18ft bass buggy

Im thinking about a 18 bass buggy with a merc 60 command thrust. I'm not really interested in the 70 mph bass boat thing although I would like it to move along fairly well. Maybe cruise just under 20. We do mostly pan fishing , would like to maybe start trying some blue cat drifting and stripers in a little bit of comfort and space. We have sat on one and seems to fit or needs. Iv'e run many types of boats and do understand that the two toon boats are somewhat like floating bricks, thats ok.

any thoughts from the wise ones?

oh well, thanks the the views anyway

I would recommend to get one with the maximum rated horsepower. Whether you use it or not it's good to have if bad weather up and surprises you as it will sometimes here in The Republic of Texas. Then maybe look at the trolling motors that will hold your position.

yeah, been looking at trolling motors. My best bet is going to be about 68 lb 24v. If I had gone 55, I was going to do 2 batts anyway and double my amps. The 55 is marginal. I think I pretty much have myself talked into the 60ct. It will do a little more than 20 wot. The 60 is the "used to be max" now its up to 75hp max, but the 75 is 1200$ more and a little over 100lbs heavier,, Just me and the lady, I need to do it and quit thinking about it. Went to lunch today at the Baja on Canyon and drove on over to Cranes Mill. Saw one boat on the water.

This is what a lot of guys are using now.

Link won't post right with iPhone. Check out David at Shut up and Fish post on the classified section.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/11784092/all/FOR_SALE:_MotorGuide_Xi5_Wirel

pretty sweet, this guy some kind of dealer ?

I run a 72lb 24 volt on my Ranger and never had any issues. I even stayed along side a 19' Triton with a 101lb 36 volt minn kota. Because ya gotta race everything evidently...

Electronics and accessories. Highly recommended on here. He even does installs.

This might seem a bit blunt, but it is going to be the truth.
I sold a fleet of pontoons, along with a lot of other boats, you need to be very aware of the pluses and especially the minuses, before you go drop cash on your new toy.

Pontoon PLUS:
Very stable. Sort of like fishing on a dock.
Rides amazingly smooth and dry until it gets really rough.
Put a herd of people on one.

Pontoon MINUS:
SLOW...that buggy with a 60 is going to go right at 20 mph. You can drop a lot of coin and get a tri-toon with much bigger motor and get something that can actually run 50, but it won't be cheap.
WIND...can you say empty sack blowing across the water? High sides, light weight will make windy days quite the chore, forget about using a trolling motor in a 15 mph wind, won't happen. And docking and maneuvering in a cross wind is quite the challenge.
Towing. I hate pulling one down the road. Sort of like a drag chute you can't see around.

I'd be offering up a nice 20' center console that would do what you're asking a lot easier than a toon would. Just something to think about.

yep, sounds about right