What Boat would you get?

[FLAbassin]

If you want wide and stable then I'd go with a Triton 18 TRX, Ranger z185, or a nitro. Z-18. They fish big and have tons of room. Wide decks and all of them will go anywhere from 60-70 depending on what motor you have.

[NattyLite]

I’d take a look at the Falcon f185 or Caymas CX18

[22Clint]

I’d take a look at the Falcon f185 or Caymas CX18

The CX18 is only rated for a 115 now

[PatriotAW4]

They're older (95-2000 ish), but a Ranger 461vs is the best 18' bass boat ever made. Fishability, storage, ride, stability, safety. You can disagree but you'd just be wrong. Some nice ones out there.

It's definitely a good one but I wouldn't call it the best, I liked the 481v better, the 361v was a good one as well, along with the first gen 518.

[PatriotAW4]

The CX18 is only rated for a 115 now

Yeah that's terrible when it used to be rated for a 200. It is a great setup with a 200 SHO on it.

[WStorey]

The CX18 is only rated for a 115 now

That's not true. https://build.caymasboats.com/boat_models/59/orders/new

[basscat tyler]

Yeah that's terrible when it used to be rated for a 200. It is a great setup with a 200 SHO on it.

How many CX18 with 200SHOs have you ran?

[Goonst]

It's definitely a good one but I wouldn't call it the best, I liked the 481v better, the 361v was a good one as well, along with the first gen 518.

461vs was basically a 361v with an extended transom. I fished out of a 481v for three years. It and the 518 had a little more room but rode and handled like crap compared to the 461vs. I also had a 519vx for seven years that didn't take chop as well. I owned a 461vs for five years and put it through some paces including big waves on Lake Mead. I've personally never been in a boat that handled typical tournament takeoff chop and cross wakes like it until you get into the 20 foot plus models. Definitely never a true 18 footer that even came close. They're actually only 17'-10". I have a '98 in my garage I was going to repower and make a project out of but my circumstances changed and I was able to buy a newer 21' boat.

I thought maybe OP might be looking for a budget option vs. new for a second boat.

[ifishinxs]

I would say a Phoenix 818 with the 175 pro xs.

That was my pick and it’s been a solid choice.

[shapfromla]

I've Fished LBJ quite a bit over the last 10 years. It is a good lake. We have had some really good trips there in the winter/spring. That being said I fished it out of my Dad's Triton 18trx every time and it does great for that lake. Fast enough (mid 50's) to get from the Dam to the upper end where the Llano and Colorado rivers converge in reasonable time, stable, handles good on the troller and does well enough in the rough waters on that lake. I wouldn't hesitate to look at that rig. I'm a Basscat Guy, If you want a cut above then I'd look at a Bass Cat Pantera II. That would be a perfect rig for that size lake. You can find a nice used Pantera II in very good condition in the 30,000's.

[Mr.Bass]

Aluminum and used. 18 ft with a 150

[HOOKNBULLET2]

I've Fished LBJ quite a bit over the last 10 years. It is a good lake. We have had some really good trips there in the winter/spring. That being said I fished it out of my Dad's Triton 18trx every time and it does great for that lake. Fast enough (mid 50's) to get from the Dam to the upper end where the Llano and Colorado rivers converge in reasonable time, stable, handles good on the troller and does well enough in the rough waters on that lake. I wouldn't hesitate to look at that rig. I'm a Basscat Guy, If you want a cut above then I'd look at a Bass Cat Pantera II. That would be a perfect rig for that size lake. You can find a nice used Pantera II in very good condition in the 30,000's.

I really like the specs on the Bass Cat Pantera II. It seems to be the best option for me in a Bass Cat in the 18’-19’ range.

[PatriotAW4]

I really like the specs on the Bass Cat Pantera II. It seems to be the best option for me in a Bass Cat in the 18’-19’ range.

Pantera 2 with a Yamaha 200 SHO is a great setup as well. Would be one of my top picks if buying new.

[bassdge]

It’s a 6500 acre lake? A 17 or 18 ft aluminum rig with a 115hp would be more than enough on a lake that small. I have been driving fiberglass bass boats for well over 40 years. I still enjoy taking my brothers 17 ft with a 60 hp tiller on smaller bodies of water

[Redog]

Find a good close dealer. See what they sell and I would base a lot on the dealer. You don’t want a brand you have to travel far to get service done. Get inside the boat and see witch layout you like the best.

[Highcentered]

I have gotten a lot of good advice from Mike!

I was making a snarky response about patriot/444

[boatinpete]

My top 3 picks is first Ranger, second is Ranger and last pick , RANGER. Had Skeeter and Triton, never again. Have owned 8 Rangers.

[PatriotAW4]

My top 3 picks is first Ranger, second is Ranger and last pick , RANGER. Had Skeeter and Triton, never again. Have owned 8 Rangers.

My Triton rides better than any 20 foot or less Ranger that I have been in. It's bigger than what he wants though.

[HOOKNBULLET2]

It’s a 6500 acre lake? A 17 or 18 ft aluminum rig with a 115hp would be more than enough on a lake that small. I have been driving fiberglass bass boats for well over 40 years. I still enjoy taking my brothers 17 ft with a 60 hp tiller on smaller bodies of water

The Tin Boat idea is appealing. I really like the lack of carpet on the H20B.
https://xpressboats.com/bass/hyper-lift-bass/


Just don’t know if I would be happy in a tin boat.

[basscat tyler]

The H20 is a cool looking boat at an intriguing price. Obviously not a lot of bells and whistles but should get the job done