Do you want to know which bass boat will perform best in river and stream waters? Aluminum bass boats offer more capacity with a tiller-mounted engine and dedicated containers to facilitate your fishing trips in freshwaters. And they are more affordable as well!
This article will review the bass boats based on the boat’s angular construction, speed, seating arrangement, and overall size. After that, you can make an informed decision about which one fits your fishing needs.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Aluminum Bass Boats
1. 2020 Alumacraft Classic 165 Sport
With a maximum horsepower of 90 hp, the 2020 Alumacraft classic sport is an all-rounder aluminum bass boat. This 16-feet medium-sized boat not only offers top-notch performance but also comes with incredible storage capacity and other amenities.
The Alumacraft may seem to be a simple design, but it is one of the sturdiest fishing boats with a moderate 82-inches beam length.
This boat utilizes the gunnels in the best possible way by providing grab handles for both the seats along with the storage space.
You can find the gauge cluster and helm on the left side of the wheel. On the other hand, the user-friendly angular switchboard is present on the right side.
One of the most extraordinary features which make this boat stand out is its supporting lights. You can catch fish even in the dark with various lights such as interior courtesy, stow-able running, and live well lights.
It comes with one of the most oversized 34-gallon bow platform storage.
Pros
- Ample storage space
- Aerate Live well with a timer
- Perfect for a mid-sized family
- Comfortable extra-large sofa seats
Con
- Lesser power
2. Crestliner Commander 1850
Crestliner has established its reputation as a reliable US brand that guarantees a robust construction with full-length welds of aluminum sheets.
Unlike the rest of the competitive models, the Crestliner Commander 1850 ensures a smooth ride without unwanted clanging and banging of the welded joints.
There is a UV-resistant vinyl on top of the aluminum sheets to guarantee an extra grip to stand firmly on the live-bait well. The heavy-duty vinyl flooring doesn’t let the moisture build-up and makes the entire cleaning process relatively easy.
It’s a long boat of 18 feet and 9-inches length. The motor power varies from 115 hp to 150 hp.
The hydraulic steering system is present on the angular helm behind the glass windshield. And the tilted helm makes the steering process simple for the drivers who want to drive while standing.
As the name indicates, it is the real commander in freshwaters allowing you to deep drift trolling live baits. The live bait well is present on the front casting deck for your convenience.
Pros
- Well-welded windshield
- Hydraulic steering
- Vinyl flooring
- Various storage compartments
Cons
- Water may come inside at a lower speed
- Warranty is limited to some parts only
3. Legend 16 XTR Series
The Legend 16 XTR is an all-for-one fishing boat with its all-welded construction and additional foam floatation.
Based in Canada, Legend is renowned for providing standard equipment like stand-up top and curtain set along with Pull-A-Dot snaps.
What’s more, it’s powered by a Mercury 50 ELPT four-stroke outboard and 54-inches wireless trolling motor. This one is a masterpiece in terms of speed and technology.
You can easily replace the rear swivel chairs with storage netting to catch more fish.
Some other great features include an in-built bait bucket, 30-litre aerated bow live well, and braided sure-lock standpipe.
It’s one of the best budget aluminum bass boats with loads of storage capacity in the front and rear casting deck, allowing a maximum of four people.
Owing to the six cup holders, you can enjoy your drinks without worrying about spilling them all over.
Pros
- Full-welded construction
- Advanced Mercury Pro XS motor
- Sleek design
- 30-gallon live well
Cons
- Water may get trapped under deck
- The foam may get waterlogged
4. Kingfisher 2025 Flex Tiller XP
With 20 feet length and 8 feet beam, the Kingfisher 2025 flex tiller XP comes with a commercial look. It’s one of the deep-V fishing boat series having different configurations like tiller (TL), dual console (Spt), side console (SC), and extended bow platform (XP).
A jig system builds the Kingfisher hull in order to form it with pre-flexed components. Consequently, the hull exhibits extra strength and resistance towards external impact or shock.
A 250 horsepower motor drives this gigantic beast in lakes and oceans.
It comes with all the basic amenities like side storage, in-floor rod locker, and 24-gallon live well.
You can find a 24-gallon livewell within the stern platform. By the way, you can also convert the stern platform to a fully wide flip-up bench seat.
The best part about this bass boat is that it’s tournament ready with its ProFish Command Center.
Pros
- All-season boat
- Excellent speed
- 45-gallon fuel capacity
Cons
- Complicated customization
- Upgrades require more bucks
5. Lowe FM 1800 SC
If you are looking for a mid-sized boat with must-have features, a spacious deck, and amenities, then the Lowe FM 1800 SC is an optimal choice for you.
With an overall length of 17-feet and 10-inches and an outboard HP range of 90 -150 hp, it’s a large fishing boat with top-of-the-range performance.
The all-welded construction comprises a marine aluminum plate to ensure durability as well as stability.
Not only that, a top-grade foam is injected within the sheets allowing the upright safe floating. The foam not only creates a 15-degree deadrise but also insulates the marine noise.
The front fishing deck is spacious, allowing two anglers to stand simultaneously.
You can find plenty of space under the deck, including a 14-gallon aerated live well and rod locker. The rod locker can store five to seven feet long ten sticks in separate tubes.
The cockpit is 24-inches deep to give a secure and dry ride while riding against the waves.
Even though it is designed for six people, it comes with four large cup holders to compensate.
The 26-ounce marine carpet runs across the fishing boat to give it a luxurious and comfortable look. However, you know how difficult it is to clean and maintain the carpet flooring.
One of the drawbacks of this big beast is that it doesn’t have vinyl flooring. Luckily, you can upgrade by paying a couple of more bucks.
Pros
- Designed for six people
- In-gunnel storage compartment
- Four oversized cup holders
Con
- No vinyl flooring
6. Princecraft Platinum SE 227
The 22-feet long Princecraft Platinum SE 227 lets you enjoy fishing with your family and friends.
It comes with a roaring horsepower ranging from 175 to 350 hp. One thing to notice here is that most aluminum bass boats can’t even achieve a maximum of 150 hp.
So this boat has one of the most spacious interiors to accommodate 11 people without compromising on speed and stability.
With three types of storage compartments and live well capacity, it has everything you wish to enjoy a relaxing fishing day.
This high-end boat comes with extra-wide gunnels to ensure the safety of people standing near the casting deck.
It has all the deluxe amenities such as cup holders, ski pole mount, and seat base.
The 17-gallon live well is one of the largest bait wells you will find in the fishing boats.
Having said that, all these luxuries come at a very high price, but they are worth the money.
Pros
- Durable
- Numerous storage compartments
- Max 350 hp
- Quiet ride
Cons
- Recommended for large families only
- Pricey
7. G3 Sportsman 1910 LE
If you are a fishing enthusiast who wants to invest smartly in a compact yet durable fishing boat, then you will like this one. Released in 2019, the GE Sportsman 1910 LE comes with metal flake graphics, white hull, and upgraded trolling motor.
Powered by one of the well-reputed Yamaha VF150 SHO engines, it can reach a maximum speed of 50 MPH in less than three seconds.
It comes with a variety of storage compartments available in the cockpit deck step and bow deck.
You will find second-generation hook series comprising 2-7(flush-mounted) and 2-5 combo(bow-mounted). The best thing about these hooks is the availability of GPS and lake maps.
Do you know this boat is completely customizable? It has four configurations, allowing you to select any of them by rearranging storage boxes, seats, and cushions.
Pros
- 100-gauge hull
- High-gloss paint
- Helm mount hook
- Hydraulic steering
- Additional three bank battery charger
Cons
- Old-fashioned interior
- Accommodates only two people
8. Crestliner Fish Hawk
If you are looking for a fuel-efficient yet speedy boat, the Crestliner fish hawk is the best choice for you. It is one of the top-selling boats in North America with its 12-gallon aerated live well and 150 horsepower.
The raised front comprises an over-sized casting deck that allows multiple anglers to fish without disturbing one another. You can find various storage compartments under the fully carpeted deck to store all your gears, tackle, PFDs, and rain gear.
The center rod storage can hold up to 10 rods of seven feet.
Luckily, you don’t need to drill any additional holes to create space for your accessories. The SureMount accessory mounting mechanism ensures proper holding of all your belongings like the drink cups, rods, and other items.
The cockpit will keep you secure in rough waters because the passenger seats are at the backside.
Pros
- Aerated live well
- Extra jump seats
- Retractable ladder
- Affordable
Cons
- Old-fashioned design
- Conventional steering mechanism
9. Ranger RT198P
The Ranger RT198P is one of the most reliable and budget-friendly fishing boats, having a 92-inches long beam.
It’s a high-performing fishing boat with a maximum horsepower of 150 hp. The all-welded aluminum construction is filled with foam to give a further rise to the boat. The foam also serves as an insulator to dampen the marine noise.
And its front casting deck is equipped with many useful features like a retractable rod strap, fiberglass cooler, and center rod storage.
Coming to the multi-purpose cockpit, it has upholstery, fiberglass console, flush-mounted electronics, and gauges. The steering wheel might not be hydraulic but relatively smooth and durable.
You will also like the console as it provides easy access to all the controls like speed, fuel gauge, tach, and water pressure gauge.
Lastly, the rear deck is quite spacious, consisting of a prop storage compartment and easy access to batteries.
Pros
- Aerated live well
- Retractable strap
- Affordable
Cons
- Ordinary welding
- No drain hole in the console
- No fire extinguisher
10. Smoker Craft 171 Pro Angler XL
Finally, in my top 10 aluminum bass boats’ list is the Smoker Craft 171 pro angler XL. I can safely categorize it as one of the best family fishing boats. Even though it’s quite sleek and compact, it can accommodate a total of seven people.
This 15-feet long boat has a raised casting deck, single console, and 8-feet beam.
The best thing I like about this boat is the elevated bow pad on the casting deck, ensuring a secure mount for the electric motor. You can find dry storage and a 15-gallon live well under the casting deck.
The in-floor rod locker can hold eight rods in separate tubes.
What’s more, the heavy-duty vinyl flooring makes your life super easy. You only have to put minimum effort while cleaning the carpet flooring.
You may need to load many coolers and other heavy gears on the boat that can damage or scratch the floor. Thanks to the scratch-resistant vinyl flooring, you no longer need to worry about that.
Pros
- Elevated pad
- Multiple storage compartments
- Hard vinyl flooring
Con
- Conventional design
Conclusion
My list of the top 10 aluminum bass boats finally comes to an end! As you can see, there are a lot of options to choose from. The bass boats are designed for shallow waters, so the elevated casting deck is a mandatory feature for anglers to stand firmly.
Another vital feature is storage capacity. Why? Because you will be fishing for a couple of hours. So you need ample storage space for a comfortable fishing experience.
Next, you should consider what size you need for your aluminum bass boat. You have to do a little research beforehand to make an informed decision!
