Bass Boats vs Fish and Ski Boats

What are some advantages and disadvantages.

if you are going to fish get a bassboat the fish an ski is a very poor excuse of a fishing boat. the decks are smaller an the live wells an storage is not good.

Disadvantage #1: It doesn't make a very good bass boat.
Disadvantage #2: It doesn't make a very good ski boat.
Disadvantage #3: When you sell it, the only prospective buyers will be people who don't know any better.

Advantage #1: The seller now has some money to put toward either a bass boat or a ski boat.

I have known several people over the years who purchased a fish-n-ski boat. ALL of them hated it and later sold it to get a "real bass boat". In my younger days, I used my true bass boat to pull skiers and tubers, and had absolutely no issue with doing so. We made do with it just fine.

I have had both. Isn't great for bass fishing if that is your primary use. Usually holds more people easily. Depending on the style is usually a better ride and you stay drier. Not as much storage for rods and tackle. Better if you have small kids because of the higher sides.

Decide what you want to use the boat for primarily. If it is for family recreation and occasionally fishing, it is ok. If the opposite, then you probably would be happier with a center console or a pontoon than a fish/ski.

It would be for fishing.

bass fishing? or "park here" fishing like catfish or crappie? If you intend to bass fish and do it with any slant toward seriously, then a bass boat is all that will really work very well. For catfish/crappie, a pontoon or center console is OK, but not for bass.....

If you're going to chase the green slimy ones get a bass boat. If you're going to fish for other species look hard at a center console.

Leave the fish-n-ski for the hen pecked family guy who fishes 1-2 times a year.

You said that so eloquently for a Marine!

I agree with the sentiments above, a fish and ski does neither well. If bass fishing will be your primary use, get a bass boat. If just about any other species, I prefer a center console. If you want a ski boat, get one.

I faced the same dilemma when I replaced the old bass boat. Wife wanted something more friendly for her and the kid, meaning a pontoon or fish and ski. When I factored in the time they actually spend on the boat vs me fishing, the center console got the nod. I simply couldn't justify sacrificing functionality for the 4-5 times a year they are both on the boat with me, and the kid just loves getting to go so she doesn't complain a bit unless the fish aren't biting.

Ranger used to make probably the best compromise boat before they came out with the Reatta, which IMO sucks. The old 373V was a dual console boat with the rod locker having a solid cushion on top instead of carpet. It was not one of those cheap arse snap on cushions and it worked reasonably well for an additional person to be able to watch a skier. The typical fish and ski with the cockpit forward gets on plane a little faster for skiers, but cuts way down on front deck space. IMO, they suck.

I think a center console bay boat is the way to go, for me any ways. Can fish for bass or whatever plus could ski.

Here is the best compromise I know...
First I agree fish n skis are useless, are good for neither.
If the hen has you trapped thinking you have to have those front seats or you're bank trash, then this works well:
Get a dual console bass boat, then install snap on cushions for the rod boxes. Take them off when your fishing, snap them on the two times a year you'll use them.

man gets wife ,wife wants boat,man buys fish and ski,wife goes a couple of times,mans gets stuck with a boat he really didnt want, looses a pile of cash cause theres no real market for used fish and skis

I personally dont care for bass boats, but Im sure bass boat guys feel the same about my sled. But as far as versatility, you really cant go wrong with a CC bayboat.

The older Rangers 373v, 375v, and 395v were more fish than ski with the exception of the I/O 395. I have a 375V and primarily fish. My tubing and skiing days are behind me. Neither the bimini nor the ski pole have been on the boat in 10 years.

My first banker gave me sage advise..Don't try to buy one boat to do two things..neither will satisfy you...

figure out what you're passionate about, buy the boat that does that best, the rest can be ho-hum.
My flats boat only hits the flats 4-5 times a year, I smile the whole time. I do everything else there is to do on my lake semi-successfully, but that is not my boats fault.