Best Aluminum Bass Boats: Performance And Features Compared

Aluminum bass boats are becoming an increasingly popular choice for anglers of all stripes. While fiberglass boats have traditionally been seen as the standard for real bass fishermen, the new technology and hull designs available in aluminum boats are giving anglers the opportunity to get in the game at a much lower cost. Aluminum boats are lightweight, easily maneuvered, and come equipped with a range of fishing gear, from livewells to rod lockers. They are also more affordable than fiberglass boats, with basic models starting at less than $30,000.

Some of the best aluminum bass boats on the market include the Crestliner MX21, which can be rigged with up to 250 horsepower and features huge casting decks and large storage compartments. The Lowe Skorpion 17 is another great option, offering easy affordability and good value for money, while the Lund 2075 Pro V Bass XS is a serious contender for those looking for a boat that rivals fiberglass models in terms of speed and performance. For those on a budget, the Ranger RT198P offers excellent bang for your buck, with high power and a range of fishing equipment, while the Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition comes ready-to-fish with a Minn Kota electric trolling motor and a Lowrance fishfinder.

The pros and cons of different aluminum bass boats

Aluminum bass boats are becoming an increasingly popular choice for anglers, whether they are weekend anglers or full-time professionals. The new technology and hull designs available in aluminum boats are giving folks the opportunity to get in the game at a much lower cost.

Crestliner MX21

The Crestliner MX21 is a tournament-level aluminum bass boat that can be rigged with up to a whopping 250 horsepower. It has huge casting decks, a 45-gallon livewell, large tackle storage compartments, and twin rod boxes that can hold a total of 10 rods. The hull is 0.125” gauge aluminum, and the MX21 has a fiberglass console with space for 12” flush-mounted electronics. It also features a recessed foot control for the trolling motor and a tandem axle trailer. This boat is priced slightly under $53,000.

Pros

• Spacious casting platforms
• Ample storage
• Powerful engine

Cons

High-end price tag

Lowe Skorpion 17

Lowe is one of the best-known manufacturers of bass boats. The Skorpion 17 is an affordable option, starting at under $20,000. It has a modified V hull, an outboard from 20 to 60 horsepower, an aerated livewell, a foot-pedal-controlled trolling motor, and four comfortable seats.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Good value for money
• Comes with everything you need for a day of fishing

Cons

• May not be the fastest bass boat
• Limited bells and whistles

Lund Pro V Bass XS

The Lund Pro V Bass XS is a serious contender to a fiberglass bass boat, offering a spacious option that can seat up to four people. It features two large casting decks with bow and center rod storage and a 28-gallon aerated livewell. This boat can be rigged with a potent 250 horsepower engine. Prices for this model start at slightly over $60,000.

Pros

• Spacious, seating for four people
• Large casting decks
• Potent engine

Cons

High price tag

Ranger RT198P

The Ranger RT198P is a good option if you're looking for an affordable bass boat that offers performance and value. Priced at around $39,000, it offers 150 horsepower, flush-mounted electronics, and a range of fishing equipment. It has clever storage space and well-thought-out extras such as a retractable rod strap, cooler, and center rod storage in the spacious front casting deck.

Pros

• Affordable price
• High-powered engine
• Sleek appearance and color-matched trailer

Cons

None specifically mentioned

Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition

Tracker is one of the biggest builders of aluminum boats, and the Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition is their premium model. Priced in the upper-$30,000 range, it offers 150 horsepower and is capable of speeds in the 50s. It comes rigged and ready to fish with a Minn Kota 70-pound-thrust electric trolling motor, an onboard three-bank battery charger, a Lowrance HOOK2 Reveal 5” fishfinder, and a single-axle trailer all included in the package price.

Pros

• Powerful engine
• Comes rigged and ready to fish
• Good speed

Cons

None specifically mentioned

The best aluminum bass boats for beginners

Aluminum bass boats are a great option for beginners as they are more affordable than fiberglass boats and still offer a range of features for a good bass fishing experience. Here are some of the best aluminum bass boats for beginners:

Crestliner XF Series

Crestliner is known for its high-performance aluminum bass boats, and the XF Series is a great option for beginners. The XFC 179 and XFC 189 are designed for bass and crappie fishing, with ample casting space, dual livewells, and 3-across seat bases. The XFC 189, priced at around $23,000, is a good choice for a multi-species fishing boat, with a 150 HP engine and plenty of storage and fishing features.

Lowe Skorpion 17

Lowe is a well-known manufacturer of bass boats, and the Skorpion 17 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordability and value for money. With a modified V hull, an outboard engine ranging from 20 to 60 HP, an aerated livewell, a trolling motor with foot pedal control, and four comfortable seats, the Skorpion 17 has everything you need for a fun and successful fishing day. While it may not be the fastest or most feature-rich boat, it offers a great entry point into bass fishing at a reasonable cost of under $20,000.

Lund Pro-V Series

Lund is the only company that offers a legit deep-V tournament bass boat, the Pro-V series. If you plan to fish in big water, the deep-V hull will provide a smoother ride and keep you comfortable. The 2075 Lund Pro V Bass XS is a standout model in this series, capable of seating four people and equipped with two large casting decks, rod storage, and a 28-gallon aerated livewell. It can be rigged with a powerful 250 HP engine, making it a serious contender in bass fishing tournaments. Prices for the 2075 Lund Pro V Bass XS start at just over $60,000.

Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition

Tracker is a leading builder of aluminum boats, and their premium model, the Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition, is an excellent choice for beginners. With a 150 HP outboard engine, it can reach speeds in the 50s and comes fully rigged for fishing. The package includes a Minn Kota 70-pound-thrust electric trolling motor, a Lowrance HOOK2 Reveal 5” fishfinder, an onboard three-bank battery charger, and a single-axle trailer, all for a price in the upper-$30,000 range.

Ranger RT198P

The Ranger RT198P is another great option for beginners, offering a combination of reliability, performance, and style. Priced at around $39,000, it comes with 150 HP, flush-mounted electronics, and a range of fishing equipment. The RT198P features clever storage solutions, a retractable rod strap, a cooler, and center rod storage in the spacious front casting deck. Its sleek appearance, color-matched trailer, and suite of extras make it a head-turner on the water.

The best aluminum bass boats for professionals

Aluminum bass boats are becoming an increasingly popular choice for anglers, whether they are weekend anglers or full-time professionals. The new technology and hull designs available in aluminum boats are giving anglers the opportunity to get in the game at a much lower cost. Here are some of the best aluminum bass boats for professionals:

Crestliner MX21

This tournament-level aluminum bass boat is as big and powerful as its fiberglass cousins. The MX21 can be rigged with up to 250 horsepower and has huge casting decks, a 45-gallon livewell, large tackle storage compartments, and twin rod boxes that can hold a total of 10 rods. The hull is 0.125” gauge aluminum, and the MX21 has a fiberglass console with space for 12” flush-mounted electronics. The MX21 is priced slightly under $53,000.

Lowe Skorpion 17

Lowe is one of the best-known manufacturers of bass boats, and the Skorpion 17 is a great option for those looking for an affordable and value-for-money boat. With a modified V-hull and an outboard of 20 to 60 horsepower, the Skorpion 17 also features an aerated livewell, a foot-pedal-controlled trolling motor, and four comfortable seats. Priced at under $20,000, the Skorpion 17 is a great choice for those looking to get into bass fishing without breaking the bank.

Lund 2075 Pro V Bass XS

The Lund 2075 Pro V Bass XS is a serious contender to a fiberglass bass boat, offering seating for four people and a range of features including two large casting decks, bow and center rod storage, and a 28-gallon aerated livewell. This boat can be rigged with a 250 horsepower engine, making it a powerful and spacious option for professionals. The 2075 Pro V Bass XS is priced at slightly over $60,000.

Ranger RT198P

The Ranger RT198P offers a great combination of reliability, performance, and value, priced at around $39,000. With 150 horsepower and flush-mounted electronics, the RT198P also comes equipped with a range of fishing equipment, clever storage solutions, and well-thought-out extras such as a retractable rod strap, cooler, and center rod storage. The sleek appearance and color-matched trailer make the RT198P a stylish option for professionals.

Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition

Tracker is one of the biggest builders of aluminum boats, and the Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition is their premium model. Priced in the upper-$30,000 range, this boat is capable of speeds in the 50s and comes rigged with a Minn Kota 70-pound-thrust electric trolling motor, an onboard three-bank battery charger, a Lowrance HOOK2 Reveal 5” fishfinder, and a single-axle trailer. The Pro Team 195 TXW is a powerful and feature-rich option for professionals.

The best aluminum bass boats for speed

Aluminum bass boats are popular for their affordability, lightweight build, and ease of use. They are also highly customizable, with features such as livewells, rod lockers, and integrated tackle storage. While fiberglass boats are often considered more luxurious, aluminum boats are ideal for those seeking speed and agility. Here are some of the best aluminum bass boats for speed:

Crestliner MX21

The Crestliner MX21 is a powerful tournament-level aluminum bass boat. It can be rigged with up to 250 horsepower and offers spacious casting decks, a 45-gallon livewell, ample tackle storage compartments, and twin rod boxes that can hold a total of 10 rods. The hull is made of sturdy 0.125" gauge aluminum, and the boat features a fiberglass console with space for 12" flush-mounted electronics. The Crestliner MX21 is priced slightly under $53,000, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful and feature-rich aluminum bass boat.

Vexus AVX2028

The Vexus AVX2028 is a top choice for serious bass anglers seeking speed and performance. It boasts dual rod boxes that can accommodate over a dozen rigs, a tournament-grade fiberglass-lined livewell, and ample space for flush-mount electronics. The AVX2028 truly shines in its speed and handling, capable of reaching speeds in the mid-60s when loaded with anglers and gear, and even surpassing 70 mph when lightly loaded. With its all-welded pad hull design, this boat is sure to impress with its agility and power.

Xpress X21 Pro

The Xpress X21 Pro is an exceptional aluminum bass boat that can rival the speed of fiberglass boats. Rigged with a Yamaha F250 engine, it can reach impressive top speeds of 73 mph. The X21 Pro features a pad hull design with 0.125" thick 5052 aluminum, providing exceptional performance and accommodating maximum horsepower. This boat offers a spacious front deck, ample storage compartments, and a SeaDek surface for easy cleaning and a comfortable fishing experience.

Lowe Skorpion 17

The Lowe Skorpion 17 strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. While it may not be the fastest bass boat on the market, it still delivers a smooth ride. The Skorpion 17 is equipped with a modified V hull, an outboard engine ranging from 20 to 60 horsepower, an aerated livewell, and a foot-pedal-controlled trolling motor. With a starting price of under $20,000, it's a fantastic option for anglers seeking a cost-effective yet capable aluminum bass boat.

Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition

The Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition is a premium model from Tracker, one of the leading manufacturers of aluminum boats. This boat is capable of impressive speeds in the 50s and comes fully rigged for fishing. It features a Minn Kota 70-pound-thrust electric trolling motor, an onboard three-bank battery charger, a Lowrance HOOK2 Reveal 5" fishfinder, and a single-axle trailer. Priced in the upper $30,000 range with a 150 horsepower outboard, it offers a great balance of speed, features, and value.

The best aluminum bass boats for shallow water

When it comes to the best aluminum bass boats for shallow water, there are several options available that offer excellent performance, features, and value for money. Here are some of the top choices to consider:

Xpress Boats

Xpress Boats, the original all-welded aluminum company, offers a range of high-performance aluminum bass boats. Their Bass Series provides an outstanding fishing platform with features such as large storage compartments, wet decks, and Xtreme Coat floor liner, perfect for a successful day of fishing. The Xpress X21, in particular, has gained attention from professional anglers like Jason Christie, who chose it for its competitive advantage in shallow water.

Crestliner

Crestliner is known for its high-performance aluminum boats, with the MX series being a top choice for bass anglers. The Crestliner MX21, for example, is a large bass boat that can accommodate a 250 HP engine and has a price tag of around $40,000. John Cox, one of the best shallow-water anglers in the world, has achieved numerous tournament wins in his Crestliner.

Lund

Lund offers a range of aluminum fishing boats, including the Lund 1400 Fury, a small and affordable option with basic features. However, for those seeking a deeper-V hull design, the Lund Pro-V series is a legitimate tournament bass boat option for fishing in big water, providing a smoother ride and greater stability.

Tracker

Tracker is the best-selling brand of aluminum boats, offering excellent value for money. Their affordability may come with some trade-offs, as some owners have reported issues with welds, flooring, and transoms. Nevertheless, the Tracker Revolution hull design is well-regarded for an aluminum boat, and their larger models like the Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC offer impressive features and space at a relatively low price point.

Vexus

Vexus aluminum boats have gained attention for their sleek looks and high-end features. The AVX2028, for example, is designed for serious bass anglers, offering dual rod boxes, a tournament-grade livewell, and room for a flush-mount MFD. While Vexus boats may be priced higher, they deliver exceptional performance and craftsmanship.

When choosing the best aluminum bass boat for shallow water, it's essential to consider factors such as hull design, maneuverability, stability, and features that suit your specific needs and budget.

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