Why I should not buy a new 18.5’ fiberglass bass boat

Just wanting to hear thoughts and words of wisdom. Sticker price with latest and greatest electronics, ultrex type trolling motor and shallow anchors puts most 18.5 ft boats at $50k sticker before taxes. But it fits in my garage so no storage costs. I fish Lewisville to lake o the pines. Occasionally texoma. Rarely fish rayburn or Toledo. If it is blowing like crazy I am not fishing. I like warranties so used just seems like a problem waiting to happen if it is like current boat. Club tournament fish. What do you all think? Been watching all Ken Smith’s boat reviews.

My first boat was a used 18' Nitro 882 with 150hp Merc. I bought it to fish with my son and we were fair weather fishermen at that time. We fished the same areas you're talking about and it did everything we needed it to do. Fitting in the garage was important and so was budget at that time. Having a boat within your budget is a big part of the enjoyment. Not all boat manufacturers are created equal. Try to go for a ride before making a final decision if you can. Good luck with your hunt.

I fished out of an 18' Stratos with a 150 for many years. I was perfectly happy when I had it. I've owned 21' and 20' boats since that Stratos. For me personally, I like them in this order 21', 20', 18'. The longer boat rides better and has more room to fish. It's much roomier with a partner on board and all of their stuff.

An 18' fiberglass gets the job done, just not as well as the longer boats. If it fits in your garage and you don't have to pay for storage, that's a big plus to consider. I have a big shop so storage isn't a concern for me.

I wouldn't want to go back to an 18' boat given the choice. But, if it's the only thing that would fit in my garage, I would rather have the 18' boat in my garage than paying to store 21' somewhere else.

I would recommend finding a nice used 20ft boat you will thank me later...

I had a zx 190 and loved it!! Great boat

I’ve never purchased a brand new vehicle or boat; I’d rather spend the depreciation hit on other things.
Agree with looking for a 2-4 year old used 19-21 footer that you could find at the same price or less.

Prices of new boats are flat silly. Market is going to be saturated with used boats in the next few years. Many people buy boats and find out it's not for them. Bought my first and probably last boat in 1995, a 1989 champion 18'6" with a 175 merc. Boat is solid, and i will repower when the motor dies. Me and the son put in over 150 days on the water last year alone, and she is still going strong. It is a big unknown buying used, but you could prob pick up a used boat with low hours easily. Good boat with some upgrades is cheaper than a new boat. But your not going to get a loan as easily if you need to finance it.
A 20ft boat makes a difference in a big lake, and I agree you should ride in a boat before buying. I have fished out of hundreds of boats, and some are just wet rides. Crossing lake buchanon in a 17ft boat in 30mph winds trying to make it to the weigh in still hurts. But Im happy with my girl. Now if I played the lottery and won, that would be a decision to chew on. Funny comment I heard this week. I upgraded my trolling motor to an ultrex link from the original motor guide from 1989. I replaced the motor on the original motorguide, along with brushes three times since 2000 alone (Thank you Allstar Marine) Friend commented that the purchase was more than the value of my boat, and he is right.. Made me chuckle..bb Paid cash for the boat in 95' (10k), and was the best purchase I ever made. Electronics and graphs are pricey, but technology is amazing for the hobby, and a game changer.. New 12" graphs, and Trolling motor with batteries is easily over 10k now. It is official, Im getting old. Good luck.. If I start chewing a purchase over in my head for too long, it becomes a reality.. Keep us updated.. Don't settle, and keep your wife dry in the boat..

Prosise

50k is a big number for an 18’ boat.. I know new boat pricing has gone nuts but you can certainly get a little more bang for 50 G’s. Did a quick look on boat trader and there’s a 1 year old ZX190 on there for 36k. If you just want brand new only I get it, if not let someone else eat that big chunk of depreciation and get a more stable better riding 20-21’ boat.

I fish out of a 18’11” boat and I love the size. If I had all the money in the world I wouldn’t go bigger. I dont get out in the big wind for sure. I can load and launch by my self easy and that’s important to me. I had a friend with a 21’ boat. He would not go fishing unless he could get a buddy to go with him to help the load/ launch process. As I get older I see why. But for every day fishing, fitting into the garage and ease of going. My 18+ boat with a 150 does me a awesome job. Plus it doesn’t cost me over a 100 bucks in gas every time I go. Lol

For what you're describing there is nothing wrong with an 18.5. Buy new exactly how you like it and keep it for a decade+, or buy one a couple three years old and use the savings to rig it how you like. Either way is fine. Regular service history with steady use shouldn't be a huge worry or hard to find with used boats. May just have to wait a while for the right package to come available.

I fit my Ranger Z520 in a 20x20 residential garage, I get it in and out in no time at all. If i was you get the biggest boat you can fit and afford. Would also buy something 1-2 years old.

I fish out of a 19 , drive it in some stupid stuff only been a little nervous once

I fish out of a 18.5 TZX 190. I bought it in 2014 when it was 1 year old with 22 hours on the 175 engine. I paid $22K for it (which was a steal at the time). I added an Ultrex and upgraded the electronics. It'll hit 62 mph on plane. I've been on big water plenty of times, and with the utlrex it'll hold its own in waves that if they were any bigger I wouldn' want to fish anyway.

So what would a 21 footer do for me?

1. Not fit in my garage.
2. It would go 74 mph instead of 62 mph.
3. It would be slightly more comfortable in giant waves that I don't fish anyway.
4. If I were regularly fishing 3 guys out of the boat it would be more comfortable.
5. If I needed to roller skate up front it would better.
6. Maybe my only real gripe is rod storage which isn't the greatest truth be told in the smaller boats.

Anyway, yes if I won the lotto I'd upgrade to a 21 footer at some point. For me though the 18.5 footer works great and I have no plans to go to a bigger boat. It's a great value at 1/2 the cost of the 21 footers. The only thing that might change my mind would be if I decided to start tournament fishing with regularity and had no choice but to fish big water on big wind days.

If I had used this logic over the past 30 years I would be a wealthy man.

I fish out of a 186 Legend powered by a 200 merc. I mostly fish alone and it is easy to do the launching because of size. I can get it up to 70 with a three blade prop but mostly run a 4 blade for hole shot and cruise around 50 most of the time. It is 18 years old and have no desire for a newer one. I've been caught in bad weather a couple of times and it will handle it but you have to know what you are doing. If I know if it is going to be windy I stay home.

Great stuff as always when I ask for advice on TFF. Thank you. I will keep reading any new posts.

Nothing like a new boat and if that's what you want AND can easily afford it, there's nothing wrong with buying new. I bought a new 202 Champion in 1997 and kept it 20 years. When I moved into the new house in 2016 I had a smaller garage and it wouldn't fit. $150/month to store it for 8 months. That wasn't going to work. Plus I had gotten my money's worth out of it. It still had original powerhead and lower unit so I never had a major engine cost to repair. But, EVERYTHING else was ready for upgrades. I started researching boats that would fit in my garage. Ended up buying a '14 Legend 191 in 2018. Fit perfect with folding tongue. Rode decent, 63mph top end, but storage was smaller than what I wanted. Sold it and bought a'17 Legend 199 in 2019. Got both used but fairly new Legends at a great discounted price and they both had motor warranty left over on them when I bought AND sold them. Sold 199 three weeks ago and after 2 years of looking finally got a boat that has all of those things you're looking for AND at a huge discount from retail vs new. 2018 Basscat Erya with a 250 PROxs. Fits in one bay of my garage. Goes faster than the other two by far. Great storage. Warranty on both motor and hull. Newer electronics. Retail on this model was around $62k-$65k depending on how it was rigged out. I paid $47,500. If you want new...get it. If you're patient you can find a really good buy on a gently used boat. Someone ALWAYS get their rear end in a sling whether it's boats, cars, houses...whatever. If you're patient, diligent in your search, and at the right place at the right time you can find a real bargain.

I fish out of an 18.5 ft boat with a 150. I was going to buy a 4-7 year old 20-21 ft boat with an Ultrex and Power Poles until I started looking around and saw prices. They are absolutely insane. I'm not going to pay $45-48K for a 2013 or 2014 boat so I guess I'll keep fishing out of mine until someone's wife gets pregnant, he loses his job, or otherwise needs to sell it fast.

Coronavirus and to a larger extent high school fishing have created enough demand to push prices to the downright stupid level.

I just recarpeted my boat and it looks brand new. I'll get an Ultrex and wait for the right opportunity. I fish a club, Fishers of Men, and a couple of Bass Champs events. A couple of years ago on Cedar Creek we had a spot we wanted to fish but decided not to run several miles north across the main lake in 25-30 mph winds. That's the problem with 18 ft boats.

If its a well made boat go for it, always been strange to me the 18 and 19 ft boat market is so niche, in the 80's those were the full sized boats.


I like those boats, they were well made

I bought a new zx190 with a 175 on it back in 2011. Still fishing out of it today with no problems. I fish a lot solo so the room isn't an issue for me. I like that it isn't as heavy as a bigger boat. It's on a single axle trailer. I fish a lot in shallow water and stumps so it's easier to navigate their as well. I can't keep up with guys going 74 mph though. I won't win many races going 55-60 mph but it's fast enough for me.

Because it's less than 20'

I would buy one a year old personally or even a few years old if you got it from a oldie, I have deep pockets and bought mine 1 year old which saved me a solid 12,000 I got it from a pro staff so all warranties transfer over like I was the first owner.

I fished out of an 18' 150 HP bass boat all over the south, east and north and the only time I had a problem was on Champlain in ten foot seas.

Kept it for 17 years and bought a 21' with a 225 15 year old Hawk which got swamped and totaled. Bought another 20 year old 19 1/2' Bumble Bee with a 175.
Great boat but got real squirrely over 55 mph and sold it when yet another 27 year old 20' Ranger fell in my lap at $4K. That will surely be my last bass boat because at this age I really don't feel that safe going out by myself any more. It's not the fishing part but the launching and recovery.

While the first boat was new in 1994 and had a good warranty, the used boats have been pretty good too.

I'm in a Sabre, bought is used 7 years ago. It's a very solid ride at 60 mph, the main thing for me is when the winds are over 20 mph is can get a little dicey driving on the big water and it drives better against the wind than with. It fits in my garage and that was very important to me. All in all , I'm hoping one day to upgrade to bigger boat.

Also, I've ridden in some 20' boats that would beat the living hell out of you.

Personally I would not I'm in the pre-owned 20 ft + group..but if I did I would only consider a single console in a boat shorter than20 ft.

I currently own a Ranger Z518 w/ 150 Merc 4 stroke. It does exactly what I need it to do. IT'S JOB!

Sure I can't fit a family of 4 on the front deck with 8 crappie rods, but that's not it's job.

Sure it doesn't fly on the lake at 70 MPH to race in front of other yahoos, but that's not it's job.

Sure it doesn't ride the absolute best like a cruise ship out for a siesta in Can Cun, but that's not it's job.

It's job is to allow me the freedom to be on the water and enjoy that time away from work.

It's job is to allow me to have fun.

It's job is to get me safely across the lake at a navigable speed.

It's job is to allow me to bring a person or two that enjoys the escape as well.

Don't get me wrong...I would like a larger rig. But at the moment, I'm enjoying my current purchase and plan to do so for some time. If I were to buy today...I would look at used 20'.

Lot of good advice posted here. When I first started bass fishing in the 1970's, all my friends had 16'-17' boats and we caught lots of bass on Toledo Bend and the river. The B.A.S.S. pros were mostly running 17'-18' boats all over the country. I used to own larger boats back when I fished tournaments all over Texas and club events on Rayburn and Toledo. But when I quit fishing tournaments and got older, I started fishing out of 18-18.5 size boats and enjoy them the most. When I retired 7 years ago, I decided to buy a new boat and had to decide what size to buy for my retirement years. My budget was not a factor and did not affect my decision. After my personal experiences with 20' boats vs 18' boats, I decided to purchase an 18.5' boat. I would have been happy with a 17'-18' aluminum bass boat honestly, but decided to stay with glass. Keep in mind, you need to consider not only boat storage but where you will fish mostly. For my situation, an 18.5' boat is perfect and I mostly fish the Sabine river, with a few trips to lakes Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn.

I have a ZX190. I actually scaled back from a Stratos 201Pro when I got this boat. I have been happy with it. It's easy to load and unload by yourself. I no longer have the need for speed and I am perfectly happy just trolling the banks these days. It does handle rough water OK. Obviously not like a 21' will but these days I am more of a fair weather fisherman so it doesn't matter to me that much. My take is if your going to fish big water or like to run the lake with 20mph winds get a big boat. If there are going to be at least 3 people consistently in the boat bass fishing get a big boat. If none of those things apply then 18.5' will do you just fine.

When we bough ours we were looking at Tracker Pro Team 175TXW's and had just about decided to go with one of them since it was about the budget my wife and I set.

Then the Ranger we have popped up and it was about 1.5 years old, looked like it was brand new, and the price was just slightly over the Tracker.

I have upgraded the TM, Electronics, and did added a few other things since but it fits our needs.

18-1/2 foot boats are fine but they usually come on a single axle trailer which means a bumpier ride while trailering and backing down a boat ramp could be more challenging.

Back when I was 21 I bought a brand new Skeeter zx185. It was all I could afford and I kept it for 15 years or so. It was fun to drive, like a little sports car. But when the wind blew, it would beat your brains in! I got bored with it and wanted a bit bigger boat. Finally found something I wanted and have had it for several years now. The rough water ride is way better in the bigger boat, but it’s harder to fish out of in the trees. Sometimes I wish I had kept the smaller boat and I lost a ton of money from selling it and buying what I did.

I say, if you are absolutely 100% certain that you won’t want a bigger boat ever, then go for the 18’er. But if you ever decide to go bigger, you’ll lose your rear on resale and upgrading. The boat pricing world is BS, absolutely zero real reason for the cost upgrade that they charge for boats over 19’.

Because you'll wish you had a 20' after a few big waves. lol

I’ve had an 18.5, 20.3, 21.3 and the biggest difference with the rough water handling was the speed at which you could hit them. They all beat you up but some start at 40-45mph and some at 50-55mph.

I liked my smaller boat. It was fun to drive, easy to tow, fit easily into a standard garage, easier to maneuver up shallow (which I really miss). I could run 60 mph which was plenty fast. And it’s cost was much more appropriate for a fiberglass boat.

But I went bigger because I primarily fish Toledo Bend and Rayburn these days and those seas can get angry. Just safer in a bigger boat.

Usually but you can get a dual. I have a dual for mine.

I live on Ray Roberts and fish out of an old 18'6" with a 150. Runs fine and it is great just me or me and one other in wind up to about 15mph. Once I go to 3 people or more wind which is all spring and summer in North Texas, I wish I had a little more boat. If you fish smaller lakes and stuff like the Hickory creek arm of Lewisville you will love it. Texoma... I don't think they make a bass boat long enough when the wind gets up there.

Do what fits you the best. My first boat was a 15ft boat, second boat was a 17, then a 19 and now I own a 20ft. I bought an 18.5 for my son to use while he was in school in Nacodoches and we fished out of it on lake Naconiche. After all of that I would go with a 19 footer as the shortest unless a shorter boat fits in whatever storage space you want to put it in. Do what is best for you.

Also I would not buy new. You can get a better deal on a used boat out there.

I like the single axle trailer. But I live at the lake. A 20 or 25 mile drive is a long drive to the ramp for me. Way easier to back up and make tight corners. But yes you have to slow down on rough roads!

Get the biggest boat you can get that will fit in your garage. It is so nice to just back the boat into the garage, plug in the battery charger, and shut the garage door. You’ll rest easy knowing your boat is safe from both the human element and Mother Nature.

Single axle trailers suck, but I like an 18’6” boat. Perfect size, and makes my bass look bigger.

I passed a Stratos 201 Pro XL with a 225 Mercury on it yesterday coming home and it had a single axle trailer under it!

I bought a 2012 Stratos 189 VLO with a 150 Yamaha in 2014. It had 10 hours on the motor when I bought it for 22k. Its a dry ride and I've had it in some sketchy situations on Falcon, Amistad and Kentucky Lake. For a smaller fiberglass boat she's a tank. I am not a wealthy man and I know I am incredibly fortunate to have what I have. For me personally, I'd go with a quality used boat instead of a new one for the savings. But if the peace of mind a warranty gives you is a high priority then new might be for you.

This ^^^ right here.

I own a 2016 ZX190 because it’s the biggest boat I could get into my garage. Fishability wise, it’s great! It’s quick enough to get you to where you want to go but, like today, I got beat to a spot by a bigger boat that could run faster. Not a huge deal.

I’ve been out plenty in rough water and yea, you can’t just blast through it, but if you learn to drive it then it can be done.

I love the boat and I’ve got it set up just the way I want and I really like having it in the garage so I can keep it ready and work on tackle. Paying for storage was not an option.

that is a fine looking boat.

Thank you Steve, got a heck of a deal on it!

I have I ranger 520 my next boat will be a 18.5 to 19.5 boat.

My 819 Phoenix fit in my garage, can't remember if garage was 20.or 21' but boat is 19-8. I came from a 18' Stratos and the 819 is a better ride and more room plus it will run 70 mph. I now have a 48' deep shop so I don't worry about the door closing.

How long is your garage? I would try and find a High Quality 19 1/2 with a 200HP and tandem trailer that fits straight in your garage. Basscats storage length is less than most other Boats manf. I went through the same dilemma several years ago and bought a 2014 P2, it was 22ft overall. I now have a 2020 Pantera Classic, it is 22’ 7” overall. Both boats fish and ride like other 20 footers I have been in and are a blast to drive.

Good luck with your search!

That's my issue too. I have a 10 year old Triton 18XS Pro. Boat's fine for what I fish and have upgraded trolling motors and electronics. Fitting in the garage was what I wanted as well. Like the boat but hate the crappy single axle trailer.

Best move I make on my Legend was getting a tandem axle trailer. At my age and after having to change two flats on the single axle I bit the bullet and got the new trailer with a fold away tongue. Money well spent.

Going with a 18ft is fine. I recently sold mine but I had a dual console. On,y suggestion From me would be Don’t get a Guam console you need the room. I would do the 18ft single plus you will have more money so youncsn get the upgraded electronics.

Storage of 7' or longer rods is limited on 18.5' boat
Single axle trailer is a concern if you travel more than short distances

I have room for 8ft rods, in the rod box, on my 18’8” skeeter. Rod storage ain’t an issue. The only downside is ride quality in rough water and speeds around 55-65, due to most limited to 200HP or less.

Single axle trailers pull great. Back great. And if designed to hold the weight, are actually pretty good. MY TRAILER, however, is a single that is a POS. EZLoader. Don’t have to say much after that name.

I have a 2012 Ranger Z518 with a 200 Pro XS that I bought in 2014. It's only 18'8" but when it's calm out it can run with most bigger boats. It will run 68-69 with 2 people and 70+ solo. It has plenty of storage and I love everything about it except it's ride in rough water. It sucks. That said, I'd buy it all over again, TWICE. It fishes much bigger than an 18'8" boat.....

Seeing all of the Bass boats in the garage snuggled in nice and cozy. I don't see the boat, i see someone who has an amazing wife like me. My wife doesn't mind her car being outside so that I can keep the boat in the garage.. Very nice setup Jbranham..

Clarification should have said "on deck" storage of rods 7' and more may be limited

Thank you sir.