Xpress X19 w/ a 150. Best aluminum on the market. Ive owned 3 of them. Had an X19 with a 150 XR-6, ran 63 mph and took rough water as good as any 20ft glass boat Much more rugged than glass. Upgraded to a newer version w/ a 200 V-MAX. Too fast, 78 mph. And Im sure Xpress will hook you up with your resume. Just my two cents worth.

18' fiberglass w/150 and the tandem trailer 👍

I have a 2017 Nitro, Z18, with the 150 four Merc. with the tandem trailer, that I bought new. I've owned smaller and larger boats. Some people trash Nitro, but I've been more than happy with this rig. lots of storage for gear and rods, great live wells, fishes bigger than it is, handles rough water just fine . No problems whatsoever. I doubt I'll every buy another boat. I've been completely priced out of the market now- like so many others these days. Bass fishing is becoming a rich man's sport. I'm retired now and learning to enjoy my time fishing NOT focusing on trying to be bigger, better, faster or more high tech than anyone else...

One advantage of the lighter weight aluminum rig is fuel savings when hauling it to the lake and running on the lake.

Being practical while bass fishing may be another cause for you to champion.

Randy I had my coming out party today . I caught no less than fifteen largemouth in three hours . A mix of three four and five pounders . My pb was maybe 3.5 . Struggling to catch bass since I caught my very first fish at age fifty. I learned how to set a hook today on a worm .you’re videos have been instrumental in me catching bass . Best channel out there for helping people catch bass . Thanks so much keep them coming

When you got to use one for free the big boat was ok , now that you have to pay bass boats are too expensive. Thats rich.

I have a bass tracker pro 190 with a 115 optimax. Has been a great boat. The spot lock trolling motor has help with the wind pushing it around. I'd definitely go with a dual axle trailer for driving as much as you do.

Get one like mine. 1996 Ranger 481 VS with a 150 Johnson fast strike. It’s absolutely amazing. Plenty of storage, rod lockers are big enough. I’ll never get rid of my boat.

I love my 2024 tracker classic XL with a 50hp i know its not much , but you will never see a bigger grin on anyone's face 🙂 I know you need more of a boat than i do , go luck ! 👍

Randy, I have had a Triton TRX 179 with a 115 Mercury PXS for 4 years, and I love it. Gets on plane fast and rides well.

I would go with an 18 foot fiberglass with a 150. I personally like the early 2000’s Ranger boats and 2003-2009 Champion.

Can’t wait to see what you decide! Boat prices got out of control and between boat and electronics prices the sport turned into an eliteist sport! Glad to see someone taking a more simple approach

Randy I have a 2019 Vexus AVX 1880 with Merc 115XS aluminum. I don't tournament fish but love mine. I bought it for 30k. I have no spot lock and no poles. I fish old school like you want. I use technics I've learned 50 years ago. I could afford a bigger and more expensive boat but don't need it. I can fish 2 to 3 trips on 10 gal gas. Runs 45mph with 2 guys 250lbs each. We keep 8 rods each and plenty of room.

Well said, thank you!

I am in the saltwater world, anything over a 22' bay boat (of good quality) puts you over $100k, before extra electronics, trolling motor and power poles. I had bass boats years ago but around 2005 I went on a fresh water striper fishing trip and pretty much forgot about bass fishing. I purchased a new 2006 21' carolina skiff with Suzuki 115 for $13,200. I ran that boat until 2019 when I purchased a new bay boat. But I put so many fish in that skiff over the years. Max speed was about 38-40 mph but I used it here at the coast for inshore, nearshore, trolling, shark fishing, freshwater striper fishing and some bass fishing. I didn't get there fast, wasn't a smooth ride in rough water but it was safe and could troll in the ocean or fish skinny with a 7" draft. But I do enjoy my 24' bay boat.

Spot lock at my age, 63 is a must have. I can't believe you wouldn't get it on your new boat. It as much a safety item as anything.

Good thinking.

Tracker 195 tournament edition 150hp 24v trolling motor changed too 36v quad tire trailer had a 175 but love the 195

Randy, I just completed my downsizing from s 20ft 225hp Ranger to a 1988 364V in amazing shape with a 150hp and IM VERY VERY happy with my decision. I can pull it easily with my light duty Tacoma and I love how it handles. I had decided to go Aluminum until I lucked into this older gem. Love your channel!!

Im glad to hear that you are keeping everything realistic.

Randy , Ranger Rt188 with 115 hp and one power pole and one 24v Lithium battery for a 24v Ultrex trolling motor. Killer rig for the money. !!!

Well done bud

I bought an Avid 18xb w/Yam 115 SHO this past January. I love it! Aluminum is lighter so it will blow off spot quicker than a glass boat but the positives far out way the negatives in my opinion. Fuel economy is better on and off water(towing), easier to launch at ramps without a dock, no gel coat to chip or maintain, and so on. Just an opinion, but I prefer aluminum. I live across the street from from a boat ramp on a major creek arm off Chickamauga Lake so you're welcome to come take it out for the day. It'll only cost you a co-angler spot for myself(LOL). Good luck in your search

Randy, I've got a 96 Ranger 361 XT, single console with a 150 HP Johnson, and a single axle trailer. Had it since 2000. Long been paid for. It's fishes great. Good luck on your search. You will be happy knowing you can catch as many fish as the high priced boats.

Ladies and gentlemen, the sole purpose in having the $100,000 boat is when you're not catching fish and when you haven't caught any fish,; you look good !!! But as long as people are dumb enough to keep buying people will keep making !!! Elvis has left the building !!!

Randy, I have an 18' Crestliner with 115 motor. I’ve been very pleased with it. I got it at Whites Marine, on the other side of Bolivar. They were pretty good to deal with, at the time.

17ft Glass ... Not even a second thought 👍🎣✌️

you are on the right track,, I sold my fiberglass boat and now I own a Ranger 188. I love it ! I fish the same places and am catching more fish Greg

My friend told that boat is a hole in the water to throw money into. This is the same guy that just spent 130,000 for a pontoon. Still slappin my leg.

I would encourage you to take a good look at the aluminum War Eagle, specifically how it's built that differs from all the other aluminum boats. In my 76 years I've owned a lot of boats, aluminum and fiberglass, plain john boats to high performance, and fished many bass tournaments in most of them. I have returned to basics in my approach to bass fishing much like you are aspiring to do and honestly enjoy it immensely. I live on Lake Fork and currently own a War Eagle. The wind is a big factor, as you know, but my MinnKota spot lock t/motor really makes things a lot more bearable. 24v on an aluminum boat will do everything a 36v will do on a glass boat under pretty much all circumstances. Good luck in your endeavors Randy. BTW, 3 months ago I cancelled my membership to BASS after being a member for over 50 years. Breaks my heart what our sport has evolved to.

I have a Ranger RT188 with a 115HP Mercury. I absolutely love this boat. I use it to fish the CA delta. One thing to keep in mind though. If you intend to continue fishing professional tournaments, you will want to continue with at least a 150HP motor. Many tournament organizers have 150HP minimum requirements. I can fish some local tournaments in my boat with the 115 but I do not qualify to fish the more major tournament trails out here for that reason. Not sure if the BASS opens have the same requirement but you may want to check first before making a decision.

Just purchased a G3 after having a Tracker for four years. Love it, very stable to fish out of, big livewell and a lot of storage. And the price isn’t ridiculous.

I have had both aluminum and fiberglass boats. fiberglass hands down; because of the wind factor and they ride smoother and fish better in current

Good luck on your boat search

Still run my 1989 Ranger 361v with the original Evinrude 150hp. The 361 handles rough water great and with the front deck extension the front deck is actually pretty big and has plenty of storage.

Last week on Facebook marketplace there was a beautiful 2022 bass cat with a 150 on the back for $37,000 here in Idaho. I’ve had several bass boats and I do miss them. But my wife has so much medical issues she can’t handle big waves so we went and got a G3 deep V 17angler boat and it works really good. I know that’s not what you’re looking for so happy hunting!

2007 Lowe’s Stinger 175… 50 Mercury; odd-end maintenance; runs, fishes; great fellowship when fishing; no stress when busy & it sets in shop; low budget fishing but it’s fishing!

I purchased a Lund Renegade 1975 and love it. It has everything you want in a bass boat for almost half the price. It is very stable with tons of storage. I have a 150 and it costs $15 a day in gas to run.

Last time I visited my local Bass Pro Shops, I checked out their boat showroom. The sticker on one of the more affordable boats proudly boasted that it could be yours for only $337 a month. Hidden in the fine print was at the loan term was 180 months!?! That’s 15 years!

Just got my first boat this summer. Tracker classic xl. As a kid my grandad didn’t have much more and he won lots of tournaments here in Oklahoma. All these electronics have kept me from trying tournaments.

I have a '99 BassCat P3 200 Merc with a tandem axle had it for 12 years I absolutely love it. Bought an 05 Skeeter ZX225 with a 225 Yamaha ran it for 6konths and sold it. I didn't like it as much as my Cat. Good luck on your search

Falcon F185 it’s 18‘9“ with a 93 inch beam. You can’t get this boat for under 30,000 just because of the economy and inlfation issues… it is the largest fishing 18 foot boat I have ever been in. I’ve been in and out of bass boats since I was eight years old. I am 47 years old now. i have owned this falcon for over two years. Absolutely love it. I also have the tandem axle trailer upgrade, and I am very happy with that as well.

Smart move.

My wife and I bought a brand new Ranger RT178 with a 60hp 4 stroke and an 80 pound thrust Ultrex trolling motor. 2 graphs. It is a 21 year model sitting on the showroom floor. No power poles or other things. We love it. Sure, in the beginning like all new boats, we had to get the bugs out of it. No regrets. Super quality.

Champion for sure.

My buddy has a 391V Ranger w a 150 Johnson . Cream puff boat was garage kept for 22yrs . It on the FB marketplace.

Vexus 1980 with 150 Mercury Pro XS. Love mine.

I would definitely try and fit a basket into my budget. One of the big considerations that I was looking at was the size of livewells in aluminum boats as often way too small.

100% truth on the prices of boats these days. That is why I still have a 1995 BassCat P2. I would definitely go with a fiberglass boat. They ride in rough water better, and they do not get blown around as much. You do want the double axle trailer. They pull so much better than a single. I would like to find a double axle trailer for mine.

I bought a Tracker 175 TXW with a 60 Merc back in 2012 and still have it. The only up grade I did was add a 80 lb trust trolling motor to handle wind. I wish I had spot lock! I really think it would be more beneficial than power poles for you. I have two Garmin 93 locator’s no FFS and find them sufficient for a 78 year old, just my suggestions.

Ranger RT188P w/115XS Merc has worked well for me. It has plenty of rod and gear storage and tops out in the upper 40s lightly loaded. Choppy water ride is good trimmed down. No issues getting blown off spots with the right spot lock settings. Trailer tires have Flat Out sealant in them and are never an issue. I looked at many six-figure boats before settling on the 188P and happy with the purchase.

Randy, I got a 18 foot deep V aluminum 115 bass fishing 12 inches of water also troll with electric Downrigger’s and Dipsy divers salmon on Lake Ontario 6 miles offshore when it’s decent lol better know what you’re doing if you’re going out there trailering is easy helix 7 I pilot custom trailer with all the gear!!! 50 sun top track system pole holders lockable storage 29 gallon live well mood lights interior rug, custom stereo windshield Dashboard looks like a race car. Pro ride seats air pedestal.

I sure like your take on the fine sport of fishing. I also look forward to your new boat fishing videos without all the tech crap that allows instant gratification for those who have no patience.

I have a Ranger 188p which has a padded bottom. Handles great in rough water. I also got the double axle trailer. It’s a great setup, the front deck is wide and storage is great.

I tournament fish out of a 175T Ranger with a 75hp E-Tec. All you need is a platform to stand. Makes you fish smarter

My last boat was a Ranger 188 VX. 18'-8" with a Yahama 150, it ran about 60 mph top end, rode smooth is rough water and had all the storage I needed. It was an awesome rig. Brand new in 2010 was $33,000. I see them today for between $20-$27k. My first bass boat was a 1990 Nitro 175FS with a Johnson GT 150, brand new price was $11,995! My how things have changed.

If you can find a basscat margay or bobcat I’ve had one for quite few years and every guy I’ve ever had in it who own a much bigger boat is impressed with how it is to fish out of handling rough water etc

Haha idk Randy, I used small aluminum boats up till I bought my skeeter w a 150 Yamaha on it. I used it for 13 years, damn fine vessel and the absolute best motor I’ve ever run. As far as using less tackle, absolutely. Point in fact was seeing George Cochran with 1 ziplock baggie with a couple spinner baits and a couple 1/4oz white Husky Jerks in it. He won that tournament too. How he ever threw that husky jerk from that 200 size Shimano Calcutta, the distance he was, is beyond me 🤣 thanks for the update..

2024 Ranger Aluminum RT188 w/Mercury 115 ELPT Four-stroke Command Thrust is around 33,000. or a Tracker 2024 PRO TEAM 190 TXw/ 115 ELPT Pro XS FourStroke Mercury Pro XS for around 28,000.

Randy, I've wanted a boat all of my life and just horse-traded for a 1994 Stratos 290 SF with a Johnson 200 venom motor. The boat is going to be a complete rebuild. The motor needs the Power Pak replaced and the lower unit is a bit rough. The boat's floor is a complete replacement job and the top of the boat is a complete rebuild stem to stern. I'll never be able to afford an expensive boat, but I think with some serious sweat equity and hustling the parts/stuff together to make this a great boat are there. I can't wait to see what you get into.

Whatever you get, always get a tandem trailer. My last two boats were tandem. My latest boat has a single axle and I regret not spending the extra 1000 bucks. This boat I have now is a 17'7" tracker with a 60 Merc 4 stk. I stopped fishing tournaments many years ago. My fishing buddy has a fiberglass 19' with a 150 Yamaha and I love it too. I wish you luck with your choices but remember tandem axle is the way to go!

Loving the hat!!! 🤠 Loving the outdoor office!!! 🤓 Thanks for the update on the boat👍I like the idea 💡. How about a 1988 Kingfisher🤠 with a 150Mercury xr6. It be one of a kind and we'll know it's you🤔🫤 cost under 5k👍👍👍

With the level of fishing you do, I'd definitely go with a 150 hp motor. I'm on my 5th bass boat within 40 years. All were fiberglass until now. I bought a tracker 175 txw with 60hp. Best boat decision I've ever made. I did have to get use to going slower but man the gas mileage is awesome. 3 to 4 fishing trips on one tank at lake hartwell which is a hughe lake.

195 tracker, very stable, smooth ride. Lots of work room

When tracker came out with their anniversary boat in 2018 for 10 grand I ordered it. I have made improvements like 24 volt trolling motor and butt seats. All it is is an economical platform to fish off of. I might burn a gallon of gas per day fishing. I fish Clearlake in california regularly. Every trip so far this year we have caught at least a five pound largemouth. The last trip we had an 8 pounder. I prefer to keep my money in my pocket instead of payments and high gas bills. I totally understand how you feel. I wish you luck finding your boat and winning some tournaments the old fashion way! Thank You

I have a Avid 19XB with a 150 Yamaha SHO and it's a nice boat the front deck is 6 feet wide and it fishes like a fiberglass boat. I have a 6 inch hydraulic jack plate and a minn kota 80lb. spotlock trolling motor and it's under $50,000

I have a multi species Crestliner....welded aluminum..has served me well..I've caught a LOT of smallmouths on this boat..:)

I'd love to see you get an older ranger 361 and put a new 4 stroke engine on it. Go old school!

I bought my 2004 Skeeter SX190 with 150 Yamaha Zmax in 2007 for 13,000. Upgraded in 2019 with new carpet, 2 Helix 10's and an Ultrex 80 for $8k for all of it.. Ultrex was BIG improvement over the Fortrex. She's now 20 years old and got lots of dock and rock scars, but she keeps my ass out of the water like a brand new. Top speed is around 52mph, but who cares? Never caught a bass at 50mph anyway. No power poles but I do like spot lock. I'm not a tournament guy so my craft is great for fun fishing. Keep it simple.

I don’t have much of an opinion on a boat, but whatever I’d buy would have a 4 stroke Merc 150 hanging on the back of it.

Rockin Randall I’ve got a “96” Charger with a 150 Yamaha Pro V, beautiful great running boat

Venus AVX is a hybrid glass/aluminum. I can get 52mph in my 1880 with a 115. Tons of storage space too compared to a similar Ranger.

Randy, I agree with you on the crazy boat prices. few years ago i was looking to upgrade my boat. after months of research i settled on a Triton 179 trx. bought it in 2019. 115 merc. Live in North east Oh fish mostly reservoirs and sometime on lake Eire. I chose this boat because they have been building this boat for years. No surprise it just works.

Get what you want in the boat but as much interstate and highways you travel get the tandem axle trailer.

I have a Vexus 1880, 115 merc. Very happy with it.

I've got a 2023 Xpress and really like the boat, but you're correct they will drift in the wind however I do have anchor lock and it for the most part solves the problem. Bang for your buck Xpress is hard to beat. No doubt a Gator Trax is the premier tin boat, you can custom design the boat, it's a tank, but they are pricey. I'm looking forward to seeing what you decide to go with!

I have a Ranger 2018 Z185 with a150 Merc four stroke, 7 inch Lowrance front and back and 7inch Hummingbird side imaging unit and Minnkota Fortrex . Best 36,000 ever spent

Check out Gator Trax aluminum boats. They use a thicker metal on their hulls and night meet your needs.

Cannot beat an Xpress. I have had a H20B with a Yamaha 150 SHO since 2016 with a Double axle trailer. My son and I have traveled all over the state of TX the last 4 years fishing his high school bass tournaments. We fish shallow and spend a lot of time bouncing off stumps, pushing through buck brush and banging around in places where fish live shallow. Could not be more happy with mine. Can’t get this model under $30K, but there’s got to be an Xpress in the 18’ range that can get close with a 115 or maybe 150. Gator Trax would be another great option built like a tank and handles rough water really well. Good luck with your search!

I fish out of a 1990 fiberglass bass tracker 17ft with 92 model evinrude 150 and love it.

I ran a 17’7” Ranger with 125hp during my tournament days. I caught several 25-32 pound bags winning local tournaments for $2,500-$3,000 each. I won 16 tournaments in my best year. All in my 17’ boat against the 20 footers. The boat doesn’t catch the fish, the angler does. I’m with you Randy on the boat subject. Also never needed electronics for anything else other than depth. Never had electronics on my bow. Let me tell you; the feeling of accomplishment I had winning or coming close to winning was awesome. I’d feel like I cheated if I had to use FFS to catch fish. No fishing skill needed for that. I feel sorry for these current people that are not experiencing what it’s really like to catch fish without electronics.

I'm a Tin Boat guy, in your case I would look into a Ranger 185. There are tons of good ones out there under your price point even if you had to give it a little bit of love

Repowering an older boat would hit your 30K budget. Your many years of experience with multiple boats will serve your well with this quest. A few years ago I suggested a series on your channel for those of us looking to older boats, what you liked and disliked about each series / brand etc... Now the thought exercise will benefit you too. You raved of the Fortrex, cheaper and solid performer. A new outboard with warranty and improved economy, noise, etc seems a no brainer but a repower's in the 20K ball park with wiring upgrades, possibly changing brands, etc... Good luck, please consider the model reviews is you start looking to older boats in your search. Good luck

I just bought a used skeeter from a dealership listed for 30 k I offered 25 and they took it. They’re not expensive if you don’t have to have the absolute newest best thing.

I have an Avid 19XB with a 150 SHO. Only complaint is it sits on top of the water and bobs like a cork. Tough in the wind and waves.

Hey Randy. You have a great idea behind this but I just hate to have you cut yourself short I'd like to see you raise your amount you spend and keep it at or under $38,000 dollars. Your options will really open up and as a personal or business purchase it's definitely still in the financially practical amount. As far as fiberglass vs. aluminum I've had them both and equally enjoyed them. Two of the advantages of the aluminum were its ability to not scratch when fishing through heavy downed logs and beaching the boat. It sure made it easier to maintain its looks. Good Luck Randy. I can't wait to see which boat has your name on it!

Well in that price range you’re definitely looking at a use boat. In 2021 I bought a new StarCraft Storm 166 Double windshield with. 70hp Yamaha and a single axle trailer, Helix 7, Minn-Kota 80lb Terrova with Spot Lock for 30K new. Full talk of gas with the wife and gear tops 33-34 mph

Perfect time to be shopping, I hear the market is tanking and you might get into a new boat easier than you think!

Go get yourself a good, pre-Covid built, used boat for under $40K. There are a bunch out there that are in great condition! Go check Bass Boat Central. Forget aluminum. Get at least a 20’ with a dual axel trailer.

Seaark 17rx. 70 hp. Can't hurt it. Skinny water great ride.

I’ve been fishing out of my x19 every day since I bought it in March except for the one day I fished out of the Skeeter.

Charger boats makes a boat just like you are looking for. Get hold of Kelly Powers. He is their manager. They make good quality boats. I have an 84 model that still has the original carpet and seats. No cracks in the transom.

I vote for the Lund Renegade!

You are right about the wind pushing you around on an aluminum boat. I have a deep v 19 ft. Tracker and it’s not even easy to dock. That being said my trolling motor is a 24 volt Terrova holds it on spot lock like a champ in the wind . Less expensive than a Ultrex but foot control is electronic if that makes a difference I don’t know only have had this type.

i say get spot lock and power poles. i'd like to see more on the water videos like old school bill dance tutorials and those would make it much easier to film.

I can't see how you can get a new bass boat with a 150 hp engine and be 18 feet for 30K. Even that is too high of an expectation without any sponsorship offset. You don't want to go below 150 hp and 18 foot. I run a G3 with those same numbers, but they don't make the HP (High Performance) series of aluminum any more (I wish they did though!)

Vexus AVX 1880 or Xpress X19Pro would be ideal for your still of fishing. Good luck and looking forward to seeing whatever you choose and the series of videos to follow!!

Love my stratos 275 XL with 90 HP Yamaha. Has a white bottom

Get an all welded heavy gauge aluminum boat that does not have carpet in it! I can't figure out why they put carpet in a fishing boat. One of the big advantages of an aluminum boat is getting it repaired if needed. Any good welding shop can repair an aluminum boat, and you're quickly back in business.