Recommendations For Bass Boat On LOZ's Rough Water

[SJB]

Hello all!  I was wanting some thoughts on what the best riding fiberglass bass boat for the busy and rough waters of LOZ was.  I know the best solution is to go out early and be in by 10AM  irregardless of what boat you have, but I'm wondering if there are any real (significant)  differences in the different brands and hulls.

I know Bass Cat has their new STS hull which is supposed to be better in the rough stuff.  Vexus brags up their hulls for smooth and dry.  Is there a clear preference in the tournaments as to what many are using?

Thanks and tight lines!

 

[nomolites]

Longer is better; for years Charger, Champion, or Ranger were the favorites.  I see an awful lot of Phoenix boats out there these days but I really can’t comment on the latest hulls because I don’t have experience in one.  I think setup is equally important; you want to have plenty of lift so you have control at any rpm range.  FW or one of the other locals can give you their thoughts, but those are my $.02 worth.

[fishinwrench]

There's always a trade-off.   

The boat that takes rough water the best is the worst one to fish from, and has the most awkward storage compartments.  

Do you wanna haulass across rough water?......Or do you want a boat that sits down nice and level, has plenty of room on the casting decks, doesn't kite around in a breeze, and has storage compartments that are easy to organize and get things in and out of ?  

To ME the layout of the interior of a boat, and the way it sets in the water when the motor is not running, is what makes me love or hate it.....cuz that's where I'm living at.     How well the hull handles rough water is just something I have to adjust to (speed, trim.angle, ect.) 

[Walleye13]

I can’t comment on glass boats since I’ve never ran one. I am, however, on my second Lund 2075 Pro V Bass. At nearly 21ft and with a deep V front it handles anything here at the lake safely. It has a Bass deck interior, endless storage, and sits level in the water. Not as flat as a glass Bass boat but I have my 3 trolling motor batteries mid ship under the center rod storage to balance the boat and keep it level. As Wrench mentioned, the interior and fishability are important. I fish year around here at the lake and love this boat.  It’s an aluminum hull so the trade off is speed. With the 250 Pro XS my top end is only 58-60, but it’s a dry and comfortable ride. 

[Ranger520vx]

I’m running a 2014 721 Phoenix and have been impressed with it. The ride is as good if not better than the 2001 520 Ranger that I had before this one.

[Bill Babler]

On new boats trying to compare the Phoenix platform with anything right now on the market for stability, rough water, fishing ability and ergonomics you are batting your head against a wall

Year before last Lake Erie more than proved that. More than one pro bought them. Paid money for them to fish that derby where they knew the ride was going to be a total BEAR. 

Rangers with broken consoles, Skeeters with busted bows with trolling motors hanging in the water and Nitro’s with cracked hulls and broken floors littered the field. 

Couple of broken rod holders was all the damage the Phoenix suffered.   Lots of guys were making an hour and a half run, Jr. and little Sheffield were making it in Phoenix’s in an hour. Both of them paid full price for their boats. Sponsored now but not then. 

If your up on lake O. Have Big Ed take you for a ride at the dam in his. Your questions will be answered. “Tell him to slow down!”  

Good Luck



 

[conorsixtakc]

I’ve spent quite a few hours fishing out the back of a 621 bird and can attest to everything Bill said. Never put my own to the test like those guys, but they sure feel superior in every aspect.

My first boat will likely get beat to s*** on the rough waters of LOZ despite it being my home pond my entire life, bc it’s more about fishing than keeping up with the Joneses. 

I do know who I’m gonna bring my new-fangled outboard to when the time’s wrong tho 🤣

[TRRANGER]

My buddy has 2019 Ranger Z521 21 ft Bass Yacht, compared to my 87 Ranger 360V and he told me that the Phoenix has the best ride out there in rough water, he also fishes out of Caymas as well, and says they both ride well but not as good as the Phoenix . I have ridden in a Phoenix 721 Pro XS and an 819 Pro and those boats were really amazing. I have also rode in in Z519 Ranger that was a sweet ride but still not as nice as the Phoenix.  If I could go buy any boat I think the only option for me would have to be Phoenix fast smooth storage for days and ride better than any other I have been in.  

[96 CHAMP]

Tired of getting beat up on the lakes myself, especially as I get older. My  new to me 2000- 203 Champion will handle LOZ and any other water just fine.

[dan hufferd]

https://kingfisherboats.com/boats/multi-species-2125-accord-sport/ 

This is the one I want someday when I am rich 😃