bass boat or center console advice

ncnewbyboater · #1 October 14th, 2007, 02:55 PM

new member and first post. i wanted to get some advice from you veteran fishing boaters. i am looking to buy a boat for my wife and i to fish with. fresh water, mostly for large mouth striped and hybrid bass. I would like to hear your thoughts on boat size, engine size and accessory must haves. I am not against buying used and would appreciate your advice on which makes are better.
initially I am thinking somewhere between 16-20 feet with an engine large enough to top out at least 40 mph. my budget is probably somewhere around $10000-$14000

SpinnerBait_Nut · #2 October 14th, 2007, 03:04 PM

If and when I buy another one, it's center console for me.
I have fished out of a couple and like the walk around room in them.
Might not be as fast as mine, but now at 54, more my style.
Don't get me wrong, I love my Gambler and would not have any other make of this style boat, but like I said, when another one comes along, it's CC for me.

KCook · #3 October 14th, 2007, 03:45 PM

Depends on the wife!!! The seats in a bass boat are much more comfy. So I'm sure some wives would prefer the bass boat, especially a DC setup, where she gets her own windscreen. Example -

Here is another thread that kicks the various brands around -

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=130608

Kelly Cook

Scaaty · #4 October 14th, 2007, 04:06 PM

Women like porta pottys..walk around CC with a small cabin like a 20 foot Bayliner Trophy with a Merc on the back (no Force)..lots of them out here, but they do go out in the ocean

silveraire · #5 October 14th, 2007, 04:35 PM

I switched from a bass boat to a center console aboat 2 years ago. I will never go back. I love the room and being able to walk around. Just my opinion, but a bay boat may be right for you. When I get a new cc, I will be a bay model.

maybe something like this:

http://www.coastalbayboats.com/1910.htm

Great fishing space, seating for 5, good storage, livewell, rod locker, and an insulated fish box to boot.

New is probably not an option for a boat like this, but there are alot of used ones out there. Good luck.

tashasdaddy · #6 October 15th, 2007, 06:28 AM

i have had both, for a overall all use boat i agree with the center console, the boat shown, i would add a pedestal seat in the bow, motor guide wireless trolling motor, and the movable back on the console seat, so anothe fisherman can face the stern. these boat are more friendly, expecially, when you have that lunker on and need help with the net. i like the wireless motor, as i use the key fob, remote and can control the boat from any place in the boat. even from the dock, when i need to move the boat. it's cool to see the boat moving without anyone in it.

the wife's attitude about where she likes to ride will make a big difference, in the boat you buy. my partner, will not sit on a pedestal seat when under weigh. even in the center console she sits in the floor. it's totally rediculous to me.

this is one i built 2 years ago, old hull, has 2 4 foot bench seat of each side, but she still got in the floor, would run 45mph.

Marcq · #7 October 15th, 2007, 08:54 AM

Go for a center console, bought mine this summer, a Aquasport 17', was going to fix her up and sell it to make a profit, but can't, I just love my boat, lots of room for a 17 footer

Marc..

ncnewbyboater · #8 October 15th, 2007, 10:51 AM

That was some good insight. I am already leaning toward a cc. next step is to get the wifey involved here. she might have to have her own little set up like in a bass boat. the cc looks like a better fishing set up. i also see where for around $10000 you can get a decent (looking) boat.

JB · #9 October 15th, 2007, 11:35 AM

Depends on the water you are going to fish and the number of passengers you may have.

I have used both. I like the Bass boat configuration for small and protected waters and for no more than 2 people. This is my Boston Whaler Striper 15, RED SKY:

And my Boston Whaler Montauk 17, Sunshine III:

The Montauk is a great family boat, especially with the front pedestal seat.

bamafutbal · #10 October 15th, 2007, 03:27 PM

center console for me

Texasmark · #11 October 16th, 2007, 11:30 AM

I agree with JB. Depends on how you are going to fish. I usually fish structure and in and out of coves, out to points and back type thing if (Black) bass fishing. I like the BB for that.

On large lakes where school fish abound, would take the CC hands down like fishing for Sandbass, Hybrid Stripers, or Stripers.

Only thing I personally have found that BB's seem to have more storage room for the things you don't want to get wet in the smaller boats.....17' or so and they are more comfortable to ride in....better seat support.

Mark