Widest bow under 18'

[purduephigam]

HP and length restricted lake (90hp max. 18' max). This will essentially be my home lake and likely won't hit many places outside of it. Initially I was sold on the Stinger 178 due to the massive bow, but I'm not sure I'd need all the boat/motor for this particular lake (300 acres). I've considered the new Stinger 175's as well. The Rangers and Bass Trackers seem to get pretty narrow towards the bow. Are there other comparable brands that may boast a wider beam, but maintain more width at the bow?

[Mobile1]

Not sure under the 18' boat but I have 20' alumacraft xb200 (its the semi V) and it has a 97" beam I believe its one of the widest in that class. I would check the 18ft alumacraft it also might be a wide boat

[Fireball]

I have a Polar Kraft Frontier 179 WT that has a 99” beam and is 17’-11” that’s powered by a ETEC 90 HO outboard. It’s top speed has been 42.2 mph.

[Extremeboating]

Stinger 175. I think the largest motor you can fit on it is a 80HP and it would be a bit shorter than a 178 but would still have a much wider beam than say Tracker or Ranger. Matter of fact I think the Lowe rigs boast the highest sized bow out of all the aluminum brands on their Stinger models (Skorpion and Roughneck excluded)

[purduephigam]

This was my thought as well. As much as I'd prefer the 178, in all likelihood, it's just a lot of boat for a little lake that may not be worth the added cost.

[ncbass]

Check out the Crestliner XF 179, I had the XF 189 and the beam width really carries forward. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a sub 18' tin any wider up front....

[ncbass]

duplicate..

[jkk]

My 2016 Lowe Stinger 175C front deck like dance floor great fishing platform!

[jkk]

Great boats overshadowed by Trackers…..No wood to rot a big plus

[purduephigam]

Check out the Crestliner XF 179, I had the XF 189 and the beam width really carries forward. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a sub 18' tin any wider up front....

I actually started my search with this. But I still think the Stinger has a bit more width at the bow. I'd probably need to see them side by side.

[ncbass]

I actually started my search with this. But I still think the Stinger has a bit more width at the bow. I'd probably need to see them side by side.

Just looked at the Stinger and you may be right, both boats should provide plenty of front deck...

[purduephigam]

Agreed. As noted above, it seems the 178 is far and away the widest platform. But you're paying for more things, larger motor which I probably don't "need." Cost benefit, the 175 is probably the better fit. Crestliner 179 is up there but I think it narrows more towards the bow than the Stinger.

[bassfisher444]

I would go with the Lowe 178 with the 90, that will be a great boat if you decide to take it anywhere else as well.

[NW.Ind.Basser]

Xpress H17, Crestliner 179 and G3 1710 all have pretty wide beams that stay wide passed the seating area

[Fireball]

Find one wider than this.

[JasonK94Z]

There’s always a Ranger RT178 for sale on facebook marketplace for a deal. Just about any boat of decent quality in this size is going to be just fine. You won’t miss an inch or so. Go with what makes financial sense.

[Transom]

A jon style hull will likely have the widest front deck. An 1872 is probably the answer to your question.

[FloridaFlyer]

There’s always a Ranger RT178 for sale on facebook marketplace for a deal. Just about any boat of decent quality in this size is going to be just fine. You won’t miss an inch or so. Go with what makes financial sense.

In my opinion, this is the best answer. They are solid boats and an inch or so here or there will never be noticed. They are comfortable with a huge front deck and have a good storage layout. They are hard to beat for the money....if you have to consider a budget. Resale or trade in will be good too.

[Highcentered]

The Lowe 178 looks to be about as beam forward as they come.

[megastink]

Crestliner XF179! Always surprised by how wide the front deck is. I have a 2023 leftover here in PA thats a STEAL OF A DEAL!