The 5 Best Bass Fishing Boats You Can Buy in 2023

Bass fishing is one of the most popular sports in the United States. According to the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, over 16 million Americans participate in bass fishing every year.

If you’re looking to get into the sport, you’re going to need a good boat. But with so many different types and models on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.

In this article, we’re going to give you a breakdown of the different types of bass fishing boats and help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll also provide a list of the best boats on the market for each type.

2. What to consider when purchasing a fishing boat

Before you decide to purchase a fishing boat, there are several factors to consider first.

1. Size: Fishing boats can come in many different sizes, from 12-foot to over 20-foot vessels. Think about the size of the lake or river you’ll be fishing in, as well as how many people will be joining you on the boat. You don’t want to be cramped or struggle with a boat that’s too large for your needs.

2. Price: Fishing boats can range in price from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it.

3. Durability: If you’re planning to fish in rough waters or for an extended period, you’ll need a durable boat that can take a beating. Look for boats with strong construction and good reviews.

4. Storage: Everyone likes to take home the bounty of their catches, so consider how much storage space you’ll need and figure out how many coolers, tackle boxes, and other storage containers you’ll need to fit your needs.

Do your research before purchasing a fishing boat and choose one that will provide you with years of fishing enjoyment.

Size

Size is one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a bass fishing boat in 2023. You want to be sure that the boat can handle the size of the body of water you are fishing in, as well as any conditions you may encounter.

If you are fishing in larger bodies of water, you'll need to look for a boat that is at least 16 to 18 feet in length, with a wide beam. This will give you stability and allow you to navigate larger waves. If you are fishing in smaller bodies of water, you can get away with a smaller boat, around 12 to 14 feet in length with a narrower beam.

The size of your fishing party is also an important consideration. If you are bringing a few friends or family members with you, you'll need a bigger boat that can accommodate everyone's gear.

In addition, you should think about the size of your motor and the amount of horsepower it has. You'll need to make sure the motor is powerful enough to get you where you need to go.

Capacity

Capacity is another important factor to consider when buying a bass fishing boat for 2023. You want to ensure that the boat can accommodate your gear, as well as any other items you may be bringing on board.

The capacity of a bass fishing boat will largely depend on its size. Generally, a 16-18 foot boat will have a capacity of up to five passengers and gear. A 12-14 foot boat will have a capacity of up to four passengers and gear.

In addition, you'll want to consider the amount of storage space you need. Many boats feature multiple compartments to store tackle and other items such as rods and reels. You'll also want to look for a boat that has a live well, enclosed compartment specifically designed to store live bait.

Finally, think about the amenities you'll need. Look for a boat that has the features that you'll make the most use of, such as a fish finder, radar, GPS, or stereo system. It's also beneficial to look for a boat with a trolling motor so that you can move more quietly and efficiently around the water.

Hull type

Hull type is an important factor when selecting the best bass fishing boat. The hull type of your boat determines how the boat will function in the water.

The most common hull types for bass fishing boats include flat-bottom, pontoon, v-hull, and multi-hull.

Flat-bottom boats are great for shallow water and provide stability in calm conditions. Pontoon boats have a large, open deck area that makes them ideal for entertaining and for hosting larger groups of people. V-hulls offer superior tracking and performance at high speeds, making them ideal for plying large bodies of water. Multi-hulls provide greater stability than other hull types, making them good for navigating rough waters.

When determining which hull type is best for you, consider the type and size of the waters you fish in, as well as the number of passengers you plan to bring on board. Whichever hull type you choose, keep in mind that your bass fishing boat should also suit you and your fishing style.

3. The best bass fishing boats for 2023

In 2023, the best bass fishing boats will build on dependable engineering, sturdy construction, and clever features.

1. Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass: The Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass is a mid-sized fiberglass fishing boat that offers plenty of deck space and storage for your fishing gear. It has a low freeboard and a deep V-hull that allows it to easily maneuver in difficult water conditions. It also has an oversized live well and several storage compartments for keeping bait and lures on board.

2. Ranger Z521L: This aluminum bass fishing boat is perfect for a tournament-winning angler. It has several aerated live wells for keeping your catch fresh, plus plenty of storage for tackle and gear. The Ranger Z521L has a large bow casting deck, a recessed trolling motor, and a clean-out port for ease of cleaning.

3. Maverick HPX-V: The Maverick HPX-V is a high-performance aluminum fishing boat designed for serious anglers. It features three aerated live wells, forward trolling motor transducer control, plenty of rod holders and storage compartments, and a flat-free hull coating that reduces drag and offers maximum efficiency.

Ranger RT188C

The Ranger RT188C might just be the best bass fishing boat on the market for 2023. This aluminum hull fishing boat is designed to offer maximum performance with its low-profile design and wide beam. The Ranger RT188C comes equipped with eight-rod holders, a large front casting deck, and a live well so you can keep your catch fresh while on the water. Its extended port and starboard decks also offer plenty of storage and seating.

The Ranger RT188C has an extra large bow storage compartment, offering plenty of space for your tackle and gear. The rear of the boat also has a clean-out port for quick and easy cleanup, so you won’t have to worry about tracking in dirt and grime when it’s time to take the boat out of the water.

The Ranger RT188C comes standard with a trolling motor, and it’s powered by a Mercury 115 ProXS engine. This powerful machine gives you plenty of torque to move around quickly when you need to and can handle heavy weights with ease. This machine is perfect for anglers who are serious about their sport and need reliable performance.

Nitro Z20

The Nitro Z20 fishing boat is another top-of-the-line fishing vessel that anglers should consider when looking to upgrade their fishing boats in 2023. It is one of the most reliable and trustworthy bass fishing boats on the market, thanks to its large and spacious design.

It features a whopping 21 feet in length, with a beam of 8 feet and 11 inches. It is outfitted with an incredibly powerful 250hp Mercury engine, providing plenty of power for a variety of different applications. On top of this, it also comes with four-rod holders, two aerated live wells, and plenty of storage space to fit your fishing gear.

This boat also has a unique recessed trolling motor mount, perfect for attaching a trolling motor and making your maneuvers even more precise.

The Nitro Z20 comes with an array of other features such as an interior courtesy light, an integrated fish finder and GPS, and a premium audio system.

All of these impressive features tied together make the Nitro Z20 a great value for anglers looking to upgrade their bass fishing boat in 2023.

Skeeter FX21 LE

The Skeeter FX21 LE boat is a top-tier bass fishing boat that anglers should consider during their 2023 boat upgrade.

The Skeeter FX21 LE is 21 feet, with a cargo capacity of 3,000lbs, a maximum weight capacity of 1,450lbs, and a 25.5-gallon fuel tank. It's the perfect size for a serious or professional bass fisherman who wants maximum maneuverability in tight spots and a reliable ride without the need for too much fuel.

It has an impressive 250-horsepower Mercury engine which offers great power for a variety of applications and plenty of torque for making sharp turns. The boat also features a unique console layout and dash panel for a more advanced fishing experience.

Other features include a trolling motor plug, a large live well, a reverse system, a recessed trolling motor mount, and a variety of optional equipment such as a pilot link trolling system, an advanced illumination package, and a premium sound system.

In short, the Skeeter FX21 LE is the perfect boat for anglers looking to upgrade their bass fishing boat in 2023.

4. Conclusion

The type of boat you choose to get in 2023 should depend on your bass fishing needs and budget. For professional and experienced anglers who need maximum maneuverability, power and torque, the Skeeter FX21 LE is the perfect bass fishing boat for 2023. It has a robust 250-horsepower Mercury engine, a unique console layout, a variety of optional equipment and features, and a large live well for bigger catches.

For those looking for something a bit more affordable, a smaller motorboat like the Ranger Z175 may be the best option. It's 18 feet with a 200 horsepower Mercury engine and a small live well, making it perfect for beginners or those who want to test the waters before committing to a larger boat.

No matter what boat you decide to buy in 2023, taking into consideration all of the features that the boat has to offer will ensure you choose the right bass fishing boat for your individual needs.