Looking for the most affordable bass boat to buy? Many anglers across North America have their sights set on owning a bass boat of their own someday. It’s not hard to see why these boats are so popular given the size of their raised casting decks, the amount of storage space they provide for tackle, and their ability to navigate the shallow weedy waters where big bass thrive.
The price tags that frequently accompany top-of-the-line boats that are tournament ready can be a bit more difficult to swallow than the boats themselves. The steep price that is being asked is, in the opinion of many anglers, simply unreasonable.
However, bass boats do not have to be prohibitively expensive. It is possible to get out on the water for a lot less money than you might think, provided that you are willing to forego some of the more opulent amenities and select a vessel with a more modest engine. Here is a list of five cheap bass boats that don’t cost more than $20,000 in total.
Key Takeaways
- Bass boats are popular because of their raised casting decks, ample storage space for tackle, and their ability to navigate shallow, weedy waters.
- The price range for bass boats is typically between $20,000 and $45,000, but cheaper options are available for around $10,000.
- The Crestliner TC 18 is an affordable option with massive raised casting decks, live wells, and a standard Mercury 40 motor.
- The Lowe Stinger 178 comes with many features, including dual bow and stern live wells, ample rod storage, and a trolling motor.
- The other three affordable bass boats on the list are the Sun Dolphin Pro 120, Tracker Pro Team 175 TF, and Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport.
What are the actual going rates for Bass Boats?
The price range for bass boats is typically between $20,000 and $45,000, with most falling somewhere in that range. That’s not to say there aren’t any bass boats available at a lower price.
A price tag of approximately $10,000 is to be expected for the cheapest, most fundamental bass boat that is currently available.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the most luxurious bass boat money can buy will set you back about one hundred thousand dollars.
Top 5 Most Affordable Bass Boat
Crestliner TC 18
Crestliner’s TC 18 is marketed as a bass and crappie fishing boat, and it can accommodate outboard motors with a maximum horsepower of 115. The boat features massive raised casting decks, an 18-gallon live well in the bow, and a 22-gallon live well in the stern. You can get out on the water for less than 20,000 dollars if you purchase a standard Mercury 40, a fish finder, and a MotorGuide trolling motor, and that price even includes a trailer.
Length: 18 feet 3 inches
Beam: 92.3”
The weight when dry is 1,126 pounds.
Hull: Aluminum
Power as standard: 40 horsepower
Maximum power: 115 hp
MSRP: $16,277
Lowe Stinger 178
The Lowe’s Stinger 178 gives you a lot of boat for your money thanks to its dual bow and stern live wells that are each 24 gallons in capacity, its large raised casting decks, its ample rod storage, its standard MotorGuide bow-mount electric trolling motor, its Lowrance Hook 3x fish finder, and its trailer. All of these features come standard. You can give the boat your own unique flair by selecting from a comprehensive list of available customization options. Read more about Lowe Stinger 178 on the manufacturer’s page.
Length: 17 feet 8 inches
Beam: 94”
Weight without water: 1,199 lbs.
Hull: Aluminum
Standard Power: fifty horsepower
Maximum power: 90 hp
MSRP: $19,138
Ranger Tournament RT178
There is a reason why the Ranger brand has been referred to as the “Cadillac” of freshwater fishing boats for several decades. However, not a lot of anglers are aware that the cheapest boats in the RT series cost less than $15,000. The Ranger Tournament RT178 comes equipped with a Lowrance Elite 3x fish finder, a Minn Kota bow-mount electric trolling motor, a live well, plenty of storage space, an on-board dual pro battery charger, and a custom trailer, among other features. Additionally, it is a Ranger.
Length: 17 feet 8 inches
Beam: 92”
Weight without moisture: 1,075 pounds
Hull: Aluminum
Power as Standard: 20 horsepower
Maximum power: 75 hp
MSRP: $16,595
Stratos VLO 176
There are some anglers who don’t consider a boat to be a bass boat unless it has a fiberglass hull and rides on it. Those individuals will be overjoyed to learn that the Stratos VLO 176 can be purchased for less than our price point of $25,000, and there is still room for upgrades. Included as standard equipment are a Minn Kota bow-mount trolling motor, a Lowrance Hook 3x fish finder, a matching trailer, and a 60-horsepower outboard motor.
Length: 17 feet 6 inches
Beam: 85.5”
Weight without water: 1,200 lbs.
Hull: Fiberglass
Standard Power: sixty horsepower
Maximum power: 75 hp
MSRP: $16,095
175 Scale Tracker Pro Team TXW
Although the casting deck in the stern of the Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW is sizable, it is dwarfed by the massive elevated front deck that measures 32 square feet. This model comes standard with a centerline rod storage that can accommodate poles up to eight feet in length, a 16-gallon live well, four large storage compartments, a Minn Kota electric motor, a Lowrance fish finder, and a custom trailer. In addition, there is a lengthy options list that includes a variety of other enticing extras from which to select.
Length: 17 feet 7 inches
Beam: 89”
Weight without moisture: 1,009 pounds
Hull: Aluminum
Standard Power: sixty horsepower
Maximum power: 75 hp
MSRP: $12,695
