Time for a new crappie boat. I have only owned fiberglass bass boats for the last 25 years, but since I ONLY crappie fish these days I was thinking of changing over to a Deep V, but not sure how they handle in these windy north Texas lakes. Any thoughts/advice on the pros and cons of each would be appreciated. Also, aluminum or fiberglass?

Thanks in advance.

" T H E R E S H E B L O W E S "

Buddy has 17.5 Tracker aluminum V. If blows a lot as it is light and high sided. I have 18.5 center console and it is perfect. Watch what the guides use. Center consoles. They can spend more time with clients/fishing and less trying to control the boat over a brush pile or tree.

Lot of things to consider...your budget, how many will fish at one time and ages, what lake/lakes. ??

I have a Ranger 188RT, 115 Merc, Minnkota Terrova 80, 3 fishfinders, and it's great for Crappie fishing
for just me and wife. I can fish up to 15-20mph, very economical on gas, runs 40-45mph. Three people is a crowd
almost..

I have a Crestliner fishhawk Crappie edition , Its a deep V. It handles very rough water no problem. My only recommendation is getting trolling motor that has spot lock, if it get turned side ways it will catch wind and blow you back. I installed a Ultrex 112 lb 36 volt and the 3 batteries are up front so the added weight up front helps. with spot lock you dont have to worry about getting turned sideways. Its perfect for my needs.

Were you on Cleburne Sunday?

I know a lot of folks like to bash trackers but for my purposes, my tracker 2072 is perfect.
Handle rough water with plenty of room for a load of grandkids.
I really don�t have a complaint with the boat.

Don't do it, your glass boat can do many more things then any V hull out there.

I ran deep V�s for a long time guiding.
Pro�s
Lots of room down in the boat.
Will handle rough water
Can get shallow
Good in stumps
Good for multi species
18� fishes bigger than 18�

Con�s
Not enough deck space
Rough ride in rough water compared to fiberglass
Get you wet
Slow
Dry storage isn�t dry
Catches wind
Harder to control t/m in wind

My last 2 boats have been 20� Ranger fiberglass.
I like aluminum boats, especially deep v�s but I love my Ranger!
Pro�s
Faster,
Drier ride
more storage. I can carry 24 rods in rod boxes.
All dry storage is dry.
Fishes better in the wind. I can hang taking rollers over the bow.
Big decks.
Cons
3 people is all I can carry. I prefer 2 with my style of fishing anyway.

I'm with Jerry. Fished some aluminum boats and they don't come close to my BassCat. I agree with all the pros he listed and will add the bass boat tracks better with trolling motor; doesn't get blown sideways. And I hear that aluminum boats are lighter. Before you take that as fact, compare the hull weight of some deep "Vs" with comparable glass boats. Good luck on your search.

If you fish in the deep water piles in wind, stay with a glass boat, you will remain happy...I changed from a fiberglass bass boat to an aluminum boat in 1993, have never regretted the decision even once. Currently run a 17� Deep V Tracker, will take it anywhere I can get the nose into...it will only run about 37 rigged with four batteries, and a huge load of �stuff� and a buddy...which is fast enough for me...I seldom sit on the open lake fishing deep piles in high wind, so I don�t really notice the greatest downside of this boat...as has been stated earlier, a good troller will largely overcome the shortcomings of this type hull...I use a 24 volt wireless with spotlock...spotlock seems to do ok, when I decide to use it...of course, you can spend as much as you want on a boat/motor, and that is personal preference...I am still deciding on which hull I will purchase for my golden years...but one thing is for sure, I love the easy ride of the deep V and sitting up high versus sore back and crawling up from the seats that are always low to the floor in the fiberglass bass style versions, and of course, I love being able to run a 90 hp motor instead of a 250hp, cost, gas, maintenance, and weight wise. To me, running a fiberglass boat has a few upsides and many downsides, but hey, the best advice I can give you is to go lake test a few different boats and see if one just seems to grab you...good luck

I fish out of a grizzly tracker semi v 1754 aluminum boat. But I do not fish the rough waters either. I had a glass boat and decided to sale it whenever the kids got big enough to fish.

I think it is all a matter of what you want and like. I love my aluminum boat. If I had a chance to get another I would get and extra wide flat bottom. I know they are rough but I like all the room they have and how durable they are. Don't have to worry about chipping the gel coat and all that either.

I agree with crapicat, my boat only has a 60hp on it. Plenty for me, my glass boat had a 225 and it was a gas hog. Usually I don't go fast on my boat just idle around. Another thing is to consider is 4 stroke or 2 stroke. I have a 4 stroke now and love it.

Again get what u like.

I fished a Lund 1875 for 10 years. It was (is) a very good all around boat. Built like a tank and will take a lot of abuse. I traded it off for a Lund 2075 Pro V Bass style boat. Got lots more room, room and a better ride. Either way, you can't go wrong with a Lund.

I have fished out of most choices out there and enjoy big glass bass boats, but I enjoyed my old 681 Ranger Fisherman as it fished more people comfortably. But my #1 choice is a center console bayboat, bout 20' is ideal for me. Much more comfortable and easy to fish with multiple people.

This one works well for me.