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Anyone go from an 18 foot bass boat to a 21 foot? Is it a noticeable difference?
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Oct 10, 2021 12:23:46   #
FS Digest
 
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It has all the tech I could want, it’s easy to handle since I’m mostly by myself and more than enough room and storage. I love it.

But I’ve been thinking of upgrading to something a little longer due to the fact that the water I consistently fish can be pretty rough and a lot of traffic. Since it’s a bass boat though I’m not sure it would make all that much of a difference. If the waters a bit rough or I go over a big wake, I’m getting some air and slamming it. Today I did that and the bracket on my trolling motor broke although it was my fault I should have slowed down.

I see other bass boats ripping through wakes and wonder if the extra length really makes all that much of a difference since so little of the boat is actually touching the water on plane. Anyone have any experience with this?

Will a longer boat make a big enough difference?

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by Proud_Device_6243

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Oct 10, 2021 21:09:24   #
Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.
 
FS Digest wrote:
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It has all the tech I could want, it’s easy to handle since I’m mostly by myself and more than enough room and storage. I love it.

But I’ve been thinking of upgrading to something a little longer due to the fact that the water I consistently fish can be pretty rough and a lot of traffic. Since it’s a bass boat though I’m not sure it would make all that much of a difference. If the waters a bit rough or I go over a big wake, I’m getting some air and slamming it. Today I did that and the bracket on my trolling motor broke although it was my fault I should have slowed down.

I see other bass boats ripping through wakes and wonder if the extra length really makes all that much of a difference since so little of the boat is actually touching the water on plane. Anyone have any experience with this?

Will a longer boat make a big enough difference?

--
by Proud_Device_6243
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It ... (show quote)

A 21footer is wider, heavier, and is probably packed with more gear, since it has more storage space. So it handles the chop better.

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Oct 10, 2021 23:21:48   #
Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas
 
Well, FS Digest: I suspect that moving from 17 to 21 ft bass boat would almost triple to quadruple the cost of your rig. Now if cash is not a problem, go ahead. Just Sayin...RJS

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Oct 11, 2021 07:22:17   #
Doug Lemmon Loc: Rochester Mills, PA
 
FS Digest wrote:
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It has all the tech I could want, it’s easy to handle since I’m mostly by myself and more than enough room and storage. I love it.

But I’ve been thinking of upgrading to something a little longer due to the fact that the water I consistently fish can be pretty rough and a lot of traffic. Since it’s a bass boat though I’m not sure it would make all that much of a difference. If the waters a bit rough or I go over a big wake, I’m getting some air and slamming it. Today I did that and the bracket on my trolling motor broke although it was my fault I should have slowed down.

I see other bass boats ripping through wakes and wonder if the extra length really makes all that much of a difference since so little of the boat is actually touching the water on plane. Anyone have any experience with this?

Will a longer boat make a big enough difference?

--
by Proud_Device_6243
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It ... (show quote)


Pretty simple... size = stability 👍

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Oct 11, 2021 09:52:54   #
Billy Bob Loc: Terre Haute,IN
 
Hugh difference.

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Oct 11, 2021 10:10:45   #
Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)
 
FS Digest wrote:
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It has all the tech I could want, it’s easy to handle since I’m mostly by myself and more than enough room and storage. I love it.

But I’ve been thinking of upgrading to something a little longer due to the fact that the water I consistently fish can be pretty rough and a lot of traffic. Since it’s a bass boat though I’m not sure it would make all that much of a difference. If the waters a bit rough or I go over a big wake, I’m getting some air and slamming it. Today I did that and the bracket on my trolling motor broke although it was my fault I should have slowed down.

I see other bass boats ripping through wakes and wonder if the extra length really makes all that much of a difference since so little of the boat is actually touching the water on plane. Anyone have any experience with this?

Will a longer boat make a big enough difference?

--
by Proud_Device_6243
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It ... (show quote)


The extra 2’ makes all the difference in the world for stability in rough water.👍

Reply
Oct 11, 2021 13:26:12   #
hookemjim
 
I went from a 15 to a 20. Big difference in the ride and storage. I may be going to a 21 soon.

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Oct 11, 2021 14:06:33   #
Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio
 
My Lund is an 18ft 9 inch with a 96 inch beam.
Overall it dos a pretty good job. Stability is pretty good and I’m getting 45-47 mph with my 115 merc on calm water.
It Will beat you to death in a heavy chop
Freeboard is my major concern. The boat just isn’t very deep.
Really windy days or heavy boat traffic and I’ll take splashing over the bow when up front on the trolling motor.
Handling is a dream and loading/ un loading is not an issue.
( I will be buying a Trick Step for entering / exiting solo at the ramp. Old body just ain’t as nimble as it once was)


Fish with a guy who has a 21 nitro. Noticeable difference in ride quality in heavy chop and is a little more stable.
This boat is FAST at about 70 mph with a 300 merc.

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Oct 11, 2021 14:55:02   #
bottomcoon Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma
 
FS Digest wrote:
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It has all the tech I could want, it’s easy to handle since I’m mostly by myself and more than enough room and storage. I love it.

But I’ve been thinking of upgrading to something a little longer due to the fact that the water I consistently fish can be pretty rough and a lot of traffic. Since it’s a bass boat though I’m not sure it would make all that much of a difference. If the waters a bit rough or I go over a big wake, I’m getting some air and slamming it. Today I did that and the bracket on my trolling motor broke although it was my fault I should have slowed down.

I see other bass boats ripping through wakes and wonder if the extra length really makes all that much of a difference since so little of the boat is actually touching the water on plane. Anyone have any experience with this?

Will a longer boat make a big enough difference?

--
by Proud_Device_6243
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It ... (show quote)

Reply
Oct 11, 2021 14:59:03   #
Brownsville Tony Loc: Brownsville - Laguna Madre
 
FS Digest wrote:
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It has all the tech I could want, it’s easy to handle since I’m mostly by myself and more than enough room and storage. I love it.

But I’ve been thinking of upgrading to something a little longer due to the fact that the water I consistently fish can be pretty rough and a lot of traffic. Since it’s a bass boat though I’m not sure it would make all that much of a difference. If the waters a bit rough or I go over a big wake, I’m getting some air and slamming it. Today I did that and the bracket on my trolling motor broke although it was my fault I should have slowed down.

I see other bass boats ripping through wakes and wonder if the extra length really makes all that much of a difference since so little of the boat is actually touching the water on plane. Anyone have any experience with this?

Will a longer boat make a big enough difference?

--
by Proud_Device_6243
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It ... (show quote)


You can bet it will. If I remember my ratios and proportions math you're about to increase your size by over 10%. But it's not going to do away with problems of wake running and running in the chop all that much. Save a whole big bunch of your $$ and slow down a little. That'll work every time.

Reply
Oct 11, 2021 15:06:55   #
bottomcoon Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma
 
FS Digest wrote:
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It has all the tech I could want, it’s easy to handle since I’m mostly by myself and more than enough room and storage. I love it.

But I’ve been thinking of upgrading to something a little longer due to the fact that the water I consistently fish can be pretty rough and a lot of traffic. Since it’s a bass boat though I’m not sure it would make all that much of a difference. If the waters a bit rough or I go over a big wake, I’m getting some air and slamming it. Today I did that and the bracket on my trolling motor broke although it was my fault I should have slowed down.

I see other bass boats ripping through wakes and wonder if the extra length really makes all that much of a difference since so little of the boat is actually touching the water on plane. Anyone have any experience with this?

Will a longer boat make a big enough difference?

--
by Proud_Device_6243
I currently have a nitro z6 it’s 17’8” length. It ... (show quote)


I went from a 14 ft semi v to a 20 ft deep v with pretty tall sides. I couldn't begin to describe the difference in handling & performance on rough water. My boat weighs 4019 pounds dry weight compared to maybe 400 lbs for the 14 footer.

Reply
 
 
Oct 11, 2021 16:36:46   #
runandgun Loc: East Texas
 
Makes all the difference in the world. Handles the rough water a lot better. Better remember to shut it down earlier approaching your fishing spot or you will over run it.

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Oct 11, 2021 17:16:48   #
Apollo Loc: Grand Lake, Ok
 
My current bass boat is a 21 footer. If you go to a 21 foot bass boat, you will probably feel like it handles like an aircraft carrier compared to your 18 footer at slower speeds. The 21 footer will be more stable in rough water and long runs to a fishing spot will be more enjoyable. I really notice the difference when you have two or three people fishing at the same time. The 21 footer doesn't rock and roll when everyone is moving around. The downside of a 21 or 22 footer is the cost, so have to weigh your options.

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Oct 11, 2021 19:45:46   #
Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas
 
Yes, all the physical characteristics are true, but you also have the financial factor and the cost will be significant. If you can afford the additional cost, go ahead. Just Sayin...RJS

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Oct 12, 2021 03:42:00   #
Rbanderson Loc: Maui
 
There was a huge difference between my husband 21 foot Ranger and my 20 footer… width, amt of people who can fish comfortably , handling in rough water, , cost etc. figure what u can afford and who will be in your boat 90+% of the time and where you will be fishing then Just Do It!

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