What to know about buying a bass or fishing boat

What is a bass boat?

A bass boat is a specialized boat designed to make freshwater fishing easier and more rewarding, especially for bass. Many of their unique features will be especially useful for competitive anglers, but anyone who fishes regularly can appreciate the bass boat's focused design.

What are the pros and cons of bass boats?

The biggest pro and con of bass boats is how specialized it is. For serious anglers, bass and fishing boats will be hard to top. Bass boats and fishing boats can also be too specialized and are not suited for people looking to experience activities, other than fishing out on the water.

Pros of bass boats

Space and comfort

Bass boats are designed to hold two people, so their size (usually 16 feet and up) allows plenty of space to move while casting in any direction. Bass boats may also have features like swiveling chairs or coolers for food making it comfortable to spend all day on the water.

Speed

Bass boats usually have a lot of horsepower for their size, making it fast and easy to get where you're going and spend more time fishing.

Technology and large live wells

Many bass boats include dedicated electronics like fish finders and large displays to make it easy to find the best spots to fish. They also contain larger live wells, which keep fish alive in the water until it’s time to weigh them, allowing ample time to catch and release.

Low noise levels

Many bass boats have a secondary motor called a trolling motor that allows you to move the boat slowly and quietly, trolling lines and reducing the likelihood that you'll scare away fish.

Cons of bass boats

More expensive

Due to their powerful engines and extra features, bass boats can be more expensive.

Limited passenger capacity and use

Bass and fishing boats can't accommodate a large group or family. The focused design that makes bass boats so great for fishing may limit what else you can do with them. Learn more about how to choose the best boats for families.

Difficult to use in choppy water

Bass boats typically have low drafts and wide, flat designs. That makes them good boats for shallow water boating but difficult to take into less calm waters.

What size bass boat should I buy?

Bass boats are typically 15 to 25 feet, but some models can be smaller or larger. Consider how many people will use it regularly, how long you want to stay on the water, and where you'll go. For example, a smaller boat may be best if you typically fish alone, while trips with more anglers will require a larger craft. Wider boats make it easier to ride into the shallows and give you more room on deck.

However, they require more space on the water, potentially making it more difficult to navigate tight channels.

Other considerations for buying a fishing boat

Consider how much fuel the boat's motor can hold. A large engine and a large boat can go through fuel faster than smaller, less powerful crafts, so be sure you have a big enough fuel tank to carry you through the day. Another important consideration is the resale value of your bass boat. Bass boat technology is constantly evolving. Today's cutting-edge features may not be so advanced when it's time to sell or upgrade. If you're concerned about re-sell value, focus on the basics like boat size and engine power.

It’s also important to consider the total cost of your bass boat. Set a budget before you start shopping. Remember that your total cost of a fishing boat will include a boat trailer, marina fees, operation and maintenance cost, and bass boat insurance. Make sure to check the boat insurance requirements in your state and learn more about buying a boat for the first time.