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.

Blazer Boats: All new for 1999 is the Blazer 202 EXT, which is 20'2" long with a 92" beam, and an unlimited horsepower rating. Standard features include twin 22-gallon fuel tanks, two insulated ice chests, twin Flow-Rite recirculating livewells with timer and overflow, automatic bilge pump, and dual rack-and-pinion steering. A new ergo-dynamically designed console has lighted rotary switches, graphite facing, and a fitted windshield. Also new is a passenger rod ramp plus extra storage compartment in the front deck. Options include an electronic package with a Lowrance 1240A flasher, LDT-3001 Digital Temperature gauge, bow-mounted 1240A flasher, and a charging system.

Bumble Bee: The 300 Ultimate is a 20'7" flyer, designed for the new 300 Super Magnum and Mariner Pro Max engines. Standard features include a 12-inch jackplate, hydraulic steering with tilt, flippin’ deck extension, foot throttle, adjustable driver’s seat, three-bank battery charger, Lowrance flasher, and temperature gauge.

Champion: The Mean 16 is a brand-new fiberglass boat measuring 15'7" with an 84" beam that fits garages and budgets. It features lockable storage, a hydraulic lid support on the engine box, tournament bench seat, and anti-feedback steering. Standard is an 18-gallon fuel tank, a 15-gallon livewell, and storage for 61⁄2' rods. Like all Champions, the Mean 16 has a patented deep-V-wedge hull known for handling and control. Compare its ride to boats two feet longer, and you’ll be pleased.

Charger: The 169 VF is a slightly smaller boat for anglers who want all the amenities necessary for a super ride at high speeds and the features to ensure comfortable, productive fishing time. The 16'9" model with an 88" beam has a maximum rating of 135hp. It features a double livewell, plenty of storage, an ice chest, big rod box, and weighs only 1,000 pounds. Capacity is 4 persons/550 pounds, or 1,100 pounds with motor and gear.

Crestliner: The CVX 18 has features to impress any angler. The welded aluminum hull features an 11-degree V with reverse-chine design that delivers a smooth, dry ride. Like many of Crestliner’s recent introductions, this boat features a 94" beam. Dual aerated livewells, larger rod lockers, and plenty of storage are standard.

Fisher: The Procraft 200 Bass is for serious bass anglers. At 20'2" and a 91" beam, 150/200hp maximum, and spacious deck layout, the Procraft 200 Bass will be appreciated by tournament anglers. It features full instrumentation by Quicksilver, two aerated timed livewells, and 44-gallon fuel capacity. The package includes Zercom in-dash sonar, pro seat and fishing chair, MotorGuide 756 trolling motor, and dual rack-and-pinion steering. (No photo provided.)

GIII: The company now produces fiberglass boats. Their new ProG Series includes a ProG 185, at 22'9" in length, ProG 175 at 22'2", and ProG 165 at 21'2". The ProG 185 is rated for 150hp and comes with a composite transom. It also features an in-floor cooler, 36-gallon fuel system, 800 gph bilge pump, two fold-down fishing chairs with 13-inch fixed extensions, tinted windscreen, and dual timed livewells. Gas-assisted lifts are standard on rod box doors and the bilge access door. Dual cable steering is standard on the ProG 185, which comes as a complete package with a Yamaha motor and GIII custom trailer.

Gambler: The Pro Series 2200 is 21'6" long with a 91" beam rated for up to 300hp. One of the biggest features of this high-end pro-style bass boat is the large front flipping deck, a full 9 x 6 feet. It also features the Quick Draw Tackle System, with a front tackle box, as well as an insulated cooler. Aft livewells hold 20 gallons and include Quick drop fish chutes, internal recirculating pumps, external fill pumps, remote livewell drains, livewell timer and pump-out systems. A CD AM/FM stereo system is standard equipment as are the 1,000 gph automatic bilge pump and manual bilge pumps, in-dash 1240A flasher, and hot foot.

Javelin: The Renegade Series offers a refined fishing platform for the serious mid-range angler. Available in either single or dual console, with Zercom Classic in-dash flasher depth meter in the console. The Renegade 18 features a 17'5" hull with 86" beam and comes equipped with a Johnson 90hp engine, trailer, 12-volt electric trolling motor, and a 30-gallon fuel capacity.

Lowe: The 180WZ Bass Striker is an all-welded aluminum model with an overall length of 18'1", a 793⁄4" beam, and 120hp maximum rating. The progressive lift performance hull boosts performance, while the rounded aerated livewell with divider, timer, and aluminum lid provides plenty of space for bass. A 20-gallon fuel system, trolling motor harness with plug, lockable rod storage, bow storage locker with aluminum lid, and bow storage box with aluminum lid are standard. Standard package features a 90PL OMC engine, bunk trailer, BFL2T OMC electric trolling motor, and Humminbird Wide One Hundred depthfinder.

Lund: The new 2025 Pro V LE model has an overall length of 20'6", a 96" beam, and is rated for 225hp. Features include the new IPS Hull and a set-back starboard console, an electronics command center, hydraulic tilt steering, a through-hull freshwater pickup system, dual baitwells, and a 60-gallon fuel tank.

MonArk: The Bass Pro 860 is all new for 1999 with a length of 18'5", a 79" beam and a 125hp rating. It features two pedestal and two cockpit ergonomic pinchless seats with lumbar supports designed to fit you comfortably all day long. An 8' port and 6' starboard locking rod box, tackle trays, beverage holders, and port and starboard insulated ice boxes. Also a 161⁄2-gallon illuminated livewell fore and aft, and a 23-gallon fuel tank. In the cockpit is an easy-to-read automotive-style gauge cluster.

Polar Kraft Manufacturing: The Bass America 1751 Pro is 17' with a 75" beam and is rated for up to 75hp. The modified-V aluminum model sports an all-welded .100 gauge, one-piece hull. Features include lots of storage plus ice chest, locking rod box that holds up to 71⁄2' rods, two divided and aerated livewells, and an 18-gallon fuel tank.

Princecraft: At 17' and with a 74" beam, the 1752D is the largest of the Princecraft johnboat line. It has a modified-V bow and is rated for up to 50hp. It has all-welded construction and features include a bow storage locker, full floor liner with foam flotation underneath, running lights, a six-foot longitudinal center bench configuration, port and starboard gear trays, and a recessed bow deck with a 51⁄2-inch cargo bulkhead. (No photo provided.)

Procraft: The Procraft 200 Bass has a look and design sure to be noticed by serious bass anglers. The 20'2" boat has a 91" beam, hand laid hull, and is rated at 225hp maximum. Ample fishing gear can be set on the large deck without crowding the angler. It’s equipped with two aerated and timed livewells, a 43-gallon fuel tank, Quicksilver dashboard instrumentation, dual anti-feedback steering, and a Zercom RTS in-dash sonar. The 20-ounce carpet and 5-year warranty, Motorguide 12/24 - 756 trolling motor, and factory trailer are more extras.

Ranger: The 518VX Comanche is backed by more than three decades of tournament-bred refinements. It’s 19' long with a 91" beam and has a maximum hp rating of 200. The 12" integrated engine set-back accelerates hole shots, increases rear deck space, and virtually eliminates backwash. Twin tanks carry 44 gallons of fuel. The patented solid fiberglass transom is linked with pulltruded fiberglass gussets and a fiberglass stringer system for endurance. The beam has been carried forward, making the front deck 12 percent larger, with a more flared bow contour for a smoother, drier ride in rough water.

SeaArk: The new ZV177 semi V-bottom bass boat has a 12-degree deadrise at the transom and is 17'8" long with a beam of 91". Rated for up to 150hp, the new vee is constructed of all-welded .100 gauge aluminum. Features include two aerated livewells, a 28-gallon fuel tank, water-tight storage box, lockable 61⁄2' rod box and 8-gauge trolling motor wiring (12/24 volt). Other standard features include a deluxe console with windshield, lockable tackle storage, and a non-skid bow deck.

Skeeter: The new Skeeter 1650BW aluminum boat measures 16'8" with a beam of 85" and is rated for 90hp. The boat’s interior flooring and decks are made from composite—no wood—to prevent warping. It comes rigged with two livewells and control system, and a built-in 20-gallon fuel tank. It also comes equipped with tachometer, speedometer, trim, and fuel gauge.

Starcraft: The Starcaster bass boat series features an 1860 model at 18'5" with 125 maximum hp and a 23-gallon fuel tank; a 1754 model at 16'9" with 90hp and 18-gallon fuel tank; and a 1650 model at 15'4" with 60hp rating and 12-gallon fuel tank. The hull is all-welded construction using Starcraft’s Power-Trac Hull with torsion beam construction. Also featured is a NexGen instrument panel, a fiberglass console base, new ergonomic seats and benches, dual console and center bow rod box. An in-floor tackle box is located in the bow, as well as dry storage under the seat. Seating is a bench seat along with two pinchless Ergo Dynamic seats and composite frames and two pedestal seat locations. Two livewells are situated fore and aft on the 1860 and 1754, both illuminated on the 1860. A 450 gph bilge pump is standard, as is a AM/FM cassette stereo, and a Lowrance X-25 or X-28 depthfinder.

Stratos: Top of the Stratos line is the new 21SS Extreme. It’s 20'8" long with a 92" beam. Features include a step-up ice chest, 6" manual jackplate, built-in Tri-Pro charger with a built-in 14-function “heads-up” display. An Evinrude FICHT fuel injection 225hp outboard is standard along with Lowrance X-65 fish locator mounted flush in the console, and an Evinrude Silent Start 24-volt 41-pound thrust trolling motor.

Smoker Craft: The 178 Ultima with a length of 17'8", a 91" beam, and a 39" deep interior has the size to take on any fishing situation. Its .100 gauge hull, rake-back bow and solid rib structure give it the necessary toughness to withstand almost anything. It features port and starboard rod storage, front and rear casting platforms, a built-in tackle tray, 20-gallon bow livewell and 21-gallon rear livewell, 40-gallon gas tank, and lighted livewells and rod boxes.

Sylvan: The 1800 Eliminator is double riveted for greater stress-flex and durability. Five keels provide longitudinal strength, protection from submerged objects, and also work with the gull-wing hull to provide better handling. Two built-in tackle trays, a large front casting platform, 30-gallon Roto-cast livewell, storage, and a trolling motor panel that opens up for more storage are part of the package. The rear casting platform sports a 23-gallon Roto-cast livewell, plus storage.

Tracker: The 20', 96" beam Nitro Savage 911 CDC Center Dual Console is touted as the world’s ultimate bass-fishing machine. The driver sits in the middle behind a centered, state-of-the-art dual console. The result is total, center-of-gravity control even on the sharpest turns. Passengers will appreciate the four-across, roomy seating. Fuel capacity is 41 gallons and the boat’s rated for 225hp. Features include a culling livewell, anti-backwash splash well, telephone storage compartment, insulated cooler, and two lockable rod storage boxes.

Triton: With the Premier Series you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a fully-rigged boat with space-age construction, hot performance, and all the latest features. At 17'11" with an 831⁄2" beam, the Premier Series is perfectly sized for fishing and family fun. They’re rated for 150hp, but with their high-tech hull design, they perform well with engines as small as 90hp. Three models are available: The 180SC, single-console tournament bass boat; 180DC, dual-console tournament edition; and the 180FS, fish and ski. The series comes with a Lowrance X-45 graph and a MotorGuide or OMC trolling motor.

Viper: The versatile Coral Fish & Ski offers boaters the best of both worlds. For the serious angler, it offers a big deck for fishing. For sun worshippers, choose from two plush seating styles—bench or deluxe. Standard equipment like a detachable trolling motor, loads of storage space, and tilt hydraulic steering add comfort and convenience. An optional bimini top is available. Length is 20'1", beam 90", rated for 250hp, and has a 37-gallon fuel tank.

War Eagle Boats: The company builds all-welded aluminum-hull boats featuring a transom with a concave shape similar to the wings of an eagle. This geometric transom design improves performance and deflects backwash to the sides. War Eagle has entered the high-performance competition boat industry with the introduction of their 20' Blackfeather model. This step-pad hull runs on a minimal surface due to the extended transom. This smooth performer also features hydraulic steering.

Xpress: The X51 is the result of building successful boats for over a decade, with new modifications and improvements added for 1999. The exclusive Hyperlift Pad Hull is one of the main features, providing the superior performance of a pad-type hull in an aluminum boat. This 17' boat with a 75" beam has a 27-gallon molded, divided, aerated livewell, and a fiberglass console. It features all-aluminum floors and decks, lockable rod box, built-in spinnerbait box, 18-gallon fuel tank, tinted windshield, 12/24 volt trolling receptacle, and is rated for 90hp. A 736 MotorGuide trolling motor and an X24 Lowrance depthfinder are included.

* Monte Burch, Humansville, Missouri, is a veteran freelance writer and a regular contributor to In-Fisherman publications.