Best 17' - 18' Bass Boat

[cmatthewsjm]

I'm sure this is bound to get a plethora of responses but I've been browsing the market for a while looking for a solid deal on a first time bass boat. Since I'm somewhat limited on storage space I'm interested in 17' - 18' boats of pretty much any brand. I'm not planning on spending a ton of money here but something around the 10k mark would be best. I'm not a tournament guy but might fish a tourney or two in the future. Mostly recreational use and family fun boat, not opposed to a fish & ski model either.

I've got my thoughts already from just browsing what's available right now but I thought I would ask the opinion of the community here. So what is y'alls opinion on the best 17' - 18' bass boat hull?

Thanks.

[Whiteboat]

Look at the 17' 10" Ranger 300 series made from 1982 to 1995.

[willwork4fish]

If you can find one, the original Bass Cat Eyra (94-2001 I think) was IMO the best 18' hull ever made but they still bring a premium price when one comes up. I had a '96 and it was great. Outside of that Ranger 3 series, R81's etc all good hulls. For $10K I'd be most interested in what condition the motor is in.

[WisconsinF]

Nitro NX 882. I've had mine for 7 years now....solid, dependable, and affordable.

[Almag6]

Late 90's stratos 285 was a fishing machine

[OkieLure]

Late 90’s 186 Charger. Fantastic handling, plenty of storage, and with a 175 you got plenty of power!!

[mrdeath]

I had an 02 Cobra 180 (17'10") that was an awesome boat. With a 175 it would run 66 and handled rough water well for its size.

[ECobb91]

Ranger 300 or 400 series would be my choice..

I went from a 2003 Nitro NX750 to a 1995 Ranger 481v and there is quite a difference in quality.

that said, I’d be happy to own a post 2016 Nitro (anything after the Ranger, Triton, and stratos buyout)

[basscat tyler]

All of the boats listed here are good. Though I have no experience with the Cobra. I’ll throw in a BassCat Sabre as well I picked up my 2002 in 2016 for $13,000. Though I REALLY enjoyed my 1994 Eyra

[FLAbassin]

Don’t pass up on aluminum either. Depending on how big a family you’re talking a good 18 ft aluminum bass boat will suit all of your needs. Tracker, crestliner, G3, anything in that family rides good and has a decent amount of room.

[I.P. Freely]

Ranger 300

[Jtreed99]

I had an ‘89 Ranger 375v. 17’ 10” and rated for 175. Run 64-66 mph and rode excellent for a sub 18’ boat. Fished TVA reservoirs in high winds and current and always trusted it. It was a tank, I doubt I’ll ever have another boat that sounded or felt as solid as that one. Fished two people great, from the deck you never knew the other guy was back there. I miss that boat.

[Jaredn]

Triton tr-186 is solid

[cmatthewsjm]

This is great info guys, keep it coming.

I will say I like the classic (or is it retro?) look of the 300 Rangers. Its just hard to find one that’s in good shape and isn’t way over priced or has a crap engine, at least around here. I also like the mid-90’s stratos hulls, great lines and usually can find those in better shape than the rangers. But now I’m interested in a few of these other hulls I hadn’t known about. Sounds like more researching…

[TampaJim]

Don’t pass up on aluminum either. Depending on how big a family you’re talking a good 18 ft aluminum bass boat will suit all of your needs. Tracker, crestliner, G3, anything in that family rides good and has a decent amount of room.

We really enjoyed our Ranger aluminum, definitely not to be overlooked.
However, anything around $10k is going to be a challenge. Best wishes.

[mactlman]

basscat has several model

[Boostr]

Stratos 176 -186 XTs or VLOs

[Hookerz Tackle]

I will have a 98 Triton TR-18 w/150 Opti for sale within next 3-4weeks here in ohio.

[Gsmith223]

I just bought a 02 Ranger 185dvs for 1$6,000 its an excellent boat for the size.

[n2ratfishin]

"Limited on storage space" I have an 18'8" boat that takes 23 feet to store with the motor down and trailer tongue open. My 18' 1" Cat Sabre was the best I have seen for storage. It was right at 20' motor down tongue open with a jackplate.