We’ve recently had some fun reviewing some of the most expensive fishing boats on the market. The good news, however, is that you don’t have to choose between buying a home and buying a boat if you narrow your search down to the best bass boats under $20,000.
There are plenty of great boats within this price range and they all make great platforms for inshore bass fishing. If you’re looking for something that can handle rougher waters, we recommend you check out some of the best saltwater fishing boats we’ve reviewed.
Bass boats keep things a little bit simpler but they still offer plenty of great angling features. They also tend to be a little bit lighter so that you don’t have to purchase a massive trailer just to get them to your favorite fishing holes.
As long as you’re steering clear of the worst pontoon boats to avoid, you should find yourself in a solid bass boat in no time. So let’s get down to our reviews!
Photo by battler via Shutterstock
Best Bass Boats Under $20,000
- Lowe Boats Stinger 175C
- Lowe Boats Skorpion SS
- Lowe Boats Legacy
- Crestliner 1700 Storm
- Crestliner 1657 Outlook
- Crestliner 1700 Ridge
- Tracker Boats Bass Tracker Classic XL
- Tracker Boats Pro 170
- Tracker Boats Super Guide V-16 T
- G3 Boats Sportsman 1610 SS
- Lowe Boats Skorpion 16
- Lowe Boats Skorpion 17
- Tracker Boats Super Guide V-16 SC
- Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL
- Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC
Best Bass Boats Under $20,000
1. Lowe Boats Stinger 175C
PC Lowe Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 17’7”
- Beam: 90”
- Transom Height: 21”
- Weight: 1,055 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 19 gallons
- Maximum Horsepower: 75 HP
The Stinger 175C is one of the most complete affordable bass boats out there today. It’s a lightweight aluminum fishing boat with a modified V-shaped hull and a clutter-free console that makes it easy to read all of your gauges and controls regardless of the lighting conditions.
While the open platform on this boat provides plenty of space and stability to fish standing up, it is also equipped with deluxe pedestal seats when you need to sit and relax. These seats are wrapped in marine-grade vinyl to keep them durable for the lifetime of your boat.
The bow deck includes several large enclosed storage hatches and locking rod boxes provide plenty of room for your freshwater fishing rods. There are also two 23-gallon aerated livewells at the bow and stern of this boat that provide storage for live fish or bait.
The Stinger bass boat also features a Lowrance Hook2 fish finder and marine-grade carpet throughout. With a built-in 19-gallon fuel tank, you’ll be able to pull up to any convenient marina, refill your tank, and keep fishing.
2. Lowe Boats Skorpion Stick Steer
PC Lowe Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 16’
- Beam: 78”
- Transom Height: 15”
- Weight: 900 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 11 gallons (portable)
- Maximum Horsepower: 50 HP
The Skorpion Stick Steer bass boat from Lowe Boats can hold a maximum of four passengers and is an ideal boat for shallow waters and smaller lakes or ponds. It’s got two central deluxe pedestal seats for fishing or taking a quick break.
The Stick Steer control feature on this boat offers exceptional command and there are hidden storage compartments under the forward and aft swivel seats. Speaking of storage compartments, the rod lockers on this boat can accommodate fishing rods up to nine feet in length.
The wide-open cockpit is what makes this boat so great for bass casting, but it also makes it a breeze to tend your crappie rigs. The all-welded aluminum hull features a modified V-shaped for stability and performance.
At the stern, this boat features an 11-gallon aerated livewell with a removable bait bag. The fuel tank on this bass boat can be removed for easier filling and supplies plenty of fuel capacity for this boat’s fuel-efficient Mercury outboard motor.
3. Lowe Boats Legacy Stinger
PC Lowe Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 18’
- Beam: 85”
- Transom Height: 20”
- Weight: 1,129 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 19 gallons
- Maximum Horsepower: 90 HP
The Lowe Legacy Stinger is a tribute piece to one of Lowe’s original aluminum bass fishing boats. The all-welded construction is finished with vintage bass boat stripes and retro sports graphics to give it a sleek, unique look.
At the bow, you’ll be able to store fish or live bait in this boat’s 30-gallon aerated livewell. Plus, the LED-lighted deck allows you to gain visibility if you like to get out before the first light or fish through the sunset.
The expansive deck at the bow makes for great bass casting and the rod lockers can hold a total of five rods. These lockers hold rods up to eight feet long and there’s also a rod rack insert to provide better rod accessibility.
The Legacy Stinger is also equipped with a Lowrance Hook2 fish finder and a convenient phone holder at the helm. Dash gauges show you speed, tach, trim, and how much fuel remains in this boat’s built-in 19-gallon fuel tank.
4. Crestliner 1700 Storm
PC Crestliner
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 17’
- Beam: 75”
- Transom Height: 20”
- Weight: 670 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 12 gallons (portable)
- Maximum Horsepower: 60 HP
Like most of the best bass boats under $20,000, the Crestliner 1700 Storm features an all-welded aluminum hull. It holds many great fishing features for all-around bass casting or crappie rigging.
For starters, you’ll love the large bow storage compartment with a built-in tackle storage bin. At the helm, the console includes a cup holder, switch panel, an in-dash instrument panel, and a Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 color fishfinder.
On the port side, this boat’s rod locker can hold up to five rods with a maximum length of eight feet. Both of the seats also flip up to reveal hidden storage compartments that are great for additional tackle or emergency equipment.
At the bow, you’ll also be able to take advantage of a 17-gallon aerated livewell. This livewell comes with a timer feature so that you can’t forget and leave it on too long, which could drain your boat’s battery.
5. Crestliner 1657 Outlook
PC Crestliner
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 16’
- Beam: 78”
- Transom Height: 20”
- Weight: 737 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 12 gallons (portable)
- Maximum Horsepower: 50 HP
The 1657 Outlook from Crestliner is another stick steer bass fishing boat that gets rid of the console to provide 360-degree casting flexibility. The 12-gallon fuel tank is portable and can be removed to lighten your load if you only rely on this boat’s built-in bow trolling motor.
There are two swivel seats in the fore and aft sections of this boat and they both lift up to reveal concealed storage compartments underneath. Additionally, you’ll have a starboard locking rod storage compartment for up to four rods with a maximum length of nine feet.
Opposite of this locking rod storage compartment, this boat features an 11-gallon aerated livewell with a removable bait bag. Also, don’t forget about this boat’s built-in Lowrance Hook 3X color fishfinder.
6. Crestliner 1700 Ridge
PC Crestliner
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 16’11”
- Beam: 85”
- Transom Height: 20”
- Weight: 985 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 21 gallons
- Maximum Horsepower: 75 HP
The Crestliner 1700 Ridge is similar to the Storm, but its wider beam provides a larger casting deck for up to four passengers. It is best suited for shallow water bass fishing and features SureMount’s aluminum gunnel accessory system.
This system features brackets that can slide along the length of the boat and be tightened in place wherever you want them. This allows you to equip the 1700 Ridge with aftermarket fishing accessories without having to drill into your brand new bass boat.
Like the 1700 Storm, the swivel seats boast concealed storage underneath and the port rod storage locker holds up to five rods with a maximum rod length of eight feet. The instrument panel features a cup holder, switch panel, and Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 fishfinder.
This bass boat is also equipped with a 17-gallon stern livewell to help you keep your catches fresh. There’s also the choice of a MotorGuide X3 or a Minn Kota Edge trolling motor mounted at the bow of this bass boat.
7. Tracker Boats Bass Tracker Classic XL
PC Tracker Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 16’8”
- Beam: 77”
- Transom Height: 22.5”
- Weight: 780 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
- Maximum Horsepower: 50 HP
The Bass Tracker Classic XL is one of Tracker Boats’ best values and it’s equipped with loads of features that make it great with bass fishing. It starts with the fact that it comes with a custom-matched boat trailer so you can hitch it up and take it right to the lake.
In terms of fishing technology, it boasts a Lowrance color fishfinder at the helm and a Minn Kota trolling motor at the bow. There’s also a 9-gallon aerated livewell molded into the front of this boat’s console, and the aerator pump can handle up to 500 gallons per hour.
The console also features navigation lights for low-lighting conditions and switches for the aerator and bilge pumps. The single-cable, no-feedback rotary steering on this boat makes it easy to handle.
The Bass Tracker’s interior includes two folding fishing seats and two locations for pedestal fishing seats. The port side rod holders can store up to four 7-foot fishing rods and both the driver and passenger seats have concealed storage units underneath them.
8. Tracker Boats Pro 170
PC Tracker Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 16’8”
- Beam: 77”
- Transom Height: 22.5”
- Weight: 880 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 11.4 gallons
- Maximum Horsepower: 50 HP
The Pro 170 from Tracker Boats offers a little more fuel capacity than the Classic XL and it’s built with an easy-fill, EPA-compliant fuel tank. It has plenty of room for up to four passengers and is easy to navigate for experienced and first-time boat owners alike.
The boat’s thru-bolted trolling motor mount provides added durability for the included Minn Kota Edge trolling motor at the bow. Two swivel pedestal seats help you retain a good vantage point while taking your weight off your feet.
If you do want to fish standing up, however, the open deck on this boat makes it easy to do so. Wherever you are on this boat, you won’t be far from the port-side lockable rod box that fits rods up to 7’6” in length.
The Pro 170 is also equipped with a 15-gallon aerated livewell at the bow. This livewell features one-piece construction with rounded corners that make it easy to clean up and it also comes with a bait bucket holder and standpipe overflow feature.
9. Tracker Boats Super Guide V-16 T
PC Tracker Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 16’
- Beam: 76”
- Transom Height: 21”
- Weight: 875 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
- Maximum Horsepower: 40 HP
The Super Guide V-16 T from Tracker Boats is one of the most durable bass boats out there. It boasts a full-length stringer, a box-beam transom, and all-welded aluminum construction that can handle almost anything you throw at it.
This boat comes with a four-stroke Mercury outboard motor, a Galvashield Impact trailer, and a Minn Kota PowerDrive trolling motor with a 54” shaft and pedal control. Oversized fore and aft fishing decks are elevated for easier casting with less in the way.
There are two folding fishing seats that swivel 360 degrees and can lock in any position you choose. These seats are mounted on sturdy seat pedestals that provide an elevated vantage point for fish finding.
Speaking of that, you don’t have to rely on just your instincts because this bass boat comes with a Lowrance Hook2 4X fishfinder with a bullet transducer and a fixed mounting bracket. It also boasts Versatrack mounting channels on both gunnels that make it easy for you to attach any additional accessories you need.
10. G3 Boats Sportsman 1610 SS
PC G3 Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 16’10”
- Beam: 71”
- Transom Height: 20”
- Weight: 740 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 11 gallons
- Maximum Horsepower: 70 HP
The G3 Boats Sportsman 1610 SS bass boat offers a sunken seating area with raised decks surrounding it. At various locations on that deck, hatches provide storage space or access to the boat’s critical fishing equipment.
Starting at the bow, there’s a large storage compartment for tackle boxes or safety equipment. On both sides, lockable storage compartments provide plenty of space for your fishing rods and other longer gear.
Underneath the cushioned seat for the third angler, you’ll find a 10-gallon livewell with a timer. The other two seats swivel for casting freedom, provide ample cushion for comfort, and feature underneath storage for the gear you need to access quickly.
11. Lowe Boats Skorpion 16
PC Lowe Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 16’
- Beam: 75”
- Transom Height: 20”
- Weight: 610 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 12 gallons (portable)
- Maximum Horsepower: 50 HP
We had to make our way back to Lowe Boats here because, honestly, they just offer too many good bass boats under $20,000. The Skorpion 16 is another mod-V boat with a well-organized side console that includes gauges that are easy to read in low light.
That makes this boat a great choice for sunrise or sunset fishing trips and it also boasts more compact dimensions that make it easier to navigate on smaller waterways. It can handle up to three passengers and the portable fuel tank holds 12 gallons.
There are two rod lockers in the center and on one side of this boat for rod storage and a 17-gallon aerated livewell at the bow. It also boasts a baitwell with a minnow bucket at the bow.
The 16-foot Skorpion comes with a MotorGuide X3 trolling motor and two fold-down seats for the driver and passenger. Both seats also flip up to provide access to additional storage compartments underneath.
12. Lowe Boats Skorpion 17
PC Lowe Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 17’
- Beam: 75”
- Transom Height: 20”
- Weight: 670 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: Portable
- Maximum Horsepower: 60 HP
The Skorpion 17 is basically the same boat as the Skorpion 16, but it offers an extra foot of length and it is slightly heavier. It also comes with a slightly larger outboard motor to give you an extra ten horsepower if you need it.
It offers all the same features as the smaller bass boat, which includes rod bungee holders at the bow. These holders allow you to keep rods secure while you relocate without having to put them all the way into the storage lockers.
It also comes with a Lowrance Hook2 4X fishfinder, bow and stern tackle storage compartments, a 12-gallon portable fuel tank, and marine-grade carpet throughout.
13. Tracker Boats Super Guide V-16 SC
PC Tracker Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 16’
- Beam: 76”
- Transom Height: 21”
- Weight: 875 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 11.4 gallons
- Maximum Horsepower: 50 HP
The Super Guide V-16 SC from Tracker Boats offers a deep, V-shaped hull with a full-length stringer that provides exceptional durability. On the deck, it comes with two folding fishing seats, but there are a total of five pedestal locations you can move these seats to for your optimal fishing position.
This boat’s 15-gallon aerated livewell includes a removable bait bucket and adjustable aerator heads that provide better water control than other designs. It also offers a standpipe overflow and a 500 GPH aerator and fill pump.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of the Minn Kota PowerDrive trolling motor and an 800 GPH bilge pump on this boat. Illuminated gauges and a Lowrance Hook2 4X color fishfinder also make finding fish and managing this boat a whole lot of fun.
14. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL
PC Sun Tracker Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 18’5”
- Beam: 96”
- Weight: 1,310 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons (with 50 HP motor)
- Maximum Horsepower: 50 HP
The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL is the first (and only) pontoon bass boat on our list. It also happens to be the longest boat, which makes it ideal for larger groups as it can hold up to seven passengers.
At the bow, it’s equipped with a nine-gallon livewell that doubles as a seat when the cushion is folded down. It also boasts vertical rod holders so that you’re less limited by the length of a horizontal rod locker.
The bow also boasts a sizeable fishing deck with two folding fishing chairs that can be removed as needed. At the back of the boat, there’s a larger L-shaped lounger that also flips up to provide ample protected storage space.
15. Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC
PC Mako Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length: 15’2”
- Beam: 77.5”
- Transom Height: 20”
- Weight: 1,140 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gallons
- Maximum Horsepower: 60 HP
Finally, the Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC is one of the smallest bass boats on our list and it’s one of the few that features a center console design. That makes it easy to move around the deck while providing a comfortable helm for the captain.
It’s great for shallow water bass fishing and it has a super stable deck for stand-up casting. It’s also equipped with an eight-gallon aerated livewell and it comes with a 65-quart Orion cooler with a padded lid for additional seating and cold storage.
Final Thoughts
Photo by John P Ruggeri via Shutterstock
We hope you’ve enjoyed our collection of the best bass boats under $20,000 and that you’ve found something to your liking. While it might seem like a big investment right now, just imagine yourself enjoying sunsets like the one above from the comfort of your own bass boat!
