If you’re an avid angler already familiar with fishing boats who’s decided you want to focus on bass fishing and get yourself a true bass boat, you’ll want to know who’s building the best bass boat on the market, and what makes one model better than another. Being informed about the current models will help make your boat buying decision easier. What makes bass boats so desirable for bass fishing is a low profile, high performance and the ability to cast from anywhere. These types of boats also make it easy to cruise in shallow waters, making them ideal for those who enjoy angling for other similar species to bass.
Fortunately, because there are so many options available today, it shouldn’t be hard to find an ideal boat to suit your needs. In this guide, we’ll take a look at a handful of the top bass boats for 2022, as well as how to choose your model and what the benefits are of choosing the bass boat over other styles, equipping you with all the information that you need to buy the best bass boat. Let’s begin by looking at which key features you should consider to determine which bass boats are best for the job.
- Bass Boat Key Features
- Size
- Price Range
- Horsepower And Speed
- Fishing Seats
- Livewells
- Rod Boxes
- Electronics
- Additional Features
- Top 10 Best Bass Boats For 2022
- 2022 Lowe Stinger 178
- 2022 Nitro Z21 XL
- 2022 Puma FTD SP
- 2022 Crestliner 1750 Bass Hawk
- 2022 Skorpion 17
- 2022 Tracker Pro Team 190TX
- Ranger Z518C
- 2022 Phoenix 921 Elite
- 2022 Skeeter FXR 21 Apex
- 2022 Xpress X21 Pro
Bass Boat Key Features
Bass boats are popular due to their low-profile platform, speed, performance and straightforward design. They offer plenty of space for casting a line without having to worry about which side of the boat you’re on. Even the center console, if there is one, will have a low profile so it doesn’t get in the way of your fishing. These boats also usually include outboard motors that deliver various levels of power, although some have inboard engines.
The biggest considerations in choosing a bass boat are:
Size
Most bass boats range in size from 16 to 25 feet. Consider where you’ll be fishing, how many passengers you want to take along, and what your budget is so that you can get the ideal fit.
Price Range
Speaking of budget, you’ll have to consider what type of price range you have in mind for your new bass boat. You can find smaller models for as little as $10,000 with basic features, or high-end designs that cost as much as $45,000 or more, so there’s something for just about everyone.
Horsepower and Speed
You’ll also want to consider the speed of your bass boat. While fishing, you won’t need it to be unnecessarily fast, of course, but if you want to get out to the good spots faster, a quicker boat could be the ideal choice.
Fishing Seats
Does the boat come with permanent or storable fishing seats? While you can have them fitted after, it’s better if the boat that has them included.
Livewells
Plenty of bass boats include livewells of various sizes. Some models will not offer this feature, but if you want it, you can find it in the models that have more high-end features included. Consider the size and location of the livewell in your purchase, too.
Rod Boxes
Another great feature is storage for your fishing rods.
Electronics
Fishfinders, GPS systems, LED lighting, and even premium electric trolling motors are available for modern bass boats. Feel free to peruse electronic devices out there to help you to work out which you want on your boat.
Additional Features
Tackle stowage (besides rod boxes) and coolers can be found on select models and could impact your decision.
The importance of these features will vary depending on what you are looking for and how you plan to use your boat, but these are typically the things that you will find available when shopping for bass boats.
The Best Bass Boats: Our Top Ten Picks
Let’s take a look at some of the best bass boats on the market for 2022 and beyond.
1. 2022 Lowe Stinger 178
We want to start with a basic model and although it might surprise some people that this one makes the “best” list because of its small size, it’s a cost-effective option that we love for all of its simple features and more. It also starts with a base price of less than $20K, which is almost impossible to find. The Lowe Stinger 178 includes everything you need—a livewell, timer, and locking rod box are also included, along with fold-down fishing seats. For those who want a cost-effective intro to owning a bass boat, this could be a perfect choice.
2. 2022 Nitro Z21 XL
At the other end of the spectrum is the Nitro Z21 XL which leaves quite an impression. Starting with a standard MSRP right around $60K, the outboard motor comes in at 250 hp with an upgrade to a 300 hp motor available for those who want it. LED lighting and multiple fish finders ensure that you have all the gadgets that you need no matter where you’re heading and the premium electric trolling motor included can be 24 or 36 volts in size. Tackle stowage is impressive on this craft—you can practically bring the entire shop if you want.
3. 2022 Puma FTD SP
The Puma FTD from Bass Cat is designed to deliver plenty of basic and premium features, depending on the type of budget that you have. There are several models available that you can choose from, with lengths of around 20 feet and price ranges up to $70K. It has plenty of storage compartments and is an ideal choice for those who want to take their bass fishing to the next level. This model includes a ventilated tackle box center in the center of the boat and includes two Fish Finders and a Minn Kota Fotrex 80 motor. This model is built by bass anglers for other anglers and includes everything that people could need.
4. 2022 Crestliner 1750 Bass Hawk
This is rated among the best in aluminum bass boats that are on the market today, and it comes in at about 17 feet, and nine inches. The prices range up to $40K or more, depending on which features you choose. Some people prefer aluminum to fiberglass because it is lighter and more durable. This boat features room for up to five with a low-profile center console and two seats for passengers. It also has tons of storage and is loaded with a host of optional features, as well as a four-stroke engine that will ensure premium power on the water. This is a smaller model, but it still includes a 28-gallon livewell and plenty of other features that make it well worth the investment.
5. 2022 Skorpion 17
This Skorpion 17 offers a budget-friendly option for boaters who want to get out on the water when they don’t have a lot to spend. The Skorpion includes an aerated livewell, aft casting decks, and two pedestal seats for fishing along with two seats in the cockpit. This low-maintenance, rugged vessel is great for those who want something that will hold its value. For those who are just starting out in the bass fishing world or who are just in need of a small craft to take out on local waters, this could be the ideal fit.
6. 2022 Tracker Pro Team 190TX
This vessel offers a beautiful coat that shines on the water and has an impressive budget-friendly design that will fit just about any fishing needs. There is room for up to four people on the boat, including two cockpit seats and two pedestal seats. Measuring up to 18 feet, seven inches, this boat comes in at under $20K and still has plenty of features to appreciate. It also includes a Lawrence fish finder, ensuring that you can always find the best fish out on the water. It’s not the fastest or even the flashiest boat, but it’s a reliable solution for those who are angling without a huge budget for watercraft.
7. Ranger Z518C
If you are looking for something with a little more power, the Ranger has everything that you want. It’s smaller, coming in at just 18 feet, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks features in any way. The 2020 and later models now feature up to 200 hp engines, which is impressive for a boat this size. There’s an included cooler to keep beverages cold and a fishing seat on the rear ensures that you can cast a comfortable line anywhere. There’s also an oversized deck for stand-up casting and while you won’t find a lot of fishing or storage features, you’ll find a stylish boat that fits just right.
8. 2022 Phoenix 921 Elite
For those who want a custom boat, this model hits the mark time and time again. Most anglers like to customize their boats to at least some degree, which is exactly what this vessel offers. It also gives people the chance to customize their electronics packages, thanks to the bow insert that comes as an optional addition. You can even choose from a variety of colors and even get a trailer that’s customized to match your watercraft, and you’ll enjoy two cockpit seats and a wide-open fishing deck. If you’re looking for a boat that can be exactly what you want, this one should be on your list.
9. 2022 Skeeter FXR 21 Apex
Skeeter has redone its entire model lineup for the current year and this is the ultimate in their collection. Keep in mind that you’ll be pushing the top of the price limits with most models of this craft costing over $100,000, but you can go above and beyond when it comes to customization to create one of the most durable bass boats on the market today. It includes twin Raptor pole anchors, a 12” jack plate, and an impressive trolling motor that features iPilot technology. This is the top of the top shelf of bass boats, but for those who have the money to spend and who want the best of the best, this is the model to consider.
10. 2022 Xpress X21 Pro
This is another premium aluminum option for the bass fishing market, offering the rugged qualities that you love about this material with the premium speeds that can be reached because of the lightweight nature of the boat. Pricing starts around $40K, but you can upgrade to 250 hp and add other features if you are willing to spend a little more. There’s even an option for a fishing pedestal at the front and rear of the boat, along with other features.
The Benefits Of Bass Boats
Aside from their shallow draft, bass boats are offerstorage space and deck space for casting a line anywhere. These boats also have other perks, including:
· Maintaining value over time
Bass boats are known for holding their value over time.
· Easy to store
Some people may say that these boats aren’t well-protected from the elements, but their small footprint makes them easy to store out of the elements when not in use, so that’s definitely a perk, not a drawback.
· Stability
The low bow and profile of the bass boat make it much more stable than other models of boats.
· Customizable storage and layouts
With the selection of bass boats on the market today, you can customize all kinds of storage and seating configurations to fit your unique needs.
Bear in mind that bass boats are not seaworthy because they’re designed for shallow, calm inland waters. They also won’t hold 20 of your friends, but if you’re heading out to fish, you probably only have one or two people along for the excursion anyway.
For those who love to fish for bass and other shallow water species, this boat could be the perfect investment.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know more about the selection of bass boats on the market for 2022, you can find the perfect boat for your fishing endeavors. Whether you’re headed out on the lake or just going to hit some local rivers and bigger streams, you’ll find bass boats of every size and style to make sure that you have the best time on the water.
Browse new or used bass boats for sale on YachtWorld.
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