Bass fishing can be difficult but an excellent, unique activity. Whether you’re new to it or an expert, you need the best equipment you can get. That includes getting a good, high-quality bass boat, which can be expensive.
Bass boats are so expensive because they are specific to bass fishing. They need to be able to move around lakes, rivers, and streams easily, which requires fine-tuning and nimbleness. All of that necessitates a lot of care and craftsmanship, which can drive up a boat’s price.
If you want to improve your bass fishing, you need a bass boat. A good bass boat can cost a lot of money, but it’s often worth it for the quality and usability. Read on to learn more about buying a bass boat.
Bass Boat Features
When considering why bass boats cost about $20,000 to $40,000 on average, you should look at their features. A lot of these things require time and expertise to develop, and if you want a boat with all of these features, you can expect to pay a lot more than a basic model.
The more features you add, the higher the price will be for your dream bass boat. However, you shouldn’t sacrifice basic features to save money. If you can’t afford a good bass boat now, try and save a bit more money so that you can buy the best boat for yourself.
Consider some common features and designs that you can find on a bass boat.
Low Profile
When fishing, you want to make sure you can get to the best fishing spot for bass. A good bass boat has a flat bottom and a shallow draft, and those features can help reduce water disturbance.
This can help you start fishing more quickly because bass may not be as scared off by your boat. If you used a regular boat to go fishing, it could displace more water and be more obvious.
Luckily, a low profile can help you be more discrete, which can help you catch more bass. Then, you can use your boat to find the perfect fishing spot on a lake near you.
Built-In Equipment
Spending more on a bass boat can also be worth it for all of the equipment you get. Some boats have swivel chairs that you can use to cast your angler in whatever direction you choose. Then, you don’t have to reposition your boat to be comfortable as you fish.
Expensive bass boats can also come with a live well that can circulate water and keep your catch alive and fresh. That way, you don’t have to worry about your fish going bad as you keep fishing throughout the day.
You can also find bass boats with storage bins. As you row the boat to your fishing location, you can keep your lure and fishing rod out of the way.
Dual Motors
High-end bass boats also have two motors that you can use for different purposes. These boats feature an outboard motor that you can use to move quickly across the water, and you can navigate easily.
Once you reach your fishing spot, you can use the trolling motor to move more slowly. You don’t have to stay completely still when fishing, but you can if you turn both motors off.
Having the flexibility to stay still or top 100 mph (161 kph) is great. That way, you don’t have to waste time rowing to or from your favorite spot to fish.
Lightweight Design
Another feature that makes your boat easy to move in and out of the water is a lightweight design. Expensive bass boats aren’t too heavy, so that can help you move around the water quickly.
The design can also help when you need to move the boat to the water. Depending on the weight and size, you may be able to move the boat yourself. Either way, lightweight boats are easier to move.
All of that can cut down on the time you spend not fishing for bass. You can get in the water and to your favorite spot on the lake in less time, and you can spend more time fishing once you get there.
Smooth Ride
If you want to spend a lot of time bass fishing, you need a boat with a smooth ride. Expensive bass boats have a flat bottom that can help you glide across the water more smoothly. The smoothness makes it easier to handle the boat.
It’s a great option if you want to spend an entire day fishing. You don’t have to worry about a choppy ride or feeling uncomfortable as you row.
It can also feel smooth once you find a place to fish. Then, you can focus on your catch rather than on the condition of your bass boat.
How to Save Money on a Bass Boat
With the average bass boat costing $20,000 to $40,000, it can seem impossible to afford one. Consider that some more advanced boats cost up to $100,000, and you may think that you can’t use a bass boat.
Luckily, you can do a few things to lower the cost. For one, some decent boats cost about $10,000. That’s still a lot of money, but it can be a bargain compared to other options.
You can also do some research and look for other ways to save on a bass boat. Here are a few things that can help:
Consider What Features You Need
Expensive bass boats come with almost anything you would need when bass fishing, but not everyone needs all of those fancy features. Consider what you need and what you can live without.
Perhaps you like to go fishing alone, so you can choose a smaller boat. Maybe you prefer to fish in a lake, so you don’t need as thin of a boat to maneuver through rivers or streams. You could also create your own storage kit instead of getting a boat with one.
Think about the areas where you can cut back on your boat. Then, you can shop for models that have the essentials.
Buy a Used Model
You can also look at used bass boats to save money, and you could save a lot. Buying used still allows you to get a boat with more features, but you don’t have to pay the retail cost.
However, you should inspect the boat to make sure it still functions well. Make sure the switches work and that the lights turn on. Ask the seller about the boat’s engine hours so that you know if it will need a replacement soon.
Check all of these things before you buy so that you can account for any upcoming maintenance costs. That way, you can determine if you’ll really save money.
Rent a Bass Boat
If you can’t afford to buy a good used bass boat, you can also look into renting or borrowing. This is an excellent option if you don’t go fishing often. You can ask friends if they or someone they know has a bass boat you can borrow.
If you live near an outdoor sports store or if you fish at a community lake, you can ask them about rentals. That way, you don’t have to worry about finding a good deal, and you can access a bass boat when you need one.
Final Thoughts
Bass boats can be very expensive, but there are some good reasons for that. Good bass boats have features that make it easy to move across the water and can make your boat discrete. Still, consider that you can save money on a boat if you want one on a budget.