WTB A Crappie boat

I am looking to buy a nice crappie boat or a bass boat that can be converted.I need help deciding a few things like Glass or Aluminum . would appreciate a few opinions on which one and why ? would like to keep the price down to 15k or under but might go more for the right rig. 17 ft. or larger . I also do not want to travel too far to look, maybe 2 to 300 miles from central Tx. the closer the better, would also like it to be powered at or near the boats rated HP.

one more question: will the perfect boat even be possible to find?

Yes it can be found. It just depends on what you want. Glass boats are heavier and more stable in winds. Bass boats make good crappie boats. You did not state what kind of fishing you do. Tight line or pulling shooting docks or jigging. Alumunin boats are lighter and easier on mileage if you have to travel to your fishing grounds. It is more in your style of fishing than my recommendation.

I'm a tin can man 18'6 xpress aluminum 125 Mercury handles big waters great and can get pretty shallow runs about 42 mph loaded with a couple people pretty good on gas .loads super easy . only thing is no well in front other than that I love it.i have rode in the Lowe bosts I really like how stable they are .may not handle big waves like the express but I think they are a more roomy. glass boats are smooth rides but they heavy heavy.if you going to run a lot I would go with 4 stroke they great on fuel.:twocents:twocents

Good advice so far. I have an 18' glass bass boat w/150hp. Older boat so uses lots of fuel. Learned a lot with this boat though. The front deck needs to be wide enough to fish 2 people, whether you ever do or not. The more storage the better, mine is middle of the road. I wouldn't go smaller than 18', better to get back home in the rough conditions. A 20' with a 4 stroke would serve you well for many years. And the most ponies the hull will stand is also on target. Better to not run them wide open every time out, unless you want to. Must have room for at least 3 batteries and charger system. If you fish rivers or current you may want to go 36 volts and that's 4 batteries. Most important is to sit in the boat and feel how it works for how you fish. You'b be amazed at how well something looks from alongside that isn't worth beans from inside. Good luck,and yes, the perfect boat can be found, and now through the end of February is the best time to buy.

I am looking at a zx20 skeeter bay , with a 150 yamaha, I think it will make a great crappie boat, only issue I can see is storage room and front deck room may be a little cramped for 2 people , I will post pics if I can make a deal on this boat

I am looking at a zx20 skeeter bay , with a 150 yamaha, I think it will make a great crappie boat, only issue I can see is storage room and front deck room may be a little cramped for 2 people , I will post pics if I can make a deal on this boat

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Originally Posted by sinkermaker

Yes it can be found. It just depends on what you want. Glass boats are heavier and more stable in winds. Bass boats make good crappie boats. You did not state what kind of fishing you do. Tight line or pulling shooting docks or jigging. Alumunin boats are lighter and easier on mileage if you have to travel to your fishing grounds. It is more in your style of fishing than my recommendation.

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I live on a lake , fish mostly 1 rod 1 soft plastic jig, but will rig my next boat with rod holders for 6 to 8 rods, i will need lots of help to get this boat rigged out right and on the water

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Originally Posted by lp243

I live on a lake , fish mostly 1 rod 1 soft plastic jig, but will rig my next boat with rod holders for 6 to 8 rods, i will need lots of help to get this boat rigged out right and on the water

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You're in the right place.

You might send a PM to SatDoc1. He had a nice 18 charger with 150 completely outfitted for a good price in your range. When I say outfitted I mean everything to go fishing that day including kicker motor for pulling cranks.

Last year I bought an 04 Triton Tr20 with Yam 225....best investment I have made and we fish alot.....for years I've fished out of a Procraft 20 fish and ski and even guided out of it several times....it was great for when the kids were younger and wanted to ski and tube but alas they have grown up so wife and I found this since its alot easier to load and unload esprecially when I go alone....the Triton is set up great for crappie fishing and with it being 20 ft it handles just about any kind of water....We fish different lakes, creeks, and rivers around and it fishes very good for two or three on the front....it can easily be set up for spider rigging but we usually double dip from the front....hope this helps and keep looking and you will find what you want.

Andy