What Brand is the best?

[OUTLAW]

You were just granted 1 wish for any bass boat made but you had to keep it for your whole life. What brand would you buy? money is not an issue remeber this is the last boat you will own.

[DennisB.]

I have a Champion now, and have been in everything except a Storm, Gambler, Challenger, Fastcat and maybe a few more that aren't made anymore and I would have to say that based on everything from fit and finish to customer service I would buy a new Basscat in a heart beat. But that doesn't mean that I would have the same answer tommorow, like Jack Miner was quoted " a man that can't change his mind has no mind to change"

[thedude]

hands down... a legend.
boat just reaks of quality and is well laid out. i think a 21' with a 225 opti would be just fine for me

[Bender]

The "keep it for your whole life" part is difficult since I have not been in too many. Realistically I would like to have a Gambler someday but I would like to try an Allison just for fun. As DennisB. says this may change tomorrow. I'm taking my Stratos out for the first time ever tomorrow and I'm sure it is more boat than I need anyway...

[DennisB.]

I totally forgot about ledgend!!! I haven't been in one but from what I have seen, I will change my choice to legend, no wait.... Basscat,.....no Ledgend...., How about the one that consistantly has 25 lb sacks in the livewell

[BigSmallie]

Ranger Z-22 with either a 275 or 300 Verado.   

Of course......this is what my next boat will be regardless!

BS 

[JCOOPER]

A big no for the Verado.  This motor is not a good bass boat application.  No low end power, horrible fuel economy and it is heavy.  If you get caught in big waves, you do not stand a chance.  If you have to have that much power, go with a yamaha. 

[smbassman]

A big no for the Verado.  This motor is not a good bass boat application.  No low end power, horrible fuel economy and it is heavy.  If you get caught in big waves, you do not stand a chance.  If you have to have that much power, go with a yamaha. 

This does not match up with the impression I got riding in a Cougar FTD w/ 250 Verado.  It had very quick holeshot, ran mid 70's and was extremely quiet.  I have heard they are difficult to select the best props because of the wide RPM range.  I also heard they were running 23" trophies on the Tritons at the BMC at Wylie???  The Cougar I rode in was turning a 28" Trophy but after further testing, Basscat found the 26" Bravo 1's to be the best prop.

I would personally prefer the 250 ProXs, but since this is a theoretical lifelong purchase, I'd go with the Verado also for reliability.  Oh yeah, on a Puma!!!

[JCOOPER]

Dont say I didnt warn you!  I ran them.  A couple different ones.  Horrible fuel econ.  28-29 gph at WOT.  You notice that Merc has stopped pushing it so hard.  The XS is a much better bass boat application.  Leave the Verado to saltwater.  I wont go on bashing it anymore but if anyone buys one, you were warned!

[smbassman]

Rick Pierce, from BassCat, put together a comparison for potential buyers deciding between the ProXS and Verado.  Based on his numbers, the decreased fuel economy is balanced by the 2 cycle oil savings (I think he used $20/gal for an approximate cost of Prem + oil).  The real decision comes down to whether you plan to keep the boat for a long time.  The additional Verado investment will pay off in 4stroke dependability.  If you will only keep it a few years the 2 stroke is the better choice because the used prices for the Verado equiped boats are in line with those with 2 strokes.

I understand what you mean about the XS though.  They are definitely tailered more for bass boats and provide better performance.  Verado's are still good options for some though.

[motocross269]

In motorcycle racing we have been going to 4 strokes from 2 strokes.  The bikes are awesome, but the cost of maintenance on a 4 stroke is out of site.
I have never worked on a bike more than I did my last 4 stroke.  We were constantly chasing the valves and top end.  These bikes run at close to 13,000 RPM though.  Are they having some of the same issues with the 4 stroke outboards??? 

[JCOOPER]

The oil in 2 strokes is not a fair comparison.  Thow in the cost of winterizing an verado or the addistional maintance costs.  Try to get one serviced in alot of places.  Call Jet-A-Marina on KY Lake ask them the nearest place to get a verado serviced. 

The "4 stroke dependablity"  claim??  One of the reasons 4 strokes get that claim is because of the situations they are used the most.  Pontoons, small fishing boats.  These are low pressure boating applications.  Just about any 2 stroke motor would hold up as good in these situations.  The manufacturers have played a trick on the public toting them as the "cleanest"  "most dependable" and easiest to maintain motors.  I am not talking verado specific, i am talking all 4 stroke in general. 

Once again though.  A big no for the verado.  If you need to buy a merc "whole nother arguement there" buy an opti.

[1javelin]

I think we are getting a little off subject here. 
  As for the original question, the only thing I have fished out of is a Skeeter, and now my Javelin.  Big no on the Skeeter though; talk about a rough ride.  I can hit good chop in my Javelin and skip, still seated.  I like the looks of the Legend and the Storm though.  Would have to try them out before I could decide.  No on Ranger, not a fan of the military tank turned fishing boat.  No on Triton, cuz I like to be near the water, not the clouds.  I have a Johnson 200 now, and man do I love that, so it would be hard to beat it.  Guess theoretically speaking I would say my 200 on a 20' Bullet.  Got to get there first you know!!!

[djkimmel]

Z21 - 250 Yamaha HPDI - I will get to fish a long time anywhere in comfort and safety.

[Waterfoul]

I also have to go with the Legend.  After seeing them and climbing all over them at several shows this spring... these boats are the chit!!!  Slap a big ole Yammi on the transom and put me in the water!!!