re: Xpress boats

Has this been happening for years and is it widespread? I see so many of them on the water, new and old. Last time I was shopping for a used boat I called on a couple and they had sold within a couple days of posting. That was a few years ago. I’m going to be spending a lot more this time around so I’m going to look at all my options closely. I don’t want to buy an Xpress if it’s an ongoing issue but if it was just a bad batch and they fixed it I’ll consider buying one. It’ll probably be new though so I don’t buy one that has had weld issues. Google probably has some answers.

Just curious, do the prices of a tougher boat with real structure compare to th expresses? If they do, I’d definitely be looking at a gator trax, Hankos, etc. (any of the smaller aluminum builders). You can beat on the boats a little bit and tell they are a lot more robust than the mass produced hulls.

I had a 18 foot with a 70 about 6 years ago. No problems with the welds. trailer was good. The wind blew it around like all alum boats. Went to bass cat and never look back though.

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I’ve heard good things about them but I’m assuming the prices are higher b/c of the name.

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Not as much as you'd think.

Ive got an 1860 Xpress, custom cab boat i had them build for me in 2014-15 i believe. we abuse it pretty good, got a 115 mercury 4 stroke on it and haven't had one single problem as far as welds or quality or ride or anything like that. its been a really good boat that really gets used a lot. pretty happy with it. its not the hyper lift hull, and is pretty heavy bc of the cab and all and I've had it to 47 (down river) but still runs out pretty damn good

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A good friend has an Express (not sure what model) and he was complaining about it not wanting to turn in reverse. I thought he was exaggerating the issue until I drove it one day. I was trying to maneuver the boat to get it on the trailer and, in reverse, it just wouldn't respond to the helm like it should. Tracks great in a hard high speed turn. I think the way the hull bites the water has something to do with it not turning in reverse. Other than that, I love the boat.

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Does this boat have a jack plate? I bet the motor is mounted to high and that's why it doesn't reverse well.

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I would wait until the Vexus is in full production. It looks amazing.

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First I’ve heard about Vexus. I checked out their website and the boats look nice. Only thing I don’t like about buying something like that is they’re unproven.

Lifetyme, Scully, Hanko, Am Marine are life time boats as are those build by the hundreds of small shop builders in Louisiana. Would not want anything less than 3/16 bottom on a bass/cc type aluminum boat. I have a 18.7 dual console sitting in my yard dad left me in his will that will be sold as soon as the succession is over. Built by Lynn Neuville and All 3/16, it's a tank and built for several lifetimes. Trailer/hull/TM/older 2stroke can be had for less than $8k.

What motor does it have on it? Might look into custom built also but I’ve always been under the impression that they’re priced a lot higher, rightfully so. If I’m going to spend more money it’ll be hard not to buy fiberglass just for the quality of the ride alone.

Go see old Lobells on Airline Hwy Gator something they will make you exactly what you want for way less.