New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

[missourigriz]

I'm in the market for a new aluminum bass\panfish boat. This is also my first boat. I am most enamored with the Lowe Fishfinder 175W, but I am not ruling out G3, WarEagle, Xpress, etc. So far, the Lowe is the most completely outfitted for the least amount of money ($10,500.00), which actually makes me wonder why it is so "inexpensive". They all claim 5052 aluminum, but the Lowe is the thinnest at .72 and the Xpress the thickest (and the most expensive at $15,000.00) at .125. Any suggestions, recommendations and especially feedback on the Lowe Fishfinder would be greatly appreciated as it "looks" really nice. I will be using is for mostly calm inland waters such as state park lakes and some Mississippi backwater and main channel and some large lake water like Mark Twain Lake in Missouri.

 

[DJ]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

I owned a Lowe and loved it. I wish I still had it.<br /><br />Lowe is a big companyy and probably has greater buying power than some of the other smaller outfits. .072" would not bother me, unless you are jumping stumps.

 

[tcube]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

missourigriz, <br /><br />I have a 14 yo Lowe V17 bass boat and love it. It's well laid out and built solid. I expect to get many more years out of it.<br /><br />tcube

 

[llfish]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

In 1987 I bought a lowe 17' Al. bass boat and still have it. The wife thinks I need a new boat. No way will I get rid of it. Told her when it goes she goes. I didget an new motor out of the deal.

 

[KCook]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

G3 would be my druthers over Lowe. Main problem with G3 is you then get a motor choice of Yamaha or Yamaha! Frankly, the much flamed Trackers aren't all that bad. My Tracker bass boat held up much better than the *&^%$# Johnson hanging off the back of it. Here is another message board you might try - Tin boats at BassBoat Central <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

Go for the LOWE unless you fish waters where you would need the extra thickness to keep your peice of mind.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

I had a mid eighties Lowe 18ft basser and it worked great. No leaks or other problems with the hull. I wouldn't worry too much about the super thick hulls they're building these days unless you are planing on rammin' docks and such!<br />BTW, I caught some of those monster crappies off Mark Twain this spring! Wow! My in-laws live in Macon and I try to get down there as often as possible in the spring. Great fishin.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

This isnt what you ask, but here is my take any way!<br /><br />I dislike aluminum boats, (and I mean I really dont like them). all of them but the new tracker that looks like a glass boat. Ive fished in several, and they feel too light and they are noisier, and generally just not as stable.<br /><br />If I were in your shoes, (and Im not), I would find me a nice used 16-18 foot Glass Bass boat with a 115-150 outboard and enjoy, you can find some "Like new", boats in that price range, Come on, you know you want to!!!<br /><br />There is absolutly know way I would pay $10,000.00 for a tin boat! To each his own!

 

[KCook]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

generally just not as stable

Do you mean when drifting or on plane? My Tracker bass boat was a typical Mod-V hull, barely more than a jon boat. PLENTY stable while drifting! Did feel light at top speed, but no control or handling issues.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[youngboater]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

Lund's are extremely stable but on the heavy side and they look like a glass boat. Mine has a metallic sparkling blue and grey paint job. Aluminum is more durable in my opinion. I had a 14 foot Lowe and it was okay. Not very stable but other than that it was great. Ok now back to the main question.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

I think they are good boats, Aluminum that is, I just personally dont like them, having always had glass boats, they just dont feel right to me. Like I said, to each his own. Kinda like the difference between a Camero and a Porsche. The Porsche just feels better.<br /><br />If that is what you have your heart set on, then by all means go for it, You will get many years of great use out of it.

 

[missourigriz]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

All of the responses have been really helpful. Thank you all, very much. I've been on other types of forums (ATV) where all you get in reponse is flaming and bashing. Of course, this is a different crowd.<br /><br />So, LubeDude, I guess that means that you wouldn't even consider a "better" tin boat either, huh? No such thing? I did run across a Javelin 367(?) yesterday, but I really don't think that I want a 'glas boat. I am concerned about damaging the bottom on sandbars, riverbanks, beaches, etc. if I choose to pull up onto one of those to cookout, etc.<br /><br />Also, all of the 'glas boats that I have seen are pretty much all deck and that deck is at the top of the gunwales\gunnels. There is no room for little kids (I have two), or a grill, or lawnchairs, or even a cooler.<br /><br />The boat that I specifically asked about comes with a 50hp motor and is limited to a 70hp. Is the 50 enough? Is the 70 enough? Is it too much?<br /><br />Can you get much of a better deal on a year end model at the end of the season?<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[DJ]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

missourigriz,<br /><br />Get the largest engine you can afford. Mo one ever complains about too much horsepower. The larger engine will have better resale value also.<br /><br />Typically, end of season deals are out there. Dealers would rather not inventory a boat. Many times you can make an end of season deal and the dealer will even store the boat for you.<br /><br />Happy shopping!

 

[KCook]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

The model that missourigriz noted does have a little bigger cockpit area than typical practice. Though it does not look much deeper.<br />

<br /><br />My Tracker was the same size boat, with a 2-stroke 60. Which was PLENTY! With a 70 these things would be real hotrods. A 50 2-stroke should be adequate. Not so sure about a 50 4-stroke, since the 4S motors are known for softer mid-range thrust than the 2S motors with the same rating. If you are considering a 50 4S ask for a test drive first.<br /><br />I haven't had a chance to see an '04 Lowe. Maybe they have improved a bunch. The ones I looked at a few years ago did not measure up to Tracker.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[missourigriz]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

Now, see, I was after a Tracker at first, but they got\get so much "bad press" that I started looking elsewhere and came across this one. I was interested in a 4 stroke for the noise reduction and environmentally friendly label, but they weigh too much for the weight limitation on this boat.<br /><br />LubeDude came the closest, but no one has really adressed the price issue on this boat. Is $10,500 a decent price for this boat and why does an Xpress cost SOOOOO much more?<br /><br />Why did you not like the Lowes?

 

[quantumleap]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

A fish & ski model glass boat is deeper at the gunwhales and is much better suited for kids and such.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

Your original post heading, New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison" made me think you wanted a BASS BOAT.<br /><br />Quantumleap is correct, you need a fish and ski model. Fit it with the max HP your boat you choose will take. You will never be sorry you did.<br /><br />Better all around performance.<br /><br />Better resale value.<br /><br />Like I said, there are some great Aluminum boats out there, and the price will be directly proportional as to the quality. If you live in an area where you are concerned with hitting something, buy the thickest aluminum you can find.

 

[KCook]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

The Lowes I looked at in the late '90s were just more skimpy on materials than my Tracker. But that was when Lowe was under different ownership. For all I know the Lowes of today are much improved. Nice thing about aluminum boats is that they cannot hide nearly so much as on a fiberglass boat. On an aluminum boat it is all out there for you to see. So no reason not to believe your own eyes. And leave it at that.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[missourigriz]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

Once again, thank you all for your comments. All comments, both pro and con gave me something to think about. After thinking awhile I decided to put this on hold until Spring, since it is now time to go chase land based prey and finish up pre-winter tasks. That is until my folks' neighbor put his 1996 Ranger Cherokee 207 up for sale in his quest for a bigger, 'glas boat. <br /><br />So, now I'm looking at this. It is the model described above with all factory features and a 70hp Johnson, oil-injected motor. The motor was rebuilt out of warranty afer one piston wasn't getting oil and it seized. It has 43 hours on it since then. It has been garaged its whole life and fished a lot. He tournament fishes local tournaments. Paint is 90% with a few scratches here and there and the carpet shows some normal wear. Seats are uncracked and it has the factory Ranger custom cover with some weather wear. It also has the larger cockpit area that I desire. He is asking $6,500.00, will take $6,000.00 and I would like it closer to $5,000.00.<br /><br />All comments and opinions desired and welcomed. Price? Quality? Useability? Pros and cons?

 

[KCook]

Re: New Aluminum Bass Boat Comparison

I liked what I saw in the aluminum Cherokee boats. There was once a post to the effect that the Cherokees were built for Ranger by Crestliner. However I was never able to verify that. Really to bad Ranger dropped the Cherokee line.<br /><br />My Cherokee catalog shows 216 and 217 models. But no 207, so can't help you there.<br /><br />Ask for a ride and see how that Johnson runs for you. Could well be a keeper.<br /><br />Kelly Cook