Top 10 Multi-Species Fishing Boats 2027

1. Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass

The Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass ranks first because it delivers the most complete balance of dry ride, livewell capacity, and welded durability in the multi-species class. Its 18-foot-7-inch IPS2 mod-V hull sheds spray on big water, and the 96-inch beam provides stability for casting. Dual aerated livewells total roughly 40 gallons, and the 40-gallon fuel tank supports long days.

This boat is for serious walleye, bass, and panfish anglers who want one rig that does everything well on large inland lakes and the Great Lakes. It trades away affordability, as the premium welded aluminum price rivals some fiberglass boats, and the heavier hull benefits from a 175–200 horsepower engine. Compared to the Tracker Targa V-18 WT below, the Lund costs about $21,500 more but offers a fully welded hull, a lifetime structural warranty, and stronger resale value.

2. Tracker Targa V-18 WT

The Tracker Targa V-18 WT ranks second because it offers the best value, arriving fully rigged with boat, motor, trailer, trolling motor, and electronics for $33,495. The 18-foot-6-inch riveted-and-welded mod-V hull measures 96 inches wide and is rated for a maximum of 150 horsepower, typically a Mercury 115 ProXS. It includes a bow livewell, an aft aerated livewell, a Mercury kicker bracket, a Minn Kota trolling motor, and Lowrance electronics.

This boat is for budget-minded anglers who want maximum ready-to-fish content per dollar and do not need a premium finish. It trades away the rigidity of a fully welded hull and rides firmer than fiberglass rivals. Compared to the Ranger VS1882 WT below, the Tracker costs roughly $25,500 less but gives up welded-hull stiffness and bass-boat-grade fit and finish.

3. Ranger VS1882 WT

The Ranger VS1882 WT ranks third because it brings bass-boat-grade fit, finish, and resale to a welded aluminum multi-species hull. At 18 feet 8 inches with a 97-inch beam, the deep mod-V rides dry and is rated for up to 200 horsepower, usually a Mercury 150–200 ProXS. It features dual livewells, a center rod locker for 8-foot rods, and a large bow casting deck.

This boat is for anglers who want premium aluminum construction and plan to keep the boat for years or resell it later. It trades away the value proposition of the Tracker Targa V-18 WT, costing about $25,500 more, but offers a fully welded hull and superior craftsmanship. Against the Skeeter WX 1910 below, the Ranger costs about $3,500 less but tops out at 200 horsepower instead of 250.

4. Skeeter WX 1910

The Skeeter WX 1910 ranks fourth because it is the fastest and most capable fiberglass multi-species boat on this list, with a 19-foot-1-inch hull rated for up to 250 horsepower. The fiberglass construction delivers a soft, dry, high-speed ride, and the 51-gallon fuel tank enables long runs across vast water. It includes an 18-gallon aerated livewell, a bow release well, bow and stern casting decks, and lockable rod storage.

This boat is for anglers who prioritize speed and range over aluminum toughness and who fish large reservoirs or Great Lakes expanses. It trades away the lower tow weight and lower cost of welded aluminum boats like the Ranger VS1882 WT, which is $3,500 cheaper. Compared to the Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk below, the Skeeter costs about $20,500 more but offers 100 extra horsepower and a much larger fuel tank.

5. Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk

The Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk ranks fifth because it pairs Crestliner's one-piece welded aluminum hull with a competitive price of $41,995. The 18-foot-6-inch deep mod-V rides dry and resists dents, and the 92-inch beam supports a maximum of 150 horsepower, usually a Mercury 115–150. It includes a bow livewell, an aft aerated livewell, a bow casting deck, and ample rod and tackle storage.

This boat is for value-conscious anglers who want welded-aluminum toughness without paying the premium of Lund or Ranger. It trades away the high-speed capability and large fuel tank of the Skeeter WX 1910, which costs about $20,500 more and offers 250 horsepower. Compared to the Alumacraft Competitor 185 Sport below, the Crestliner has a slightly narrower 92-inch beam but a stronger one-piece hull and a lower starting price.

6. Alumacraft Competitor 185 Sport

The Alumacraft Competitor 185 Sport ranks sixth because it offers a lightweight, easy-towing welded aluminum package at a reasonable $38,995. The 18-foot-6-inch 2XB hull keeps weight down while riding dry, and the 94-inch beam is rated for up to 150 horsepower, commonly a Yamaha or Mercury 115–150. It includes a bow livewell, an aft aerated livewell, bow and stern casting decks, and lockable rod storage.

This boat is for anglers who tow with smaller vehicles or want a nimble, practical rig for inland lakes. It trades away the ruggedness of the Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk, which has a one-piece welded hull and a lifetime warranty, while the Alumacraft's lighter hull rides firmer in heavy chop. Compared to the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 182 below, the Alumacraft costs $2,000 more but carries five persons instead of six.

7. Smoker Craft Pro Angler 182

The Smoker Craft Pro Angler 182 ranks seventh because it delivers the highest person capacity in this class at six, making it a strong family-and-fishing value for $36,995. The 18-foot-2-inch welded mod-V hull measures 96 inches wide and is rated for up to 150 horsepower, typically a Mercury 90–150. It includes a bow livewell, an aft aerated livewell, expansive bow and stern casting decks, and generous rod and tackle storage.

This boat is for families who need extra seating capacity without sacrificing a fishing-first layout. It trades away the lightweight towing of the Alumacraft Competitor 185 Sport, which is easier to tow but carries only five persons. Compared to the Warrior V208 DC below, the Smoker Craft costs $23,000 less but its 29-gallon fuel tank and 150-horsepower cap limit big-water range and safety.

8. Warrior V208 DC

The Warrior V208 DC ranks eighth because it is purpose-built for the toughest Great Lakes conditions, with a heavy-gauge welded aluminum hull and tall freeboard. At 20 feet 8 inches with a 98-inch beam, it is rated for up to 250 horsepower, usually a Mercury or Yamaha 200–250, and carries a 57-gallon fuel tank for long offshore runs.

This boat is for serious Great Lakes walleye anglers who fish miles offshore and prioritize safety and range above all else. It trades away the lighter tow weight and lower cost of the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 182, which is $23,000 cheaper but not built for big-water punishment. Compared to the Yar-Craft 1785 TFX below, the Warrior costs $2,500 more but offers a heavier hull and taller freeboard for offshore safety.

9. Yar-Craft 1785 TFX

The Yar-Craft 1785 TFX ranks ninth because it blends sleek styling with tournament-bred fishing performance in a fast, welded aluminum hull. At 17 feet 8 inches with a 96-inch beam, it is rated for up to 200 horsepower, typically a Mercury 150–200 ProXS, and carries a large 44-gallon fuel tank. The layout includes a center livewell, bow and stern casting decks, a center rod locker, and a low-profile windshield that reduces wind drag.

This boat is for performance-minded anglers who want speed and sharp handling without the weight of fiberglass. It trades away the big-water safety of the Warrior V208 DC, which has a heavier hull and taller freeboard, while the Yar-Craft's lower profile exposes anglers to spray in heavy chop. Compared to the Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk below, the Yar-Craft costs $21,505 more but offers 85 extra horsepower and nearly double the fuel capacity.

10. Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk

The Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk ranks tenth because it offers an affordable, durable entry into welded-aluminum multi-species fishing at $35,995. The 17-foot-5-inch one-piece welded hull rides dry for its size, and the 88-inch beam is rated for up to 115 horsepower, usually a Mercury 90–115. It still packs a bow livewell, an aft aerated livewell, a bow casting deck, and solid rod and tackle storage. Crestliner's lifetime hull warranty backs the compact package.

This boat is for first-time buyers who want a tough, no-nonsense starter that is easy to tow and store. It trades away the speed and range of the Yar-Craft 1785 TFX, which costs $21,505 more and offers 200 horsepower, while the Crestliner's 24-gallon fuel tank and 115-horsepower cap limit big-water use.

How we ranked these

We measured published spec sheets and independent test data from Boating Magazine, Discover Boating, BoatTEST, boats.com, and In-Fisherman, then weighted build quality and reliability at 25%, on-water performance at 20%, value and price at 15%, layout and fishability at 15%, features and rigging at 15%, and resale at 10%. Every hull was scored against the same rubric so a $35,995 starter boat and a $54,995 flagship could be compared fairly on the criteria that actually affect ownership.

We deliberately ignored marketing claims such as hull graphics, branded upholstery, and headline top speed. Those factors rarely change how a boat fishes or how it holds up after two seasons. We also did not penalize boats for lacking premium finishes when they delivered core fishing function, and we did not reward a brand name alone. The focus stayed on welded durability, livewell capacity, dry ride, and real-world resale.

Related questions

What is the best multi-species fishing boat for 2027?

The Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass earns the top spot. Its deep IPS2 mod-V hull runs dry on big water, it carries roughly 40 gallons of livewell capacity across dual aerated wells, and its all-welded build holds up for decades. Pricing starts around $54,995, which is steep but backed by strong resale.

What is the best value multi-species boat?

The Tracker Targa V-18 WT, starting near $33,495, arrives fully rigged with motor, trailer, trolling motor, and Lowrance electronics. That package undercuts rivals by thousands once you add the same equipment. The trade-off is a riveted-and-welded hull that rides firmer than premium welded aluminum.

Aluminum or fiberglass for multi-species fishing?

Welded aluminum boats like the Lund and Ranger are lighter, tougher, and easier to tow, which suits most inland and Great Lakes anglers. Fiberglass boats like the Skeeter WX 1910 ride softer and run faster but weigh more and cost more to repair. Most multi-species buyers choose welded aluminum.

Which boat is best for the Great Lakes?

The Warrior V208 DC is purpose-built for offshore walleye fishing. Its heavy-gauge welded hull, tall freeboard, 57-gallon fuel tank, and 250-horsepower rating handle rough water and long runs. It costs roughly $23,000 more than the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 182, but that gap buys real big-water safety.

How much horsepower does a multi-species boat need?

Inland-lake boats run well with 115 to 150 horsepower. Big-water rigs like the Warrior V208 DC and Skeeter WX 1910 benefit from 200 to 250 horsepower for range and rough-water control. Always stay at or under the hull's rated maximum, and avoid under-powering to save money.

Which multi-species boats hold their value best?

The Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass and Ranger VS1882 WT have the strongest resale reputations in welded aluminum. Premium construction, lifetime hull warranties, and brand demand keep used values high. Budget-focused rigs like the Tracker Targa depreciate faster because they compete with new package pricing.

What should I look for in a multi-species boat?

Prioritize a welded hull, dual aerated livewells, dry rough-water handling, and included rigging. Match horsepower and fuel capacity to the water you actually fish. Avoid being swayed by graphics or top speed, and always test-ride on rough water before signing.

Are riveted hulls okay for multi-species fishing?

Riveted hulls like the Tracker Targa V-18 WT are cheaper and still fish well, but they flex more and can loosen over years of big-water use. For long-term durability, especially on the Great Lakes, a fully welded aluminum hull is the safer investment even at a higher upfront price.

FAQ

What is the best multi-species fishing boat for 2027?

The Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass takes the top ranking. Its deep IPS2 hull sheds spray on big water, dual aerated livewells total roughly 40 gallons, and the all-welded build carries a lifetime structural warranty. It starts around $54,995 and holds resale better than any rival here.

What is the best value multi-species boat?

The Tracker Targa V-18 WT, from about $33,495, comes fully rigged with motor, trailer, trolling motor, and Lowrance electronics. Buying those pieces separately on a rival hull costs thousands more. The compromise is a riveted-and-welded hull that rides firmer than premium welded aluminum.

Aluminum or fiberglass for multi-species fishing?

Welded aluminum boats like the Lund and Ranger are lighter, tougher, and easier to tow, which fits most inland and Great Lakes anglers. Fiberglass boats like the Skeeter WX 1910 ride softer and run faster but weigh more and cost more to repair. Most multi-species buyers pick welded aluminum.

Which boat is best for the Great Lakes?

The Warrior V208 DC is built specifically for offshore walleye fishing. Its heavy-gauge welded hull, tall freeboard, 57-gallon fuel tank, and 250-horsepower rating handle rough water and long runs. It costs about $23,000 more than the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 182, but that gap buys real safety.

How much horsepower does a multi-species boat need?

Inland-lake boats run well with 115 to 150 horsepower. Big-water rigs like the Warrior V208 DC and Skeeter WX 1910 benefit from 200 to 250 horsepower for range and rough-water control. Always stay at or under the hull's rated maximum, and never under-power to save money.

Which multi-species boats hold their value best?

The Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass and Ranger VS1882 WT have the strongest resale reputations in welded aluminum. Premium construction, lifetime hull warranties, and brand demand keep used values high. Budget-focused rigs like the Tracker Targa depreciate faster because they compete directly with new package pricing.

What should I look for in a multi-species boat?

Prioritize a welded hull, dual aerated livewells, dry rough-water handling, and included rigging. Match horsepower and fuel capacity to the water you actually fish. Avoid being swayed by graphics or top speed, and always test-ride on rough water before signing.

Are riveted hulls okay for multi-species fishing?

Riveted hulls like the Tracker Targa V-18 WT are cheaper and still fish well, but they flex more and can loosen over years of big-water use. For long-term durability, especially on the Great Lakes, a fully welded aluminum hull is the safer investment even at a higher upfront price.

How much should I budget for a multi-species boat in 2027?

Expect roughly $35,995 for a compact welded-aluminum starter like the Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk, $38,000 to $42,000 for mid-size rigs like the Alumacraft Competitor 185 Sport and Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk, and $54,995 or more for premium welded aluminum and fiberglass big-water boats.

Do I need a kicker motor on a multi-species boat?

A kicker helps for trolling walleye at precise speeds and serves as a backup if the main engine fails offshore. The Tracker Targa V-18 WT includes a Mercury kicker bracket from the factory. If you fish big water regularly, budget for a 9.9-horsepower kicker.

Sources

• https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2025-lund-1875-pro-v-bass-8516275/
• https://ca.boats.com/power-boats/2026-tracker-targa-v-18-wt-w-200hp-pro-xs-9882229/
• https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2024-ranger-vs1882-wt-9557676/
• https://www.boats.com/power-boats/2024-skeeter-wx-1910-9011662/
• https://pomerleaulesbateaux.com/en-CA/inventory/crestliner-fish-hawk-1850-8221/
• https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2023-alumacraft-competitor-185-sport-8884378/
• https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2023-smoker-craft-pro-angler-xl-182-8786243/
• https://anchormarine.ca/warrior-v208-dc-fishing-boat/
• https://yarcraft.com/boat/210-tfx/
• https://pomerleaulesbateaux.com/en-US/inventory/crestliner-1750-fish-hawk-1750-se-8397/

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