Great Tin Fishing Boat Search of 2022 - Overview Video 1
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- Today we kick off the Great Tin Fishing Boat Search of 2022. We are going to look for a 18-19 foot aluminum (tin for us) fishing boat powered by a 100-150 hp motor. So far we have identified the following boat makers we want to look at, Xpress, Gator Trax, Vexus, Tracker, Alumacraft, Lund, Ranger, Polar Craft, G3, Crestliner, Havoc, SeaArk, War Eagle, Excel and Lowe....plus anymore you folks suggest and help us find. We will look at these boats in the same was we did The Great Bass Boat Search of 2021 (link here) bit.ly/3xcYQ9D .
As I note in the video there is very little (or none) so I need help in finding these boats to review, if you have one, or know where I can find one please let me know at KenSmithFishing@outlook.com or at Instagram at kensmithfis...
One of my all time favorite videos fishing out of Xpress with my buddy Chet at Toledo Bend here: • Toledo Bend Bass Fishi...
Original Christmas Ideas for Wife Video here • Christmas Ideas for th...
#greattinboatsearch2021 #besttinfishingboat
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See also Shopping for a New Bass boat, Bass boat shopping, Shopping for a new bass boat 2020, which bass boat is right for me, what to know before you buy a bass boat, thinking about buying a new bass boat, buying your first bass boat, buying a new bass boat, best bass boat for the money, what to look for in a bass boat, bass boat walk through, what to look for in a new bass boat, bass boat comparisons, bass boat champion, Ranger walk through, buying a new bass boat tips and tricks, consumer digest bass boat, best value bass boat, best bass boat 2021
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Thanks Ken .. looking forward to this series !
Thanks Chris
This is going to be a good one, look forward to it.
Me to
I can pretty much guarantee the LUND, EXPRESS AND CRESTLINER will have the best review. That Lund boat has an amazing layout.
Look forward to finding out
Happy to hear you are on the mend, happy holidays to you and your family!
Same to you Mike!
Happy Thanksgiving Ken. Looking forward to the videos...
Same to you!
Omg just made my week!!!!
Cool Brother Bob
Yup you right Ken.The best Fishing boat that I enjoy was a Tracker TX17 with 75hp. Love the boat and Love getting wet in rough water😁Them day are gone and I just want to keep it as a memory😁
It is a different experience isn't it
Been looking forward to this one, Ken!
Ranger aluminum production was moved to Lebanon MO next to the Tracker plant. When they made the move, they discontinued the Triton line of boats.
Thanks Keith!
Man, I told you not to worry about the surgery. I'm glad you are ok and thank you for the videos. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas!!!
I'm a worrier, got that from my Mom!
Can't wait for this! Thanks for doing it. I have an older Polar Kraft and really have enjoyed it, but there a some things that should have been included in the package that they cheaped out on.
Tim, it's held up well?
I have been looking forward to these too. I hope you find a good one for you. Hope your rehab is going well.
Ron yesterday if I had amnesia I could not have told you which hip was just operated on, crazy
Hey Ken, I have a 2018 Ranger 198P. Simply put, love my boat. Good luck with the hunt process, looking forward to following you.
Thanks Bill looking forward to looking at a couple of Rangers
Glad your doing well ! Have a blessed Thanksgiving !
Same to you
Thank You! Just coming across this, cant wait to see what you found. I have been looking and really like the Ranger and Lowe, but interested to see what you see and think!
Hope you enjoy it!
I have a Ranger RT 198 and love it. It's perfect for the skinny water I fish on Caddo & Cross Lakes. It fishes well, it doesn't tip hardly,its long enough that my inexperienced grandson doesn't hit me when he casts. Im not as worried when I go over stumps.. It's bilge area is large enough for 4 batteries. I got it rigged with a ghost trolling motor(3 batteries) and you could pull a knee border behind it. Also has power poles, live scope,trick steps, 150 Yamaha. It will get in the mid 50's mph fully loaded. Randy Blaupunkt tournament fished in the same model this year.. A great boat. This is going to be a great series. Glad to see you getting out and about. Happy Thanksgiving my friend.
Jim what year model is your boat?
@@KenSmithFishing 2021
Super glad to see you embarking on this. It is a shame that metal boats are as expensive as they are given there relative simplicity but I’m excited to learn more as you go along with this.
me too
This is a great idea for you to evaluate aluminum bass boats for two reasons; one you set your channel apart from other UA-camrs by your comprehensive evaluation of fiberglass boats. Two; there is a large percentage of people like myself that are older and are termed "enders", which refers to people that are no longer interested in tournaments on big water (in any weather conditions), but still love fishing and are better suited to well equipped aluminum boats.
“Enders” is a term I hadn’t heard before. I’m 63 and just fish club events any more. Fish a lot of small electric lakes (no Jet Skiers). Thinking tin might better suit my fishing.
"Enders" is not a great term but I have heard people use it and it does apply to me. I'm 60 and just hit local evening tournaments anymore. I live on the Detroit River so I still plan to keep my glass boat (for a while anyway), but I have become a fair weather fisherman. I think I will get an aluminum in the 18' range and see if it meets all my needs before I dump my glass boat.
@@binkwood I fished the Stren Series FLW tournament there in 2007. Not a place for a small boat!
You know I get that (being 59), but then I see Clunn and Tommy Martin still out there banging away and I think "I can still hang", actually I think I'm a better tournament angler now than I've ever been. Less endurance, more things hurt, but I'm much better at adapting and willing to try different things. I do think John Cox has changed alot of minds about how competitive you can be in a tin boat, I'm interested in learning more about them
Glad you didn't leave out the Lund Pro V Bass. I think it is a step up from their Renegade models, but is meant to handle a little bigger water. I'm also glad you included the Polar Kraft and the Gator Trax. Don't be afraid to go to the 40k price point or slightly above to get the range of metal boats that are out there. Just like glass boats, there are various price points and levels of quality/performance out there in the metal market. It would be good for us to see how far these boats have come to be able to offer tournament level fishing.
Boat i am interested in seeing in person
I’m really looking forward to this series! I already own my dream boat and it’s on your list so it’ll be fun to follow along to see how it stacks up!
which one?
I have a Lund pro v bass. But it’s the 2075.
I hear you on the dream boat comment. I planned on a Bass Cat being my dream boat because my tournament partner has an Eyra and we have been fishing out of it for the past 2 years. It is completely awesome! But then I purchased a 2021 Lund 2075 Pro V Bass mostly for the jump seats (seats 4). I thought this would be a transition boat until my kids graduate then I would get my Bass Cat dream boat in retirement. After purchasing the Lund, I now say this is my dream boat. Now my tournament partner and I switch off on who’s boat we use, both are awesome. The Lund lacks speed on flat water, it’s not a pad boat. However, in white caps it will be the first one to the other side of the lake. The deep v is a wave crusher. Other than that, the boats fish very similar. In all honesty, with the trolling motor down, the Lund feels like a fiberglass boat, I doubt many tin boats can say that. Caution….the price is similar to a fiberglass too!
@@chadengels2625 it’s me! Casey Ditsworth! Lol!
@@KenSmithFishing Hey Ken. I’ve given a bit more thought as to why I own what I own. I think it’s pretty simple. It’s a combination of familiarity and use of product. So this is my fourth boat and they’ve all been tin rigs and I’ve been happy with each one. I mainly fish for bass but also love to destination fish for walleye and Muskie and these places mostly have/use aluminum boats. Secondly and more importantly I prefer to own one nice boat over multiple boats and I like the cockpit area and seating for four for my family without giving up fishability in my opinion. And the storage is unmatched.
My vexus 1980 is on order I can't wait. I like aluminium boats because it's Rocky around here in Washington plus they are lighter to haul.
How long from order to delivery did they tell you Adrian?
Mr. Smith is living in a dream world. The Lund 1875 equipped like a bass boat, power poles, big trolling motor, two 10" graphs == $60,000 +. The gator trax is more because it is a custom designed boat. I've priced both so I know my numbers are correct.
Holy smokes….
Richard I just priced that boat on their website, without poles, two 10' Helix graphs, it's under $45k?
@@KenSmithFishing Add polls and a 36 V and it's $60K with taxes.
My x21 with 4 HB helixes,360, dbl 10’ raptors was $64k, but upgraded trailer to travel across the country, about the price of a Skeeter zx, but I’m lighter , and it can handle salt water!!!
@@KenSmithFishing Keith Poche just bought a custom 20' Gator Trax and he wishes it was only $60K
Looking forward to this, I’m considering replacing my Glass boat with a tin one but with inventory levels I haven’t been able to see many and haven’t gotten out in any.
Is why I need help finding these things
I want to take a look at the Crestliner XF189 but the nearest authorized dealer is 95 miles away and they never have one in stock.
The Lund Renegade 1875 or 1975 would be a great modified V to look at! Redesigned for 2022 👊
Agreed. That pro v bass is built on their walleye hull so it's pretty deep.
I gotta find one
The pro v bass are nice boats but they are not cheap. I saw a couple on Erie that had no issues while all the glass boats were soaked.
@@KenSmithFishing 1875 pro v bass rigged with 2 locators and troller you in the high 50s the prices are rediculas but a very nice boat for sure
I love the Avid boats--pretty high quality
Charles I'd like to find one, missed it on my initial online search
West Mount Houston Boats in Houston is my dealer--they have at least 1 bass boat there--very high quality. I fish the bays here and I love bass fishing so I compromised and bought the Avid 23 Magnum flagship center console but set it up so I can bass fish as well. I looked at all the aluminum boats and decided on the Avid for design an quality reasons
By the way, I love watching your videos!
I owned a seaark stealth 186, great boat and perfect for these north Louisiana small lakes and ouachita river backwater.
Nathan do you ever get over to Rayburn or Toledo?
@@KenSmithFishing not since I was a kid, uncle had a camp up near Converse.
Ken, you really need to look at an Avid boat. I really think you would be impressed with this tin boat.
Colby just got to find one
Also you may want to take a look at Seaark.
if i can find one
This should be a Great review I decided to up grade my 2000 Sylvan 1600 Expedition . I don’t fish tournaments and rarely on large body’s of water. That’s probably one of the Questions that influenced my decision. I like shallow water so a skinny water boats was a must. Most of the boats listed are welded. The Lund is a riveted boat that subject has a lot of opinions . It would appear all make have there issues. I’ve fished in a Tracker Ranger and Crestliner
Kevin I have never seen a Sylvan in person, looks like a cool boat online
I've been in 1 gator trax 20 ft strike series and it was pretty much as fast as my eyra. It was fast and didn't really have any walk.
Apparently they are pretty rare
I'm curious in the Avid line of tin boats, and Vexus. Can't wait.... maybe you can talk rick pierce into making a tin line lol
I agree. Take a look at the avid please
SeaArk is the Basscat line of tin rigs. It is a company that was recently bought by Basscat
@@scottlrussell3606 Scott Correct Craft actually owns both of those companies (along with several others), So they are ore sister companies
Definitely check out the Vexus AVX 1880 or 1980. If you go used try to find the 1880 w/ Evinrude 135HO. True unicorn, but will run easily in the mid 50s with ease.
It a bit of a haul, but I've got an AVX 1880 here on the MS gulf coast if you want to try it.
James hope to find one closer but appreciate the offer!
@@KenSmithFishing you probably will, but I'm not apposed to making a road trip either.
I’m running a 2020 Tracker 195TXW Tournament Edition with a 150hp Mercury and I love it. I’m only about an hour and a half from Texoma and you’re more than welcome to drive it.
Kyle just sent you an email (hope its the same Kyle!)
@@KenSmithFishing call or text me anytime. I sent my new number.
There are a bunch of Vexus aluminum boats at Austin Boats and Motors currently, and they look pretty nice.
Herb do you know anybody over there?
@@KenSmithFishing I know the guys in the service dept. real well because they keep my 2004 Skeeter in good shape mechanically and electrically. But I can ask the main guys in sales if they'd be open to hearing from you.
You can probably find someone closer and with a newer rig than mine but I have a 2016 Tracker Pro Team 190 TX with the 115 Mercury Pro XS (2 stroke). I live in Waco, TX and would be happy to meet you on Lake Whitney or possibly even drive up to Joe Pool. My boat looks and performs like a new boat. It’s not the Stratos that I used to run when I lived closer to, and fished Rayburn and the Bend but I’ve been very pleased with it. I bought it used last year.
Thanks Marcus, I knew a guy that i didn't realize ran a Tracker, he has a new one and we are going to connect on Texoma in the next few weeks
I'm in North Texas, and absolutely love my Excel Stalker 2072, with the Yamaha SHO 150. Let me know if you'd like to check it out. I think the 18/60 would be a good fit for you. Think you'd be very impressed with it. Very fast, gets on pad quick, steers like it's on rails, tames big water very easy, and gets up in a foot of water. Not as much rod storage as a typical bass style mod v, but has some massive lockable storage in it, and two big live wells. Mine has an 18 gallon, and a 37 gallon. They do offer a bass style aluminum as well, but I believe it's also a 20 footer.
David love to, shoot me an email at kensmithfishing@outlook.com please
Happy thanksgiving 🦃
Same to you!
I'm a Ranger man I have an old Ranger 364 that I use to do local tournaments out of. I also had a Ranger Rt 188 it was a good boat and it was before Tracker took over but stay away from Ranger. There are a lot of Aluminum boats out there. I have a Polarcradt now and it is awesome. I would look into the Legend SS. They are out of Oklahoma but they are a great boat for shallow water fishing. They are made by Weldcraft good boat. Plus you can check out G3 and SeaArk they not too bad either. I did a lot of Tournaments back when I was younger. Late 20's to mid 30's but I just like to fish now for fun. Tracker marine not fun to deal with. I had a lot of problems with them. I stayed away. The Vexus that you showed was only 18foot not the 19 or 20 like you want. I know they are good boats. I was gonna get one. It was just a little over my price for what I wanted. Excel boats are good. They make a 19 foot boat.
Stephen I'd like to check out the Polarcraft if you are around Texas?
Might consider looking at a war eagle, I had the 961 Blackhawk for 3 years before I bought my Phoenix.
I had a buddy that had one and loved it, another that may be hard to find
I’d love to have got up with you when i first got my 2018 178 ranger aluminum but now it’s 3 years old and have already done lots of upgrades. I spent a lot of time looking at all the boats before I bought and for the money no way I could have beat what I got for the money!
Glen I want to look at some older boats with some hours on them to see how they've held up
I haven’t got but close to 150 hours on mine but your sure welcome to come and see mine if you would like sir i am in western NC.
This will be a good series, and it’s common what you found with the tracker. You don’t get much for 30k
Didn't seem like it to me, interested to see the rest
Hope you review the Lund 2075 Pro V Bass. Supposed to be good in rough water. Has huge storage.
Roger that
You have to review whatever model of Lund that APBassin has. I like the 4 seats it has.
Or the one Jon b bought with the tiller
Bob I saw that model on the website, hope I can find one.
Any plans to continue this series with Xpress, AVID, AVX2080, etc?
Ken I hope that you film rough water segments in your review of these boats. I think I know what the answer is on how they handle rough water.
None like a glass boat that I’ve seen
@@KenSmithFishing I have had 3 boats in my life and they all were glass boats. I still feel that going with my first choice is still the best. I can’t stop thinking about getting a Basscat. What are your thoughts after owning your cat? I will not be able to afford what you have but a Basscat. You’re comments are very welcome.
Avid is a new company. Looks like they make a nice boat. May want to take a look at these
on it
Please review the Gator Trax bass style boats. Per my research, these seem to be the toughest, best designed aluminum boats made. Plus, supposedly, they will build the interior layout to your design. Thanks.
Picking my Strike series up in another month or so. They'll modify and build whatever you can dream up.
@@TheKodiakWay Where are you?
Just gotta find one!
@@KenSmithFishing From Oregon, but taking a month or so to fish my way back home after picking it up.
I have a 2021 Lund 2075 Pro V Bass XS with Merc 250 Pro XS fully rigged. You will want to review a 2021 or 2022, as there were significant improvements made over previous years, including the addition of high quality fiberglass consoles and padded deck. The Lund Pro V Bass build quality competes with top of the line fiberglass boats like Bass Cat, right down to the insulated lids and square head screws. As a result, the price also approaches top of the line fiberglass. However, it rides as smooth or smoother than the best fiberglass boats due to the deep v walleye hull and I have spent time in a Phoenix 21 PHX. It’s also as stable as the best glass boats out there, which is not typical of aluminum. Have fun, just know that the Lund is more like the glass boats you already reviewed than the tin boats you will be looking at and the price reflects that.
Chad where are you? If you are close to Texas would you email me at kensmithfishing@outlook.com please?
Im also looking for a tin boat, same price range, same models but don’t have the access and in depth boating knowledge you have. Ought to be a good series. If you could mention one thing in your videos that would be great, please speak about the available leg room in the cockpit. Im 6’6 and this is my biggest challenge by far when looking at boats. Exited to witness this great search.
Celvin, I’ll try to note if any seem bigger or smaller than the average
Knowing your level of honesty on the search for your bass cat, I am looking very much fwd to seeing your search for Aluminum boats....as I have never seen one that the hull did not have a bunch of stress cracks after a year or so of rough water....I hope you have better luck than I did. Your problem is you plan on looking at boats with not a lot of time on them and stress cracks form over a period of time...I've dealt with aluminum aircraft all my working life and I can almost promise you that they will develop on any aluminum used in choppy or rough water. And welding up the cracks will not work...doublers are the only way to successfully patch a stress crack so have a lot of extra aluminum plates handy.
Lee I promise I will get this done
Gator Trax would be another boat to look at. Thay are pretty much a custom build as far as seating, consoles, rod lockers etc.
Gary I got a line on a guy in DFW that at least had one recently, trying to track him down
Aren't they only one state over from you? I bet you would get better knowledge at the factory.
When are you going to finish these reviews up Ken?
Working on boat 3 and 4 now
Hey Ken, I have a Vexus AVX 1980, it’s a 19’ 10” boat. I picked mine up for 45k new. It would be a good one to look at. It would be cheaper but I upgraded the trailer and some other things. I live in Missouri but would be more than willing to meet you and let you take it out.
Anthony would you email me at Kensmithfishing@outlook.com. I hope to find one closer but if I can't maybe we can connect
@@KenSmithFishing skipped through pretty quick and didnt hear avid boats. Would like to see a comparison in ride quality between the two (vexus and avid) because one of the vexus guys left to work for avid because vexus wouldn't let him do some stuff he wanted to do. I see vexus finally added raised lips in storage boxes
I have a 2019 vexus 1980 with a 150. I'm up on texoma close to highport. If you get up this way you're more than welcome to take it out
Michael excellent! Would you email me and just say that you are Mark with the Vexus at Texoma and give me your cell number please!
I live by that bass pro in garland and they haven't had squat, boat wise, for a couple months now. I was shocked the first time I went in and the bottom was loaded with nitros
Same at a lot of boat dealers these days
I have the Ranger RT188P and if Falls in that price range. Runs about 47mph with the pro xs 115 w/command thrust gear case with a Tempest plus 24.
MIke a guy with that boat reached out so we will be looking at it
I have a 2018 Ranger vs1682 and it works for me.
Alan if you are around Texas I'd be curious to see that small Ranger. If you are would you email me at KenSmithFishing@outlook.com please
No, I am not nearby. I need to live where the lakes freeze so I can ice fish.
I was told from bass pro shop employees that no bass trackers were selling. No one and I mean no ones paying 30 grand for a 12 thousand dollar boat.
Interesting
SeaArk BC 210 or BC 190 is a must! SeaArk partnered with BassCat to design that boat!
Hhhmmmm, that I need to check
A Lund 1875 pro v bass could be great for short garages, but at a higher price point. Could you look at that?
that Lund 1875 is rated for a 200hp outboard. typically, you can put smaller outboards on any boat... but I've never heard of anyone regretting putting TOO much power on their boat.
Love to, if you are in Texas or nearby would you email me at KenSmithFishing@outlook.com pl
Take a look at the avid xb series boats.
going to
Rt188 and rt198p are having some quality control issues that are very un-nerving. Split hulls, wiring problems, decks popping. Then the avid boats caught my attention. Avid is a direct copy off vexus as the owner left vexus to start avid up. I think its a quality boat but only issue i have is they claim .125 thickness aluminum but people are finding its actually .100? Dad owned a crestliner, it was a nice boat but i didnt like the hull as it would walk in turns unless you really cut it hard. My dream boat/s thus far is looking to be the xpress lineup. H18, is very affordable option that actually is pretty cool with the seadek. I think i would step up to the x18 pro or even the x19 pro if possible as you get more bang for your buck. Thicker seadek, bigger motor option, bigger rod boxes. My only gripe about xpress is their dry storage seems to be hit or mis. Id love to hear from somebody with a newer model to see if they fixed that issue? Avid has an extra raised lip for true dry storage so in my book avid is a close 2nd.
Hate hearing that
Ken, I have a 2019 Ranger RT198P with a 150ProXS the "P" is supposed to be for pad. It gets great lift and I run in the mid to upper 50's depending on fuel and gear. I'm turning 6250rpm so I think i could play around with the prop and get a little more out of it. I believe the new Ranger aluminums are built in the Tracker facility but i could be wrong about that but I do know the 2021 Ranger RT198P is a little different from the 2019. I have seen some Avid boats around that look really nice might want to take a look at that one.
Excited for this series thanks for all the content!!
Ken.. I have the same Ranger RT198P but 2021 year model. I just bought it this year in March around Conroe TX. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to see it. Many great things I love about it and several things I don’t like about it. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yep you are hitting rev limiter, maybe little more speed in a bigger pitch prop. I have a 23p you could try if you think you could turn it
@@KenSmithFishing I am running a 23P now, anxious to see what's on another 198p if you review one in this series.
Johnny Morris now owns Ranger and Triton aluminum bass. I think it was some time in 2021 or late 2020. So I can only imagine they are starting to look like Trackers by now.
I own an xpress H18 with a 115 SHO, ultrex and a pair of lowrance fs elite 9 inch graphs. After a cover a upgrade of the livewell it was 38k.
Brandon if you are in or around Texas would you email me at KenSmithFishing@outlook.com please?
@@KenSmithFishing as much as I would love to I live in Indiana. 😏
Vexus have some issues with Hull separation. Hopefully better in 2022 than previous years. Try getting in a Lund and Alumacraft.
I have not heard that
@@KenSmithFishing It’s more problems than normal but a lot of boat manufacturers had some issues especially when it’s a fairly new company. Just something for folks to check out for themselves.
Ken.. I have a Ranger RT198P but 2021 year model. I just bought it this year in March around Conroe TX. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to see it. Many great things I love about it and several things I don’t like about it. I look forward to hearing from you.
Ok, I've found a couple of those but would like to keep in contact in case I can't connect with those guys. Would you email me your contract info at kensmithfishing@outlook.com please?
Crestliner mx series, xpress, vexus, lund pro v, sea ark and avid are the pad hull aluminums.
What about the Ranger RT 198P and 188P. You left those out.
@@timpope4029 sorry forgot about them.
Thank Caleb, I'm interested to look under all these boats as the bottom designs look so different than glass boats
ken I have xpress it's been in the shop 4 times for cracks in the hull. The transom has cracks on both sides. It needs to go back to xpress now it has a crack in the bottom of the hull. I have a piece of gorilla tape with flex seal sprayed over the top of that just so You need to look at the welds on all those tin boats. You'll be disappointed when you do. I fish Rayburn and toledo..I can give you more info you want it.
Bryan love to talk to you, email me at KenSmithFishing@outlook.com and we can exchange phone numbers and connect, thanks!
More and more of my buddies are going to aluminum
similar trend on some of the tours.
Also, Johnny Morris has bought the Ranger and Triton aluminum boat companies.
and everything else
Ken my xpress is a 2017 x18 with a f150 Yamaha. (Top speed 55 tournament load).Found it at a dealer in Hot Springs. The boat was used as a demo and the owner there let the staff fish a night circuit out of it. So I purchased it as a NEW boat for mid 20's. The x 19 with 200 is really the sweet spot for an affordable rig that will fit in most garages but rigged with hydro jack and 2 10 inch graphs your looking at mid 40's. You'll find that xpress has the best horsepower to length ratings in the market. I would really like to know why. I really thought vexus would have tried to match xpress on this but fell short. Maybe u could dig a little into this subject as this search progresses.
I really enjoy your channel and your reviews on glass boats was refreshing. Looking foward to the aluminum reviews.
Brian just from looking at pics it looks like the Xpress boats all have really wide beams at the transoms which probably lets them run bigger HP
@@KenSmithFishing xpress boats have some wide booties!! Back deck is yuge!!! Lol
John Cox fishes the MX21.
yep, but Personally I don't put a lot of stock in what guys get paid to fish out of. Not saying its not a great boat
we have been looking for a small aluminum boat for a small local reservoir (started 2 years ago)
we have not been able to find one
we ended up buying a Tracker (2 years ago) but, hubby still wants a small aluminum boat
last month I started looking for one again
I still can't find one
Debbie a good used metal boat is hard to find, I really struggled trying to do the search because of same
I have a Tracker 195TXW and I live right off of Ray Hubbard if you want to go out and get it wet one day.
Isn't Ranger now owned by Bass Pro?
I am looking at the Lund Renegade 1875 but I will have to wait until the boat show to see one in person. Then if I want one I will have to order one and wait months for it to be delivered. Trying to buy a boat right now is painful.
Right, here buy our boat before you have gotten a chance to see one. What's
The website says the MX is a pad Hull.
Somebody else commented the same, look forward to laying eyes on it, I'm learning!
Look at avid boat I have a new Lund renegade on order for me all-new for 2022
got it
War eagle
Find me one to look at!
@@KenSmithFishing smith motors Hattiesburg ms
I have a crestliner mx21 we can take out if you wanted to it drafts extremely shallow but it is in no way a speed boat
If you are in Texas or Ok would you email me at KenSmithfishing@outlook.com please?
Please review the Gator trax Striker boat.
Looking for one now
@@KenSmithFishing thank you, really enjoyed your search for a glass boat emensely.
Better check out an Avid in Amory, MS
That is request #1,258 for Avid!
If you still looking for a aluminum boat check out the predator it's a duck and fishing boat nice boat
Is that the maker?
Ken, I have a Ranger Rt 188P with a 115 Mercury Pro XS here in Grapevine if you need to to take it out. 18 foot 10 inches Mike Corley
Mike I have a guy up by Texoma that has the same boat, if we can't connect I'll circle back, thanks. Would you email me your contact info at kensmithfishing@outlook.com please?
@@KenSmithFishing Cool
From what I have researched, Lund and Crestliner are built in the same factory.
i believe that is correct
Im going to buy myself a Lund Pro-V 1875 bass XS
I do want to check out a Lund
Check out the Ranger RT198P, I've been very impressed, shocked honestly, with how well they've performed
So far I've found an RT188
Please review an “Avid”
yep
check out avid and war eagle also
my buddy has a 2018 crestliner and it has not held up well at all. aluminum really arent that much cheaper than glass boats
what kind of issues is he having?
@@KenSmithFishing the boat porpoises like crazy and they had to put wedges under the boat and he already has a very soft spot in the floor
Tinsy: I believe that’s East Texan for not put together very well.
Nederland Farm and Tractor has Had Havocs in the past.
Ok, thanks I'll check into that
I ran a tracker 195 as my first boat for year before I got a nitro z20. Honestly, if I could’ve done it again I would’ve gotten a used 19 foot glass boat as a first boat. The tracker was pretty poorly constructed (I had the first year and they had transom cracking issues). I had a major leak in the hull from a loose livewell hose that required the dealer to cut a hole in the deck to fix, no access. Also the console and fit and finish of the boat overall was terrible.
But the main issue was the ride. The thing was just an awful jarring ride on rough water. Can run 50+ on wave in my nitro that I’d nearly need to idle in my old tracker.
Positives were speed and the motor. Had zero issues with the merc 150 four stroke, and the boat actually touched 65 once (almost zero load in it). Got nearly 60 mph loaded up with a buddy.
Thanks MJ I hate hearing that but good to have feedback!
@@KenSmithFishing I just feel like glass boats are hard to beat, even smaller used ones are going to be better than tin rigs. That said, haven’t ridden in the high end gator trax/alumna craft/lunds. Problem with those is they aren’t any cheaper than a full blown glass rig.
Any chance you are going to review a nitro even though you ended up getting the beautiful cat? I feel like you would really be surprised on how nice the 21 foot nitros are.
I would add avid boats but my top pick is gatertraxs but a gatertrax is more expensive. I had my eye on a 21 ft.with a 250 but it was 90k. I took off some wish list items to get to 82k and I said to much and bought a used 2019 921 pheonix with a Suzuki 250ss instead for just over 50k with 20 hours on it
Yep that’s glass boat pricing for sure
@@KenSmithFishing They claim their aluminum boat is better than any glass boat and they maybe right. I just couldn't do that price tag even though I wanted to.
I just purchased a Xpress x19 pro 2021 April of this year. I would love to let you take it out. But I am here in Ga. So I am going to say that with the popularity of the boat. You should be able to find someone a bit closer.
Hope so Sean, anything you'd like to see different on that boat now that you've had it 6-7 months?
@@KenSmithFishing yeah taking it down the lake and rough waters the rod lockers tend to rattle. So much so that I've got a little bit of paint chipping. This could be solved by a rubber gasket sealing the box. So having a properly sealed locker box would be great.
Do AVID Aluminum
Sam help me find one!
Got a 2022 x21 if you want to run it for you show, its in central TX 🤙
Kyle you are the first guy to reach out with an Xpress, would you shoot me an email at KenSmithFishing@outlook.com so we can see if we can connect sometime
Also checkout the AVID lineup
yep
Ken, not sure if anyone has mentioned them yet but have you heard of avid boats?
Yep bunch of guys
Whens this avid review coming?
Boats are super hard to get right now. Most dealers are selling paper right now. Customers are waiting 6 months right now. It’s nuts. My local BPS, I know most all the managers there really well, they’re saying they’ve got almost 90 boats on order. They just can’t get stock right now.
Isn't that crazy, there have been plenty of times they couldn't give them away....
@@KenSmithFishing With so many people not working, I just want to know where all this money came from all of a sudden. It’s nuts.
Really the vexus aluminum have the best storage you’re gonna find
voted with my pocketbook last Tuesday. Options under consideration were Lund 1875, Ranger 188p and the Vexus AVX 1880 (also briefly looked at the 1980). in a few months, should have a Vexus AVX 1880 in my garage. upgrades are 112lb Ultrex, 4x15 charger hydraulic jackplate Humminbird Helix 9 at console humminbird helix 12 at console and 360°. it's an 'old guy' mid-life crisis moment here. as for trackers? I won't own a boat that has wood in it...
Kurt they are still putting wood in the Tracker boats?
2021 Avid 20xb loaded for your review in Mt Pleasant Tx area. If interested let me know!
Danny absolutely interested, could you email me your contact info at kensmithfishing@outlook.com
Includ boat build in Amerory Missippi.
Which?