- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Questions for First Time CC Boat Buyer
Posted on 3/1/20 at 2:42 pm
Posted on 3/1/20 at 2:42 pm
Looking to buy first boat. Grew up bass fishing but moved to Houston several years ago so proximity to salt water has me looking at a versatile boat that I can use for both bass (e.g. Toledo Bend) and specs/reds (e.g. Matagorda) since I have easy access to both waters. Also, I drive a 2WD Tacoma so can’t pull anything too big/heavy for fear of slipping on ramps.
I’m looking at a 2-3 year old Xpress or G3 20’ aluminum CC. I think the size is a good compromise and aluminum will be more durable although I’d expect a less enjoyable ride than what a fiberglass would offer.
Anything else I should be thinking about? Just looking for general advice and wisdom although I know most would suggest I avoid buying a boat altogether.
I’ve read stories on here about recent model Xpress hulls cracking and leaking. Anyone seen this with their own two eyes or is this just a case of “my brand better than your brand” BS?
Is a hand guided trolling motor going to be too much of a PITA when I bass fish?
I’m looking at a 2-3 year old Xpress or G3 20’ aluminum CC. I think the size is a good compromise and aluminum will be more durable although I’d expect a less enjoyable ride than what a fiberglass would offer.
Anything else I should be thinking about? Just looking for general advice and wisdom although I know most would suggest I avoid buying a boat altogether.
I’ve read stories on here about recent model Xpress hulls cracking and leaking. Anyone seen this with their own two eyes or is this just a case of “my brand better than your brand” BS?
Is a hand guided trolling motor going to be too much of a PITA when I bass fish?
10
Posted on 3/1/20 at 3:34 pm to CalcuttaTigah
Stay away from Excel. I know a few guys on here are going to curse me up and down, but on the Excel owners Facebook page I've seen way to many quality concerns for me to even consider buying one. Also, don't shy away from fiberglass. There's a few deals on some 18-20 footers that you just shouldn't pass up.
Posted on 3/1/20 at 4:54 pm to CalcuttaTigah
First question: what’s your budget?
Posted on 3/1/20 at 5:08 pm to Batman Chalupa
$25k, give or take a couple grand if there is a deal I can’t pass up.
Posted on 3/1/20 at 5:15 pm to CalcuttaTigah
Vexus, I know not in your budget but those boats make me moist. At least if you’re buying used you can look for the known problems and confirm.
Posted on 3/1/20 at 5:24 pm to CalcuttaTigah
I know most will shite on me for suggesting this but if you want something more for inshore fishing that’s a CC for a beginner, a Bayliner CC would be perfect for a beginner. I have a buddy that just bought his first boat and I test drove and looked at several with him. I was actually impressed with how well the did. Draft may be a little too much if you plan on spending more time bass fishing.
There are better boats in the $30k range I’ll link when I’m home but check link below for Bayliner.
LINK
ETA: I’m just seeing Kemosabes post above. Absolutely take this mans advice. He’s on the water EVERYDAY and has seen every CC bay boat there is. He’ll definitely shite on me for recommending the Bayliner, lol.
Vexus are awesome but isn’t quite in your posted budget but if you can fin a used one, tell us what you’ve found and I’d be happy to advise and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind giving you a rundown on whatever boats you’re interested in.
Kemo, you seen any Kenner’s for sale lately?
There are better boats in the $30k range I’ll link when I’m home but check link below for Bayliner.
LINK
ETA: I’m just seeing Kemosabes post above. Absolutely take this mans advice. He’s on the water EVERYDAY and has seen every CC bay boat there is. He’ll definitely shite on me for recommending the Bayliner, lol.
Vexus are awesome but isn’t quite in your posted budget but if you can fin a used one, tell us what you’ve found and I’d be happy to advise and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind giving you a rundown on whatever boats you’re interested in.
Kemo, you seen any Kenner’s for sale lately?
This post was edited on 3/1/20 at 5:31 pm
Posted on 3/1/20 at 5:43 pm to CalcuttaTigah
quote:
I’ve read stories on here about recent model Xpress hulls cracking and leaking. Anyone seen this with their own two eyes or is this just a case of “my brand better than your brand” BS?
Xpress boats are not built well enough to hold up to saltwater abuse. The cracking issues you've been reading about are 100% valid and not just prevalent on recent models. I wouldn't buy one if I could avoid it.
Posted on 3/1/20 at 6:03 pm to CalcuttaTigah
quote:
Is a hand guided trolling motor going to be too much of a PITA when I bass fish?
It absolutely will. Just got rid of mine since I started bass fishing more and it’s night and day.
Posted on 3/1/20 at 6:14 pm to CalcuttaTigah
quote:
Just looking for general advice and wisdom
Cut money wherever it takes for you to fit an ipilot in the budget.
Posted on 3/1/20 at 6:29 pm to Batman Chalupa
There’s a seat for every a s s is what I say.
Personally, I would look for a 19’ nautical star over most of the disposable aluminum cc boats. I think your Toyota will pull it fine and it will ride way better than those on list. Also plenty out there to choose from so they’re priced in your budget. Just checked and there’s not much difference in weight between glass/al.
All of the 23v’s I know of are over priced or have structural issue$$$$!! I toy with selling mine but come back to reality thinking about that note. Did have an offer to drive a blue wave pro staff boat but still have to purchase.
Personally, I would look for a 19’ nautical star over most of the disposable aluminum cc boats. I think your Toyota will pull it fine and it will ride way better than those on list. Also plenty out there to choose from so they’re priced in your budget. Just checked and there’s not much difference in weight between glass/al.
All of the 23v’s I know of are over priced or have structural issue$$$$!! I toy with selling mine but come back to reality thinking about that note. Did have an offer to drive a blue wave pro staff boat but still have to purchase.
This post was edited on 3/1/20 at 6:38 pm
Posted on 3/1/20 at 7:26 pm to KemoSabe65
Nautic Stars are well built, functional fishing boats, and the dealer network is pretty substantial. My only qualm with Nautic Star's design is lack of access under the deck, but that honestly that's a tall order for a production boat in that price range. They also ride pretty well.
I go through phases where I toy with selling my skiff and buying a Blackjack.
quote:
23v’s
I go through phases where I toy with selling my skiff and buying a Blackjack.
Posted on 3/1/20 at 8:25 pm to bluemoons
You definitely need to think about draft for matagorda. Most of the guides I’ve seen down there are running some pretty shallow rigs. They also do a lot of drift fishing. May want to pick a boat that caters to that or wading if that’s your thing.
Posted on 3/1/20 at 10:23 pm to bigbuckdj
So many things to consider. Thanks
Posted on 3/2/20 at 11:46 am to CalcuttaTigah
I'm definitely not the expert, and anyone on here please feel free to dispute, but I would never take a fiberglass boat to Toledo. The number of fiberglass repair shops in the area all having a lot full of boats in need of repair has me afraid to bring my fiberglass boat there. But like I said, I'm by no means an expert and have only been to TB a hand full of times. I know there are a lot of morons out there who don't pay attention, but also know there are a lot of stumps just below the waterline as well.
Posted on 3/2/20 at 12:06 pm to CalcuttaTigah
I know of an xpress boat in the Houston area that might interest you. The set up is very versatile. Been used in Toledo, Rayburn, Big Lake, and Galveston Bay. Good boats if you are looking for aluminum.
This post was edited on 3/2/20 at 12:52 pm
Posted on 3/2/20 at 12:20 pm to shadowlsu
A well built glass boat is infinitely tougher than a production line beer can aluminum boat. The cheap glass boats I've seen would fare better in a hull impact than the cheap aluminum ones. The advantage to aluminum is that it already looks like shite when its brand new so if you bang it all to hell it'll still look like shite.
If you want something to jump stumps with you'll have to get gaudet/scully/hanko/etc to build you something and itll cost more than a comparable glass boat.
If you want something to jump stumps with you'll have to get gaudet/scully/hanko/etc to build you something and itll cost more than a comparable glass boat.
Posted on 3/2/20 at 1:29 pm to CalcuttaTigah
I'm in a similar situation as you, OP. I have been looking for an aluminum hull CC bay boat that I can play around in lake ponchartrain and chase Redfish with. I've pretty much settled on the Ranger RB200. It has a lot of features that I like. It is a little out of your posted price range, but there is a 19 foot version RB190 that you may be about to find in your range.
That being said, if anyone has any opinions about Ranger aluminum bay boats, I'd welcome them.
That being said, if anyone has any opinions about Ranger aluminum bay boats, I'd welcome them.
Posted on 3/2/20 at 4:21 pm to CalcuttaTigah
G3 is trash! Had one and gave it to my cousin who didn't have a problem constantly running the bilge pump due to cracked hull.
Posted on 3/2/20 at 5:48 pm to PrymalTiger
Hull looks like all the rest of the al bay boat styles, “dry” is purely subjective since their video looks like glass, good rep & probably good service from dealerships. Would look at and ride Vexus/ranger before dropping coin on either.
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News