Short bass boats to consider

[casts_by_fly]

Hi all,

 

As I’m sure a lot of you know, I love my autopilot kayak. But, I’m pretty sure I got the clearance to get a boat so I’m double checking my prior research.  For background, the lakes around here are largely either 9.9 hp restricted or electric only. There are three unrestricted lakes but I only fish one of them for the most part and this year I think I had a total of 1 trip to all of them. On top of that, my garage is 94” wide at the opening (and that’s exact) with a 19’ 8” storage length with no possibility for a bump out or other. It’s a three car garage so angling it to gain an inch or three is possible. Though, the garage door is 90 degrees angled from the driveway so I’ll have to back it close and hand push it in (or get a yard jockey). 
 

I'd love to have a 20’ pro-v bass with a 200hp but it won’t fit and isn’t practical for my waters. Realistically speaking, the best and most versatile setup would be a 16’ aluminum boat that is decked like a pro-v bass and has a 9.9 hp electric motor on the back.  That would be a full custom and I’ve thought about it, but I want to see how close I can get in a factory used boat. any added brands beyond the below I need to look into?

 

rick
 

tracker

lowe

crestliner

ranger

express

Lund

Alumacraft

 

 

 

[Catt]

Xpress no longer offers smaller "Jon" boat. 

 

Tracker & Alweld offers viable options 

 

[MN Fisher]

Alumacraft has the 16' Escape Tiller model

[Dirtyeggroll]

The Ranger R70 is a good option. You would have to retrofit the motor. The trailer can be easily modded to fit 19’8” with the motor up.

[DaubsNU1]

Good luck with your search!

 

You can gain some inches here and there by angling boat in...My Adventure 1775 fits in the third bay that is 19'5" long front to back. I don't even have to use the swing tongue.

 

 

It's a tight fit, but it works.  DD.

[gimruis]

I'd probably go with what @Catt recommended, an aluminum jon boat of some kind.

 

Swing away tongue would save some storage space too.  You might want to consider a tiller version with a 16 foot boat.  It tends to save a lot of space in the boat without a console there.

[Born 2 fish]

Phoenix 518 is a nice little bass boat.

[TOXIC]

The fact that you want to access electric only lakes is really not a hold up with the lithium batteries now out.  My buddy fishes a 1,000 acre electric only lake with a 20 foot Ranger glass boat and a 250 4 stroke.  He has a 36 volt PowerPole Move troller and can fish the entire lake all day on just his trolling motor.  The problem usually is the ramps on electric only lakes.  As for the 9.9 lakes, you would still be limited to electric only when on them, or some let bigger motors idle only.  Storage is your big concern. I have a buddy who just bought a river Jon and it’s pretty nice. He could easily fish all day on his lithiums only.  He bought it for river running so it’s a jet drive.  

[gimruis]

On a lake that is listed as "electric only", can you launch a boat that has an outboard attached and just not use it, or is the presence of an outboard completely banned?

 

The electric lakes here can be fished in a normal boat with an outboard, you just can't use it.  You have to use your bow mount instead.

[casts_by_fly]

5 hours ago, Catt said:

Xpress no longer offers smaller "Jon" boat. 

 

Tracker & Alweld offers viable options 

 

 

Express has the XP170 and 180 that are skinny enough.  they are long, but don't have a folding tongue I don't think.  I also don't think I have a dealer around to check them.  However for completeness I've added them to the research list.

 

5 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Alumacraft has the 16' Escape Tiller model

 

Alumacraft added.  Ideally I'd want something with a higher front deck (personal preference) but a 16' deep V (tracker has quite a few also) isn't the worst choice for me.  

 

5 hours ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

The Ranger R70 is a good option. You would have to retrofit the motor. The trailer can be easily modded to fit 19’8” with the motor up.

 

That's a good shout.  I know there are other glass boats out that were in the 16' range also.  I will consider them, though I think a 16' aluminum is probably a better choice.

 

3 hours ago, gimruis said:

I'd probably go with what @Catt recommended, an aluminum jon boat of some kind.

 

Swing away tongue would save some storage space too.  You might want to consider a tiller version with a 16 foot boat.  It tends to save a lot of space in the boat without a console there.

 

I want rod lockers and dry storage.  Those are must haves.  Anything beyond that I'm flexible.

 

The foldaway tongue is going to be my saving grace I think.  Some boats have it, but I'm also handy enough to put a fulton bolt on onto a trailer that doesn't already have it.

 

If I were to build a custom from scratch it would be a tiller.  That would give a good bit more storage and deck space for sure.

 

1 hour ago, TOXIC said:

The fact that you want to access electric only lakes is really not a hold up with the lithium batteries now out.  My buddy fishes a 1,000 acre electric only lake with a 20 foot Ranger glass boat and a 250 4 stroke.  He has a 36 volt PowerPole Move troller and can fish the entire lake all day on just his trolling motor.  The problem usually is the ramps on electric only lakes.  As for the 9.9 lakes, you would still be limited to electric only when on them, or some let bigger motors idle only.  Storage is your big concern. I have a buddy who just bought a river Jon and it’s pretty nice. He could easily fish all day on his lithiums only.  He bought it for river running so it’s a jet drive.  

 

The electric only lakes around are generall smaller and a trolling motor is plenty to fish them all day, even on a single group 31 (for the biggest).  I'm fishing everything trolling motor only right now with the autopilot (45lb thrust, though a light boat setup).  The 9.9 lakes are bigger though.  At 1200 acres I can fish that one now and as long as I plan my movements and don't go crazy I am fine with a single 80 AH lithium.  Another is 2300 acres and while I've fished it in the kayak on electric, its bigger than practical.  I've seen 20' bassboats on it with 36V bow mounts, but getting the nearly 3 miles to the back of the lake is something.

 

I have considered a jet.  We have the delaware nearby and that would unlock a hundred miles of river that I don't currently fish.  It would be an electric only the rest of the time (short of a small kicker motor to fit on the transom).

 

1 minute ago, gimruis said:

On a lake that is listed as "electric only", can you launch a boat that has an outboard attached and just not use it, or is the presence of an outboard completely banned?

 

The electric lakes here can be fished in a normal boat with an outboard, you just can't use it.  You have to use your bow mount instead.

 

Ours are the same as yours.  You can have the big motor and even have it in the water, you just can't use it.  One of the lakes has threatened to for people to remove props as theye have had instances of boats firing up their bigmotors when it wasn't an emergency.  And also power loading at the ramp.

[gimruis]

1 minute ago, casts_by_fly said:

And also power loading at the ramp.

 

Ya I could definitely see someone wanting to power load a boat at the ramp when they're not supposed to.

[Craig P]

I have the Crestliner Storm 1600. With a 20hp mercury and a folding tongue, it fits in my garage the exact depth of yours.

 

I wrestled with your exact situation before I bought it. I was also thinking of just getting a hull and outfitting it with an electric outboard and TM but this was a better solution as my lakes are either electric only or 20hp but there are some unrestricted places around me too and this setup gets me 23 mph. Plenty for the unrestricted yet small lakes. 

 

It’s a great size for a 2 man boat.  2 guys and a child works but gets tight at times.

 

Worth looking into. I see you are in NJ, look up Hiway Marine in Quakertown, Pa, they carry “Nockamixon Specials” with a 20 but I’ve seen them there with 9s and even unpowered so you can do it yourself. 

[Catt]

2025 TRACKER®

PRO 170

Mercury® 9.9

$17,445

[MN Fisher]

11 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

If I were to build a custom from scratch it would be a tiller. 

If you're even semi-handy, you can just build it yourself in your garage.

Bass Trek before

 

Bass Trek after

 

Took a winter in my garage but ended up with a high deck, rod locker, livewell, 6 tackle compartments and a general compartment. Framing under the deck is 1/16" aluminum angle of 1"x1" riveted together. Deck is oil-based Spar Urethane treated 1/2" plywood then either painted or carpeted. total cost including 25hp electric start Evinrude was right around $3,000.

[gimruis]

@MN Fisher transformation to a fully rigged bass boat is arguably the single most impressive boat-related project on this forum to date.

 

I would never attempt such a feat mostly because I don't have the 1) knowledge, and 2) tools.  Maybe you could hire him to build you one.  If I was looking for something like this, I'd easily pay 3 or 4 times the amount he quoted for him to do it.

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, Craig P said:

I have the Crestliner Storm 1600. With a 20hp mercury and a folding tongue, it fits in my garage the exact depth of yours.

 

I wrestled with your exact situation before I bought it. I was also thinking of just getting a hull and outfitting it with an electric outboard and TM but this was a better solution as my lakes are either electric only or 20hp but there are some unrestricted places around me too and this setup gets me 23 mph. Plenty for the unrestricted yet small lakes. 

 

It’s a great size for a 2 man boat.  2 guys and a child works but gets tight at times.

 

Worth looking into. I see you are in NJ, look up Hiway Marine in Quakertown, Pa, they carry “Nockamixon Specials” with a 20 but I’ve seen them there with 9s and even unpowered so you can do it yourself. 

 

I just found the storm the other day.  Its the first 16' mod-V I've seen with a rod locker.  All of the others (like the tracker 160) have PVC tubes for the tips and exposed hangers for the reels.  I want a full rod box and this has that (albeit a small one).  My dad has a tracker 162 (or 165 maybe) and that's the one thing that drives me nuts.

 

Think they would do a NJ special and sell me a 20 with 9.9 stickers...?

 

1 hour ago, Catt said:

2025 TRACKER®

PRO 170

Mercury® 9.9

$17,445

 

if I were to buy new, this would be one of the first boats to measure.  The width is fine.  The storage length is 20' 1" which would probably work on an angle since its not very wide.  Rod box, dry storage, etc.  I'd really like a 175, but I think it would be millimeter tight since its 7'6" wide and the door is 7'10"

 

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

If you're even semi-handy, you can just build it yourself in your garage.

Bass Trek before

 

Bass Trek after

 

Took a winter in my garage but ended up with a high deck, rod locker, livewell, 6 tackle compartments and a general compartment. Framing under the deck is 1/16" aluminum angle of 1"x1" riveted together. Deck is oil-based Spar Urethane treated 1/2" plywood then either painted or carpeted. total cost including 25hp electric start Evinrude was right around $3,000.

 

I've said for the past 3 years (after I didn't refurbish my dad's old stratos and after I bought the kayak) that if I ever got a true boat it would be an aluminum conversion.  Starting point would be a 16' V bottom and I'd basically make it like a pro-v bass or TV18 but in a 16' platform.  Add a 9.9 electric, spotlock motor, and move my electronics from the kayak.  Then I have a setup that can fish all of my waters (aside from the river), not feel limited in space or speed, and have all of the features I want.

 

Right now, I'm questioning if I want to put that much personal time in.  I love a good project as much as the next guy and I'm pretty handy already.  If it was a year ago I would have done it.  But getting a new job that takes a lot more time during the day means I couldn't steal away for a half hour on a tuesday to do something.  I think I can get an already complete 170 tracker or similar with all of the features I want at about the same total cost and not spend the time doing it.  It might not have the prettiest carpet or seats, but those are things that can be done easily if needed.  Not saying I won't go down the custom route, but I am weighing all of the options very carefully here.

[Susky River Rat]

A tracker 160-170 would be your best bet honestly. As far as a jet that’s almost a completely different topic I did have a tracker 160 with a jet on it though. 
 

I loved my tracker for electric only lakes easy to load light to move. My 18’ g3 (toxics buddy has a g3) I would never take to a lake I couldn’t power load. It’s to heavy and drafts shallow you will float over the bunks extremely easy. 

[casts_by_fly]

2 hours ago, Susky River Rat said:

A tracker 160-170 would be your best bet honestly. As far as a jet that’s almost a completely different topic I did have a tracker 160 with a jet on it though. 
 

I loved my tracker for electric only lakes easy to load light to move. My 18’ g3 (toxics buddy has a g3) I would never take to a lake I couldn’t power load. It’s to heavy and drafts shallow you will float over the bunks extremely easy. 

that’s my baseline for comparison. A 170 fits the bill. They are everywhere on the used market in various states of age, quality and price. 
 

is there really no reverse on a jet?  I read that and understand why. But that would be a real PIA. 

[Susky River Rat]

@casts_by_fly on a jet there is no reverse gear or forward gear. There is just a hinge that changes the water stream for forward or reverse.  I try to avoid using reverse unless I am in 3ft or deeper. Simple reason is it throws all the bottom debris up and goes through your impeller. Than you need to sharpen it. 

[Koz]

I’m pretty sure that you’ve been a lot like me with your kayak. You bought something that you thought you could live with forever and then you bought another kayak or kept adding and adding.

 

If I were in your position I’d buy a gas powered bass boat and then add an electric outboard. This way you can have the best of both worlds.

 

Sure, you could transform a jon boat and add a deck and storage. But in 2-3 - or if your fishing a lot of windy days - you’ll wish you had the bass boat.

[Junger]

https://excelboats.com/model/river-warrior-side-console/

 

They have some cool boats, I have a Lund PVB 1875 mainly because of the 4 seats, but I really like the Command Pro 183 layout too.

[casts_by_fly]

3 hours ago, Susky River Rat said:

@casts_by_fly on a jet there is no reverse gear or forward gear. There is just a hinge that changes the water stream for forward or reverse.  I try to avoid using reverse unless I am in 3ft or deeper. Simple reason is it throws all the bottom debris up and goes through your impeller. Than you need to sharpen it. 

ok, that makes more sense. If you’re in plenty enough water in a lake at the dock you can reverse the stream and slow down or back up. Maybe not as maneuverable as a prop boat, but it’s not the same as a jet ski. 
 

 

2 hours ago, Koz said:

I’m pretty sure that you’ve been a lot like me with your kayak. You bought something that you thought you could live with forever and then you bought another kayak or kept adding and adding.

 

If I were in your position I’d buy a gas powered bass boat and then add an electric outboard. This way you can have the best of both worlds.

 

Sure, you could transform a jon boat and add a deck and storage. But in 2-3 - or if your fishing a lot of windy days - you’ll wish you had the bass boat.

kinda. Starting with an autopilot and a 7” helix is jumping in with both feet into the kayak world.  And as much as I wanted a boat then, it wasn’t on the cards practically for the family. That said, a glass boat isn’t practical in any way for me. My garage space constraints are one. I just don’t have the place to put one. I considered a rental space when I was going to refurb my dads boat. It would be $100 a month for an outside parking space, which while not insurmountable wasn’t good value for money for an uncovered space in a locked yard. More importantly though, we don’t have big water here where I could use it. We have exactly 4 lakes in the state that I’m aware of that are unlimited horsepower (at least in the top half of the state that I know of). One is 193 acres with a solid third of that lily pad covered. One is 300 acres and averages 4’ deep with a lot of it far less and lots of burrier rocks.  The third is 375 acres and a bowl. Also doesn’t have a public launch for a trailered boat. All three of those lakes can be fished in a glass boat with a 200 hp (though launching at one of them would be a bugger) but in the time you’d fire up the big motor and get on plane you’re where you need to be. And wind is only a major concern at one of them. The fourth lake is the biggest in the state and worthy of a glass boat.  However, it gets the most pressure of any lake in the state for tournaments (most every th-sun from April to September) and also has pleasure boat traffic comparable to the worst of the south east or ozarks lakes (in boats per acre). I’ve fished it once in the past two years. 
 

Practically speaking, the lakes I fish now and the ones that would get added with a boat of some type are all 100-2000 acres and limited in some way. A 14’ v-bottom with a 9.9 would get me from end to end on all of them in under 10 minutes.  Speed isn’t a requirement and 15-20mph would be fine.

 

the two motor approach is something I’ve considered, especially if I get a tiller boat or one that can fit a kicker motor on the transom. For the rare occasion where I could fire up a bigger motor it wouldn’t hurt to have more than a 9.9 and then have a 9.9 electric or gas for the lakes restricted as such. If I’m ordering new though it’s a 9.9 gas. If I build custom it’s a 9.9 electric. Buying used you buy the good boat and add the thing you need. 
 

rick

[Koz]

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

ok, that makes more sense. If you’re in plenty enough water in a lake at the dock you can reverse the stream and slow down or back up. Maybe not as maneuverable as a prop boat, but it’s not the same as a jet ski. 
 

 

kinda. Starting with an autopilot and a 7” helix is jumping in with both feet into the kayak world.  And as much as I wanted a boat then, it wasn’t on the cards practically for the family. That said, a glass boat isn’t practical in any way for me. My garage space constraints are one. I just don’t have the place to put one. I considered a rental space when I was going to refurb my dads boat. It would be $100 a month for an outside parking space, which while not insurmountable wasn’t good value for money for an uncovered space in a locked yard. More importantly though, we don’t have big water here where I could use it. We have exactly 4 lakes in the state that I’m aware of that are unlimited horsepower (at least in the top half of the state that I know of). One is 193 acres with a solid third of that lily pad covered. One is 300 acres and averages 4’ deep with a lot of it far less and lots of burrier rocks.  The third is 375 acres and a bowl. Also doesn’t have a public launch for a trailered boat. All three of those lakes can be fished in a glass boat with a 200 hp (though launching at one of them would be a bugger) but in the time you’d fire up the big motor and get on plane you’re where you need to be. And wind is only a major concern at one of them. The fourth lake is the biggest in the state and worthy of a glass boat.  However, it gets the most pressure of any lake in the state for tournaments (most every th-sun from April to September) and also has pleasure boat traffic comparable to the worst of the south east or ozarks lakes (in boats per acre). I’ve fished it once in the past two years. 
 

Practically speaking, the lakes I fish now and the ones that would get added with a boat of some type are all 100-2000 acres and limited in some way. A 14’ v-bottom with a 9.9 would get me from end to end on all of them in under 10 minutes.  Speed isn’t a requirement and 15-20mph would be fine.

 

the two motor approach is something I’ve considered, especially if I get a tiller boat or one that can fit a kicker motor on the transom. For the rare occasion where I could fire up a bigger motor it wouldn’t hurt to have more than a 9.9 and then have a 9.9 electric or gas for the lakes restricted as such. If I’m ordering new though it’s a 9.9 gas. If I build custom it’s a 9.9 electric. Buying used you buy the good boat and add the thing you need. 
 

rick

OK, I just took a look at your profile and see you’re from NJ so that makes a lot of sense.

 

I see that I’m spoiled here in the south with easy access to tons of big lakes.

 

Have you looked into adding a stern mounted motor to your kayak? You can get 6-9 mph out of some of them.

[Susky River Rat]

@casts_by_fly the other issue is you do not want a 9.9 jet. You always want to be maxed out with the horsepower rating foe the boat. I wouldn’t go below a 60/40 you’ll never get on plane or it will take forever to get there.  You can only run in 3-4” of water on plane. 
 

the other realization you are going to have to live with is you are going to hit stuff with your boat. Possibly damaging it. 

[Functional]

If you want measurements of a tracker 175 let me know. I think the 170 is your best bet from what you said, however if there are bigger lakes you will go on often I'd just get a strong TM and get the 175 with a 75hp motor and use the TM on 9.9 and electric only lakes. My Force trolling motor on only 24v gets that boat moving....36v it would cruise well.