Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass Review

For many freshwater anglers, it’s tough to beat the amenities and layout of a bass boat. With its low freeboard, bow and stern elevated casting decks and cavernous storage capacity, the bass boat is tough to beat when you’re casting in relatively protected waters.

Although most bass boats are fiberglass, aluminum models also have their fans – particularly in northern parts of the country where many lakes have limited launch facilities or no ramps at all. That’s where the lightweight aluminum bass boat truly shines, by allowing anglers to access waters that would be out of reach with a heavy fiberglass boat.

That part of the world has always been a strong market for Minnesota-based Lund Boats, best known for its full line of aluminum multi-species fishing rigs. But the company also builds a growing line of aluminum bass boats, including the all-new Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass.

With an overall length of 18 feet nine inches, and a full 96-inch beam, the Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass weighs just 1,475 pounds, making it an easy boat to tow with mid-sized vehicles and capable of being launched and recovered from unimproved ramps with ease. Yet it still accommodates a mountain of gear and handles outboards of up to 200 horsepower.

The bench-style seating in the standard version of this boat offers a large storage compartment beneath the seats and a larger rear deck.

Lund offers two basic versions of this boat – one with the traditional three-passenger bench-style seating (actually consisting of three side-by-side buckets) and a pedestal version with the driver and passenger riding on pedestal-mount fishing seats with a shared console between them. The pedestal variant provides two flip-up jump seats built into the rear deck and more floor space in the main cockpit, but it seems like wasted space since so little time is actually spent in this part of the boat. It also gives up the enormous storage compartment located under the seats in the traditional bench-style version. That being the case, most anglers will likely choose the traditional bench-style floor plan in this boat, which also allows a larger rear deck with integral tackle storage.

An alternate floorplan with pedestal-style seats includes a small console and flip-up jump seats in a smaller rear deck.

Both versions share the same dash and console for the driver, with gauges clustered in a semi-circle under and to the sides of the main dash panel, which is devoted to accommodating a large flush-mount multi-function display. An optional  passenger console is also available, and might be a worthwhile upgrade for those who would appreciate the additional occupant protection the second console provides.

The dash features a large flat center panel to accommodate large flush-mount multi-function displays.

All variants of this boat share the same huge bow casting deck, which takes up pretty much the entire front half of the boat. Raised to a point just below the gunnel, this huge carpeted deck provides a secure spot to cast away, with plenty of room for two or three anglers to fish without bumping elbows. There’s a recessed pool for the control pedal for a bow-mount electric motor, along with a flat bow panel capable of accepting a second flat-screen display. Four hatches open to reveal cavernous storage lockers for a wide range of gear, along with a huge in-deck rock locker along the centerline, with space for up to 15 rods of up to nine feet in length, each stored in individual protective tubes. The lid raises on double gas rams, allowing free hands for stowing or retrieving rods.

Storage space in the bow deck is expansive, including space for 15 rods of up to nine feet in length.

A step leading from the cockpit floor to the bow deck opens to reveal a handy cooler, that’s perfect for keeping cold drinks close by.

The aerated, recirculating live well in this boat is located in the rear deck, where fish are less likely to be sloshed around when running from spot to spot. It’s a big live well, reflecting the fact this is a boat to be used by serious and successful anglers, with a 28-gallon capacity and 36-inch length. It’s even lit for use at night. Pop-up tackle storage located between the live well and the seat backs on the bench seat edition keeps small tackle trays well organized and easily accessible.

A pop-up tackle storage locker in the bench-version of this boat keeps small tackle trays organized and easily accessible.

Lund has put some real thought into the 1875 Pro-V Bass, reflected by its use of fold-down cleats in order to reduce the likelihood of snagging wayward fishing lines, a three-step boarding ladder that retracts flush into the transom when not in use, and a beefy .100 aluminum plate hull, with a double-plated bow .160 bow.

As you would expect for a bass boat hull, the Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass planes almost immediately. Although rated for a 200-horsepower outboard, performance with a 150 is excellent, running to about 55 mph at wide open throttle.  The additional 50 ponies will probably push this boat to 60 mph. If you don’t need the speed, the base package comes with a Mercury 115, which will still deliver great performance with better fuel economy and a lower retail price.

The Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass is a well designed aluminum bass boat that should prove popular – especially in the north where its lighter weight gives it an edge over fiberglass bass boats when it comes to accessing remote back lakes.

Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass

• Length: 18′ 9″
• Beam: 96″
• Chine Width: 81.5″
• Dry weight: 1,475 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 36 gals
• Amidship depth: 32.25″
• Bow depth: 33.25″
• Passenger capacity: 4
• Weight capacity: 1,650 lbs
• Max Power: 200 hp
• Max Speed: 61 mph
• Price: $33,638 w. Mercury 115 EX