Trends in the bass boat industry are difficult to predict though easy to observe. With this being the second full model year of difficult economic conditions, you’d expect the manufacturers to introduce a bunch of budget boats, right? Not really. In fact, 2010 will be a year that features the debut of one of the most expensive bass boats ever made.

Things that W2 sees as overall trends include; 1) strong financing offers from the foreign outboard companies that own the boat lines instead of the national banks that once did most of the deals in the good old days, 2) More players in the aluminum “TRACKER” style boat market, 3) New “small floorplan” dealers with top-of-the-line boats and 4) More dealership leeway on pricing.

As for the boat themselves, perhaps the most notable introduction for 2010 is a $70K boat. Yep, the continuing quest of vying for the title of the King of Bass Boats has taken an interesting turn.

The creation of the SKEETER FX series during a down year for the marine industry seems to buck the contraction trend (or show that Yamaha-owned SKEETER has deep pockets and a plan for world dominance!). And with the parent company of Ranger boats still in bankruptcy, this move might be well played.

Mercury-owned Triton also has a new line for 2010, including an 18-footer that handles 200 hp, but it’s far less pricey than the FX.

There are still a number of choices of boat manufacturers, just fewer dealers these days so you might have to shop around and drive a little. Here’s what you’ll be seeing at the shows in the showrooms from W2 marine dealers this winter and coming spring.

Allison

Nothing new from this high performance boat builder in 2010, but no bass boat preview would be complete without mentioning the awesome BasSport Pro XB-21. At 21’2” long, 93” wide and 1,350 pounds, this is Allison’s best attempt to create the ultimate fast bass boat. You can no longer point to a narrow beam and small front casting deck. In fact the front deck is nine feet long! Many unique features belong to the XB-21 including a straight-mounted trolling motor with molded in aluminum frame, an aluminum frame supported front deck, a rear deck that extends around the motor, rod trays, recirculating and pump-out livewell, Kevlar, PVC foam core, biaxial fiberglass and AME 5000 resin in the hull and a rot-proof transom with an aluminum frame and six stainless steel studs that mount to a jack plate.

Want to see if you’re ready for an Allison? Check with Sanderson Marine in Chester, Virginia. 804.706.4100. www.sandersonmarine.com.

Starcraft

This long-time aluminum fishing boat manufacturer might conjure images of V-hulls, and they still make them. However for 2010, Starcraft wants your bass boat style business evidenced by the creation of two new models – the Starcaster 179 ProV and the Starcaster 178 SC.

The ProV boat is 17’6” long and 85” wide, weighs 1,075 pounds and will hold up to 90 hp. The total package weight is 2,415 pounds and it takes up 22’4” of garage or driveway space. This boat utilized all-welded hull construction and features a front deck with a center rod locker, three across seating and a 21-gallon fuel tank. This is a premium aluminum fishing boat.

The Starcaster 178 SC is a more budget boat. At 17’6” long and 81” inches wide it will hold up to 75 hp and weighs 965 pounds. This rig tapes 22’ long with trailer and motor. The interior has a bench seat for three, large rear livewell and two compartments up front. Rods are stored along the port side gunnel.

For a look at the new Starcraft boats stop by Adams & Durvin Marine in Richmond. 804.236.0815. www.adamsanddurvinemarine.com

Legend

This relatively new bass boat builder specializes in deep-v hulled rigs that offer superior ride and handling in rough water. There are three hulls in the Legend line-up; the Alpha 211, the Alpha 199 and the LE 195.

The Alpha 211 is 20’11” long with a 94” beam and hull weight of approximately 1,750 pounds. This boat will accommodate up to 300 hp and 975 pounds of riders and gear.

The Alpha 199 is 19’10” long with a 94” beam and weighs in around 1,590 pounds. You can bolt up to 225 hp on the back of this sleek rig.

The LE 195 is 19’5” long with that wide 94” beam, weighs 1,470 pounds and holds up to 200 hp.

Want to see if you’re ready for an Allison? Check with Sanderson Marine in Chester, Virginia. 804.706.4100. www.sandersonmarine.com.

Nitro

This Bass Pro Shops’ boat company will introduce a new X series rig this year in the X-5 hull. The X Series debuted two years ago and offered first time boat buyers an affordable but feature-filled fiberglass option. The X-5 is 17’4” long and a roomy 97” wide. It will hold up to 115 hp, 26 gallons of fuel and weighs approximately 2,360 when fully rigged. You’ll need 18’11” of space for it at your house.

Nitro boats are known for massive amounts of storage areas, as well as all enough basic fishing features to please even the most demanding bass anglers.

This entry-level boat has three individual seats with storage underneath, port and starboard rod lockers for poles up to seven feet, 28-gallon livewell with recirculaor and pump-out. The package includes a Lowrance X96 TX depth finder, 54-pound thrust MotorGuide trolling motor, Mercury outboard and color matched trailer with swing away tongue.

Check with Dee Kidd at Anna’s Marine Center for the 2010 Nitros. 540.895.5656. www.annasmarinecenter.com.

Skeeter

This Kilgore, Texas based boat builder can lay claim to the biggest introduction of 2010. The Skeeter FX Series bass boats includes the FX21 and FX20. Skeeter says these rigs were designed “in tandem” with the new Yamaha VMAX SHO four-stroke outboards. This would be a first in bassdom – the claim that a bass boat will run well with a four-stroke powerplant.

A new hull with a new running surface and deck are said to have helped make the FX Series a good match for the big Yamaha four-strokes. (See New Outboards For 2010 article on page __ for other reasons.)

With a price tag of nearly $70K on the 21FX you might ask, “Why?”

“The FX Series is exactly what our dealers were looking for leading into the 2010 boat show season,” says Ben Jarrett, Skeeter’s National Sales Manager.  “We gave our dealers the ‘wow’ factor that each needs to drive traffic and potential Skeeter owners into their dealerships,” added Jarrett.

Ok, so what exactly makes the FX Series different and good for the new Yamaha 250, 225 and 200 hp four-strokes?  Skeeter increased the size of its rear sponson area an additional 1.7 cu ft, the equivalent of removing two batteries from the boat.  Next, Skeeter designed wider and sharper strakes along the running surface to provide lift and deflect water for more speed, better turning ability and a smoother ride.  These innovations lead to a dry and stable ride, with no chine walking and no backwash.

“The FX20 and FX21 are entirely new boats, with an entirely newly designed deck and hull. A completely new high-performance profile gives the new FX series a completely new look that defines the words under our logo ‘Performance Fishing Boats,’” said Jarrett.

The FX Series also features a new Digital Multifunctional System (DMS) that runs a new boat security/alarm system and iForce locks, and also serves as a command center that controls Yamaha’s multifunction gauges.

The cockpit, with available dual console option, includes tilt hydraulic steering, driver and passenger glove boxes, custom grab handles, side panels, non-skid mats and bump stick holder, and upholstered full-flex seating with an under seat 30-quart ice chest. A foot-throttle and pro tilt and trim behind the new custom-made performance steering wheel are standard.

“Unlike most bass boat designs, our gas tanks are not located mid-ship under the seats, which allows us to optimize storage space for gear and tackle,” said Jarrett.

The FX20 and FX21 feature 34-gallon rear livewells with independent fill, recirculating and drain modes, and adjustable pump timer and pump-out. A 28-quart in-floor compartment doubles as storage for gear or as an ice chest. Additional gear compartments are found under the aft and bow fishing decks, including a removable day box and an integrated rod storage holder. Storage compartments feature gas-assisted lifts for ease of access.

A digital bow panel includes trolling motor receptacle, lighting, and trim switches. Auto or manual 1500 GPH bilge pump, interior lighting, standard high performance 12-inch jack place with two stern eyes, 15 Amp x 4-bank Minn Kota battery charger with charging inlet and 6- gauge trolling motor wiring system with four battery trays are also standard on both models.

With a dual, 50-gallon fuel tank, combined with Yamaha’s VMAX SHO high performance offerings with unmatched fuel economy, the FX21 and FX20 will get anglers to their fishing spots on fewer dollars.

Both the FX20 and FX21 come standard with a Humminbird 788 dash-mounted fish finder and 728 bow-mounted fish finder with transducers, temperature probes, GPS antenna and interlink system, and Minn Kota Max 101 foot-operated, 101 pounds thrust, 36V, 42-inch shaft trolling motor.

Also standard is an FX touring trailer with tandem axle, disc brakes, spare tire carrier, swing tongue, ratchet tiedowns, aluminum wheels, color coordinated Euro- Step, polymer fenders, custom lighting and torsion axles.

Backed by Skeeter’s High Performance Engineering Concepts, the FX Series features an Aluminum Torque Transfer Transom and Stringer System, adhering high-test aircraft structural aluminum to the Ex-cel transom, thus significantly reducing stress on the transom, deck and sides. Composite one-piece flooring is composed of PVC cross-linked foam, sandwiched between layers of fiberglass. The Ex-cel composites used in the transom and stringers add outstanding strength and durability. Skeeter’s aluminum deck grid provides superior support and strength, with lids that close tightly and lock securely.

So where can you get a look at the FX Series Skeeter’s in the area? Good question. There are no Skeeter dealers in Virginia. You’ll have see them on at www.skeeterboats.com.

Triton

Perhaps the favorite boat of area recreational and tournament bass anglers has been the Triton. Every year it seems like there’s a new model from this Tennessee-based and Mercury Marine owned builder. 2010 will be no different with the introduction of the 21, 20, 19 and 18 XS Triton models.

Triton claims, “The level of comfort and control you’ll experience in this boat on big and rough water simply needs to be felt to be believed.”

A new hull design is said to allow not only for greater stability, but a lightning fast hole shot as well. These boats are well positioned to capture the professional-level tournament competition boat buyer.

The 20 XS is 20’9” inches long with a 95” beam, rates for 175 to 250 hp outboards, weighs 1,926 and can carry 53 gallons of fuel. Other standard features include a 3-year warranty on most factory installed components, all composite construction, automatic bilge pump, electric bilge pump. battery master shut-off switch, a limited lifetime hull warranty to original owner, Res-Q retractable boarding ladder, Hot Foot throttle, SeaStar hydraulic steering, custom polished aluminum & adjustable jackplate, two-800 gph livewell aerator pumps, two-800 gph livewell recirculation pumps, two-800 gph livewell pumpouts, two-front pedestal locations, six-gauge trolling motor wiring, built-in fish measuring board, LED compartment lights, port side LONG-TUBE (8') rod-rack with 12-rod capacity, trolling motor foot-control deck recess, Motorguide Digital TR82 FB/45" FC 21MT 24, 10 standard color schemes to choose from, adjustable driver and passenger bucket seats with S.A.S spring suspension, folding bench style center seat and a premium tandem axle trailer. It also qualifies for a $4,000 rebate, so ask about that when you visit a dealer this winter or spring.

The new Triton 18 XS is an ideal boat for the dedicated amateur angler. It has an 18’8” rig with a 94” beam, rates for 135 to 175 hp outboards and carries up to 37 gallons of fuel. The 18XS captures the contemporary styling, advanced engineering and superior fishability of the 21 and 20 tournament models in a compact size that’s economical to tow and garage friendly.

For a look at the 2010 Tritons check with One Stop Boat Shop in Stafford, Virginia. 540.288.9923. www.onestopboatshop.com.