Bass boats are getting bigger and, unfortunately, more expensive. Some 20-foot boats push $40,000, fully rigged. Fortunately, many manufacturers also offer entry-level boats, with all the amenities of bigger models. The aluminum bass boat market is also booming with economical models. On the fiberglass side, more fish-and-ski models appear each year as anglers with families buy these versatile boats.
The race is on, with motor manufacturers continuing to produce more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines. More midrange motors also are available for the smaller bass rigs, while the popularity of the bigger motors, even pushing 300hp, is growing along with the demand for bigger boats. Here’s a look at some of the top bass boats for 1999.
Allison: The 1999 XB-2003 Pro Sport Tournament is a bass boat with an attitude. Blistering speed is just one side of its split personality. Even with a 20'3" length and 88" beam, a 150hp will carry a tournament load in the 70s. A Pro Sport owner can fish a tournament on Sunday after taking the whole family water skiing on Saturday. The unique convertible seating arrangement allows quick and easy changes from tournament mode to all-purpose mode. “NO-ROT” composite laminate construction materials and techniques that Allison pioneered in the early 80s assures durability.
Alumacraft: The Predator 17 AW Deluxe offers high performance without high price. It features a modified-V-hull with a large console area, roomy bow and aft decks, a huge recirculating livewell with a remote drain, ice chest, and lockable rod storage. The all-welded aluminum construction includes a durable all-aluminum floor and .102" hull gauge. Complete 12/24 volt trolling motor electronics round-out the fishing amenities. Length is 17'8", beam 75", 50 to 90hp, and fuel capacity is 18 gallons.
Alumaweld: The new Super Vee Inboard Jet Series is powered by a Mercury 175 Sportjet, allowing bass anglers access into waters conventional prop-driven boats can’t navigate. Available in lengths from 18' to 21', these boats were designed primarily as shallow-water boats intended for jet motors. The Fish Package Option includes an extended step deck for casting comfort from the bow, an aerated livewell system (rigged in the bow), a deep cycle battery system mounted in the step deck, a bow pedestal seat, and a trolling motor mount on the bow.
Astro: New features on the Dual Console 1700 include an aerated livewell, cooler, anti-feedback steering, and Zercom RTS Sonar. The bench seats are restyled to be more comfortable and are designed with a center step up to the rear casting deck. The two large locking rod boxes carry an arsenal of rods for all fishing occasions. The 17'2" model with 84" beam has a 25-gallon fuel capacity and 75/125hp maximum. The package includes a trailer, MotorGuide trolling motor, and LCG fish finder.
Bass Cat: Long known for their fiberglass boats, Bass Cat is introducing a whole new breed of “cat” in their aluminum bass boats: the 16V and 17V, rated for 60 to 75hp; A17 and A18, rated for 90 to 120hp. The hull is made of .100 gauge aluminum and is all-welded. A major construction feature is the center line ice rail extrusion on the bottom of the hull that protects the boat from obstructions, plus contributes to added stability in high winds and rough water. It has a large 31" aerated livewell and comes with a MotorGuide 743 or HBF2K (OMC dealers), galvanized trailer, and Brunswick, OMC, or Force engines.
