The market offers an extensive range of popular bass boat brands for enthusiasts searching for a new or pre-owned bass boat. These brands specialize in crafting vessels optimized for bass fishing, suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments. Bass boats are known for their powerful outboard motors for quick access to fishing spots and electric trolling motors for stealthy movement. They also feature specialized fishing amenities like live wells, fishfinders, spacious casting decks, ample rods, and tackle storage.
Understanding the different types of bass boats and the various brands available is crucial in making an informed decision. This guide aims to provide insights into the advantages of different bass boat types and introduces you to some of the best brands on the market.
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Different Types of Bass Boats
Before delving into the various brands, it’s important to understand the primary differentiator among bass boats: their construction material. Bass boats are generally crafted from aluminum or fiberglass, with some bass boat brands focusing exclusively on one material while others offer both options. Each type has its own set of advantages:
Advantages of Aluminum Bass Boats
- Aluminum hulls are lighter, offering ease in towing and launching, less draft, a better power-to-weight ratio, and excellent fuel efficiency, making them some of the most popular bass boat brands.
- Typically, aluminum bass boat brands are more cost-effective for smaller models, providing more affordable options.
- Aluminum boats demand minimal maintenance and are easier to repair from impact damage, as they tend to dent rather than shatter or crack.
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Advantages of Fiberglass Bass Boats
- Fiberglass allows for more intricate hull shapes and integrated features, a characteristic of many fiberglass bass boat brands.
- The strength and weight of fiberglass boats enable them to be used comfortably in rougher seas and at higher speeds than many aluminum boats.
- Fiberglass boats, often heavier with slightly more draft, drift slower in a breeze and are more stable at docks or boat ramps.
- Fiberglass boats can be produced in almost any color, often making them more visually appealing to some buyers.
Popular Bass Boat Brands
Performance, reputation, and value are key in selecting a bass boat. Here are 10 top bass boat brands based on these criteria:
1. Bass Cat: A Legacy of Competition-Level Excellence
Founded in 1971, Bass Cat is a prestigious name among the best bass boat brands. This small-volume builder has carved a niche in crafting top-tier, competition-level bass boats. Each model they offer has a lifetime, transferable structural warranty, showcasing their commitment to quality and durability. In their impressive lineup, Bass Cat offers six models in the Premium range, two in the Advantage range, and two in the Vision range. Their boats are renowned for their extensive list of standard features, including dip-net scabbards, digital switch panels, jack plates, and custom welded and fitted trailers, setting a high bar in the industry.
2. Crestliner: Award-Winning Aluminum Bass Boats
Crestliner has consistently won CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) awards for 15 consecutive years, a testament to its status as one of the aluminum bass boat brands. Known for their robust and durable all-welded aluminum hulls, Crestliner boats have a limited lifetime warranty on main seam welds and a three-year bow-to-stern warranty. They offer a wide range of bass boat options, from 16 feet to 21 feet in length, with power options spanning from 20 to 250 horsepower. Their high-end models, built with 0.125” gauge aluminum (thicker than the common 0.10” gauge), are tournament-ready, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and performance.
3. Lowe: Customizable Aluminum Bass Boats:
As a brand focused solely on aluminum boats, Lowe has earned a reputation for creating highly versatile bass boats. They offer many customization options, including various electric trolling motors, fishfinders, and jack plates, catering to anglers’ needs. Lowe’s bass boat lineup includes the economical Skorpion line, with models from 16 to 17 feet, and the Stinger line, dedicated to bass fishing, with models ranging from 17 feet, 7 inches to 19 feet, 10 inches. Each boat has lockable rod storage, live wells, fishfinders, and tournament-style seating, making it a top pick among bass boat brands.
4. Lund: Innovative and Efficient Bass Boats
Operating since 1948, Lund is highly regarded by boating enthusiasts. This brand is known for its innovative layouts, creating bass boats that optimize space without compromising comfort. Lund’s aluminum boat line includes two bass boat styles, the Pro-V Bass XS and the Renegade line. The Pro-V Bass XS, a premium-priced boat for tournament fishing, boasts features like a four-seat layout, hydraulic steering, lighted instrumentation, and a custom fiberglass console and dash. The Renegade line offers more affordable, simpler models geared towards crossover fishing for multiple species.
5. Nitro: Leading in fiberglass bass boats
As a standout among fiberglass bass boat brands, Nitro offers a comprehensive range of models, from 17 feet, 4 inches to 21 feet, 2 inches. As fully equipped boat-motor-trailer packages, Nitro’s boats feature high-tech electronics, including side-scanning capabilities at the helm and on the bow. Many models are networked via NMEA2000, allowing devices like fishfinders and trolling motors to operate in sync, enhancing the fishing experience.
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6. Ranger: A Household Name in Bass Boats
Founded in 1968, Ranger is a revered brand in the world of bass boats, known for creating durable and long-lasting vessels. Offering both fiberglass and aluminum options, Ranger caters to various angler preferences. Their aluminum bass boat line includes six foam-filled hulls and all-welded construction models. The fiberglass lineup features 11 models, ranging from 18 feet, 8 inches to 21 feet, 9 inches, all outfitted with essential fishing features.
7. Skeeter: 75 Years of High-End Bass Boats
With a history spanning 75 years, Skeeter is renowned for designing tournament-worthy, high-end bass boats. Their models, ranging from 18 feet, 6 inches to 21 feet, 4 inches, come with a lifetime limited structural warranty, a 10-year transferable warranty, and a three-year component warranty. These premium boats are equipped with powerful outboards, advanced electronics, and efficient electric trolling motors, making them a dream for any bass fishing enthusiast.
8. Tracker: America’s Top Aluminum Fishing Boat
SellerTracker is America’s No. 1 seller of aluminum fishing boats. Their boats, available through Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s Boating Centers, and other dealers, feature all-welded aluminum hulls packed with fishing essentials. The Tracker lineup includes six modified-V bass boats, ranging from 16 feet, 8 inches to 18 feet, and 7 inches. Their modest price tags and comprehensive standard features offer great value for money.
9. Triton: High-Performance Fiberglass Bass
BoatsTriton builds a broad range of fiberglass bass boats known for their tournament-level performance and speed. The latest models, like the 2024 20XP Patriot, boast speeds exceeding 70 mph. Triton’s construction features a double-brace, seven-cross-member stringer system, ensuring top-level performance and hull integrity. Their boats are also visually striking, available in 14 different color packages, and have high-end accessories.
10. Xpress: Versatile Aluminum Bass
BoatsXpress builds eight aluminum bass boats, catering to tournament-level and beginner anglers. Their ships are well-equipped as standard, but a vast array of optional items allows for extensive customization. The Xplorer lineup from Xpress is unique, designed to function as a bass fishing boat in summer and a waterfowl hunting ship in winter, complete with a camo finish.
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Whether you’re a seasoned bass fishing pro or just starting, there’s a bass boat brand that will suit your needs. From the renowned best bass boat brands to smaller builders and custom manufacturers, your choice will undoubtedly elevate your bass fishing experience.
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