Looking for new/used bass boat

[MarkG52]

If you are looking for a tin boat be sure and give Vexus a good look. I have a Vexus AVX1880 on order. Supposed to start the build on it next week. Can't hardly wait! 

[fishinwrench]

As a guy that is around alot of older aluminum boats I'm gonna throw this out there..... Welded boats look and perform alot nicer, the ride feels more solid.  But riveted boats have something going for them in the longevity department.  I believe it is because they can flex and move (settle in).    

Older welded boats always have breaks all over the place. They can't flex when they need to.  And re-welding broken welds just NEVER works well.  

Boats take more of a beating than you think.  Both on the water, and on the trailer.  There's a lot of science in the making of a good aluminum boat, and thicker more rigid aluminum isn't necessarily the answer.   Just look at those old Richline boats!   I challenge you to find one with cracks or leaky rivets.   A few strategically placed hot rivets is far superior to even a beautifully perfect weld when it comes to boat manufacturing.    I'll stand behind that 100%

[T.C.]

Thanks again for all the tips. After testing a couple of boats, I've decided to go back to having a windshield and not a console. Wife had a vote on this too .  Still looking at aluminum, but now considering the Lund Impact 1875, G3 Angler V18 or 19, or Ranger VX1888. Not many choices for new or used, so might not find anything till spring.

[Smithvillesteve]

I am also looking to upgrade my boat. I have a Lund Rebel that i bought new in 2002. That boat has taken a beating and still performs. 40 hp Yamaha still purrs like a kitten. I prefer aluminum because i go to Canada every year. I'm retired now, fish quite a bit, have a little money to use and feel like i deserve to fish in a little better boat while i still can launch by myself etc. I'm not married to Lund but thats kinda the way i would prefer to go. I'm thinking with all these people buying boats right now that a lot of them will decide maybe its not really what we thought it might be. And i could possibly get a good deal this fall or winter. The main problem with my boat is there is not much platform room in the back for a co angler if I am bass fishing. My buddies claim its like fishing on a balance beam!! A few years ago Lund came out with 2 seats in the back that fold over and become a pretty nice platform. I've never been a big internet guy that goes on sites that sell stuff. Any advice boys? And good luck T. C. 

[rps]

27 minutes ago, Smithvillesteve said:

I am also looking to upgrade my boat. I have a Lund Rebel that i bought new in 2002. That boat has taken a beating and still performs. 40 hp Yamaha still purrs like a kitten. I prefer aluminum because i go to Canada every year. I'm retired now, fish quite a bit, have a little money to use and feel like i deserve to fish in a little better boat while i still can launch by myself etc. I'm not married to Lund but thats kinda the way i would prefer to go. I'm thinking with all these people buying boats right now that a lot of them will decide maybe its not really what we thought it might be. And i could possibly get a good deal this fall or winter. The main problem with my boat is there is not much platform room in the back for a co angler if I am bass fishing. My buddies claim its like fishing on a balance beam!! A few years ago Lund came out with 2 seats in the back that fold over and become a pretty nice platform. I've never been a big internet guy that goes on sites that sell stuff. Any advice boys? And good luck T. C. 

My 16 foot Rebel XS (2015) is the same - no back deck. I have the passenger seat out so a guest can stand in the well.

[garyw]

8 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

As a guy that is around alot of older aluminum boats I'm gonna throw this out there..... Welded boats look and perform alot nicer, the ride feels more solid.  But riveted boats have something going for them in the longevity department.  I believe it is because they can flex and move (settle in).    

Older welded boats always have breaks all over the place. They can't flex when they need to.  And re-welding broken welds just NEVER works well.  

Boats take more of a beating than you think.  Both on the water, and on the trailer.  There's a lot of science in the making of a good aluminum boat, and thicker more rigid aluminum isn't necessarily the answer.   Just look at those old Richline boats!   I challenge you to find one with cracks or leaky rivets.   A few strategically placed hot rivets is far superior to even a beautifully perfect weld when it comes to boat manufacturing.    I'll stand behind that 100%

I did a LOT of reading before buying and that's what i found also, that's why i bought  a lund. also their resale value.

[Bill Babler]

You frankly will never be sorry you bought a Lund.  From quality craftsmanship to resale value there is only one equal in the transportation world and that is Mercedes Benz, as far as resale.

The Lund is a riveted boat and at one time a few years ago, there were more man hands on hours in the building of a Lund than any other boat.  I believe at least 40 more man hours than any other metal boat.  Double hulls on most models secure a great ride for an Alum and also protection against boo boos.

There is a reason that Commercial Jet airliners are not welded but riveted as are most all Alum planes.

The Lund price tag will throw you off but when you get ready to sell it or trade, you will be one happy boater.

The current livewell system in most modern bass boats was created by Lund. 

[Gumboot]

Last year I bought a 2016 Lund 1875 pro v bass xs.  At 60 years of age I believe it will be the last fishing boat I buy.  Big front deck, adequate rear deck, rides great.  Came with a 200 ETEC, but honestly I think I would have been fine with a 150.

[Bassmeister]

1 hour ago, Gumboot said:

Last year I bought a 2016 Lund 1875 pro v bass xs.  At 60 years of age I believe it will be the last fishing boat I buy.  Big front deck, adequate rear deck, rides great.  Came with a 200 ETEC, but honestly I think I would have been fine with a 150.

How does it fish in the wind? Any areas you aren’t happy with? Seems like the perfect fishing/family boat with the extra seating. I’m sure one could add a removable extension to the back deck up to the chairs if they really wanted to improve the space. Seems like an awesome boat but wow are they expensive.

[Gumboot]

28 minutes ago, Bassmeister said:

How does it fish in the wind? Any areas you aren’t happy with? Seems like the perfect fishing/family boat with the extra seating. I’m sure one could add a removable extension to the back deck up to the chairs if they really wanted to improve the space. Seems like an awesome boat but wow are they expensive.

Fishes fine in the wind, Ultrex is a game changer, big center rod locker, tons of storage, big live well, excellent fit/finish, 2 10" HB.  I shopped for over a year. I don't buy new cars or boats, and I tend to buy the ugliest house in a nice neighborhood.  I'll bet you that if I decide to sell it in 10 years, I'll get within $5k of what I paid for it.  The guy who bought it new in 2017, and put 94 hours on it in 2 years... is the guy who took the hit.