For what you mainly do (whites, hybrids, crappie, and cats) go with the deep V. Go out to Cabelas and take a look at the Lowes. A buddy of mine, Lancer821 here on the board, has a 175 with a 115 OptiMax on it and it's a sweet ride. I bought a Nitro bass boat last year and fish for whites and hybrids alot more than I fish for bass and guess what....I wish I had the deep V.

As for trolling motors buy as much as you can afford. The type fishing you want to do is mainly open water. My 17.5' boat came with a 46# on it, it's now got an 82# and it was worth every penny I spent on it.

Absolutely, positivly, definately.....Deep-v.The wider the better.

You might consider a center console. I fish for multi-species out of a bass boat and it is great for speed and has a lot of deck, but I am looking at centers right now because they are much more versatile. I have fished Fork in the stumps in a 21' center and gotten around about as good in stumps and shallows as in a bass boat. It was really surprising! The centers have a good draft and the sides will keep kids in and waves out. Lots of options out there. Right now is a great time to buy a fairly new/used boat. Lots of deals out there, take your time and you'll find the right one for you!

Ditto,
I've got a 56lb w/my 18ft cc and its underpowered. I wish I had gone with something bigger. Around 65-80lb.

I run an older V hull alum Sea Nymph, has high sides and will
handle any water I care to be on, getting to the point I really
like this type boat. Crestliner and Lund both good boats but I
have been in 16 and half and 17 and half V hull Lowes and
I would even consider trading mine for one were I in the market.
as stated previously be sure to look at all and get what you
like, but The deep V hull will handle rough water fine. and
the high sides are great for kids and old fellows like me.

Go with a Lund and the biggest trolling motor they make. Mine is a 2025 Pro V Magnum and a 101 lb thrust 36 volt TM. Do I always need that much boat and that much trolling motor? Nope. Have I ever been in a situation where the water was so rough that I felt I was in danger or run the batteries down on the TM? Nope. Peace of mind is great, but it dang sure is expensive!!!

Get a deep vee hull. On the boats you're talking about, you're only going to draw 10" or so of water anyways, so with a trolling motor, you can fish shallow water.

I've had my 16.5 ft LUND for exactly two years. Been in some water I really would not consider in a bass style. I crappie, sand/hybrid and catfish. Great for all the above. My customers always feel safe.
The only trouble I have with it is people keep knocking the red lenses off my trailer lights.
Either way you go, you haven't done your homework until you've talked to Joe at Advantage Marine. He's good folks.

Well I'll chime in here... I've got a 16.5 Alumacraft with a 70 Yamaha and a 70 lb. (24 volt) thrust trolling motor... Been in water as shallow as 24 inches and never had a problem... As stated in an earlier post don't under power your trolling motor, as you will probably use it most... Deep-V will be an added feature for keeping the children in check...
I can go about 32 miles an hour with 3 people and to me that's fast enough on the water...
Just my 2 Cents
By the way did I mention that JIGUM JIGS catch fish....
Jigum

Thanks everybody for the inputs. I'm narrowing it down, but I'm definitely getting the deep v hull type. Now to just pick which one and the options. Your inputs on those have been great too - thanks!

If I play my cards right, this will be my last weekend in my 15' fiberglass tri-hull. I suppose my bones can take the Ray Hubbard waves once more in it.

I have the Lowe FM 175 from Cabelas. I upgraded to the 115 OptiMax and 75 ft lb trolling motor. I couldn't imagine have the 90 hp or the smaller trolling motor on this boat. Right now I fish in wind as strong as I want to fish in and go about 45 mph with a buddy and full gear.

I have the Tracker 185 Sport with a 150 OptiMax and love it! The wind does push you around a bit. But the trolling motor that came with it in the package deal was plenty I think it was a 60lb with a 60" shaft. I've been out in some pretty big waves on Benbrook and was watching bass boats take waves over the front and I never had an issue. Boat GPS's @ 52 mph with a full load of gear and 3 adults.

what you need to ask yourself is do you like to get wet on any day when the wind is over 10 MPH? If you like to ride high and dry get the V. We have been out when the wind is up and you will get wet only when the wind is across. If you can head into or with (following) the wind you barely get sprayed. I have been on a couple skeeters and a Ranger and they ride nice and are faster than *%$&U# but I am ok with the Lund at 29MPH.

Also the 4 stroke Merc 50 is so quiet that when the wind is up we just use the main motor. Doesn't seem to mess with the fishn when it is windy.

Don't get under a 70lb thrust trolling motor...and look at the longer shaft motors. It only takes a few times fishing in rollers to wish you had one.



Deep V is a great choice if you don't want a Center Console. A couple of my friends who guide full time (for the fish you mention) who currently own deep V's wish they had center consoles...

...that's a nice boat and great performance w/ the Opti 150.