Boat Choices

FlatsNBay · October 13, 2019, 08:20:15 AM

I've done a ton of research over the last two years trying to find the perfect bass boat for my situation. The #1 requirement is that the total package of the boat motor and trailer with the swing tounge open has to be 19-8 or less in order to fit in my garage. Any bigger and it's a deal breaker. They just don't make smaller bass boats anymore that will fit my situation, even with a swing tounge on the trailer open. You might ask, what about Ranger? Nope. Triton? Nope. Nitro Z17? Too big. Phoenix or Skeeter? Not even close. How about some aluminum's? Vexus? Nope Most are still too big!

It really has to taken a bunch of research. After finding a boat that would fit, a couple of things that I would like is an extended front deck and hopefully a performance type hull that would also handle rough water if needed. I would love to have as many features as possible from a true bass boat instead of trying to make one myself out of a john boat. I would prefer fiberglass but have considered aluminum since my selection is so small.

I've narrowed possible selections down to these few along with some pros and cons for each.

Charger 176 (new). Fiberglass bass boat with a 150. Total package with swing tounge is 19-8. Pros: A true high performance bass boat. The hull is a proven winner and is from the old Champion bass boat line. All features and specs are customized to the customer's specifications. Cons: the closest dealer is 12 hours away. There are very few of this model sold to even find one to look at. None of the dealers have one on their lot to get pics or ask any questions. The other concern is there is no storage in the rear deck of the boat, just 2 livewells and the battery/bilge compartment. I wonder how I'd like that? There is minimal storage under the seats. All the storage is in the HUGE front deck I just think it's a big roll of the dice to buy a boat without ever looking at the particular model in person.

Xpress X17 (new). Total package length 19-6. Aluminum bass boat, 90-115 hp. I've had an Xpress bass boat before so I know what I would be getting as far as fit, finish, features and performance. Pros: Xpress really has come a long way with quality and they have a ton of standard features included in their packages. The beam is one of the widest of all bass boats at 95" so the boat fishes big with plenty of room. The rig is light which would help with fuel economy both on the water and in towing. They have many dealers in my state and I think that I would get a really good deal on one. The boat is offered with the Sea Deck package instead of carpet and that really intrigues me. Cons: it might actually be too wide in my garage. I was hoping to get back into a fiberglass bass boat so I wonder if I would feel like I settled? I really did enjoy my Xpress when I had one though.

Nitro Z6 (used). Total length is 18-10. 115 hp. They aren't made anymore, last model year is 2016. Pros: there are a ton of used ones for sale so I could probably find a 2016 in like new condition. The boat would definitely fit with room to spare. Nitros come with a ton of options and upgrades. Cons: resale value is often lower than other choices.

Stratos 176 VLO (used). Fiberglass bass boat, 75-90 hp. Not made any longer, last production 2018. Package length is 19-4. Pros: A good boat with an excellent reputation. Cons: Low resale value and often compared to aluminum bass boats as being in the same class. A 2018 would probably be hard to find used. Not as many sold as Nitros.

I've considered other aluminum makes and models but most are too big even with a swing tounge and none really excite me like an Xpress.

So there you have it. Any thoughts on any of the boat models mentioned good or bad?

If I just had more room, I'd have so many more choices!

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Capt. BassinLou · October 13, 2019, 08:47:19 AM

Given the choices, I would vote Xpress. As you know, I have always been a tin guy. I have been fortunate to have fished from several different glass hulls this year, and they all have been great boats, but if your looking for a cheaper easier boat to maintain, tin is the way go. Yes, there are disadvantages with going tin, but overall I believe the pro's out weigh the con's. Xpress has been in the tin market for quite sometime and their boat designs can compete with many of the glass boats in the market today. A 17-18ft tin with a 115 o.b. will move along nicely. Your top end speed will be 48-50 mph, and your fuel efficiency will be remarkable with a 4 stroke.

Donald Garner · October 13, 2019, 02:04:28 PM

With the choices you listed and the restrictions you have on space. It looks like the Xpress would be the choice to make.

BarryFL · October 13, 2019, 03:28:01 PM

Resale value was never part of my buying equation. Everything, including boats, are exactly worth what someone is willing to pay at any given time. Recommend that not be part of the equation.

~Barry~

WTodd · October 13, 2019, 03:42:23 PM

What Barry said

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coldfront · October 13, 2019, 04:42:12 PM

know they sure don't make garages to fit those old 1970 car lengths anymore. heck they don't even look at how to build them to fit two full sized trucks/suv's anymore for that matter.

found this house when looking. works great. will even allow me to buy a bigger boat at some point

the problem isn't tongue clearance with the swing-aways, it's how much length is taken by the outboard.

that alcove is the area underneath a central staircase.

now, if ever I get the chance to build new, I believe I'll customize. set the house back 5 feet so I can add 5 more feet to the garage depth.

perhaps even just build a 'barn' with the first floor being all garage and living accomodations the upstairs.

Mike Cork · October 14, 2019, 10:03:43 AM

Wow, you've really done your research...

Not a lot to add, but a couple points.

First is the Charger, a dealer being far away generally isn't a big deal. The boat warranty is rarely needed. Motor warranty can be handled anywhere that services the brand. If components in the boat go bad then again they warranty process can be as simple as the company that made it, sends you a new one. Not like a car where you have to take the car back for a dash light. On boats they typically just send you a new one.

Over all I'd get the largest glass boat with the biggest motor that you can afford and fit into your needs. You mentioned resale? Are you sure you're going to be concerned about resale? Especially if you buy used, it won't take very long and a boat bottomed out at a couple grand.

I say glass for the wind and rough water protection, and biggest motor for the power if you get caught in a storm and need it. A 115-150 gets really good gas mileage if you keep your foot out of it and run between 35-4500 RPM

FlatsNBay · October 14, 2019, 01:15:05 PM

Lots of great advice from anglers that I greatly respect. Thanks for the input!

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FlatsNBay · November 05, 2019, 04:39:57 PM

I have another contender that will now fit in my garage. A Bass Cat Margay with a 115 Merc instead of a 150 with a 3" jack plate instead of an 8" will just fit. I'm not concerned with going in the high 60's with a 150 hp so a 115 would suit me fine. I know that they are top of the line boats with all of the bells and whistles. There's a couple of cosmetic things that I'm not crazy about but could live with.

Any pros or cons on a Bass Cat?

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bluebonnet2 · November 05, 2019, 05:25:06 PM

good afternoon,

I had a charger 176 with a 150 merc 4 st. ran very smooth could take a chop well. custom color for me and made to my specifications. caught a ton of fish with the little boat. however, the storage was not much on the boat...I always had "stuff" laying around on the deck and floor, so I carried a couple of small luggage bags from wally world to keep "extra stuff" in. fit and finish was very good.

having said all that, Charger keep me informed during the construction almost weekly. drove to the factory to pick it up, met everyone, hauled it to the dealer for make ready(8 hrs each way)..had one issue with the gas tank and the dealer had it ready in two days... all covered by charger.

if you like it , I would say do it... its a great company and boat...

you can PM me if you like..

good luck,
PURA VIDA,
bluebonnet2

Capt. BassinLou · November 05, 2019, 05:48:34 PM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on November 05, 2019, 04:39:57 PM
I have another contender that will now fit in my garage. A Bass Cat Margay with a 115 Merc instead of a 150 with a 3" jack plate instead of an 8" will just fit. I'm not concerned with going in the high 60's with a 150 hp so a 115 would suit me fine. I know that they are top of the line boats with all of the bells and whistles. There's a couple of cosmetic things that I'm not crazy about but could live with.

Any pros or cons on a Bass Cat?

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That boat looks very nice!! Where is closes dealer for BassCat?

FlatsNBay · November 05, 2019, 06:21:29 PM

The Bass Cat dealer happens to be my local dealer. They bent over backwards to go back and forth with Bass Cat to find out the perfect combo boat motor and jack plate to fit in my garage. Great customer service. Aqua Tech Marine in Palm Bay.

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FlatsNBay · November 05, 2019, 06:22:28 PM

Thanks Blue Bonnet . That was great info.

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BarryFL · November 05, 2019, 07:32:33 PM

Margay is pretty impressive based on this video.

I could definitely fish it.

~Barry~

Princeton_Man · November 05, 2019, 07:36:09 PM

Bass Cat sounds great but, I'd go with the 150 if for no other reason, resellability.

BarryFL · November 06, 2019, 04:43:31 AM

I don't the 150 will allow him to park in his garage.

~Barry~

FlatsNBay · November 06, 2019, 04:47:49 AM

Princeton, I'd have to go with the 115 with a smaller jack plate in order to fit. The 150 is a no go.

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WTodd · November 06, 2019, 05:07:24 AM

You could always buy a bigger house......win-win

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Bud Kennedy · November 06, 2019, 07:17:09 AM

Well Flats for sure the Bass Cat has historically been a fine boat and would be a good solid choice. You are going a bit against conventional wisdom with the smaller motor but I understand your reasons. As long as you are not expecting unreasonable performance with the smaller motor you should be good to go.

BarryFL · November 06, 2019, 02:38:04 PM

There is a video with Kevin Short demoing that boat. Kevin says it will do low to mid fifties with a 115. Plenty fast enough for me

~Barry~

FlatsNBay · November 06, 2019, 03:20:39 PM

Quote from: BarryFL on November 06, 2019, 02:38:04 PM
There is a video with Kevin Short demoing that boat. Kevin says it will do low to mid fifties with a 115. Plenty fast enough for me

~Barry~

I agree Barry. There's plenty of reviews with a 115 set up with the boat running in the mid 50s. That's perfect for my taste.

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Bud Kennedy · November 06, 2019, 03:39:42 PM

Saw the reviews and am impressed. did not think it would do that well but they claim it will. Should be perfect for what you say you want. Bass Cat has always been a slick hull and I guess that is the big difference.

BarryFL · November 06, 2019, 04:16:55 PM

Flats, when you rode with me Sunday, we were doing 45 to 50 miles per hour and that was plenty fast enough.

~Barry~

Capt. BassinLou · November 06, 2019, 04:40:40 PM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on November 06, 2019, 03:20:39 PM
I agree Barry. There's plenty of reviews with a 115 set up with the boat running in the mid 50s. That's perfect for my taste.

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Mid 50's with a 115 and its glass boat?? Damn!! My max is 48 with the same outboard.

Bud Kennedy · November 06, 2019, 05:09:02 PM

The one review I saw today was with only one person in the boat, no water in livewells and not full of tackle etc. They did not comment on fuel load. They maxed out at 48 mph with an expert driver. So I guess somewhere in the 40s is likely what to expect at WOT