Bass & Walleye Boats: Top Guns, Part II

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 Part II of this buyers' guide (for the first installment of the guide, see "Related Items" at right), 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. — The Editors

DuraCraft

DuraCraft Marine 18 IP B&B

The new 18 IP B&B from DuraCraft is a combination bass and bay boat. Market research done by the company showed that a significant number of people, particularly in the Southeast, wanted a boat that could conveniently be used for both lake and bay fishing, for striper or flats and bass fishing.

Bassboats normally have raised front and rear platforms, side consoles and lots of storage.Bay boats normally have a reasonably sized cockpit, a center console and very little storage. DuraCraft engineers designed the 18 IP B&B with a combination that meets the basics of both styles, runs with an adequate-horsepower engine, has good bow lift, handles well in turns and reasonably rough water.

The "IP" stands for isosceles pad, a running pad that allows for good lift and increased speeds with smaller engines, such as a 90 hp. The IP pad hull also retains the handling characteristics of the DuraCraft 12-degree-V hulls, an ncreased safety features.

By using an unusual combination of beam and deck design, the 18 IP B&B has rod boxes on both sides of the foredeck, a step-box front storage assembly, a console with good storage, a built-in 20-gallon gas tank under the front platform, and a split, octagonal, 25-gallon livewell under the rear deck.

The 18 IP B&B also features an unusual flip-seat bench seat that flips down to provide an extended deck for more fishing options. This feature provides more cockpit and rear deck space. Fishing seats, trolling motor and depthfinder are available options on the DuraCraft 18 IP B&B. — Monte Burch

Specifications

Model Name	DuraCraft Marine 18 IP B&B
Price (with Yamaha 90 hp)	$14,995
Estimated Top Speed	43 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating]	100
Length	18'
Beam	94"
Construction	Welded aluminum
Rigged Weight	1,400 pounds
Trailered Weight	2,400 pounds
Fuel Capacity	20 gallons
Livewell Capacity	25 gallons
Load Capacity	4 persons

For More Information

DuraCraft Marine
Dept. B&WB
125 Superior Drive
Delhi, LA, 71232
(318) 878-2628
duracraftmarine.com

Fisher

Fisher 1860 V Pro Hawk

Fisher builds premium aluminum boats backed by a lifetime warranty, and this year's Top Gun entry is the toughest and most-complete bass/multispecies boat the company has ever offered.

The 1860 V Pro Hawk is built on a two-piece, welded, aluminum hull with an integrated-transom-truss system and aluminum floor and decks. About the only departure from all-aluminum construction is the reinforced fiberglass console. It comes with a smoke-tinted windshield and full instrumentation, including speedometer, tacho-meter, voltmeter, fuel, trim and water-pressure gauges.

A huge 43-gallon livewell with pump, timer and drain controls makes this Hawk a candidate for tournament fishing.

Fisher boats traditionally sell best in the South, Southeast and Midwest, but this Hawk should appeal to anglers anywhere semi-V bassboats are used. The standard package includes a Mercury 125 ELPTO Classic engine with a Quicksilver Classic 3000 single-lever control box, Zercom in-dash sonar that also measures surface temperature, foot-controlled MotorGuide 12/24V trolling motor with 60 pounds of thrust, bench seat with rot-proof composite frame and a a matching custom trailer.

The 1860 V Pro Hawk performs adequately with less horsepower, and 115 hp carbureted and EFI engines are optional. Want more than standard power? Engine upgrades include a Mercury 135 or 150 OptiMax, 150XR6 or 150 EFI outboards. A second console is an option that your fishing partners will appreciate and a hand-operated trolling motor can replace the foot-operated model. — Allan Tarvid

Specifications
<

Model Name	Fisher 1860 V Pro Hawk
Price (with Mercury 150 XR6)	$19,500
Estimated Top Speed	55 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating	150
Length	18' 6"
Beam	92"
Construction	Welded aluminum
Rigged Weight	1,805 pounds
Trailered Weight	2,448 pounds
Fuel Capacity	50 gallons
Livewell Capacity	43 gallons
Load Capacity	4 persons

For More Information

Fisher Boats
Dept. B&WB
2500 E. Kearney St.
Springfield, MO 65803
(888) 226-2248
fisherboats.com

G3

G3 HP190 Special Edition

G3's HP190 Special Edition offers outstanding value to bass fishermen who want a complete angling package in a welded-aluminum boat. The 19-foot hull includes an impressive list of standard features, such as a stainless steel propeller, Zercom CID-40 digital flasher, MotorGuide 767 foot-controlled trolling motor and Dual Pro battery charger.

In addition, the boat includes items that might be considered upgrades on other models: 6-gauge trolling-motor wire, a bike-style casting seat, touch-pad cockpit controls, dual no-feedback steering cables with tilt, stainless handrails and two rod tie-downs. The trailer that accompanies this package has a swing-away tongue, chrome step pads and magnesium wheels.

The interior layout of the HP190 SE addresses the storage needs of avid bass anglers. The bow casting deck sports two rod lockers with tubes and two storage compartments. The rear deck has five separate storage compartments to stow gear. Two compartments are located adjacent to the livewell, two are under the custom pinchless seat, and one is under the aluminum floor. Anglers will appreciate the step pad on each stern corner for easier ingress and egress.

Yamaha powers the full-featured bass platform with the buyer's choice of either a 150 or 175 hp outboard. G3 reports that the boat pops out of the hole in 3.02 seconds on the way to top speeds in excess of 60 mph with the 175 hp engine.

The HP190 SE is available in a single- or dual-console version and offers great value as a boating package for avid fishermen. — Reg Delwiche

Specifications

Model Name	G3 HP190 Special Edition
Price (with 175 hp Yamaha)	$23,500
Estimated Top Speed	65 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating	175
Length	19'
Beam	90"
Construction	Welded aluminum
Rigged Weight	1,850 pounds
Trailered Weight	2,405 pounds
Fuel Capacity	27 gallons
Livewell Capacity	19 gallons
Load Capacity	4 persons

For More Information

G3 Boats
Dept. B&WB
901 Cowan Drive
Lebanon, MO 65536
(877) 877-4348
g3boats.com

Gambler

Gambler Intimidator 2000

Gambler Bass Boats' reliable 2000 Intimidator, introduced last year, is highlighted in the company's 2002-model lineup. The 2000 is a fast (81 mph with a Mercury 225 EFI), 20-foot lake runner that offers amenities not found on other rigs.

Start with Gambler's TAC (Total Attitude Control) trim-tab system, a unique setup that allows instant and level planing, as well as complete hull and ride control, from on-plane cruising to top speed. While the TAC system uses simple trim tabs, a concept that is not new, the application and installation is unique and effective. The tabs combine with Gambler's refined Quick Release-hull design, for ultra-quick planing, coupled with smooth high-speed running.

Gambler is making an all-out effort to ensure that its boats come to you complete and perfect — much the same as a high-end sports sedan, with zero tolerance for defects or problems. Every Gambler is lake-tested with all systems checked before it's loaded onto a custom, enclosed tractor-trailer specifically designed by company president Bob Ackerbloom to haul a load of boats to the dealer's lot so that they arrive clean, prepped and ready to run.

The Intimidator 2000 is built with a fiberglass and Kevlar double-hull design. No wood is incorporated into the hull. It features Teleflex SeaStar Pro hydraulic steering, a hydraulic Bob's Machine Shop jackplate, and a 225 hp EFI outboard (Mercury is the typical choice). Standard items also include a Hot Foot throttle, Lowrance 1240A in-dash flasher, and MotorGuide dual-battery charger. — John Tiger, Jr.

Specifications

Model Name	Gambler Intimidator 2000
Price (with Mercury 225 EFI)	$35,970
Estimated Top Speed	81.5 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating	225
Length	20' 1"
Beam	7' 6"
Construction	Kevlar/fiberglass
Rigged Weight	2,700 pounds
Trailered Weight	3,700 pounds
Fuel Capacity	50 gallons
Livewell Capacity	44 gallons
Load Capacity	4 persons

For More Information

Gambler Boats
Dept. B&WB
20150 Independence Ave.
Groveland, FL 34736
(352) 429-8888
gamblerbassboats.com

Gator

Interested in a neon-blue bass machine rim-med with flickering flames? Or the same jet boat painted with the American flag? You can have it if you order your boat from Gator Boats. This small company in Sullivan, Missouri, has been manufacturing jetboats for five years. Its Fish-N-Sport is a 0.0125-inch-thick, welded-aluminum, bass-fishing platform designed to be equally at home in rock-studded rivers or wide-open lakes.

Its versatility is due to hull design; a deep-V bottom, two steps on the back for lift and ride, and a true reverse-chine for stability and smoothness, plus the jet pump, which allows the boat to run on 6 inches of water while on plane. The aluminum hull might also make you feel better about snuggling up to shore in search of that $6 lure you just snagged on a stump.

Standard features include a 350 V-8 Vortec GM engine, American Turbine SD 309 jet, dual console, full instrumentation, bilge blower, pump clean-out on outside of the boat, 12/24-volt trolling motor, divided livewell, single-axle trailer and more.

Options? Name it. The company expressed a wide-open attitude toward optional upgrades. Some ideas recommended by Gator Boats: 454 Vortec engine, power trim, electronic accessories, AM/FM/CD stereo, tandem-axle trailer, tilt steering and rod holders.
Now back to those custom paint jobs; Gator Boats says that you can choose whatever paint scheme you like — if you can draw it, the company will paint it.

A life-time warranty covers welds and craftsmanship of the hull. The engine, jet pump and other accessories are covered by their own manufacturers. —Mark Halvorsen

Specifications

Model Name	Gator Boats Fish-N-Sport
Price (with 380 hp inboard jet)	$27,415
Estimated Top Speed	65 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating	Unlimited
Length	20'
Beam	82"
Construction	Welded aluminum
Rigged Weight	2,300 pounds
Trailered Weight	3,500 pounds
Fuel Capacity	45 gallons
Livewell Capacity	30 gallons
Load Capacity	6 persons

For More Information

Gator Boats
Dept B&WB
4554 Highway H
Sullivan, MO 63080
(573) 627-4287

Hewescraft

The Hewes brothers started a flying service over 50 years ago, offering flying lessons. But, after the business literally nose-dived into the ground, they retooled their shop at the Colville airport for boatbuilding and gave birth to Hewes Marine. Today, the company's affinity for aluminum craft continues.

The brand-new, 18-foot Sportsman is for the angler who simply likes to fish — any fish. This boat is a welded-aluminum, multispecies fishing machine for the entry-level market. It's a roomy, rugged and affordable sport-utility boat that runs well with few horses. It has a small open bow with a welded walk-through windshield, deep sides, 7-inch-wide gunwales with room for downriggers, plenty of open fishing space, room for a kicker, welded cleats, storage trays, swivel seats on two open storage containers and a 24-gallon fuel tank under the floor.

Other features include a switch panel with resetting breakers; a knockout for a tachometer; canvas top; reverse- curve chine; 0.160-inch-thick bottom and welded-box-beam girder construction. The hull's shallow-V will accept either a normal outboard engine or a jetdrive, which takes advantage of the company's Sport Jet expertise.

Hewescraft boats are most popular in the bad-weather Pacific Northwest. As such, this boat will clean up well, since it has no carpet and uses vinyl flooring instead.

Notable options include a 12-gallon, bow-mounted livewell, deluxe high-back seats, side and fish curtains, with a 251/2-inch transom for more engine space. The lifetime hull-warranty is transferable in the first 10 years. — Mark Halvorsen

Specifications

Model Name	Hewescraft 18-foot Sportsman
Price (with Honda 90 hp)	$18,995
Estimated Top Speed	36 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating	115
Length	18' 3"
Beam	85"
Construction	Welded aluminum
Rigged Weight	1,485 pounds
Trailered Weight	2,100 pounds
Fuel Capacity	24 gallons
Livewell Capacity	12 gallons
Load Capacity	5 persons

For More Information

Hewescraft
Dept. B&WB
214 Highway 395 N.
Colville, WA 99114
(800) 326-6594
hewescraft.com

Javelin

Pictured above is the Javelin 190 SC. Starting from left, photos of all models in this buyers' guide run in alphabetical order.

Leaving the bells and whistles aside, Javelin's 190 SC (single console) bassboat comes equipped for 2002 with everything a bass fisherman needs. Standard features include much-appreciated basics, like a handlaid hull (wood-free) that's backed with a 10-year warranty, to niceties like gas-assisted shocks to hold open locker lids.

Built in the same plant as the high-priced Stratos line, the Javelin 190 SC is essentially the same as a Stratos, minus a few features that are available as options. For example, a two-bank battery charger is a standard feature on a Stratos, while on the Javelin 190 SC, it's available as an option. When a lower price can make the difference between owning a boat, and not owning one, then a boat with a few less frills starts looking pretty good.

The standard feature list on the Javelin 190 SC isn't skimpy by any means. In addition to the handlaid hull and gas shocks, the boat comes with hydraulic steering, deluxe instrumentation on the dash (including tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauges and trim gauge), automotive-style circuit-breaker electrical system, MotorGuide trolling motor, 12-volt plug for accessories like cell-phone chargers, a fire extinguisher, lockable water-resistant latches on all lockers and padded driver and passenger seats.

Available options include an 8-inch hydraulic jackplate from Detwiler, or 8-inch manual jackplates from Rite Hite or T&H. Hydraulic tilt-steering is also available, as are a host of electronics upgrades ranging from depthsounder to trolling motors. You can also order a Pro Pedestal folding seat and a stowaway ladder. — Doug Thompson

Specifications

Model Name	Javelin 190 SC
Price (with 150 hp engine)	$22,450
Estimated Top Speed	64 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating	175
Length	18' 11"
Beam	87"
Construction	Fiberglass
Rigged Weight	2,060 pounds
Trailered Weight	3,000 pounds
Fuel Capacity	38 gallons
Livewell Capacity	25 gallons
Load Capacity	4 persons

For More Information

Javelin Boats
Dept. B&WB
880 Butler Road
Murfreesboro, TN 37127
(615) 895-5190
javelinboats.com

Landau

Unlike most other jonboat-style riverboats, the center console of the 1860 Navigator is located very close to the bow casting-deck to provide better balance and allow the hull to travel at a very low angle compared to the surface of the water.

This balance and the relatively long hull allows the boat to maintain a minimal draft at all speeds compared to a tiller or aft-console design. This design makes the 1860 Navigator well suited for shallow rivers, streams or marshy backwaters, getting you to where the fish are holding. The forward location of the center console also assists the operator by providing a better field of view, an added safety feature.

Invariably, every river fisherman will hit an underwater object or smack a rock near shore; it comes with the territory. However, unlike riveted jonboats, the 1860 Navigator's welded hull inspires confidence. Rivets can shear off, producing an unexpected leak, while welds are stronger.

Many buyers will undoubtedly power the boat with an outboard jetdrive for true shallow-water boating, however a propeller-driven outboard can be used with effectiveness.

Although the Navigator will pique the interest of many bass fishermen, it is equally advantageous for anglers who focus on crappie, bream, panfish, catfish or trout, or any other species that thrives in the backwater. At 18 feet long, you also get a fairly large boat for the money.

The livewell is adequate, but not huge, in part to keep the weight of the hull low. Similarly, the fuel capacity of 16 gallons is adequate for river trips. — Reg Delwiche

Specifications

Model Name	Landau 1860 Navigator
Price (with 90 hp outboard)	$14,975
Estimated Top Speed	34 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating	115 hp
Length	18'
Beam	87"
Construction	Welded aluminum
Rigged Weight	1,075 pounds
Trailered Weight	1,285 pounds
Fuel Capacity	16 gallons
Livewell Capacity	20 gallons
Load Capacity	6 persons

For More Information

Landau Boats
Dept. B&WB
P.O. Box 750
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 532-9126
landauboats.com

Lowe

The new Lowe Stinger Bass 180W was designed with computer-assisted engineering and all-welded Lowe SuperLock construction techniques, along with Pro-Trac construction. An 8-degree, modified-V bottom with a sharp-V entry provides a great-handling, professional-level bassboat.

Built entirely without wood, the 180W is constructed of heavy-duty, marine-grade aluminum alloy, with a tough, extruded center keel, bow stem, gunwales and rubrail, composite transom, and spacious forward and rear TufDeck aluminum casting decks. The bow-mounted, 24-volt, high-thrust trolling motor, and large, lockable rod-storage box provide great fishability.

The standard package comes with a 50 hp outboard: Yamaha, Johnson, Evinrude and Suzuki two strokes, including Evinrude's fuel-efficient Ficht Ram Injection two-strokes now built by Bombardier Recreational Products. For 2002, Lowe also offers its bassboats with fuel-efficient emission compliant four-stroke outboards from Yamaha and Suzuki. A painted bunk trailer is standard, as well.

A molded console with full instrumentation and SeaStar Pro hydraulic steering makes driving easy and the Humminbird fishfinder makes it easy to mark structure and locate fish. A 30-inch livewell in the bow and a 50-inch stern livewell are standard.

With the dual livewells and baitwell, the Stinger 180W will also appeal to catfish, striper, northern pike, crappie and walleye anglers, as well. The three bow-pedestal locations allow you to sit side-by-side and fish the same brush pile, or sit and fish bass structure for tightly grouped deep-water fish. — Monte Burch

Specifications

Model Name	Lowe 180W Stinger Bass
Price (with Yamaha 150 hp)	$19,595
Estimated Top Speed	59 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating	150
Length	17' 10"
Beam	85"
Construction	Welded aluminum
Rigged Weight	1,750 pounds
Trailered Weight	2,200 pounds
Fuel Capacity	20 gallons
Livewell Capacity	36.2 gallons
Load Capacity	3 persons

For More Information

Lowe Boats
Dept. B&WB
2900 Industrial Drive
Lebanon, MO 65536
(800) 641-4372
loweboats.com

Lund

An upgraded ProControl console with wrap-around windshield and no-feedback tilt steering are just two of the upgrades to the 1800 ProV SE — which was introduced in 1999 but continues to be the workhorse of Lund's ProV walleye boat lineup for 2002.

Lund also made other changes to this model for the upcoming year. Additional features include a new aft casting-platform and extra storage on the starboard wall. Underfoot is improved storage, such as the new ProCapacity lockable, in-floor rod compartment, complete with tubes for eight rods measuring up to 7 feet, 10 inches long.
There is drop-in tackle storage in the bow and a total of 11 storage compartments. The livewells are larger than ever, especially the aft well, which at 48 inches long, is sure to be a hit with musky anglers.

The 1800 features a pair of 1000-gph bilge pumps, Pro-Ride seats with AirRide pedestals and 12/24/36-volt aft and bow trolling-motor plugs. The latter is wired to a panel that includes a built-in battery gauge. Batteries are placed in the new, custom, in-floor storage area, with a three-cell capacity.

The entire floor plan of the popular side console has been changed to adapt to anglers' needs. For example, there are six seat locations from which to choose. What has not changed is the boat's hull construction, which is of marine-grade aluminum that is double-riveted and double-thick in key areas for strength and durability. The hull's reverse-chine configuration deflects water and spray — keeping anglers dry as they tackle rough walleye weather — while biting into the water for good stability, especially in turns. — Dan Armitage

Specifications

Model Name	Lund 1800 Pro V SE
Price (with 175 hp engine)	$29,220
Estimated Top Speed	56 mph
Maximum Horsepower Rating	175
Length	18' 4"
Beam	92"
Construction	Riveted aluminum
Rigged Weight	2,450 pounds
Trailered Weight	3,250 pounds
Fuel Capacity	40 gallons
Livewell Capactiy	40 gallons
Load Capacity	6 persons