Torn between boat types.

I’m planning on buying a boat this coming year and I’m currently torn between a bass boat and a multi species deep v. I will say in the past I fish for bass, crappie, and bluegill probably 95% of the time if not more with the other 5% being mostly catfish. But I’m wanting to get into walleye, pike, and catfish more. Boat could possibly be used for tubing maybe 3-4 times a year. Has anyone been in this situation and have any suggestions or things to think about?

Edit: I do plan on hopefully fishing some local bass tournaments next year. Mostly will be no wake lakes with a river, etc thrown in.

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But I’m wanting to get into walleye, pike, and catfish more. Boat could possibly be used for tubing maybe 3-4 times a year.

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Hard to do this with a bass boat. I think you answred your own question. Now what Deep-V boat?

Try to find a Ranger 681vs if you can. Great multi species boat. They are hard to find but worth looking for if you want a used boat.

My opinion is a multi-species boat. Just more versatile and I like them better on bigger water. I would agree that, if in your budget, a Ranger is a great choice.

Champion or Ranger Walleye boats can do both….

Dog

Sounds like you are on the right track. Take a good look at what you want to do in the boat 1st and then try to find a boat that will match this the best. Dont worry if you cant find a boat that does everything you want it to do. Every boat has its limitations. Good thing there is no law against owning more than one.

If you are going to fish bigger water with bigger waves a boat that can handle this may be a top priority. If you want to get into trolling for walleyes you may want a boat that can handle a kicker motor or tiller that can troll down. For lots of casting or pitching look for front and rear decks.

Take your time and sit in a lot of boats. Better yet try to fish out of as many as you can. The last boat I bought was from a guy that fishes fairly similar to where and how I fish. It ended up being a good match for me.

Make sure you get out in a few rigs to try fishing out of them. We use my bass boat for skiing a few times per year with no issues.

Have some fun looking that is the best part!

I agree, try to sit in a few different rigs if you can and note the things you like and what you don’t. Note where things are at and put that in relation to how you fish and who else you usually have in the boat with you. If you plan to fish tournaments, make sure you get a good live well system.

Once you pick a style, try to find a few different brands with similar style boats to compare them.

Good luck picking out the new rig.
Dave

My brother-in-law in KS has an 1850 Targa and I really like that boat. We fish little lakes for panfish and also handles Mille Lacs with absolutely no problems. Very nice set-up.

http://www.tuffyboats.com/boats/x190

Check out the 190, it is a deep V but not quite so tall but taller than a Bass aka Brian Boat.It was designed for Musky fishing big waters like Millelacs.

It is rated for 200 but 150 or 175 would be adequete. They ride awesome and are dry

There are very few true multi-species boats out there today. Fact is, they really don’t sell very well. And many manufatcures quit making them.

Like Brian mentioned, take a look at a used Ranger 681vs or the updated version the 618vs. (or even some of the older Stratos models)

I’ve had the 618 for a few years now and love the boat. Handles big water fine and is a super platform for fishing the river. (Pitching and casting.)

I have a bunch of pics located in the “Rate my Rig” group.
You will need to join the group to view the pics.

Ranger 618vs

This boat has the deep V hull for cutting big waves and is heavy enough to off plane to sit close to the water.

-J.

I would definitely get a deeper boat, bass boats are fun for going fast but they don’t ride as well or handle rough water. I have a Ranger and I love it but I looked at a lot of different boats before I bought mine.

I would suggest going to the boat show where you can get in and crawl around all the different makes and models in one place. Sit in them think about how you currently fish and how you would like to in the future and you’ll probably find boats that will work great and some not so great.

I have done everything from skinny water bass fishing to Walleye Tournaments on the great lakes with my 620 and I couldn’t be happier. It also tosses a great wake for tubing. It water skis pretty good too.

My last bit of advice is don’t decide on a boat before you shop around and look them over in person. I was sure I was going to buy a Pro V and I am sure I would have been happy with it but after checking them out the Ranger just felt like it worked better for me.

Hope that helps even a little….have fun with your boat search!!

“Bass boats are fun for going fast but they don’t ride as well or handle rough water.”

I was under this same impression until riding in Jon’s boat on LOTWs in some 3 to 4’ers. That bass boat can blast threw some waves. Now trolling or anchoring in them is a different story.

My boat is more like a bass boat cap on a deep v hull. Most bass boats don’t have a deep v hull. They taper back to a pad. That’s not a good ride on ruff stuff.

Even though Ranger classifies the 619/620/621 as a multi specis boat. I look at them as big water walleye boats that multi species into a big water salmon trollers or ocean runners. Rather than a crossover to a bass boat.

Mike is right. I can run 4 footers no problem. But I can’t anchor up in them. On the other hand, I can run 10 inches of water if needed. Hench the true crossover.

-J.

The multispecies rig will still give you lots of front deck room for bassin’, yet have the space behind for people for tubing-skiing-plus open back area will benefit for any trolling, taking kids or the such. Look into crestliner’s series, as they have great big decks yet room in the back-will also have deep enough hull to handle rougher water. If you are hung up on glass, look for a similar design. I love Jon’s boat, but would like it wider in the back end. Too bad ranger did not make that boat with more width-that would have been a good boat! Not getting paid for any plug here, but if you are stuck on glass, you might want to give the skeeter boat center a call as they may have some interesting information for you.
good luck!

Jeremy