Bass & Walleye Boats: Top Guns, Part V
Final 10 top-flight fishing boats for 2002.
February 17, 2002
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 V of this buyers' guide (for the first four installments 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
Tracker
Pictured above is the Tracker Tundra 18SC. Starting from left, photos of all models in this buyers' guide run in alphabetical order.
The debut of Tracker's Tundra 18SC has been widely anticipated, as production was delayed about a year because of problems with the tooling process. The deep-V hull, multispecies boat looks as smooth as fiberglass thanks to a stretch-draw aluminum forming process similar to the tooling used by aircraft and race car builders. High-quality paint is used for a finish that looks every bit as slick and glossy as gelcoat. In early 2002, the 18-foot Avalanche bassboat from Tracker, also built of stretch-draw aluminum, will join the lineup.
The new Tundra 18SC has everything a walleye tournament angler needs, and that equips it for chasing just about any other fish, as well. A pair of 7-foot, 6-inch rod lockers have plenty of room for striper, salmon and musky rods, including trolling sticks with oversized reels. Front and rear aerated baitwells are conveniently built in at gunwale level. The front deck conceals a 50-inch livewell just behind two big storage compartments and a 39-inch livewell is built into the rear deck. The aluminum box-beam transom has room for a kicker motor. Standard equipment includes: Mercury ELPTO 115 hp engine, four cockpit seats and five bases, front lounge cushions; 12-volt plug-in, 52-pound-thrust MotorGuide trolling motor, AM/FM/cassette stereo and custom-matched trailer with swing-away tongue and disc brakes.
Options include engines from 90 to 175 hp, white, champagne or pewter finishes, hydraulic tilt steering, onboard charger, front tonneau cover, a stainless steel prop and a 6-gallon kicker fuel tank. — Allan Tarvid
Specifications
| Model Name | Tracker Tundra 18SC |
| Price (with Mercury 115 hp) | $22,995 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 65 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 175 |
| Length | 18' |
| Beam | 96" |
| Construction | Aluminum |
| Rigged Weight | 2,181 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,427 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 50 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 7 persons |
For More Information
Tracker Marine
Dept. B&WB
2500 E. Kearney
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 873-5900
trackermarine.com
Triton
Triton Tr-21 Classic Edition
Well-appointed, solid and classy looking — that's Triton's Tr-21 BASS
Masters Classic Edition bassboat. Topping out at more than 70 mph with a Mercury 225 hp OptiMax outboard engine, the Tr-21 can also run in rough water with confidence. At 21 feet long and more than 2700 pounds when fully rigged, the Tr-21 is a wave-taming machine that gets you to the fish, no matter where they are hiding.
The interior of the boat is opulent, from the thickly padded seats to the tight marine-grade carpet on the deck. Rod lockers and stowage boxes are finished off nicely, and the driver's dash is sharp looking with a full complement of gauges, including a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, water-pressure gauge, trim indicator and voltmeter.
Stowage on the Tr-21 is voluminous, and the port-side rod locker holds up to seven rods in place, protecting the rod tips within individual tubes. The center storage locker is 5-feet long, and is ideal for oversized tackle boxes, rain gear and life jackets. A dedicated tackle locker is aft of the center locker, and it can accept up to nine Plano 3700 series organizer boxes. All the front lockers are fitted with hydraulic-assist lift pistons.
Tournament anglers will appreciate the volume and aeration of the two 22-gallon livewells, which turn over water in less that two minutes. Each livewell comes with a pump-out evacuation system for improved catch retrieval. Rear deck storage includes port and starboard rod lockers that are designed to hold the Plano tackle-organizing system. — Doug Thompson
Specifications
| Model Name | Triton Tr-21 Classic Edition |
| Price (with Mercury 225 OptiMax) | $42,704 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 73 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 250 |
| Length | 21' |
| Beam | 94" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged Weight | 2,750 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,600 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 56 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 43 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 6 persons |
For More Information
Triton Boats
Dept. B&WB
15 Bluegrass Drive
Ashland City, TN 37015
(888) 887-4866
tritonboats.com
Tuffy
Tuffy 1900 Osprey DS Pro Series
The dual-console 1990 Osprey DS Pro will meet the demands of tournament anglers, whether they pursue walleye, musky or bass. The multispecies composite platform is complete. Two 9-foot forward rod lockers are centrally located for ease of access. The bow casting deck includes two storage compartments, one insulated cooler and a generous baitwell with a removable bait bucket. The bow electronics panel is uniquely located on the port side in a protected area under the trolling motor. This layout keeps the center and starboard area of the forward deck uncluttered by wires and protruding plugs that normally inhibit entrance/egress from tournament boats.
Uncommon to walleye boats, the aft deck integrates an elevated seat base. Both musky and bass anglers will appreciate this casting station. The Osprey's dual aft livewells minimize the stress fish endure while being transported through turbulent waters.
The design of the consoles and dash are functional and attractive. The top of the dash has adequate space to mount large sonar and GPS units. The operator's cockpit also has adequate room to conveniently mount a marine-band radio. Eight tackle storage boxes are stored along the port and starboard gunwales. Thoughtfully, Tuffy included three waterproof storage compartments for personal effects, flashlights or maps.
Outstanding fit and finish are consistent with Tuffy's claim to be among the finest fiberglass boats that are available today. The quality and performance of the 1990 Osprey DS will impress discriminating anglers who want a multispecies boat that is fully capable in a myriad of conditions.
— Reg Delwiche
Specifications
| Model Name | 1990 Osprey DS Pro Series |
| Price (with 225 hp engine) | $21,500 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 65 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 225 |
| Length | 20' 1" |
| Beam | 90" |
| Construction | Composite |
| Rigged Weight | 2,698 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 2,500 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 25 gallons |
| Load Capacity: | 5 persons |
For More Information
Tuffy Boats
Dept. B&WB
P.O. Box 11
Lake Mills, WI 53551
(800) 359-4416
tuffyboats.com
Viper
Viper 216 Cobra Coosa
A super-stable ride in rough water and excellent high-speed handling marks the Viper Cobra Coosa 216, a 70-plus mph boat that is also an excellent fishing platform. The Coosa 216's hull is composed of hydropel high-performance vinylester marine resin and coosa composites.
The boat gets its name from coosa, a state-of-the-art reinforced composite which allows for building and maintaining strength and internal integrity in boats where a high strength-to-weight ratio is desired.
The Coosa 216 comes with standard features experienced fishermen have come to expect. They include a MotorGuide 784 36-volt trolling motor, a Lowrance X-65 unit on the bow control panel and a Zercom flasher on the dash, a three-pole battery charger, an 8-inch offset jackplate, a stereo with two speakers, a 15-rod holder and full instrumentation, including a speedometer, tachometer and gauges for fuel, volts, water pressure and trim. There is also an in-floor ice chest and a deck insert with a tackle tray for organizing equipment.
The Coosa 216 also has dual, rear livewells with freshwater and recirculating modes (both on automatic timers), which will help keep fish alive longer. The boat also offers carpeted storage in all of the lockers. At the helm, there is hydraulic tilt steering, and all the fishing seats rise on hydraulic pedestals.
The boat comes with a customized trailer that has a tandem-axle A-frame, tubular step front and aluminum covered step rear, polished stainless steel fenders with four double bunks and side guides, shocks, neon cut-out lights, disc brakes and a spare tire.
— Doug Thompson
Specifications
| Model Name | Viper 216 Cobra Coosa |
| Price (with 250 XB) | $37,995 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 76 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 300 |
| Length | 21' 6" |
| Beam | 97" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged Weight | 2,840 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,960 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 42 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 7 persons |
For More Information
Viper Boats
Dept. B&WB
P.O. Box 770
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 424-4244
viperboatsinc.com
Waco
Waco B-16DS Bass Boat
Waco's B-16DS bassboat offers many standard features in an affordable package. The 16-foot long, all-welded modified V-shaped hull (6-degree deadrise) rides great though rough water, and runs nearly 33 mph with a 40 hp four-stroke engine. Steering is straight and true and the boat carves solid turns, and is also easy to handle around the docks.
The interior of the B-16DS is fully equipped with two aerated livewells, to help keep fish alive for return to the water or for an evening meal. The deluxe instrument panel has all the important gauges arranged in a practical manner, and the driving position is comfortable. The front storage locker offers room to store gear and four fishing chairs with two spring-loaded pedestal mounts give everyone a place to sit. There are holders for two fishing rods, and the B-16DS is also equipped with stow-away running lights.
The front and rear casting decks on the B-16DS offer enough room for some serious pitching and flipping, and the boat is stable enough for anglers to get close to the gunwales when fishing, without the boat listing too hard to one side.
Construction is stout, with heavy-duty extruded aluminum ribs and an aluminum floor covered by deluxe marine-grade carpet. The B-16DS also comes standard with an electric-bilge pump, trolling-motor mount, pre-wired trolling-motor plug, front storage, splashwell, two courtesy lights, windshield and built-in 12-gallon fuel tank. Servicing the batteries and engine rigging is simple, with all the connections and lines easily accessible. — Doug Thompson
Specifications
| Model Name | Waco B-16DS Bass Boat |
| Price (with Mercury 40 four-stroke) | $12,795 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 33 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 60 |
| Length | 16' |
| Beam | 70" |
| Construction | Welded aluminum |
| Rigged Weight | 1,365 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 2,330 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 12 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 2 at 9 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 4 persons |
For More Information
Waco Manufacturing
Dept. B&WB
3700 Crutcher St.
N. Little Rock, AR 72118
(501) 753-2866
wacomfg.com
War Eagle
Building boats for the hunting and fishing market has been a War Eagle trademark, and its boats are available with a wide range of color schemes. Hunters go for the full-camouflage design (War Eagle offers six different camouflage options), while fishermen who don't need the stealthy look can opt for more traditional schemes (gray and white).
The new War Eagle 17-foot Screaming Eagle is aimed right at the fishing market. It is built from 0.100-gauge aluminum and designed with a 12-degree deadrise, semi-V hull. The boat has a very shallow draft and gets anglers where the competition can't go — into the backwaters where big fish hide. Yet, the boat runs well in rough water, getting fishermen to their honey-hole safely. The company's "wings" transom is original to the War Eagle brand, and allows for improved holeshot and exceptional turning, while helping make the boat stronger.
The Screaming Eagle's high, front casting deck offers four lighted, lockable stowage compartments. The two bow rod lockers hold more than 12 rods up to 7 feet long. The boat also has unique gunwale utility, utilizing a cap-rail design for accessories. The rear casting deck holds a divided 18-gallon livewell.
The single-console boat comes with a host of standard features, which include a driver's dash with full instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trim gauge), 18-gallon fuel tank, four interior passenger/fishing seats and running lights. Other standard features include a bilge pump, tackle-tray compartment, splash wells, steering wheel and windshield.
— Doug Thompson
Specifications
| Model Name | War Eagle Screaming Eagle |
| Price (with 90 hp engine) | $14,000 |
| Estimated Top Speed (with 90 hp) | 48 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 90 |
| Length | 17' |
| Beam | 74" |
| Construction | Welded aluminum |
| Rigged Weight | 1,000 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 1,750 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 18 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 14 gallons |
| Load Capacity | 5 persons |
For More Information
War Eagle Boats
Dept. B&WB
P.O. Box 430
Monticello, AR 71655
(870) 367-1554
wareagleboats.com
War Eagle
Continuing its commitment to building backtrolling boats, Warrior's V2090 BT for 2002 was designed for tiller steering, and at the heart of the Warrior's backtroller lineup is the Pro Tiller Remote Hydraulic Steering system. The system is exclusive to the brand and built to the specific needs of walleye anglers who need optimum control while driving forward and backward. Available for both Yamaha and Mercury tiller-controlled outboards from 125 to 175 hp, the Pro Tiller offers hydraulic-steering functions that are controlled by a switch that is built into the handle placed on the 2090's starboard wall.
Fishing features for 2002 include 20-rod storage capacity in two shelves and two lockers, plus a pair of large, aerated livewells with lights for night fishing and a 5-gallon baitwell. A bow control panel operates the forward livewell, complete with timer, and includes a two-battery energy gauge, tilt and trim switch, and a Marinco 12/24V trolling-motor plug.
The aft control panel, which is an easy reach from the tiller operator's running position, includes switches to run the aft livewell, as well as a full complement of gauges, including a tachometer, speedometer, battery gauge, fuel gauge, rocker switches with circuit breakers, 12-volt plug and a master-control switch.
With a 25-inch-high transom and an inside depth of 251/2 inches from the floor to the top of the gunwale, the Warrior is an able big-water boat that is quick and, because of its tiller control and remote hydraulic steering feature, extremely agile and angler-friendly. — Dan Armitage
Specifications
| Model Name | Warrior V2090 BT Eagle XST |
| Price (with 175 hp engine) | $33,098 |
| Estimated Top Speed (with 175 hp) | 53 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 175 |
| Length | 20' 5" |
| Beam | 90" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged Weight | 2,195 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 2,740 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 56 gallons |
| Load capacity | 5 persons |
For More Information
Warrior Boats
Dept. B&WB
400 Highway 55 W.
Maple Lake, MN 55358
(320) 963-5005
warriorboats.com
Xpress
Introduced in 2001, the X19 from Xpress has quickly become one of the most popular aluminum bassboats on the market. Extremely rugged and heavy-duty, Xpress bassboats feature 3/16-inch-extruded ribs and originated the incorporation of longitudinal ribs in aluminum bassboats for a more rigid hull. In addition, the company was one of the first to use all-welded transoms and to reinforce the deck where the trolling motor is mounted. Every bassboat is filled with gas-resistant foam in the floors, sides and rear pods for improved flotation and sound insulation.
The boats are all-welded, even the livewells. Add the HyperLift II pad hull that provides the best in aluminum boat performance, along with a reasonable price, and you'll see why Xpress bassboats have become so popular.
The X19's completely redesigned console features 5-inch, multifunctional gauges. All lids come with gas support shocks and high-quality flush locks. The divided, rear-located livewell features a timed aerator, recirculating and pump-out controls, and lights. Standard is a 767 Motor Guide trolling motor and Zercom in-dash LCR. Fishing seats include one adjustable-pole butt seat and Tempress rear seat. Tuck & Roll seats with the Xpress logo are standard.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of this boat is you can still have money in your pocket for tournament fees after purchasing it. Options include two, three-bank battery chargers, jackplates, extra Faria gauges, Hot Foot throttle, and any Zercom or Lowrance sonar units. Xpress uses six paint colors and five carpet colors for many possible aesthetic combinations.
— Monte Burch
Specifications
| Model Name | Xpress X19 |
| Price (with VX200) | $23,500 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 69.3 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 200 |
| Length | 18' 10" |
| Beam | 921/2" |
| Construction | Welded aluminum |
| Rigged Weight | 2,260 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 3,010 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 30 gallons divided |
| Load Capacity | 6 persons |
For More Information
Xpress Boats
Dept. B&WB
199 Extrusion Place
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 262-5300
xpressboats.com
Yar-Craft
Yar-Craft's 1895 Storm BT redefines the meaning of a multispecies fishing platform. While most tiller boats can be used for walleye, bass or panfish, few have a livewell large enough to accommodate a world-class musky or a monster striper. The Storm 1895 BT's forward livewell is 54-inches long. The aft livewell is almost as large, stretching 44 inches.
The dual rod lockers also lend themselves to the needs of the most demanding multispecies angler. Each lockable locker will accommodate 9-foot trolling or downrigger rods. More surprising, these enormous compartments don't compromise the size of the open cockpit. Three anglers have ample fish-fighting room for jigging, trolling or plugging.
Like other Yar-Crafts, the Storm 1895 BT is loaded with standard features. Most notable are two 1100 gph bilge pumps, an Apelco VHF radio, rod saver tie-downs and 12/24V trolling-motor wires/plugs for both the bow and stern. Optionally, a 36-volt upgrade is available for anglers who need the extra power.
Anglers will love the two fish-landing lights that are integrated into the exterior gunwales, a much-appreciated feature. The lights are wonderful for landing a trophy fish or when loading at an unlighted ramp. Five courtesy lights accent the deck and lights are also located in every compartment, rod locker, both livewells and the baitwell.
The seamless electronics locker is molded into the deck. A rolltop see-through cover retracts into the top of the locker and never interferes with landing or netting a fish. The design is outstanding. — Reg Delwiche
Specifications
| Model Name | Yar-Craft 1895 Storm BT |
| Price (with Mercury 125) | $24,800 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 45 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 125 |
| Length | 18' 101/2" |
| Beam | 95" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged Weight | 1,500 pounds |
| Trailered Weight | 2,500 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 36 gallons |
| Livewell Capacity | 61 gallons |
| Load Capacity: | 5 persons |
For More Information
Yar-Craft Boats
Dept. B&WB
1213 20th Ave.
Menominee, MI 49858
906/863-4497
yarcraftboats.com
Zephyr
Zephyr Boats is new to the market for 2002, and for our Top Guns issue, Zephyr is showcasing its inaugural ZS-720. This 20-footer is well equipped, sporting a host of standard features including a multiple-stripe package with up to four colors; Teleflex SeaStar Pro hydraulic steering with tilt helm; 36-volt and 50-inch-shaft MotorGuide TE109 trolling motor; pop-up mooring cleats; lighting for the interior and lockers; Guest three-bank battery charger; insulated aluminum deck lids with hydraulic supports and Mercury SC-1000 SmartCraft instruments.
The list continues with a Lowrance LMS 160 and X-85 electronics; tinted windshields; dual rear livewells with freshwater circulation, timer and pump-out systems; Osprey quick-draw rod organizer; and R&R Slidemaster 8-inch-setback manual jackplate. A passenger rod ledge eases access, and even a paddle and fire extinguisher come installed as standard fare. The boat carries a limited lifetime hull, stringer and transom warranty. The standard trailer is a TI tube-frame custom unit with tandem axles, surge disc brakes and swing-away tongue.
Zephyr estimates production for the coming year to be 75 boats. Judging by the standard equipment list, the ZS-720 will be one of the most completely equipped boats in the industry. Options, if desired, are open to the customer — Zephyr will add just about any option currently available.
The ZS-720 also comes in a dual-console version, the ZD-720. Watch for a test on this new company's feature-offering soon; we'll bring it to you first in these pages. — John Tiger, Jr.
Specifications
| Model Name | Zephyr ZS-720 |
| Price (with 225 hp) | $41,695 |
| Estimated Top Speed | 72 mph |
| Maximum Horsepower Rating | 300 |
| Length | 20' 4" |
| Beam | 95" |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Rigged weight | 2,553 pounds |
| Trailered weight | 3,753 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 50 gallons |
| Livewell capacity | 28 gallons |
| Load capacity | 5 persons |
For More Information
Zephyr Boats
Dept. B&WB
6837 No.2, Highway 126 N.
Midway, AR 72651
(870) 481-4014
zephyrboats.com
