My wife has been talking about adding a boat to the garage for 2027.

I’m happy with a kayak and see boat ownership as just another thing which will drain my bank account. Since we’d be looking for boats next winter, I’d like to educate myself beyond googling “best aluminum boats with Bimini tops” and wasting my money. I want to narrow the list of brands and models down to a select few so I can target getting a deal on one in the off season.

I don’t know really anything about newer boats. The last one I owned was 20 years ago and it was old as dirt then. I had the pleasure of riding along some rather nice rigs last year in MD in a club, but I’m not interested in spending north of 60k. My budget would preferably be used under 35k with a trailer.

I’m most interested in having a boat which can handle the rivers and reservoirs of the TVA system and can be outfitted to comfortably fish bass, musky, catfish, and occasionally panfish for dinner. It doesn’t need to be a super skinny water rig because that’s what kayaks are for.

I’ve looked at seaark catfish boats, some lunds, vexus, and honestly I can’t tell the difference. People seem to say each brand they happen to own or be sponsored by is the best.

I’m not concerned with maximizing power or speed, but I do want it relaxed enough for my wife to enjoy a day on the water. We don’t have little kids so that isn’t a concern. I don’t want a pontoon because… well I’m not sure. It seems overkill and they are massive barges. We also won’t be pulling tubes or skiers.

Do any of the members here have on the water experience they can throw my way on this particular issue?

I'm sure Glenn has a video for this.

In any case, there are few things you should consider. 1) Towing capacity of your vehicle, 2) If you intend to store it in your garage, the overall length/width, and 3) proximity/reliability of dealer in case you have issues. There's nothing worse than having to drive 2 hours one way back to the dealer to get something fixed.

You should be able to find a new tin rig in the 17 or 18 foot range for 35k or less. Most models come with basic items like a trailer, outboard, and standard trolling motor/graph. You can usually make upgrades to those for a cost. I would suggest maxing out the outboard HP on any particular model unless you frequent a lake with horse power restrictions.

When I bought a boat in 2015, I went to the Boat Show to look at various models in person. That really helped. I could sit in them, open storage compartments, and take my own specifications in person.

52 minutes ago, gim said:

I'm sure Glenn has a video for this.

In any case, there are few things you should consider. 1) Towing capacity of your vehicle, 2) If you intend to store it in your garage, the overall length/width, and 3) proximity/reliability of dealer in case you have issues. There's nothing worse than having to drive 2 hours one way back to the dealer to get something fixed.

You should be able to find a new tin rig in the 17 or 18 foot range for 35k or less. Most models come with basic items like a trailer, outboard, and standard trolling motor/graph. You can usually make upgrades to those for a cost. I would suggest maxing out the outboard HP on any particular model unless you frequent a lake with horse power restrictions.

When I bought a boat in 2015, I went to the Boat Show to look at various models in person. That really helped. I could sit in them, open storage compartments, and take my own specifications in person.

Oh Glenn has an infinite number of good videos. I think what I’m looking for is more on the time water with specific models in similar reservoirs as me. I don’t imagine I’ll find a wealth of info but first hand information is really important to form a solid understanding.

Towing capacity is north of 10,000 with our truck. I’m nowhere near touching that.

Storage will be under a RV carport.

Finding a dealer could be difficult, but again I’m not even sure where to start so I don’t know if anyone’s close. What I’ve heard is to avoid tracker or bass pro boats but that’s pretty much it.

I’m not actually all that comfortable going to a boat show now as I don’t know what to look for. I know I’d like a rod locker, not sure what ones are good. I know a live well will help if I ever fish a derby, but again one is the same as the other. I’d prefer a 18+ foot boat because the water around me can get gnarly depending on the weather. I also travel around the southeast and want to be prepared for whatever I pull up too.

I know I don’t know anything at the moment.

It sounds like you've nailed down a few specifics- 18+, some rougher water, comfortable for bass and multispecies. Storage is flexible. Budget is as stated.

Now, you need to decide between v-bottom and semi V. A v-bottom will give more stability if it gets rocking and rolling. It also has higher sides, so standing on the deck will have a little bit more gunwale above the level of your feet. A semi-V has a higher deck and a flatter bottom. Depending which route you want to take, that will push you to different boats.

Once you've decided on shape that fits your need, then you can start picking out models and makers. I just did this exercise last winter and ended up in a crestliner. My biggest limitations were garage storage and horsepower restrictions on my lakes. I ended up in a semi V with a high deck because that's what I like and that's what worked best with a 10 hp motor. After a year, I'm happy with my crestliner and would look at another in a different circumstance. Also considered were Lund and Tracker. I bought new (floor model) because I was specific in what I wanted on the boat and the used market here is slim. I did search the used market.

If you're shopping the used market, then you have what you have. If you are shopping new, then pick out the brands of interest and see what dealers are around within an hour or so. That will be what you can pick from more or less.

I can't add anything to the tin boat talk, it sounds like you have a good idea for what you are looking for, however, you mentioned a bimini top. I bought one for my bassboat and did not like it. It is hard to cast around and any breeze will blow you across the lake like a sailboat. I feel that addition was a waste of money. It is nice to get out of the sun for a bit, but the downsides are something to consider.

To add to what has been said above. Not knowing your wife and how she is on water and you’re willing to travel so you need to expect the unexpected. I would go deep V for stability And comfort.

Mine is deep V and sits in an ocean bay from Memorial Day to Labor Day (maybe a few weeks after that). It drafts 10”. So you can get into some skinny water if you really want.

I also look at resale value. I wanted to upgrade 3 years after I bought it new and at that time I could have traded it in for the same $$ I paid for it.

Mine is a fiberglass. So not really comparable to what you’re looking for BUT, it was under $30k

6 minutes ago, rboat said:

I can't add anything to the tin boat talk, it sounds like you have a good idea for what you are looking for, however, you mentioned a bimini top. I bought one for my bassboat and did not like it. It is hard to cast around and any breeze will blow you across the lake like a sailboat. I feel that addition was a waste of money. It is nice to get out of the sun for a bit, but the downsides are something to consider.

This is a requirement for my wife. It’s the only option outside buying a pontoon.

5 minutes ago, Jigfishn10 said:

To add to what has been said above. Not knowing your wife and how she is on water and you’re willing to travel so you need to expect the unexpected. I would go deep V for stability And comfort.

Mine is deep V and sits in an ocean bay from Memorial Day to Labor Day (maybe a few weeks after that). It drafts 10”. So you can get into some skinny water if you really want.

I also look at resale value. I wanted to upgrade 3 years after I bought it new and at that time I could have traded it in for the same $$ I paid for it.

Mine is a fiberglass. So not really comparable to what you’re looking for BUT, it was under $30k

What brand and model? That’s a low draft.

You might pick a few brands and go to their web sites and have a look at the different models and options.

I don’t know the quality, but a quick search just came up with carver covers having Bimini tops for a ton of boats. A Lund 1875 fisherman (current model) is $500 for the Bimini. It looks like they will do them for any boat more or less.

1 hour ago, Jig Man said:

You might pick a few brands and go to their web sites and have a look at the different models and options.

Just did that and got a few dealers that might have something that fits the bill.

Is getting a test drive something you can do on a boat? Do dealers have some you can see how they ride?

11 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

I don’t know the quality, but a quick search just came up with carver covers having Bimini tops for a ton of boats. A Lund 1875 fisherman (current model) is $500 for the Bimini. It looks like they will do them for any boat more or less.

Thank you! I’ll check them out.

17 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

Just did that and got a few dealers that might have something that fits the bill.

Is getting a test drive something you can do on a boat? Do dealers have some you can see how they ride?

Thank you! I’ll check them out.

I’m not sure anymore. When I was in the business we did test drives on boats often but that was a long time ago.

I purchased my boat used, sight unseen, from a Lund Dealer in Iowa. Pretty much knew what I wanted, and looked for a long time before finding.

My brother got an aftermarket bimini top for his Lund Alaskan. It works well and can handle speeds up to 45 MPH. It was ~$500. It doesn't store great in his boat, and takes a bit to set up.

I went with the Lund bimini top. It stows in bottom of boat perfectly, and is quick to clip in and set up. And it handles up to 45MPH as well. Heck, my boat can barely make 39MPH. It was pricy @ $1,300, but well worth it in my eyes.

15 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

What brand and model? That’s a low draft.

It's a saltwater rig (yes it can go into fresh water) and made and marketed as "unsinkable". "Unsinkable" means it's filled with an expandable foam so rod lockers are out of the question. As I mentioned, it is a deep V hulled boat and does draft at 10", but that's with the engine completely trimmed up. A trolling motor would be a must if fishing in 10" or more and you can obviously get out and push the boat to deeper water. The only thing my boat has that you're looking for is a Bimini top.

The purpose of my post was really to indicate that you can get into skinny water with a deep V'd boat without worrying about the waters your navigating in because it does draft so shallow. My boat has a wide beam which contributes to a smoother ride in rougher conditions. Just 2 factors to look into when you do a search for your boat.

@Jigfishn10 10” is amateur hour for skinny water.

Ok … haha … for deep v what say you @Susky River Rat

I just spit coffee on my computer, so thank you for that

How’s this for skinny water

29 minutes ago, Jigfishn10 said:

Ok … haha … for deep v what say you @Susky River Rat

I just spit coffee on my computer, so thank you for that

How’s this for skinny water

I don’t know exactly what’s happening. But imma need a lawn chair and some popcorn.

@TNBankFishing

haha…all good! @Susky River Rat ‘s a great guy!

2 minutes ago, Jigfishn10 said:

I don’t know exactly what’s happening. But imma need a lawn chair and some popcorn.

haha…all good! @Susky River Rat ‘s a great guy!

Ahh so this just happened.

Oh boy, I better leave this thread. .

Good luck with your search. Make sure you post pics!

@Jigfishn10 thats perfect! Lol

12 minutes ago, Jigfishn10 said:

Oh boy, I better leave this thread. .

Good luck with your search. Make sure you post pics!

I will!

Besides having a bimini, what are the other features your wife values? Cruising, picnicking, swimming, sun bathing, reading, or just fishing? Is a Stereo important?

If she grows tired of boating after a couple years, what will you do with the boat?

17 minutes ago, Capt Ed said:

Besides having a bimini, what are the other features your wife values? Cruising, picnicking, swimming, sun bathing, reading, or just fishing? Is a Stereo important?

If she grows tired of boating after a couple years, what will you do with the boat?

She really enjoys swimming and being around nature, we camp often and generally spend most of our time outdoors if we can. We have pair of wireless speakers we take camping for times we want to listen to music, so we’d bring them along. If we wanted to camp on bank and cook a meal we have the portable gear as well.

I don’t know if we’d ever entertain on it or have more than our son and his fiance with us. We’ve rented pontoons several times on Norris and Watts Bar and have had a blast and it’s usually just the two of us.

The reality is I suffer from thalassaphobia which is horribly ironic considering my love of our hobby. For me the rig is solely for fishing. I’ll never willingly get in a tube or attempt to ski behind it, and I’d have issues watching a friend or family member attempt it.

If she no longer wants the boat I would put it up for sale. I don’t have issues letting it go for a loss if it no longer fits in our lifestyle.

Based on what you posted, you may want to check out a Bayliner. It will probably meet your price point and would be comfortable for your wife. And you can fish out of it.

Just a suggestion

I was shopping for Aluminum boats a few years ago. Here is my list of brands and sub models. I was looking for a 21' fish&ski so the sub models probably won't be a great fit but the brands are all there.

Nitro zv

Ranger: reata, VX series, VS series?

Lund: Tyee GL, impact xs, crossover xs, Pro v GL

G3 angler V series

Vexus: DVX, ADX

Lowe: Fish and ski, fishing machine side console?

Triton: allure, fish hunter

Alumacraft: Trophy, Competitor

Crestliner: SuperHawk, sportfish

Starcraft: Delta FXS,

princecraft: Platnium series,

RH: SH Sport

smokercraft: Ultima, Ultima Legacy, Pro Angler

starweld: Victory