I recently started a new topic on this forum regarding which glass boat manufacturer I should consider. I'll be buying my first used glass boat this year, probably a 19 or 20 footer w/ a 200 horse motor, and I have several manufacturers I'm considering. I really did not get much response to that question, probably because I framed it up as such a broad-based question, and also because it's a topic that I know has probably been beat to death here anyway.

But after some prompting from Mr. Carp7 to do some more in-depth study I'm learning a little more about characteristics of each of the big-name manufacturers. For instance, I've learned that a Champion or Ranger is probably going to ride a little better in rougher water, and that a boat like a Triton for a beginner like me, is probably going to have a little more of a learning curve at wot due to Chine walking, etc. And other things too, some boats are going to have more storage or creature comforts, etc etc.

So my new question is, how would you categorize all these big name manufacturers as to fishability, build quality, resale, skill level needed to reach and maintain top end, etc.

Fishability is most important to me, but I'd be lying if I were to say that speed doesn't matter. I've owned sports cars all my life, and although I don't plan to fish tournaments, I'd rather get a fast boat now that I could learn to handle by next fishing season as opposed to a slower hull boat that I'm gonna put up for sale in two years because my skill level increased.

So what are the differences between these manufacturers in terms of the above mentioned criteria: Basscat, Triton, Stratos, Skeeter, Ranger, Champion. I would throw Gambler and Allison in their but I don't think my budget could handle even a used example of these so those have been ommited. Or if I'm leaving out a no-brainer manufacturer that should be included feel free to fill me in.

If you're still with me, thanks for reading this far down! I'm really hoping to get some responses this time.

For instance, I've learned that a Champion ####### is probably going to ride a lot better in rougher water,

First, we need to make a little correction.  

For instance, I've learned that a Champion ####### is probably going to ride a lot better in rougher water,

First, we need to make a little correction.

Enlighten me, oh sensei.  

Basscat, Triton, Stratos, Skeeter, Ranger, Champion.

These are my opinions and mine only.  My opinions are drawn from how I like a bass boat to perform on the water under power and while fishing. Since everyone has different tastes, everyones opinions will be different.  First, we're looking at what you can buy with $17,000.  You'll be looking at a boat at least 5 years old if you're looking for something running a 200 and at 18 1/2 to 19 1/2' long.

1. Build quality.  All of the brands you've listed are well made boats. There is no point quibling over that issue.

2. Resale value. Tritons and Rangers hold their value the best.  They've spent huge amounts of money building that name in the industry.  Their boats also cost huge amounts of money.  If you're looking at one of those brands you'll be looking at an older boat vs the other brands given your price range.

3. Speed.  That's relative.  Do you want a fast boat in calm water or a fast boat in rough water?  The Triton, cat and Stratos are probably on the higher end for speed, Skeeter in the middle, Champion after that and the Ranger way at the bottom.  If you're really interested in speed then you want to go to a Blazer, Alli or Stroker.  Since you don't seem comfortable with the Triton's chine issue I'd suggest not thinking about any of those 3.  They definitely require a set of driving skills and a boat like an Alli is sort of different to fish out of.  

4. Fishability.  Basically, the flatter the hull, the better the fishablility.  Ranger wins most of these comparisons hands down but loses on speed and rough water ride due to that flatter hull.  Everything else is personal taste.  Storage layout, how the boat sits in the water, compartment latches, livewell systems, etc.  You really need to get out on the water and spend some time in any boat you're considering and this part of the equation is just as important as the how fast and how does it ride part.

5. As for the skill level to drive at WOT.  All boats will chine walk to some degree at WOT. Some more than others.  You need to spend some time in the boat at first with an experienced boater who can teach you how to drive a bass boat beyond 65 mph.  It's not that difficult.

I hope this helps.  Again, I can't stress enough that you need to spend some time looking at boats and narrowing down your choices to just a couple brands and models.

Basscat, Triton, Stratos, Skeeter, Ranger, Champion.

These are my opinions and mine only. My opinions are drawn from how I like a bass boat to perform on the water under power and while fishing. Since everyone has different tastes, everyones opinions will be different. First, we're looking at what you can buy with $17,000. You'll be looking at a boat at least 5 years old if you're looking for something running a 200 and at 18 1/2 to 19 1/2' long.

1. Build quality. All of the brands you've listed are well made boats. There is no point quibling over that issue.

2. Resale value. Tritons and Rangers hold their value the best. They've spent huge amounts of money building that name in the industry. Their boats also cost huge amounts of money. If you're looking at one of those brands you'll be looking at an older boat vs the other brands given your price range.

3. Speed. That's relative. Do you want a fast boat in calm water or a fast boat in rough water? The Triton, cat and Stratos are probably on the higher end for speed, Skeeter in the middle, Champion after that and the Ranger way at the bottom. If you're really interested in speed then you want to go to a Blazer, Alli or Stroker. Since you don't seem comfortable with the Triton's chine issue I'd suggest not thinking about any of those 3. They definitely require a set of driving skills and a boat like an Alli is sort of different to fish out of.

4. Fishability. Basically, the flatter the hull, the better the fishablility. Ranger wins most of these comparisons hands down but loses on speed and rough water ride due to that flatter hull. Everything else is personal taste. Storage layout, how the boat sits in the water, compartment latches, livewell systems, etc. You really need to get out on the water and spend some time in any boat you're considering and this part of the equation is just as important as the how fast and how does it ride part.

5. As for the skill level to drive at WOT. All boats will chine walk to some degree at WOT. Some more than others. You need to spend some time in the boat at first with an experienced boater who can teach you how to drive a bass boat beyond 65 mph. It's not that difficult.

I hope this helps. Again, I can't stress enough that you need to spend some time looking at boats and narrowing down your choices to just a couple brands and models.

Thank C7, I really appreciate the time you took in responding.   ;D    

This is exactly the type of information / opinion I was looking for.

I'm assuming the Champion hull is more of a V hull as opposed to the flat bottom of the Ranger? A guy I graduated high school with is a tournament fisherman now and he's been in Champion boats for years. I just got a hold of him a couple weeks ago, I hadn't talked to him in years but I think he'd let me tag along for a day of fishing.

But actually, I'm not at all put off by a boat w/ a learning curve. If one of the faster hulls takes me a whole season to get the hang of that's OK. Like I mentioned I'd rather buy a faster boat once and plan on keeping it for a while as opposed to buying a slower boat and then deciding to sell after just a couple seasons. Most of the water I fish on here in central KY is pretty smooth.

Thanks again for the great info.

Of the boats listed, the Champion has a true Wedge type hull.  In your price range, you'll probably be looking at a 193 or 192 in a Champ 19 footer. Those were the narrower 92" beam boats.  The Champs have the narrower hull with the deep V, meaning they'll cut through the waves better, meaning you can run higher speeds in rough water (after you've learned how) faster than the other guys.  The only downside is the Champs tend to ride a little nose up when fishing and some folks consider them more tippy than say a Triton or Ranger.

Man C-7 great post!  

I am no boat expert.  IMO - they all go plenty fast for me with a 200 on the back!  Any of them will rip it up for the most people.  

I am always looking at boats and I am looking for the good deal on a solid boat.  The 'grocery getter' that is a one owner who cared for it and the engine.  The engine is the key in my opinion.  I would buy the best boat/deal I could grab.  The 203 at *** went for around $14,000.00!  THAT WAS A GREAT PURCHASE!  It blue booked well over $20,000.00

 

Good luck in your quest and Happy Releasing!  

Haha.  I saw that 203 for that price and went MAN, if I only had the $$.  Great color combo on the boat too. Figured it wouldn't last long   ;D

19 to 21' bass boat are selling cheap all over the net  

http://www.classicbass.com/4sale2.htm

http://www.usedboats.com/index.php?site=usedboats.com&section=my_boats&page=sign_in

http://www.boatcrazy.com/

http://www.iboats.com/

19 to 21' bass boat are selling cheap all over the net

http://www.classicbass.com/4sale2.htm

http://www.usedboats.com/index.php?site=usedboats.com&section=my_boats&page=sign_in

http://www.boatcrazy.com/

http://www.iboats.com/

Does the price of gas have anything to do with that ?

I'd say so  

19 to 21' bass boat are selling cheap all over the net

http://www.classicbass.com/4sale2.htm

http://www.usedboats.com/index.php?site=usedboats.com&section=my_boats&page=sign_in

http://www.boatcrazy.com/

http://www.iboats.com/

Thanks, most of these sites are new to me.

I'd suggest registering here if you haven't already.  This is a site totally dedicated to bass boats.

Yea, I almost threw up!  I talked to my bank on Sat and sent him and email and left him a message on his cell.  He emailed back late Sunday.   Oh-well!  

There are more deals to be had out there!  

Hey we could have a pool about what brand of bass boat Wishin4Fishin ends up with. I'm saying the combination of performance, style and storage layout in a Skeeter is going to be too much for Wishin to resist. I'm taking Skeeter.

Best bang for the buck IMO is Stratos.  Of course I think Champ is a solid choice!   ;D

I checked it out. Nice looking boat, and plenty fast. I'm not even a 'blue' person, but I like it on this boat. But I'm wondering if I'd be better off w/ something a little newer, although I probably couldn't find a more recent bullet than this one that's still in my price range.

I was only kidding about the bullet.

Seriously, when you're talking about the hotrod boats like Ali's, Bullets, Blazers and Strokers, you've really got to pay attention to the engines.  The owners of those boats have a tendency to "modify" the engines in an attempt to massage a few more MPH top end out of them.  Those kinds of mods done to a stock motor tend to cause it to run on the extreme edge of it's safe band.  In other words, the motor is really cranking out some serious HP but it's on the verge of blowing up to do so.

If you wanted into the speed catagory, I'd look for an older XB-2002 Allison.  20 footer that will get you easily into the 70mph range with only a 150hp motor.