6 of the Best Bass Boats at Any Price

Long, low, muscular and awesomely efficient, the best bass boats have long been recognized as the ultimate fishing rigs when casting is the name of the game. With their big flat decks, ample storage space for tackle and gear, resistance to being blown about in the wind and their ability to get to distant spots quickly, it’s little wonder bass boats have become the dream rigs for millions of anglers all over the map.

If money was no object, which bass boat would you buy? The answer to that isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Here are our picks as the best bass boats you can buy right now – at any price. See if you agree!

Bass Cat Puma STS

Bass Cat Puma STS

The latest incarnation in Bass Cat’s Project Stealth, the Puma STS gains a touch of extra length and beam in the form of Bass Cat’s all-new Soft Touch Series (STS) running surface for a more stable casting platform without sacrificing top-end performance. Elevated electronics mounting platforms on the front deck that facilitate gimbal installation are a nice touch.

• Length: 20’ 7”
• Beam: 96”
• Weight: 2,100 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 60 gal.
• Maximum power: 300 hp

Crestliner 1850 Bass Hawk

Crestliner 1850 Bass Hawk

Crestliner’s 1750 Bass Hawk has long been a popular choice among hard-core bass anglers with its durable aluminum hull that gets maximum performance out of smaller engines. Now, the big brother 1850 Bass Hawk makes a great boat even better. Sweet features include an all-new, premium fiberglass console with space for flush-mount electronics, a 15-tube illuminated in-deck rod locker, huge bow casting deck and a massive 28-gallon stern live well. With everything considered, the Crestliner 1850 Bass Hawk is one of the best bass boats money can buy.

• Length: 18’ 9”
• Beam: 95”
• Weight: 1,625 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 34 gal.
• Maximum power: 200 hp

Nitro Z21 XL

Nitro Z21 XL

Built for serious tournament competition, Nitro’s Z21 XL features a fiberglass console with space for twin 12-inch touch-screen displays, upgraded upholstery, Nitro’s Rapid Planing System for better hole shots and acceleration, and an enormous bow casting deck with a pair of front day boxes for instant access to baits. There’s also an all-new rod box with automatic LED lighting.

• Length: 21’ 2”
• Beam: 7’ 11”
• Weight: 2,150 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 60 gal.
• Maximum power: 300 hp

Ranger Z520R

Ranger Z520R

They say nothing runs like a Ranger and it’s still true, as evidenced by the remarkable Z520R. Running on an all-new hull and deck design for better performance with less weight, the Ranger comes with every imaginable amenity starting with a fiberglass helm console with twin 12-inch touch-screen displays that deliver whole-boat control. NASCAR-inspired bolstered seating, standard lithium-ion batteries, a removable passenger console and ventillated rod storage are just the start of the Ranger’s lengthy standard feature list.

• Length: 20’ 11”
• Beam: 96”
• Weight: 1,850 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 54 gal.
• Maximum power: 250 hp

Skeeter FXR21 Apex

Skeeter FXR21 Apex

You would expect the company that invented the bass boat to have a few tricks up its sleeve and Skeeter holds nothing back with its remarkable FXR21 Apex – one of the best bass boats available today. Starting with a bow casting deck big enough to hold a picnic table, the FXR21 Apex comes ready to rock the weekend tournament with a Minn Kota Ultrex electric motor, a gimbal-mounted Hummingbird Helix 12 in the bow, 8-foot Minn Kota Raptor shallow water anchors, a 12” jack plate and a gimbal-mounted Humminbird Helix 15 at the dash – all standard.

• Length: 21’ 4”
• Beam: 97”
  Weight: 2,275 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 48 gal.
• Maximum power: 250 hp

Triton 21 XrT

Triton 21 XrT

Triton’s new flagship raises the bar on fishability with a brand-new hull design that stretches the width of the front deck by a whopping seven inches for more fishing room and more space for gear. There’s also a new bow design for easier electronics installation, and a new helm console with space for twin 12-inch touch-screen displays. An onboard 15×4 battery charger, padded dash, hot foot throttle, polished aluminum jack plate and SeaStar hydraulic steering all come standard.

• Length: 21’
• Beam: 95”
• Weight: 2,050 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 47 gal.
• Maximum power: 300 hp