Looking for your opinion on my situation as described below. I have read many posts on here and the standard responses to generic boat questions are what are you using it for, and how much is your budget. Well I'm going to answer those and then look for responses all of which are appreciated.

1. Budget of no more than $8K (I realize used boat is called for, not new)

2. Using boat primarily for fishing on Lakes Conroe and Livingston (24K acres, 86K acres respectively)

3. Will be a vacation place not my primary residence (leaving boat there)

4. Convinced aluminum is the best way to go for durability, price, maintenace ease

5. Want practical bass boat, min 17 feet, reasonable speed (90hp MAX), easy tow, foot operated troller, well laid out boat for storage fishing for two people

Any and all responses appreciated. My friend bought an Xpress and says they are excellent and Yamaha is the engine of choice....looking for other opinions.

Thanks much! Curt

The rentals we used in Fork were Express 17's.  Boats performed very well.  Had evinrude 40's, a bit underpowered.  Not a big lakes boat though, in good wind (20mph), we had to stay off the main lake.

I notice the express is used as a rental alot.  This is a good sign.  I used to own a moped rental business, I chose the bikes I had for 1 reason,....durability.

just a little more input for you. Good luck.