Go all out man and get you an allison fish & ski

If you're going to fish tournaments I would just get a bass boat. I tried to do the same thing you are. Fish and skis aren't real good for either fishing or skiing. I had Cobra's version, a Coral, and while it was the best bass fishing F/S IMO. I was never happy fishing out of it. My wife and daughter didn't like going to the lake that often, so I sold it and bought a bass boat.

I have a 20' Nitro Sport 288 Fish 'N Ski. I have had it since August of '07 and do not regret having the F/S at all. I have buddies that have bass boats and more than enjoy the room on this boat. I have had it on Texoma, have been caught on Hubbard during 30+mph winds and was thankful I had a nice wide, stable boat....... with a windsheild. I have the Optimax 150 so my top speed with 3 guys, winter gear and all of our tackle. I it not a bass boat in this regard but I have had it up to 50mph (according to the speedo, I will be checking it with my GPS today) My decks are not huge and roomy like some bass rigs but there is plenty of room to set the seats, roam some and fish. I have been in less than 2' of water also......I have been up in creek beds and most anywhere I have wanted to go. For a first boat, I have to say there is not much I would change. I looked at the Pro Craft and too did not like the lack of rod storage. The Nitro has rod storage in the gunnels. I do need to figure a way to *hang them but I can store about as many rods as I want in them. Again, I have not owned a bass boat, but my bass boatin buddies have told me they enjoy fishing off my F/S

I frequently take my wife and two teenage daughters tubing & skiing at Ray Roberts in our BassCat P-III, no problem!

Did the F&S thing with a Ranger 375 many years ao, kind of a waste.

Fish-n-skis are great except on windy days when your trying to stay on the whites. The windshield acts like a sail. I have one and it works fine for both until the kids start getting bigger. Get the biggest one you can find 20'+ and get the biggest motor you can get 200Hp+. You'll need the power to pull skiers with.

I have been happy with my 19 ft Champion F&S. I've used it on Texoma for 6 years.

If you plan to use the boat for a lot of tournament fishing, you will probably not be happy with it. If you are basically a weekend angler who occationally fishes a tournament, then the F&S style is worth considering.

Biggest plus? Comfort - full windshield, extra seating, sun shade option, and dry ride.

Minuses? My boat has a lot of storage, but rod storage is limited, the max lenghth is 6'6". I leave my rods on the front deck. The front and back desks of my 19' boat are the same size as dad's 17 ft bass boat, so your fishing desks are smaller. There is no room for two anglers up front. And finally, it is a long reach to the water from the front deck to land a fish. You have to use a net up front in my boat, but this is not a problem from the back deck. The high nose of the boat does help it to handle rough water, so it is just a trade off.

Advise - 1. Get a model that has a solid or full casting deck up front. Some of them are set up so that the front can be used for seating and the middle of the deck is open for people's feet. You loss a lot space and storage with those partial front decks. With a solid front deck, you can stand up and fish just like a regular bass boat. 2. Get at least a 19 ft model, anything smaller and the boat "feels" cramped.

Good luck,
Rex

I have to say that when we got caught on Hubbard on New Years Eve, my boat had no problem staying on the whites. I think this is just a matter of learning your boat, knowing where to set the throttle and know what is happening. The windsheild was great as far as keeping the wind off of us. I saw a couple of guys on bass boats that were practically crawling on the floor looking to get out of the wind.

You know what fish and ski means... mamma won't let you get a bass boat!! I had a fish and ski for several years thinking it would be a great compromise and absolutely hated it. They are worse for skiing and tubing than fishing and storage is a challenge. knutted up and bought the bass boat and all problems solved. I fish all the time now and the family can meet me on the water later for a ride. 20 foot bass boat can easily accomadate two adults and two kids

I also had a fish and ski no room to lay rods on deck flat out I hated it but i fished more than anything else now have skeeter bass boat.

I love my 17.5' Sprint 277FS. I don't really fish any tournaments...although I'd like to. (I work weekends) Its a little small for a family...but it suits my wife and I just fine. The next one will be a little bigger...as our family grows, I'll probably move up to at least a 19 footer...with more legroom for the back seats. I LOVE having a windshield for sure!

my brother has a 03 skeeter sl90 he wants to sell with a vmax 150 on it been stored inside all its life he will make a good deal on

I have had my 96 Nitro Fish and Ski since 1996. It is just my wife and I. But when my Neices and Nephewes come up to ski and tube it is great. I have had 6 in the boat and skied, tubed and fished all day with no problem.
I am able to get my boat anyplace a regular bass boat can. The rod storage in the side will hold about 5 rods, my 7' rods fit fine. If I have more rods, I just use the ski well in the floor. It will hold quite a few rods. I have never had a problem liping a bass off the front or the back. The front deck is smaller, but you can add a pice of plywood with carpet to extend it. No problem standing up to fish with or without the extention. Handles the rough water great, cuts right through the waves with a very dry ride.
I fish much much more then I use it for skiing, and I would not trade it for anything. I love the Fish and Ski, when I replace this on it will be with another Fish and Ski. I think they are much more comfortable and I have pleanty of storage it it.
Good Luck on your decision. Be sure to get the boat that you and your family are comfortable in, not one that others think you should. You have to be happy with your purchase and you are the one that will be using it. Which ever one you get, get it because its the one you and your family want.

Emmett

I guess one of the best things you could do is ride in some of the different ones to see what you think, really. I agree with Emmett, my Nitro cuts nicely and keeps you dry. Once I learned how to handle it, even in 3-4ft swells. Good Luck!