Me and my dad have been searching for a bass boat for quite some time now.
We are close to buying, but still have 2 choices.

We could get a 1991 Lowe Bassjohn boat 16 foot. It is aluminum, good carpet, and a 25 HP Evinrude motor.No fishfinders, no trolling motor. The trailer needs replacing. It is around 1700$.

OR

we could get a 1993 Stratos bass boat (fiberglass). It is 18 feet (but its the 19 foot model?) It has a new 70# thrust trolling motor with a trolling buddy. It has a working 150 Evinrude. It has decent carpet, and 2 working fish finders. It also has a good trailer. The only problem is that it needed to have a spot on the hull patched up, but it wasnt very big. He is selling for around 4000$

I really want the stratos, but my dad really is leaning toward the aluminum. It is because the aluminum one is my Granddad's, and they used it for crabbing/ rockfish on the Chesapeake (so it has been in brackish water). They need a bigger v-hull boat.

Another problem is I dont know if the Minivan (ford winstar) will be able to tow the Heavier fiberglass boat?

let me know hwat you think

BEN
GOD BLESS

If you'll be towing with the minivan I would go with the Aluminum unless the rods are nice and flat. Aluminums are perfect for smaller lakes and even bigger lakes but you'll just go slower. but slower can be good because you force yourself to concentrate on water that everyone else drives right past. If you will be tournament fishing and you want speed then go with the glass boat.

You can build the Aluminum boat anyway you like also with plywood and some carpet. I built mine for around $1000. I did have a trailer and I got the hull for $300. Check it out in the members photo section.

Magmaster,
Checked out your boat pictures and you did a great job on that thing.

I've done the same and have never regreted it.
Check out my photos here:
http://www.calfishing.com/gallery/v/members/ken_anderson/Boat-project/

I've had enough money lately to upgrade my boat but have decided I like what I have just fine!!

I towed my little rig with a minivan until I bought my truck and it worked out OK. I think the bigger fiberglass boat may be a little much for it. Check out your vans tow ratings.

thats fine guys if you have 1,000 in shop tools ,saws etc just laying around waiting for project like that.I'd guess mostof us (including me)dont have a bunch of power tools but probably a whole mess of swimbaits though..lol
Brian

well i didnt make the descision, It was made for me

the fiberglass one is sold

We are going to use the aluminum for this spring to see how we like it, It should do just fine

Needs some accesories though!

BEN
GOD BLESS

http://www.g3boats.com/JonBoats/default.php

didn't see any prices, but call them up.
Where are you located? If socal call up Last Chance Bait & Tackle in Hemet, they're affiliated with G3 and they're good people.

i just picked up the 18' eagle last week :7

I used a jig saw and a saw zall for tools. I did borrow a circular saw and a table saw. But you can build one with basic tools it will just take a little more time.

Ken I like your boat and I did base some of my choices on what you did. I wish I could have had more time to build it the exact way I wanted it, but I was under a schedule. I like the fact that you can build to suit your induvidual needs. This one is perfect for what I do. I fish small lakes and bays in the salt. I love my boat and it was worth every penny!

I just used basic power tools, grinder, jig saw, circular say, sander, drill, rivit gun.
Brian, if you need some help or want to borrow some tools just let me know!!

Actually Im on the verge of selling both the boats I have and Buying a Tracker Pro team 175 .I'm not as crafty as you all.I will probably suffer thru spring wit h my jon boat and in june i will go to get the new boat.
thanks, Brian

I have a little less than 400$ to go towards a trolling motor.

What trolling motor would you guys get for a 16ft aluminum bass boat??

BEN
GOD BLESS