Bass & Walleye Boats: Top Guns, Part I
Find ten rod-hot fishing machines right here.
January 26, 2002
Lighter, stronger, faster; those words describe freshwater boating's Class of 2002. Today's bass and walleye boat manufacturers from Canada and the United States are building boats better than ever before.
Fiberglass is still the most commonly used material in today's high-performance hulls, but boat-building innovation is alive. Roplene roto-molded polyethylene is used by boatbuilding giant Genmar, while stretched-form aluminum is used in Tracker's Avalanche (bassboat) and Tundra (multispecies) models. These new construction techniques currently represent a small part of the market, but both designs are poised to compete with fiberglass lines, as well as the ever-popular riveted- and welded- aluminum boats.
At Bass &! Walleye Boats, our challenge each year is to build the world's most complete fresh-water fishing-boat Buyer's Guide. The 2002 Top Guns edition was compiled by phone, fax and e-mail, as writers around the country worked to uncover the very best manufacturers have to offer.
In this buyers' guide, you'll read about fast boats and expensive boats, slow boats and "value-priced" boats. Our data boxes have been refocused to include rigged weight and trailered weight, two important figures to know when towing. Prices listed include an engine, with the boat on a trailer, unless specified otherwise. And we'll never forget to provide an estimated top speed. Enjoy a tour of the world's best boats. &!#8212; The Editors
Allison
Pictured above is the Allison XB-2003T Pro Sport. Starting from left, photos of all models in this buyers' guide run in alphabetical order.
Allison's veteran XB-2003T ProSport rockets into 2002 with the legendary performance that people have come to expect from this boat. A long list of premium features adds to the ProSport's value and allure.
Construction is of a handlaid, high-tech fusion of fiberglass and Kevlar that is shaped into a 22-degree, stepped-strake, pad-V hull, with a PVC foam coring and a steel-cored transom. With a dry weight of 1050 pounds, this is a lightweight hull &!#8212; which is key to the boat's performance.
Drivers will like the Side Slide feature. It allows them to adjust the driver's seat for optimum balance by shifting the seat from the center position when alone or to the right when riding with a partner. The dual-sized console positioned in the center of the boat is a very effective wind screen during high-speed runs.
The interior is very versatile and angler-friendly, with a standard two-seat arrangement or optional bench seat for the family. Other standard features include a manual jackplate, a foot throttle and steering-wheel-mounted trim control that are both designed by Allison, and a Zercom in-dash fish-finder. Buyers can upgrade to a hydraulic jackplate. Huge storage compartments under the rear deck and the entire foredeck keep your gear on-hand and include lift-out tackle trays in the front deck and a rod locker.
The boat's suggested price is $23,500. That includes a trailer, but Allison does not package this boat with an engine or trolling motor. The company guarantees the hull for two years. A standard one-year warranty covers fixtures and fittings. &!#8212; Mark Halvorsen
Specifications
| Model name | Allison XB-2003T ProSport |
| Price (with Yamaha 150 HPDI) | $36,330 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 75 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 150 |
| Length | 20' 3" |
| Beam | 88" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged Weight | 1,830 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 2,630 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 33 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 4 persons |
For More Information
Allison Boats
Dept. B&!WB
1002 Excalibur Corner
Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 426-1623
allisonboats.com
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Invader 195
For 2002, Alumacraft introduces the Invader series of bassboats: the 175, 185 and 195. The 195 is the largest and features a welded-pad hull with reverse chines to achieve the superior performance that bass anglers demand. In contrast to fiberglass boats, Alumacraft touts ease of maintenance and a reasonable price.
Both the bow and aft casting decks are expansive; each will readily accommodate two anglers. Beneath the mica-mist carpet, the aluminum deck and floor construction provides a durable base. With one console, the interior layout invites anglers to move fore or aft as casting opportunities arise. Hardcore anglers will appreciate the dual 8-foot rod lockers and eight separate storage areas, four of which are lockable. The largest locker will accept a 38-quart cooler.
A MotorGuide 743 trolling motor is available as an option, but the bow is pre-wired for a 12/24V motor of any brand. The trolling-motor mounting area is covered with textured rubber matting for safe footing. Matted step pads are strategically placed on the aft deck corners, as well.
The well-appointed console includes a speedometer, tach, voltmeter, trim gauge, fuel gauge, horn, AM/FM/cassette stereo and a Zercom flasher. A Lowrance X-49 unit is a factory option. No-feedback steering with a tilt wheel and dual cables will enable confident handling at all speeds.
The boat's exterior is finished in indigo-blue-metallic paint with tasteful graphics. For bass anglers who appreciate Aluma-craft's legendary quality, the Invader series offers great value, attractive aesthetics and superior performance. &!#8212; Reg Delwiche
Specifications
| Model Name | Alumacraft Invader 195 |
| Price (with Mercury 150 hp) | $17,995 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 62 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 150 |
| Length | 19' 4" |
| Beam | 92" |
| Construction | Welded aluminum |
| Rigged Weight | 2,000 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,000 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 27 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 22 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 4 persons |
For More Information
Alumacraft Boat Co.
Dept. B&!WB.
Highway 67 N., Box 189.
Arkadelphia, AR 71923.
(870) 246-5555.
alumacraft.com
Aries
Aries Ram 200 Tournament Edition
Aries Boat's namesake sign charges across the sky with fire and determination, qualities that might apply to the company's bassboats, as well. Aries has been in business for 21 years, and its boats are available in Alabama, the Carolinas, Kentucky and Tennessee. By trimming profits and maintaining quality, the company strives to capture the middle market with boats that offer good fishability, storage, performance and ride, all at a reasonable price.
For 2002 the company is offering its Ram 200 Tournament Edition. The Tournament Edition offers the same standard features as the regular 200 model, such as a 40-gallon, divided livewell that is Pro-Air equipped, three large storage boxes, cooler, rod locker, tackle tray storage, Teleflex dual steering, full instrumentation and more, with the following additions: tournament-edition graphics, an in-dash Zercom unit, water pressure and trim gauges, surface temperature readout, Hot Foot, Dual Pro charger, 7-inch jackplate, Protech-cushioned front deck, bucket seats and interior lighting.
The driver's console leaves plenty of room for a 6-foot, 6-inch man (or for those of wider girth) behind the steering wheel. For options, try all-composite construction, Nite angler package, steering-wheel trim, hydraulic steering, Humminbird electronics, MotorGuide trolling motor and more. All standard Aries boats are 100-percent hand-built with fiberglass hulls, composite transoms built with the company's Transom-Lock and composite hull reinforcement. Transom-Lock is a construction method that reduces transom fatigue. Aries boats have a five-year warranty. &!#8212; Mark Halvorsen
Specifications
| Model Name | Aries Ram 200 Tournament Edition |
| Price (with Mercury 200L) | $21,000 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 75 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 200 |
| Length | 19' 2" |
| Beam | 92" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged Weight | 2,150 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,150 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 40 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 4 persons |
For More Information
Aries Boats
Dept. B&!WB
2111 Highway 47 E.
Dickson, TN 37055
(615) 446-8513
ariesboats.com
Bass Cat
Bass Cat Cougar
Big-water bassboaters might want to pounce on the Cougar, the 20-foot, 3-inch bassboat from Bass Cat. Introduced in 1999, the Cougar has alternated between being the company's number-one and number-two seller, most popular in the California Delta, Michigan and Texas. Perhaps that's due to what the company describes as the boat's durability and dependability, regardless of water conditions.
"People refer to it as the ?four-wheel drive on the water,'" said Ivan Williams of Bass Cat.
Notable standard features on the Cougar include two full-length rod boxes, plenty of floor space, a full bench seat that harbors storage and a cooler, plus lots of legroom and tilt hydraulic steering. A recessed trolling motor pedal is intended to reduce back and leg strain during marathon fishing sessions. The boat is kept high and dry on a tandem-axle trailer with surge disc brakes, 15-inch aluminum wheels and a spare.
New for this year are switches and instrumentation that are compatible with the latest Mercury and Yamaha digital systems. High-tech touches &!#8212; such as the use of vinylester resins that make for a stronger, more water-resistant hull &!#8212; make a reliable product that encourages Bass Cat to offer a lifetime, transferable structural warranty.
Among a plethora of options (Lowrance and Pinpoint electronics, MotorGuide trolling motors, 52-gallon fuel system, lockable, waterproof, flipping deck storage compartment with tackle organizers, hydraulic jackplate and more) is a limited-edition, high-performance hull and engine package for those who feel fast isn't fast enough. &!#8212; Mark Halvorsen
Specifications
| Model Name | Bass Cat Cougar |
| Price (with Mercury 200 EFI) | $32,549 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 77 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 285 |
| Length | 20' 3" |
| Beam | 93" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged Weight | 3,060 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,678 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 36 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 40 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 6 persons |
For More Information
Bass Cat Boats
Dept. B&!WB
P.O. Drawer 1688
Mountain Home, AR 72564
(870) 481-5135
basscat.com
Blazer
Blazer 210 EXT
he 2002-model year marks the introduction of Blazer's 210 EXT, a completely new design taken from last year's very popular 210 Pro-V. The new features include rounded, softer gunwales raised 2 inches above those of the older deck and new side consoles that sit free from the sides (attached to the floor only). This gives the boat more accessible, useable space, allowing the passengers to move about the cockpit easier.
In addition, the boat is convertible; that is, a customer who has purchased a single-console 210 can later install the second console if he desires, turning the 210 EXT into a dual-console rig for better passenger protection. The driver's console features a molded-in foot-throttle pad with a matching, molded-in footrest. The passenger console features a rod ramp for easy access.
The 210 EXT features two coolers, full instrumentation (including standard trim and water-pressure gauges, options on many other boats), all-new seating with automotive-quality materials, a fold-down center seat with rubber step-pad and cupholders, plus dual 24-gallon fuel tanks spaced evenly for better high-speed balance.
Teleflex SeaStar Pro hydraulic steering is standard, as is a manual jackplate. A limited lifetime warranty is also standard. Blazer uses no wood in the build schedule, so the 210 EXT should be around for awhile. Even using lightweight composites, this Blazer checks in at a stout 1400 pounds, so it can handle the big water using higher-horse-power engines to achieve a strong mid-80 mph top end. &!#8212; John Tiger, Jr.
Specifications
| Model Name | Blazer 210 EXT |
| Price (with Yamaha 250 EFI) | $30,000 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 85 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | Unlimited |
| Length | 21' 2" |
| Beam | 92" |
| Construction | Fiberglass/composite |
| Rigged Weight | 2,000 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,000 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 48 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 30 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 5 persons |
For More Information
Blazer Boats
Dept. B&!WB
3300 Bill Metzger Lane
Pensacola, FL 32514
(850) 478-2290
blazerboats.com
Bullet
Bullet Boats has been in business for 21 years and is well known for its frequent forays into the never-never land of ultra-high-speed bassboats. The comp-any manufactures 300 boats a year, and its 20 CC was crowned as the king of top speed in B&!WB's July/August 2000 issue with a series of string-straight 117-plus mph passes on Fort Loudon Lake in eastern Tennessee. That 800-pounder was piloted expertly by Bullet's main wheelman Paul Nichols, and it was powered by a Mercury 300 Drag outboard with a small-diameter Steckbauer gearcase.
The 20 CC is not all race boat, however. Bullet's "combination boat" fulfills the need for a race boat and fishing platform in one package. The rod locker is plenty big enough for two anglers' sticks, the foredeck is huge by any standards, and the side passenger seat provides comfort for fishing partners (albeit without any wind protection). After spending Saturday fishing, a 20 CC owner can remove the passenger seats, lighten the load of tackle and gear, bolt on a racing propeller and trailer down to the local outboard drags for some Sunday afternoon quarter-mile action &!#8212; and be competitive, even with a standard fishing-weight hull.
Bullet offers the 20 CC in any configuration, from bare hull to complete rig. While the stock boat weighs in at 1120 pounds, you can shave 100 pounds from that on the order form; you can also drop the weight to approximately 800 pounds, or just over 600 if all you need is a flyweight racer built specifically for drags. All the special light-weights come sans warranty, however. &!#8212; John Tiger, Jr.
Specifications
| Model Name | Bullet 20 CC |
| Price (with Mercury 280) | $39,900 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 100 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | Unlimited |
| Length | 20' 1" |
| Beam | 91" |
| Construction | Fiberglass/Kevlar/balsa core |
| Rigged Weight | 1,650 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 2,780 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 30 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 4 persons/800 pounds |
For More Information
Bullet Boats
Dept B&!WB
P.O. Box 2202
Knoxville, TN 37901
(865) 577-7055
bulletboats.com
Bumble Bee
Bumble Bee has experienced an unexpected evolution in the demand for its boats. It used to be that single-console boats reigned supreme on bass lakes, but the success of the company's top-selling dual-console 290 ProSport points to a change. Last year, for the first time, the dual console of the 290 outsold the single console, and Bumble Bee believes it's because tournament partners and spouses are tired of picking bugs from between their teeth.
The 19-foot, 1-inch 290 ProSport's popularity could also be due to its tournament-friendly features, such as a buddy rod ramp and rod holders, or it could be the huge fishing deck with loads of storage &!#8212; two very large rod lockers, a spacious storage box that can handle the largest landing net, and storage beneath the step-ups to the deck. Total storage on the boat is 13 cubic inches (not including rod lockers).
The biggest feature on all the company's boats in 2002 is a composite transom that comes standard, with individually laminated 3/4-inch layers and uses 36-pound-composite material. It is possibly the largest composite transom on the market and you'll need it if you buy an outboard that matches the hull's 200 hp maximum rating.
As an option, the boat comes with all-composite construction or a "lite-layup" that saves 10 to 15 percent in weight, plus a hydraulic Detwiler jackplate, hydraulic steering, Lowrance, Motorguide and Minn Kota upgrades, Protech deck, 10x2 battery charger and much more. Standards include a Hot Foot throttle, Faria gauges, Pro Air, dual steering, J&!B 10-inch jackplate, Lowrance electronics, MFI trailer, Mercury or Yamaha engine packages and many others. &!#8212; Mark Halvorsen
Specifications
| Model Name | Bumble Bee 290 ProSport |
| Price (with 200 EFI) | $27,995 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 74 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 200 |
| Length | 19' 1" |
| Beam | 90" |
| Construction | Fiberglass w/composite transom |
| Rigged Weight | 2,100 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,050 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 31 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 5 persons |
For More Information
Bumble Bee Boats
Dept. B&!WB
P.O. Box 128
Tullahoma, TN 37388
(931) 455-9728
bumblebeeboats.com
Champion
Champion's new-for-2002 188 Elite bassboat is a fast-flying fishing machine that runs in the mid 70 mph range. The 188 Elite carries many of the same design traits as Champion's larger 206 and 196 bassboats, with modular consoles for the driver and passenger, footrests for increased security when riding and large carpeted rear stowage boxes.
Champion built the 188 Elite for anglers who want the amenities of a bigger boat, and a nimble, fast ride. The boat runs strong on a 150 horsepower engine, but kicking the power up to 175 hp, or the maximum rating of 200 hp, makes the 188 Elite run even stronger.
The boat also has simple, yet innovative features from bow to stern. For example, the extra-wide 921/2-inch beam allows for more room in the bow storage lockers, while the passenger's side rod ramp is well designed and easy to use. The boat comes with a 50-gallon fuel tank (few 18-footers have a tank that big), and the routing of the fuel lines and steering cables is flawless.
Standard features include a 10-inch manual jackplate, two-battery charger, Zercom flasher, Lowrance X-65 bow-mounted unit and SeaStar Pro hydraulic steering. A custom dash features Teleflex Anti-Fog Gauges, which includes a speedometer, tacho-meter, fuel gauge, volt gauge, water-pressure gauge and trim indicator with matching bezels.
Optional equipment includes a MotorGuide trolling motor, tackle-and-rod organizing systems and three-battery charger. A trailer comes standard, and includes a custom paint scheme, radial tires, aluminum wheels and heavy-duty jack stand. &!#8212; Doug Thompson
Specifications
| Model | Champion Boats 188 |
| Price (with 200 hp engine) | $33,500 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 75 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 200 |
| Length | 18' 6" |
| Beam | 921/2" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged Weight | 1,425 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 2,195 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 27.4 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 5 persons |
For More Information
Champion Boats
Dept. B&!WB
1815 Hwy. 201 S. Spur No. 1
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-8188
championboats.com
Charger
Charger has long been known for top-quality, high-end bassboats. For 2002, the company is offering its entry-level CX 195; a bassboat that provides all the amenities needed by serious bass anglers, but with a more economical price. You get the famous Charger features that include a built-in jackplate, raised forward and rear casting decks, and a solid 4-inch-thick transom.
No-feedback, dual rack-and-pinion steering makes driving easy, while the two bilge pumps, including an automatic model, keep the bilge clear. Dual livewells feature a recirculating Charge-Air and pump-out system for easy fish handling.
Seven storage lockers and two huge rod lockers, along with an ice chest, provide storage, while carpeted aluminum lids and power-assist door openers make it easy to store gear. Other standard amenities include a pork-chunk tray, passenger-side glove box on the dual-console model and a passenger-side rod ramp.
The console features deluxe instrumentation, such as a Zercom depthfinder in an elegant, burled-wood dash. Dual Pro XL battery charger, console courtesy lights, wrap-around driver and passenger seat, all-weather fold down seat with pole and a lean-a-butt seat with stand-up power pedestal are standard. The entire package includes a tube construction trailer with Swing Away jack, double-carpeted bunks, side guides and recessed taillights.
Optional is a third passenger seat between the driver and primary passenger, a flipping door that converts the front deck into a giant flipping platform and a Charger rod rack that holds rods securely. &!#8212; Monte Burch
Specifications
| Model Name | Charger CX 195 |
| Price (with 200 hp Mercury) | $25,495 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 70 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 200 |
| Length | 19' 3" |
| Beam | 94" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged Weight | 2,220 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,070 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 44 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 2 at 171/2 gallons each |
| Load Capacity | 6 persons |
For More Information
Charger Bass Boats
Dept. B&!WB
P.O. Box 709
Richland, MO 65556
(573) 765-3265
chargerboats.com
Crestliner
Discriminating anglers might best describe the Crestliner 202 Tournament Series RCL Edition as spacious, complete and rock-solid. By positioning the dual consoles amidships, the boat provides expansive angling areas both fore and aft. This flexible layout allows an angler to cast jigs or troll planer boards with equal ease as conditions dictate.
The bow casting area is complemented by a baitwell for live bait presentations, while the rear cockpit's size is enhanced by the boat's broad beam. Two anglers will appreciate this spacious area as they deploy trolling boards or while landing a fish in rough waters.
As a complete tournament boat, the 202 RCL Edition has a long list of amenities. Foremost are the Hydro-Flow, High-Speed freshwater pick-up system and the forward rod locker that accepts 11 rods. The lighted rod locker is conveniently located below the bow casting deck and uses tubes to keep rigged rods separated eliminating the mass of tangles that invariably occurs when rods are stored in a locker without separate cavities.
Crestliner's welded-aluminum hull is reinforced by its tongue-and-groove Uniweld substructure and is backed by a 20-year guarantee. Other components are covered by a comprehensive three-year, bow-to-stern warranty. Prospective buyers will appreciate a corporation that backs its reputation for quality with such a warranty.
If you want a boat with tournament-level features and performance, Crestliner's 202 RCL Edition demands your personal investigation. If you like to fish, this is your boat. &!#8212; Reg Delwiche
Specifications
| Model Name | 202 Tournament Series RCL Edition |
| Price (with Mercury 225 OptiMax) | $36,200 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 60 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 225 |
| Length | 20' 2" |
| Beam | 1001/2" |
| Construction | Welded aluminum |
| Rigged Weight | 1,425 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 1,010 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 27 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 6 persons |
For More Information
Crestliner Boats
Dept. B&!WB
609 13th Ave., N.E.
Little Falls, MN 56345
(800) 889-7020
crestliner.com
