just get a gambler dude,you can fish 4 on the front deck,go get a 2200 model with a 250xs racing motor and you will love it!
19 ft. vs. 20-21 ft. bass boats
I am reconsidering my original quest for only a used 20-21 ft. bass boat. I want much more casting deck (about a 7 ft. long deck) so I can fish 3 to a boat, 2 on the front deck. I can get a deck like that on some 19 footers. My current boat is an 18.5 footer, but the deck up front is not as big as I would like it to be for 2 adults to fish from the bow when there are 3 people on the boat.
My question is this: How much better off am I waiting for a 20-21 ft. bass boat vs. a 19 footer? I may be able to get a nicer, newer 19 ft. boat w/ a 200 hp than a 20-21 w/ a 225 hp or more. I ask the question mostly because I've heard some people mention that the bigger boats are better in big waves when storms kick up. Is there much difference in how a 19 vs. a 20-21 footer handles the nasty waves our monsoons often cause? If so, what are the noticeable differences when in big waves or any other reasons why a few feet make a difference besides total room available and storage?
Thanks.
My question is this: How much better off am I waiting for a 20-21 ft. bass boat vs. a 19 footer? I may be able to get a nicer, newer 19 ft. boat w/ a 200 hp than a 20-21 w/ a 225 hp or more. I ask the question mostly because I've heard some people mention that the bigger boats are better in big waves when storms kick up. Is there much difference in how a 19 vs. a 20-21 footer handles the nasty waves our monsoons often cause? If so, what are the noticeable differences when in big waves or any other reasons why a few feet make a difference besides total room available and storage?
Thanks.
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I had a 19 foot triton that was a 2002 and sold it not knowing what I was going to buy. I bought a 1996 ranger 492 which is 21.5 foot with a 225. I would recommend buying a older ranger, champion at least 20 foot. The size is awesome on the big water. The storage space is amazing. The other advantage is the dual axle trailer. I would stick with the good brands on the older boats. I would also recommend sticking with a fuel injected motor. Mercury is the best in my opinion, I have a 225 efi that has been rock solid. Be very picky on the boat and have it checked out! Good luck with the hunt
definately go for the bigger boat. I went from an 18.5 skeeter to a ranger 520, which is 20' 9" and let me tell you there is a world of difference, fishing 2 up front was a major hassle on the smaller boat, but now in my ranger you dont even really know the other guy is there. and like jb mentioned, the ride in rough water is amazing... I was in your same shoes 6mnths ago trying to decide on a newer smaller boat, or a bigger one. and going with the bigger ranger was one of the best decisions I have made. just my two cents
Your only regret will be not getting a bigger boat. Once you fish one you realize there is no comparison to a 20' or 21' to the sub 20 feet class of boats. When you have 2+ people on it you'll see why. I think they are easier to manage as well, even if you planned on going to the lake solo. On a smaller boat you don't have the advantage of fishing more people, and with a bigger boat you're able to do that plus you'll be able to run faster, smoother, and more enjoyably to your next spot.
I have a 1996 ranger thats 18 feet long and front deck is 7 feet long by 5 1/5 wide on average. Can easily have 2 people fishing the front deck with no problems. The back deck is smaller than the bigger boats but is good for one person to fish from. I noticed the extra 2 feet or so on the 20+ boats goes into the rear deck. Im sure the 20-21 footers have a better ride and more storage, in my case the bigger boats won't fit in my garage.
just get a gambler dude,you can fish 4 on the front deck,go get a 2200 model with a 250xs racing motor and you will love it!
I went from a 21' to 19' and it was quite an adjustment. I wondered what the heck did I do. Now that I'm used to it I Like the choice I made. Don't know if I would make the same choice again or not. I like keeping the boat in the garage a lot.
Buy the biggest boat that will fit in your garage. For me at the time it was a 19.6 foot triton. I can fit the new 20.9ft bass cat because they have short trailers. I would agree that above all else if you get a boat that is 19ft or longer you should definately have a dual axle trailer with disc brakes.
look at the ranger 188vx my dad has one and it it real nice. rides through rough water great doesnt chinewalk either when we are WOT. speeds good also we do 62-64 gps
There will be a noticeable difference in fishing from a 19 to a 20ft boat. It's definately easier with 2 people on the front deck, a lot more storage, and the ride is a lot better. Now, there are a lot of differences between 20ft boats, speed, handling characteristics, draft, stability, etc. In AZ you don't need a 20ft'r, it's nice, but an 18 ft'r is plenty. the one thing I do miss with my 18 ft'r is being able to navigate skinny water and fit into tight places, it was awesome at getting me into skinny backwaters. Just some considerations, I definitely would'nt rule out a 19 ft'r if the price was right.
Look into any BassCat boat. They are a true rough water boat. We fish a 18.5 foot Sabre (that is actually for sale) and have no problem when I wonder up from and both of us are flipping from the front deck. Because of the design and layout of the boat it rides and fishes more like a 19.5 footer. If your wanting to get into the best brand boat on the planet let me know.
Your selling a champion?If your wanting to get into the best brand boat on the planet let me know.
He said something about asscat? But from the "best boat on the planet" comment I am thinking he must also be selling a Ranger...Your selling a champion?
Yeah that's what I was thinking, must be a Ranger or a Champ. I thought something was a little weird when I saw asscat and "best boat on the planet" in the same sentence.He said something about asscat? But from the "best boat on the planet" comment I am thinking he must also be selling a Ranger...
:Iconrotfl:IconrotflI thought something was a little weird when I saw asscat and "best boat on the planet" in the same sentence.
Get a Champion 20-21 ft' I have a Champion 223 its like an aircraft carrier on the front deck. Its fun to fish out of.:biggrin:
You guys are funny.:gheyfight:
Your right, I love Rangers and Champions as well when you have a question or a small issue. Have you ever left a message on thier forum for the owner or the people that actually build your boats? Oh what was I thinking? They don't have one.
Have you ever been in a BassCat?
Have you ever seen a BassCat?
You may want to give them a looksey. You just might change your mind.
Here is the new Jaguar
To lilfishy, there is much more to look at when your talking about the length of a bass boat. They are measured from the front of the boat to the transom and if you actually look at the Rangers and the Champs you actually loose well over a foot of deck space just because of thier design compaired to a BassCat. I bet you the 18+foot Sabre has as much deck space as a 20 foot Champ or Ranger. Do your homework if your going to spend your hard earned money on a nice rig. There is a reason why BassCat has won the last 5 JD Power awards for Bass Boats. Not only for bass boats but they scored higher than ALL the boat manufacturers. Spend some time on the forums. If you would like to see a Sabre up close just PM me. The one in my previous post is in Chandler as well. I could set up a meeting for you. Check out BCB's Forum
Good luck in your purchase.
Your right, I love Rangers and Champions as well when you have a question or a small issue. Have you ever left a message on thier forum for the owner or the people that actually build your boats? Oh what was I thinking? They don't have one.
Have you ever been in a BassCat?
Have you ever seen a BassCat?
You may want to give them a looksey. You just might change your mind.
Here is the new Jaguar
To lilfishy, there is much more to look at when your talking about the length of a bass boat. They are measured from the front of the boat to the transom and if you actually look at the Rangers and the Champs you actually loose well over a foot of deck space just because of thier design compaired to a BassCat. I bet you the 18+foot Sabre has as much deck space as a 20 foot Champ or Ranger. Do your homework if your going to spend your hard earned money on a nice rig. There is a reason why BassCat has won the last 5 JD Power awards for Bass Boats. Not only for bass boats but they scored higher than ALL the boat manufacturers. Spend some time on the forums. If you would like to see a Sabre up close just PM me. The one in my previous post is in Chandler as well. I could set up a meeting for you. Check out BCB's Forum
Good luck in your purchase.
Thanks for all of the replys, fellas. I wish I could afford to just go out and buy a 21 footer of my choice tomorrow, but it may take some time to find the right boat at the right price. I'm looking at late 90s to about 2000 models. They are out there. I just have to be patient. I'm leaning towards Rangers and Tritons and possibly Skeeters or Champs. Always loved the looks of the Champs and they are known for having a good ride in rough water. However, I've also heard that because of their hull design, they are not very stable fishing platforms. With all of the lake lice out there making wakes, I want the most stable fishing platforms out there, esp. with 2-3 people on board. Gamblers and Bass Cats are nice, but I doubt I'll find one in my price range that's clean. I may have to settle for a 19 footer if everything else I want is there. Give me a shout if you come across a 19-22 footer w/ a big Mercury around $15k or less.
1 - 20 of 49 Posts
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