bass vs fish and ski

[bassackwards]

i just got rid of my old trusty bass boat. looking to really upgrade this year. I have 3 kids and wife likes going out as well but She wants me to get it for me more than anything. Finding out good high horsepower fish and ski like stratos doesnt have the rod storage I need and i really want to focus on tournement fishing should I just get a full blown bass boat instead because I know we could still tube and have fun with bass boat what do you guys think or is there a better fish and ski set up to do both. Mainly just fish for bass. thanks phil

[skeeter85]

Originally Posted by bassackwards

i really want to focus on tournement fishing should I just get a full blown bass boat instead because I know we could still tube and have fun with bass boat what do you guys think or is there a better fish and ski set up to do both. Mainly just fish for bass. thanks phil

Here's the problem with skiing/tubing from a bass boat... I used to have a skeeter bass boat with a 90 horse on it and it had more than enough balls to pull a tube... The problem was with the boats capacity. Most bass boats, and pretty much all tournament bass boats only have room for 3 people. You need a minimum of 3 people to tube safely. If you have a wife and kids you probably have already exceeded the capacity of a bass boat. Don't get me wrong, I loved my bass boat for fishing, you can't beat it. But it was the other stuff that I liked to do that prompted me to sell it and upgrade to a fish and ski. As far as better than stratos... Yes, I have a nitro 288. You'll get different opinions from people but in my research trying to find a boat better suited for my wants, Nitros sport boats were the whole deal. While they still are a compromise between a ski boat and a bass boat, they have a ton of functionality in both worlds. Storage? You almost have too much to fill. Space? Your whole family would be very comfortable. As far as comfortable fishing goes, you have a little bit of decreased deck space so it's still only comfortable for two people to fish... Before I ramble on too much more let me link you to another recent post by someone with the same topic...


What kind of boat?

definitely go to bass pro and check one out. They are a little pricey new but you can pick one up only a couple years old for a lot less. Bass Pro does have a 2008 model nitro 189 (the rod storage sucks on that model though) that didn't sell last year that i'm sure they could make you a sweet deal on. They may still have the 288 from last year too.

[acar555]

There are options out there for fish and ski that could be used for a tournament boat. If you are close to Omaha check out the Ranger and Stratos models at Cabelas as well.

[MURF]

I would check for Lund, Alumacraft, Lowe and if affordable Crestliner. Can't recommend Trackers. The deep v's with seating area in the rear. My 16.5 foot Lowe pulls three grandkids great with 75 and seats four comfortably (rated for 6). Plus with decking below the gunnels, less chance of having to swing back and pick up kids that have walked off the flush decks. And as I have similar problems, and have trouble kneeling, the rear section makes lipping bass a lot simpler. Even the front deck has some free board.