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Reading Time: 15 minutesLast Updated on January 10, 2026 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
10 Best Bass Boat Brands
Key Takeaways
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- Tracker Boats: The best option for budget-conscious buyers; they specialize in aluminum boats with excellent warranties and are widely accessible through Bass Pro Shops.
- Crestliner: Known for durable, agile aluminum boats and their “Angling Aces” program for students; they offer a wide range of engine options (20–250 HP).
- Ranger Boats: A premium, high-end brand acquired by Bass Pro Shops, recognized as the gold standard for fiberglass craftsmanship and advanced features.
- Bass Cat: One of the oldest manufacturers, focused on high-performance, stability, and “vacuum molded” one-piece construction for extreme durability.
- Nitro Boats: A fiberglass specialist known for high customer satisfaction and designs refined by professional anglers; ideal for mid-to-high-end budgets.
- Lowe Boats: Offers highly customizable and affordable aluminum boats, including the popular “Stinger” and “Skorpion” series.
- Xpress Boats: The pioneer of all-welded aluminum hulls; their “Hyper-lift” hulls are designed specifically for navigating shallow waters at high speeds.
- Lund Boats: Focuses heavily on safety and “level flotation” with closed-cell foam, making them a top choice for rough-water conditions.
- Skeeter: Renowned for exceptional handling and 90-degree turning capabilities, backed by 18 consecutive customer service awards.
- Gambler Boats: A boutique brand that prioritizes quality over quantity by taking limited annual orders for custom, high-performance vessels.
Nothing compares to the freedom of owning your own bass boat – tow it to your favorite lake whenever you want, and spend as long as you’d like to fish; there are no restrictions.
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But when it comes to buying a boat, everything’s not all rainbows and unicorns. You’ve got to know where to start looking for the best bass boat and do a good amount of research before investing so much money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bass boat brand is best for a buyer on a tight budget?
Tracker Boats is the top recommendation for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality. Because they are manufactured in high volumes by the Tracker Marine Group, they can offer cutting-edge aluminum designs and strong warranties at a lower price point than many competitors.
What are the main differences between aluminum and fiberglass bass boats?
The choice depends on your fishing environment. Aluminum boats are highly durable, impact-resistant, and ideal for rugged, shallow waters where you might hit rocks. Fiberglass boats are typically heavier and more expensive, but they offer a smoother ride in rough water, better maneuverability, and higher top speeds due to their streamlined designs.
Why should I consider a higher horsepower engine even if I don’t need to go fast?
While you may not prioritize speed, the article notes that investing in a higher-horsepower engine significantly improves the boat’s resale value. Additionally, a more powerful engine can help the boat perform more efficiently when carrying heavy loads or navigating challenging water conditions.
What should I look for in a boat warranty?
A quality warranty is essential for long-term peace of mind. You should look for brands that offer at least a 10-year warranty on the structure (hull) and 5 or more years of coverage on components. It is also beneficial to check if the warranty is “transferable,” which makes the boat more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell it later.
How do deck size and “beam” width affect my fishing experience?
A wider beam (the boat’s width) provides greater stability, more storage space, and larger seating areas. For the deck, a rectangular or less-pointed front is preferred because it offers more “working room,” allowing two anglers to fish from the bow comfortably without getting in each other’s way.
If you’re one of those people who realize the liberating aspect of buying your own vehicle but don’t have a clue where to start, don’t worry. I’ve listed the ten best bass boat brands where you can hunt for the boat of your dreams.
Also, before you head to your dealer, review the quick buying guide at the end of this post. Keep reading!
Top 10 Bass Boats Brands that You’ll Love
If you’re enthusiastic about fishing, you’ll want a reliable and high-tech boat. The brands I’ve listed below will tick all the boxes of requirements for your dream bass boat.
Tracker Boats
If what you’re looking for is a budget-friendly boat that does not give up on you in the middle of nowhere, Tracker Boats is the place to go. It is a brand manufactured by Tracker Marine Group and owned by the Bass Pro Shops, which also owns Cabela’s and several other popular trademarks.
They offer a wide range of models, including aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, pontoon boats, and utility boats, designed for both freshwater and saltwater use. Tracker Boats are sold through a network of dealerships across North America and are popular among anglers and boating enthusiasts. But one of the best things about their bass boats is that they won’t make you empty your bank account.
You can purchase one with an attractive design and many features, with no doubt about its quality.
This is because the sheer volume of boats Tracker sells enables it to reduce costs while maintaining cutting-edge design and technology. Oh, and the best part? These are aluminum boats (you can finally fish in that shallow lake now) with the best warranties you’ll ever get.
Crestliner
A bass boat brand countdown wouldn’t be complete without including the world-famous Crestliner. It all started in 1946, when a young man named William Morse Sr. built his first aluminum boat. Years later, the company became the fastest-selling, most reliable fishing boat brand in the country.
With a limited lifetime warranty on all boats, these durable yet agile bass boats will allow you to become a fan of the outdoors. Crestliner offers a program for students called ‘Angling Aces’ that promotes a passion for fishing among young people.
With boat engines starting from 20 HP and going all the way up to 250, you’ll find that these bass boats have a wide price range. And if you’re a serious angler wishing to win that bass tournament, check out the Crestliner XF series.
They also offer customizable options across many of their models to meet customers’ specific needs. Crestliner boats are sold through a network of dealerships throughout North America and are popular among both fishing enthusiasts and recreational boaters.
Ranger Boats
If you want to go all-in and buy the best bass boat, I recommend Ranger boats. Mind you – you’ll have to invest a good amount to purchase these super sporty, fully-equipped boats. I guarantee they’re worth the extra bucks, though.
In 2019, the brand was acquired by Bass Pro Shops and became part of its portfolio. Ranger Boats is recognized as a premium brand of fishing boats renowned for their inventive designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and adaptability.
With a legacy dating back 50 years, Ranger boats offer industry-leading fiberglass and aluminum bass boats. If you’re into fiberglass boats, their 10-year warranty on structure and a 3-year warranty on the interior will be something you’ll appreciate.
Are you hesitant to invest over 30,000 bucks in a Ranger boat? You can always participate in the Ranger Cup to win back some money, where the winning purse can reach 1 million or more.
Safety, latest technology, comfort, and masterful design – what more could you want from a bass boat?
Bass Cat
Founded in 1971, it’s one of the longest-operating bass boat builders in the world. Bass Cat Bass Boats is a specialized brand of high-performance fishing boats that are designed specifically for bass fishing. They are known for their superior speed, stability, and maneuverability on the water, making them a top choice for professional and amateur bass anglers.
With a lifetime structural warranty, these bass boats will serve you well when fishing leisurely or competing in tournaments. Although most have smaller deck sizes than the other brands on this list, their design and durability are unbeatable.
Recessed trolling motor pedals and vacuum molding techniques that enable one-piece construction of the hull, floor, and stringers are two innovations the brand is credited with. Bass Cat boats are renowned for their incredible strength and energy transfer.
With some of the most powerful motors, ranging up to 450 HP, you’ll find yourself gliding through the water with a Bass Cat. In fact, these boats are known for handling rough water pretty well.
Excellent customer service and reliability are the Bass Cat’s signature traits. So, if you’re looking for something robust, durable, yet innovative and cutting-edge, Bass Cat’s bass boats are the way to go.
Nitro Boats
Another subsidiary brand of Bass Pro Shops, Nitro Boats, offers an impressive range of fiberglass bass boats. Certified and awarded by the NMMA for superb customer satisfaction, Nitro has some of the most feature-packed fiberglass bass boats.
For instance, look at their latest Z21 Pro model. It has superior construction, a comfortable interior, and everything you could possibly ask for in terms of fishability. It’s a bass and crappie angler’s dream.
Purchased with a heavy-duty trailer, these boats fall within the mid- to high-end price range. But trust me, they’re worth it with their powerful 300 HP engines and ample deck space.
And did you know? This brand partners with top fishing professionals to refine its designs and deliver the best. Considering those facts, Nitro will seriously add some nitro to your bass fishing game and take it to the top.
Lowe Boats
An industry leader in small fishing boats, Lowe started back in 1971. Today, it offers some of the most affordable yet high-quality aluminum bass boats.
The Stinger series is for those who want mid-range aluminum bass boats with 150 HP engines, while the Skorpion series starts around mid-teens and offers one of the best prices for beginners.
But if you want a super attractive package for a reasonable price, you might want to look into the Lowe Legacy – a boat specially built to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
Lowe Boats offers a diverse selection of models, including aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, pontoon boats, and recreational boats, designed for both freshwater and saltwater use. The boats are fully customizable, offering a wide range of options and features, providing customers with tailored vessels to meet their specific needs.
The best part? They offer a limited lifetime warranty on several components of their boats, including the fully welded aluminum build. Moreover, they let you customize a lot of stuff about your boat, including the vinyl flooring – something truly worth spending on.
Xpress Boats
Xpress Boats is widely regarded as the pioneer of all-welded aluminum boats, having started in 1966 and quickly flourishing over the years.
These bass boats are designed to operate in shallow water with 115- to 250-hp engines.
But what Xpress Boats is especially proud of is its hulls, which are high-quality, strong, and agile. The Hyper-lift hulls of these bass boats, in particular, let you glide through all kinds of water for the best fishing experience.
Not just this, but they also come with pretty cool-looking exteriors. For instance, the Xplorer Bass series has an impressive camouflage design that is sure to turn heads. Aluminum bass boats that don’t just feel great, but also look great? Yes, please!
Xpress Boats offers a range of models, including bass boats, multi-species boats, and jon boats, designed for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The boats are built using advanced welding and construction techniques, resulting in a durable, lightweight vessel.
Overall, these mid-range bass boats are the perfect choice for those seeking excellence in aluminum construction. I’m sure you’re going to be super ‘xcited’ once you get your hands on these bass boats, just as their tag line suggests.
Lund Boats
Yet another impressive range of bass boats comes from Lund, which has over 70 years of industry experience. These bass boats are made of the most durable aluminum in the industry, which is why you get a ten-year limited warranty with them. Lund Boats is a brand of high-quality fishing boats that has operated since 1948.
They are known for their rugged construction, innovative designs, and versatility, making them a popular choice among anglers and boating enthusiasts.
Moreover, Lund considers safety as one of their top priorities, so you can never get in trouble with these boats. All of them (including the smaller varieties) use closed-cell foam to maintain stable, level flotation, so you can stay safe in the roughest waters with the smallest boats.
You’ll also notice that the designers have paid close attention to detail in the boat’s interior design. A live well for the bait, small storage compartments for added space, grippy decks for further ensuring comfort and safety – they’ve got it all.
Not too shabby, is it? Note that you may need to pay an additional $1,000 for these bass boats, but their durability and versatility make them worth it.
Skeeter
Seventy years of experience lead to unmatched excellence, and that’s exactly what Skeeter’s bass boats have to offer. Founded in 1948 by Holmes Thurmond. The company is headquartered in Kilgore, Texas.
With these boats, you’re the one in control. They deliver superbly responsive handling and enable sharp, 90° turns with ease. This is especially useful for tournaments, which is why Skeeter is very popular among serious anglers.
Additionally, the boat’s expert hull design, with a 20° deep-V, helps keep the deck dry and comfortable. Skeeter is known for its state-of-the-art engineering and construction, resulting in lightweight yet durable boats that handle even the most challenging water conditions.
In addition to excellence in performance and design, Skeeter has won 18 consecutive CSI awards for its outstanding customer service. And who doesn’t like a brand that stands behind their boats and backs you up?
You get a wide range of prices with Skeeter, but one thing remains constant: quality. Hence, it’s worth considering, especially their newly launched FXR bass boats, which offer powerful engines and exceptional stability.
Gambler Boats
If what you’re looking for is a brand that pays close attention to what you want and serves you for a lifetime, Gambler Boats is the place to go. It specializes in bass boats and upholds high standards for construction and performance. Gambler Boats has operated since 1977 and is headquartered in Florida.
Gambler only takes limited orders per year to stand by their rule of ‘quality over quantity.’ Over 35 years of experience designing bass boats has earned them loyal customers who swear by their performance.
From chemically-bonded double hulls and extended reverse chines to stainless steel latches and high-end speakers, Gambler gives you the best of the best.
So if you’re a die-hard bass fisher looking to make a statement with your bass boat, contact them today.
Bass Boat Buying Guide
There’s more to buying a bass boat than simply looking up popular brands. You need to know exactly what you’re looking for, especially if it’s your first time purchasing a boat. Even the best brands can prove unsatisfying if you don’t buy the boat that fits your needs.
So, here are some basic yet important things you should consider about a bass boat:
Material
The strength of aluminum versus fiberglass in boats depends on factors such as material quality, boat thickness and design, and intended use. Generally, aluminum boats are known for their durability and impact resistance, making them a popular choice for use in rugged conditions, such as fishing or hunting. Aluminum boats can withstand collisions with rocks or other hard objects in the water, and they are less likely to crack or puncture than fiberglass boats.
Fiberglass boats, on the other hand, are typically lighter and more maneuverable than aluminum boats. They can also be designed with a more streamlined profile, resulting in a faster, more fuel-efficient boat. Fiberglass boats are known for their resistance to UV rays and weathering, making them a good choice for boats used in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Overall, both aluminum and fiberglass boats have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, intended use, and budget.
Engine
When purchasing a bass boat, choosing the right engine is a crucial decision that can affect your overall experience on the water. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an engine for your bass boat:
- Engine Type: There are two main types of engines: outboard and inboard. Outboard engines are typically more common in bass boats due to their ease of use, versatility, and easier maintenance. Inboard engines, on the other hand, are less common in bass boats and are typically found in larger vessels.
- Horsepower: Your engine’s horsepower determines your boat’s speed and performance. The ideal horsepower depends on your boat’s size and intended use. Larger boats will require more horsepower to achieve optimal performance, while smaller boats may need less.
- Fuel Efficiency: Fuel efficiency is a key consideration, especially if you plan to spend long hours on the water. Look for an engine that is fuel-efficient and delivers sufficient power to meet your needs.
- Brand: Choose an engine from a reputable brand that is known for quality and reliability. Some popular brands for bass boat engines include Mercury, Yamaha, Evinrude, and Suzuki.
- Maintenance: Consider the maintenance required for your engine, including regular service intervals, replacement parts, and repair costs. Look for an engine that is easy to maintain and has a good warranty.
- Price: Engine prices vary widely based on type, horsepower, and brand. Set a budget for your engine and choose the option that fits within it.
By considering these factors, you can choose an engine that is reliable, fuel-efficient, and provides the right amount of power for your bass boat. Be sure to consult with a knowledgeable dealer or mechanic for guidance and recommendations.
Even if you don’t want a speedboat, consider investing in a higher-horsepower engine. This will allow you to resell the boat at a higher price than boats with low-horsepower engines.
Hull Weight
When buying a bass boat, hull weight is an important factor to consider as it can affect your boat’s speed, fuel efficiency, and overall performance on the water. Here are some things to consider when evaluating hull weight:
The size of your boat will play a significant role in determining the appropriate hull weight. Larger boats typically require heavier hulls to maintain stability, while smaller boats can achieve adequate stability with lighter hulls.
The materials used in hull construction can also affect the boat’s overall weight. Fiberglass boats are typically heavier than aluminum boats, but they may provide better durability and performance in certain conditions.
Hull weight can also impact the boat’s speed, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability. A heavier boat may not be as fast or fuel-efficient as a lighter one, but it may provide better stability and handling in rough water conditions.
The hull should also be considered in relation to the boat’s capacity. Overloading a boat can cause it to become unstable, which can be dangerous. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications for maximum weight capacity before purchasing a boat.
The weight of the hull can also affect the boat’s price. Typically, boats with lighter hulls are less expensive than those with heavier hulls. Consider your budget and the boat’s intended use when evaluating hull weight.
Ultimately, the appropriate hull weight for your bass boat will depend on several factors, including boat size, material, performance, capacity, and budget. Be sure to consult with a knowledgeable dealer or mechanic for guidance and recommendations to ensure that you make the best decision for your needs.
Trailer
Does your boat come with a trailer? It’s easier to buy a package that includes the appropriate trailer at a discounted price, as it means less hassle and more affordability for you.
Warranty
Perhaps the most important aspect of a boat is its warranty. It determines whether the company will support you when something fails. Look for a 5+ year warranty on components and a 10+ year warranty on the structure.
A warranty can provide you with protection and peace of mind in the event of any defects or issues with the boat. Here are some things to consider when evaluating a warranty:
- Length of the Warranty: Warranty lengths can vary widely across manufacturers. Some may offer a one-year warranty, while others may offer coverage for up to five years or more. Consider the warranty duration and how long you plan to keep the boat.
- Coverage: Look for a warranty that provides comprehensive coverage for the boat, including the hull, engine, and other components. Some warranties may have limitations or exclusions, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.
- Transferability: A transferable warranty can increase your boat’s resale value. If you plan to sell the boat in the future, consider a warranty that can be transferred to the new owner.
- Service Requirements: Some warranties may require you to perform regular maintenance on the boat at specific intervals to maintain coverage. Consider the warranty’s service requirements and whether they are reasonable and practical for your needs.
- Reputation: Choose a warranty from a reputable manufacturer that is known for quality and reliability. Look for reviews and feedback from other boat owners to evaluate the manufacturer’s reputation.
- Price: Warranty costs vary by coverage length and manufacturer. Consider the warranty price and whether it offers good value for your investment.
By considering these factors, you can choose a warranty that provides adequate coverage and protection for your bass boat. Be sure to read the warranty terms and conditions carefully and ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the coverage.
Deck Size
When it comes to fishing bass or crappie, you’d naturally want more working room at the front. Not only will this give you space to move about with ease, but it will also prevent unnecessary spills and mishaps.
I suggest looking for boats with a less pointed front. Rectangular decks are generally more spacious and allow two people to fish comfortably.
Beam
A beam of a boat is its width, and if comfort is your top priority, you’ll want wider beams. Such boats offer larger seats and more room for accessories or equipment storage. They also allow you to install a third seat between the passenger and the driver.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Harbour Masters
Final Thoughts
There are several top bass boat brands that are highly regarded by anglers and boating enthusiasts alike. While opinions may vary by personal preference, the list above is our favorites and some of the best bass boat brands on the market today.
Ultimately, the best bass boat brand is the one that suits your individual needs and preferences, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water with confidence and comfort.
Essential Buying Criteria
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Material Choice: Aluminum is preferred for ruggedness and shallow water (impact resistance), while fiberglass offers better speed, maneuverability, and a smoother ride.
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Engine Performance: Choosing a higher horsepower engine (even if not strictly needed for speed) increases the boat’s future resale value and overall efficiency.
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Hull & Weight: The weight of the hull directly impacts stability and fuel economy; heavier hulls handle rougher water better but are generally more expensive.
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Practical Layout: For the best fishing experience, look for rectangular deck shapes to maximize workspace and wider beams for increased storage and seating comfort.
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Warranty Importance: A reliable brand should offer at least a 10-year structural warranty and a 5-year component warranty to protect your investment.
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Package Value: Look for “package deals” that include a trailer, as buying them together is significantly more cost-effective than purchasing separately.
Just be sure to know exactly what you want. Think material, size, and speed – and you’ll be all set to buy the rig of your dreams.
