Looking to get into an aluminum bass boat

[Fatstrat]

I everyone new to forum and looking to get some advive from boat owners. I have been checking out many different manufactures of bass boats, tracker, G3, XPress, Lowe, Lund, ranger, etc.. I have sat in several tracker boats and like the 2014 Tracker Pro TXW(nicer setup than 20113). I really like the G3 Eagle Talons especially the Talon 19 DLX. Any opinions or words of advice would be great. Tell me what you like/dislike about all these boats and please just don't bash because it is different from your boat. A little back ground in my part, I have never owned a boat but have access to many lakes here in Illinois and Missouri. My good friend has a place on one of the best bass and crappie fishing lakes in the state and I have unlimited access to dock and house. I am also looking to get into bass tournaments at least once a month. To add to this I have about a dozen lakes that are two hours or less from my home that are unlimited h.p. lakes.

[TRYTOFISH]

Aluminum boats are lite. Wind plays hell with them that's why I went to fiberglass.I owned a tracker. Good boat but the finish was a little sloppy. (carpet, charger mounted crooked, screws in console not set properly, etc.) Very safe boat though. I would suggestfinding the layout you want and go from there. Finding one that has a dealer close for support is a plus.

[Fatstrat]

Oh no doubt fiberglass boats are nicer. But they also come with a nicer price, higher gas usage, and higher repairs. I went today and looked at the Rangers/Tritons(same boat really and still see the G3 being the better boat all around. I do want to get to the XPress dealer and see what they have as I want to take my time and get the boat I want for years to come.

[Fatstrat]

Saw a new 2014 Tracker TXW and several screws were missing out of the console? Several other things with this newly deliverd boat that did not give me a warm and fuzzy.

[mdtritn21]

Before you buy anything try to get a ride in the same model boat or as close to the same model as you can get. As far as the Ranger, Triton, Xpress and G3 in my opinion it's too much money for an aluminum boat. If you like the Ranger, triton try to find a crestliner dealer or another good a boat is an alumacraft. As far as finish I looked at a Ranger and then I bought a triton because I didn't like the finish.

[zuma41]

Looked at the new aluminum boats at St. Louis boat show and Collinsville Fishing Show this year....was determined to buy one until I talked to a lot of people at each show. Seems that the aluminum boats are lighter and easier trailering but they lose a lot in ability to handle weather and conditions. Especially since you are going to try tournament fishing. The conditions are not anywhere close to fair weather fishing. I ended up buying a Bass Cat from Dupo Marine...best dealer to deal with. Since Bass Cat has the Margay line, which is fiberglass...go take a good look at them, you might be surprised. Most of my tournament fishing has been out of this area because of the weather and lake conditions, and I can't say enough about my Bass Cat.

[GeauxTide]

I'd go with the Ranger or Triton tin. Made in the same plant. They are all aluminum and the Ranger uses is pulltruded technology in their line. 92" beam on both 178 and 188 models. The Crappie Models have a "C" designation and feature lowered decks and extra seat bases up front. The G3 Talons have wood decks and come in 17 and 19 foot. 17 rates for 90 and 19 rates for 115.

[3dees]

if I were fishing tournaments, I would not go with a tin. not the best choice in bad weather. I went with a Crestliner VT19. boat is as stable as any glass boat I have ever owned. two rod lockers and two large front deck storage lockers. the front deck is larger than some 20' glass boats, and the new models are rated for 150 hp. Xpress is the fastest tin out thier, but are more expensive. seems that they have a problem with leaking compartments. I went from two 19 1/2' Stratos' to the tin and I am completely happy. in tournaments you are forced to fish in whatever mother nature throws at you and I would want to be in a heavier glass boat.

[AdamsOutdoors]

The test ride is solid advice. I was about to pull the trigger on a pro team 175 and it took one ride to say no. Some tin boats ride better than others but without the weight and hull design of glass they are always going to be less than ideal. They are easier to tow but trade off depreciation. For the money you can buy a 17ft glass with a bigger engine and more stable fishing platform, plus more options for electronics an goodies. I did some pencil whipping on paper and you will end up paying just about the same for a new glass (monthly payment) as you will a tin. The tin boat value is lower so interest will be higher and term shorter. And if you shop you can find a last years model glass this fall on a great deal with still new financing. Or buy one a year or two old with remaining warranty and let someone else eat the off the lot price drop. Tracker financing offers a great 2.99% but they don't tell you initially that you have to have 10% down, take the longest term, and you loose the ability to haggle pretty much. Also requires a very high credit score (760+) I believe. Whatever you end up buying make sure it is what you want and don't worry if you pay a few bucks more. You will hate not having the things you didn't get far more than paying a few dollars more each month. I bought a new boat on consignment from a tournament winner an got the best of both worlds. I ony regret not getting a side scan finder. And I am going to fix that shortly. Good luck in your shopping and don't fall in love with the first thing and miss out on a better deal the next day.

[jjtriton]

If you get a chance ride in one of the new Triton X17's or X18's, they really ride nice and are very quiet.

[Cestratton]

I would say Xpress or Ranger, not bashing Tracker by no means they are great boats but you have to be careful and not fall for the package deals that look attractive. I see alot of BT's that are uderrated with horsepower paired with smaller trolling motors and less expensive depthfinders to reach a price that looks better than the competitors but when you do the math they are all pretty close in price if comparably equipped.

[Bassin the Sha]

I have a 1999 Lowe 180wz and it's not bad at all. I'm selling it now as I got a Champion 193 but there is water I won't be able to get to because i got rid of my Lowe.

[BOATS]

I will not tell you what brand you should get, but if you are going to fish tx's then I would recommend 18ft or bigger, and a large livewell plus large fuel tank.I own a Xpress H18SS 30gl fuel 28gl livewell.

[TateB]

After lots of research but somewhat limited selection I bought an Alumacraft MV1756 SC AW. Definitely a high quality boat. I went with a tin boat based on the longevity (23 years) and ease of maintenance (yearly pressure wash) of my tin jon boat. I paid around 16k with a 60hp Yammi 4 stroke. Very nice boat. I do want to mention my experience with glass vs tin but not to sway you one way or the other but to provide you with more info. After fishing in the Alumacraft for 3 years with half my fish time on my buddies Z8 and the others Triton I had plenty of time to see the difference between glass and tin including windy days. I thought I understood the difference when I bought my Alumacraft and had it in my mind that was the trade off and I was good with it. But after taking a pounding on Lake Champlain with the mod-vee flat bottom Alumacraft and then dealing with a few really windy days on Cape Cod ponds I gave in and traded my tin boat for a new Triton. When I bought the Alumacraft I was just starting to get serious about fishing again so did not want to spend more than 18-20k. Looking back even capped at 18-20k buying a used glass boat would have been better for me. Just want to share my experience about glass vs tin and provide my opinion on the high quality of Alumacraft. Good luck with whatever boat you choose .... I found it was pretty easy to see the difference in quality with the tin boats but it sounds like you have a nice selection of high quality boats to choose from.

[MSD]

Honestly, all boats have pro and cons. All have strengths and weaknesses....there is no perfect boat. Buy what you like and what you can afford. Do the math...number of payments times the term equals the true purchase price. For me, I don't want to make a boat payment for any longer than 5 years. My current boat loan is a 5 year loan. I could have went with a lower payment, but the term was a ridiculous 144 months. And the bottom line was like paying double for the boat. Also, remember that you can always upgrade the electronics, trolling motor and other things as you get the money. I did just that. The true cost will also include taxes, insurance, fuel and all the other incidentals. Everybody can give you recommendations, but just remember they aren't going to help you pay for it or help to maintain it. Buy what you can truly afford and you will be a much happier fisherman. I know a few guys who got the "perfect" boat and they signed 15 years notes....in 15 years how much are boats gonna change? But, they are some upside down on their boats, they better love them because they are stuck with them for a long while.

[opaleski]

I have had two Xpress boats and they are great

[VIDRINE]

i have an xpress x19 these days best FISHING BOAT i have owned to date i can fish the big water and still fish the back woods and little rivers.

[Chris's]

I have an Alumacraft Pro 185 with a 90 HP Yamaha 4 stroke, 24 V Minn Kota. Great boat, handles rough water, and fits in my garage. Had a gambler 183 with a 150 before. Definitely costs a lot more to run and maintain glass. Also towing my tin with a Toyota 6 cyl 4 runner. I'm not running at 70 mph anymore, nut 5 gal of gas is good for 5 days of fishing. And I'm getting 17 mpg while towing through the mountains. Trade offs of going glass vs tin. For me tin fits my needs now. If you go tin, get 24 V for those windy days.

[bassnman81]

I'd go with the Ranger or Triton tin. Made in the same plant. They are all aluminum and the Ranger uses is pulltruded technology in their line. 92" beam on both 178 and 188 models. The Crappie Models have a "C" designation and feature lowered decks and extra seat bases up front. The G3 Talons have wood decks and come in 17 and 19 foot. 17 rates for 90 and 19 rates for 115.

+ 1

[martintheduck]

XPRESS - I went through exactly what you're going through about 5 months ago... I decided on an H-18 XPRESS (18ft) w/ a Yamaha 150. It rides 100X better than my buddies tracker and actually handles well in choppy water. I've never gotten wet in mine either (unlike with most aluminum boats). Also has PLENTY of topend (running 58-60mph GPS and I'm told by guys on here I could push 65mph if I swap props). Has a 30 gallon gas tank too, so I can fish some bigger waters. I feel comfortable fishing local tournaments in it.

If you want a weekend fisher or something not TOO serious, I'd go with that 175txw maxed horsepower and feel fine about it. If you're wanting to get in something that is halfway between a "for fun" boat and a tournament fishable boat, I'd go with an XPRESS.