st boat and I want either a 17' or 18' Pro Bass Xpress. Looking at the bottom of the page at their site there are a number of options available. https://xpressboats.com/xclusive-pro-bass/ My question is what options are listed there that are either a must have or a "I wish I had bought X" to make your life and fishing easier or better. Thanks much. P.S. I am good with the 115hp Yamaha.