Thread: What style boat fot Kansas Crappie?

I know this is a matter of personal preference and I understand that everyone likes to fish their preferred style. But I am curious of what most of the crappie guys who fish mainly Kansas would choose if they were to buy something today and what are the main reasons you would make that choice.

My old Allison is not cut out for the wind and shallow water so I am looking at options hoping to replace around the 1st of 2023 when I retire.

I am currently thinking an older Ranger or a newer aluminum like the Wareagle Blackhawk 2170.

Thanks for your input.

I appreciate all of the info folks.

I have spent a lot of time in bass boats in the 80's and 90's (Ranger, Triton, Allison, etc) and I love the ride and fishing stability they offer. Their main drawback is that the top brands are out of my price range as new boats today. Depending on how the economy is by next year, I may be able to put together $50,000 or so at max with no chance of getting to $70,000-$80,000 like they want for most brands. I am definitely not going to finance anything from now on as I will be living on fixed income and depletion of investments after the end of the year. That pretty much knocks me out of the new glass boats which are over 18'. It may be possible to get in to an 18'-19' Package from Nitro (not one of my favorite brands) or possibly a Skeeter/Yamaha package which I intend to look at.

I have currently a 2004 model Mercury Optimax 200 XS (Built by Mercury Racing) with around 300 hours. I have 2 Helix 7's with DI and GPS and a 10" Garmin Echomaps Ultra with Livescope. My TM is a 12 volt 55 lbs MK Terrova with IPilot linked to one of the Helix 7's. I will probably not be able to use the TM a heavier boat.

One option in the Bass Boat style I think might work is to buy a late 90's early 2000's Ranger 487VS (good hull which is used for all John Storie boats post Champion (Hawk, Viper Cobra, Legend, etc.) and repower with my 200XS off of the Allison. I could make this happen for under $20,000 by updating with my motor and electronics. Not my optimum but a workable option.

Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Out of the boats I’ve fished from I do prefer the Ranger or Lund Pro V. I like the floor space of the Ranger and the ride of the Pro V. Might come down to what you can find available in your price. Keep in mind there are other expenses that go with boat. I’d definitely budget for some good electronics no matter what you decide on boat. Will definitely help put fish on board.

Originally Posted by zummy

I've had alot of different types. I prefer the Deep V. Its rarely not windy in KS. I don't feel like I get beat up near as bad. My current rendition has a full windshield. I will likely never go back to the single console again. No taking cold spray in the face, keeps the cold winter wind off of me making the run, etc. If I fished standing timber alot I probably would not go full windshield.

Super Dave and zummy - I think a deep V might work for me but I would want single console so that my long rods have some place to ride. I like the old Ranger fisherman (681vs) styles with the full length rod lockers on the port side. That is one of the boats I think might work well. The newer models all seem to have dual consoles and storage broken into front and rear which doesn't appeal to me. I prefer more fishing amenities in front, and in the back, seating for more passengers and open floor.

Originally Posted by skeeter96

Kmack I can set you up with about 5 different style boats here locally that you can go out with them to see how they ride and how it is to fish out of. Ranger bass boat, lund and tracker deep V and a fiberglass walleye style boat. I'll get with you on what days are best for you to go. Hate to see you get rid of your Allison after all you put into it but understand with the wind and style of fishing we do here.
As soon as Eldorado goes back down and isn't chocolate brown I'll take you in the timber up north.

skeeter96 - Sounds good. I might like to experience a deep V and Glass walleye boat. I been in plenty of bass boats.

Boat Brands I am considering for new:

Bass Cat
Skeeter
Phoenix
Caymas
Falcon
Blazer
Gator Trax
Excell
War Eagle
Lund
Lowe
SeaArk