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Bass Boat Corner, Multimedia

Bass Boat Buying Tips from the Pros

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If you’re in the market for a new or used bass boat, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by all the options. What size boat is right for you? What features are important? And how much can you expect to spend? In this blog , we’ll share some tips from experienced bass anglers and boat salespeople to help you navigate the buying process and find the perfect boat for your needs.

Many decisions factor into a purchase before you can enjoy your boat on the water!

Determining Your Needs and Setting a Budget

First, it’s important to determine what you need in a bass boat. Do you need a boat for fishing in big water or small lakes? Will you be fishing tournaments or just for fun? How many people will be fishing with you? Once you know what you need, you can start to set a budget. Keep in mind that the price of a bass boat can vary widely depending on the size, age, features, and condition.

Here are some factors to consider when setting your budget:

  • New or Used: Used bass boats can be a great value, but it’s important to carefully inspect the hull, engine, and trailer for any signs of wear and tear.
  • Engine Size: The size of the engine will affect the boat’s speed and fuel efficiency. Also, sometimes there are size restrictions for certain tournaments you may fish.
  • Features: Features like livewells, trolling motors, and electronics can add to the cost of the boat.
  • Brand and Model: Some brands and models of bass boats are more expensive than others.

Researching and Choosing the Right Boat

Once you have a budget in mind, you can start to research different brands and models of bass boats. There are many great resources available online, such as Bass Boat Central and YouTube. You can also talk to other anglers, guides and boat salespeople to get their recommendations.

Example of Boat Video reviews available on YouTube

Here are some popular bass boat brands:

  • Phoenix
  • Caymus
  • Vexus
  • Skeeter
  • Champion
  • Bass Cat
  • Falcon
  • Blazer
  • Ranger
  • Triton
  • Express
  • Lund
Rod Locker Storage of Caymas CX20

When choosing a bass boat, it’s important to consider the following factors:

  • Hull Design: The hull design will affect the boat’s ride comfort, stability, speed and draft. Be sure to closely check the transom and the hull under the boat for any signs of cracking or damage to the gel coat or fiberglass.
  • Single or Dual Console: Many anglers appreciate the extra space of a single console, but if you fish with a spouse or a buddy a lot, sometimes a dual console makes more sense. Some newer boat models have a console that can be removed or put back in under 5 minutes.
  • Deck Size: The size of the front and back decks will affect how much space you have for fishing and storage for yourself and other people.
  • Storage: Make sure the boat has enough storage space for all your gear.
  • Electronics: Choose electronics that meet your needs and budget.
  • Trailer: The trailer should be in good condition and properly sized for the boat and don’t forget to check the axel, tires and hubs.
  • Contingencies: If you fish tournament, most brands have tournament contingency award bonuses for wins and high finishes. You should never solely make a decision based on this, but makes a good tie breaker.
Contingency Money can matter!

Other Important Considerations

  • Wait times for new boats can be long, ranging from 12 to 20 weeks or more. So plan ahead if you want to have a new boat for spring.
  • Financing options are available, with loan terms up to 20 years.
  • Demo days like the In Tune Marine demo event are a great opportunity to test drive different boats and get a feel for what you like.

Buying a bass boat is a big investment. By taking the time to do your research and carefully consider your needs, you can find the perfect boat for years of enjoyment on the water.

For a deeper dive, check out this video live stream on buying bass boats with Aaron Teal

Video Podcast on Bass Boat Buying Tips
Bass Boat Corner

Introducing the New Player in the Bass Boat Market: iKON Boats

Jacob Wheeler, a well-known professional bass angler, recently announced on his YouTube channel that he’s building his own bass boat. As we dug deeper into this, we discovered that he’s actually working with a new boat brand called Icon Boats, a subsidiary of HCB Yachts, which is rooted in Hydra Sports Heritage.

But the question is, do we really need a new bass boat brand? And what makes Ikon Boats so special that it’s being touted as the best new bass boat out there? Let’s dive in and find out.

Jacob Wheeler’s New Bass Boat

First, it’s important to note that Ikon Boats is not your budget-friendly, everyman’s boat. This is a high-end bass boat that’s likely to exceed $100,000 when fully loaded. But what sets it apart from other luxury boats in the market?

For starters, Ikon Boats has a unique shape and design, with a distinctive “wishbone” in the top cap that makes it stand out from the crowd. The seats are also unlike anything you’ve seen before in a bass boat, resembling modified gamer chairs. And the compartments have unique edges and angles, setting it apart from the simple geometry found in most boats.

One interesting thing to note is that the company is releasing an LX20 and LX21 edition right away, which is typical for major bass boat brands to have a 20 and 21-foot option. However, it doesn’t look like there will be any 18 or 19-foot starter-sized boats initially.

But what about the company’s heritage? Icon Boats is linked to Hydra Sports, a popular bass boat brand from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. However, the company stopped producing bass boats in 1998 and went into yacht making. Ikon Boats, therefore, represents a new era of bass boats, with little expectation that it will resemble its predecessor in any significant way.

So why should you consider Ikon Boats over other top-tier bass boat brands like Phoenix, Caymas, Triton, or Skeeter? While it’s hard to say definitively without trying the boat out for yourself, the unique design, luxury feel, and promise of high performance make it a compelling option.

In conclusion, Ikon Boats is an exciting new addition to the bass boat market, offering a fresh take on luxury and performance. While it may not be for everyone due to its high price point, for those looking for the best of the best, Icon Boats is definitely worth checking out.