Looking to buy my first bass boat. Have my eye on these two. Both used. Leaning towards the v18 for space and 90hp vs the 170 that's a bit smaller and has the 50hp. Also, kids are getting old enough to want to come along and the v18 seems to have more console area space. Likely wont be often thr kids come but when they do....

 

Thoughts guys? Anyone have either?

I have the 170 TX, just bought it used in July of this year.  I love it so far, but I wouldn't be putting kids on it if it were me!  Unless they stay down in the seat well it would be really easy for them to fall over the side.  I have never seen the other boat so I don't know what the lay out of it is.  But the 170 would scoot with a 50 hp motor on it, mine only has a 9.9 on it and still goes pretty good!

19 hours ago, FishinBuck07 said:

I have the 170 TX, just bought it used in July of this year.  I love it so far, but I wouldn't be putting kids on it if it were me!  Unless they stay down in the seat well it would be really easy for them to fall over the side.  I have never seen the other boat so I don't know what the lay out of it is.  But the 170 would scoot with a 50 hp motor on it, mine only has a 9.9 on it and still goes pretty good!

How long is it from prop to tounge with the tounge folded? Trying to figure out if it will fit in my garage 

 

Little less than 18 feet is what I just measured!  It fits in my garage with about two feet to spare

The V18 will be leaps and bounds more stable with multiple people and in worse conditions.

 

I suggest you take the kids with you and have them get in both and observe them to see how safe you feel they are in each boat. That may give you the sense that you need about how to proceed.

 

If you have a chance, get on the water in both.

 

Also, what are your fishing goals? What kind of waters (size of body and conditions) are you planning on fishing?

On 10/25/2019 at 4:28 PM, presta24 said:

Likely wont be often thr kids come but when they do....

I'd also suggest the option that makes this go the other way

How old are the kids?  I've taken my boys out in bass boats since they could walk. 

Daughter is 7, autistic son is 5, youngest daughter is 18mo. 

 

The v I was looking at fell through. Thinking I'm going to get the 170tx and if it gets the use I hope, I'll upgrade in a few years. 

 

 

23 hours ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

The V18 will be leaps and bounds more stable with multiple people and in worse conditions.

 

I suggest you take the kids with you and have them get in both and observe them to see how safe you feel they are in each boat. That may give you the sense that you need about how to proceed.

 

If you have a chance, get on the water in both.

 

Also, what are your fishing goals? What kind of waters (size of body and conditions) are you planning on fishing?

I'd also suggest the option that makes this go the other way

As far as fishing conditions. Inland lakes. Largest I assume would be kentucky lake. Early spring to late fall

4 minutes ago, presta24 said:

Daughter is 7, autistic son is 5, youngest daughter is 18mo. 

 

The v I was looking at fell through. Thinking I'm going to get the 170tx and if it gets the use I hope, I'll upgrade in a few years. 

 

 

As far as fishing conditions. Inland lakes. Largest I assume would be kentucky lake. Early spring to late fall

That boat looks familiar, what year is that?

1 hour ago, FishinBuck07 said:

That boat looks familiar, what year is that?

2008

A year newer than mine, I love mine but I don't have the kids to worry about.

2 hours ago, presta24 said:

Daughter is 7, autistic son is 5, youngest daughter is 18mo.

Your daughter should be fine, with some guidance.  You're probably the best judge of what your son can handle.  My nephew is very high functioning, holds a job, and can drive a car, and has been fine in a boat since he was 5-6 years old.  My niece, not so much, though I depending on her mood, it might be a go.  Never tried.  Obviously your youngest daughter would need constant supervision.  I had a rule: no kids on the decks without an adult.  As always when taking kids, keep it short, expect to get zero fishing in, and make it fun.  They probably only want to go on a boat ride, and see some nature.

4 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Your daughter should be fine, with some guidance.  You're probably the best judge of what your son can handle.  My nephew is very high functioning, holds a job, and can drive a car, and has been fine in a boat since he was 5-6 years old.  My niece, not so much, though I depending on her mood, it might be a go.  Never tried.  Obviously your youngest daughter would need constant supervision.  I had a rule: no kids on the decks without an adult.  As always when taking kids, keep it short, expect to get zero fishing in, and make it fun.  They probably only want to go on a boat ride, and see some nature.

Son would love it. Hes high functioning as well. Likely wouldn't get him off the boat. Toddler wouldn't go until shes older. Oldest daughter,  she would enjoy the ride. Not sure about the fishing

Each kid has their own personality, too.  My oldest was all business on the water.  My youngest was a delinquent.  He took a little longer to learn to follow the rules.