Top 10 Bass Boats 2024
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Bass Boats 2024
The 2024 bass boat field is the most competitive it has been in years, spanning high-horsepower tournament rockets that crack 70 mph and value-minded aluminum rigs that get an angler on the water for under twenty-five grand. Buyers are juggling fiberglass versus aluminum construction, livewell capacity, deck layout for casting room, and the resale strength of a given brand badge.
We judged this field on fishability, build quality, rough-water ride, dealer network, and value retention. Whether you fish weekend club tournaments or chase a national circuit, the right hull depends on how you balance speed, storage, and budget. Below are ten genuinely strong bass boats for 2024, ranked from best overall to best in class.
Direct Answer
The best overall bass boat for 2024 is the 2024 Ranger Z521R, a tournament-proven 21-footer that runs roughly $95,000 rigged, prized for its hull integrity and resale. The best value pick is the 2024 Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW, a capable aluminum rig at about $32,000 with a motor and trailer included.
Choose based on how often you fish wind and waves: glass hulls ride better and hold value, but a well-built aluminum boat saves thousands up front.
How We Ranked
- Fishability — deck space, rod storage, livewell volume and aeration, and how the layout supports a full day of casting and culling.
- Hull and ride — how the boat handles chop, deadrise, and whether it stays planted at speed without chine walk.
- Build quality — gelcoat finish, wiring, hardware, and the durability that separates a 10-year boat from a 3-year boat.
- Value retention — brand resale strength, dealer coverage, and how the rig holds price at trade-in.
- Price-to-capability — what you actually get for the money, including the rigged-and-ready out-the-door cost.
1. 2024 Ranger Z521R 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Ranger has built its reputation on hulls that survive abuse and hold value better than almost anything in the segment, and the Z521R is the flagship that earns that badge. At 20 feet 11 inches with a 96-inch beam, it carries a foam-filled fiberglass hull rated for up to a 250-horsepower outboard, and at wide-open throttle a well-rigged example pushes past 70 mph.
The Pro-Touch wood-free transom and lifetime structural hull warranty are why used Rangers command a premium.
Inside, the boat delivers a 38-gallon livewell system, lockable rod storage that swallows 8-foot sticks, and a casting deck wide enough for two anglers to work without crowding. Rigged with a Mercury 250 ProXS, electronics, and a trolling motor, expect a window around $90,000 to $100,000.
It is expensive, but it is the boat most pros trust when a check is on the line.
- Price: ~$95,000
- Pros: Class-leading resale, bulletproof hull, huge livewells, top-tier dealer network
- Cons: Premium price, heavy to tow without a capable truck
Verdict: The benchmark tournament rig and the safest long-term investment in the field.
2. 2024 Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW 💎 BEST VALUE
No brand gets more anglers on the water for the money than Tracker, and the Pro Team 195 TXW is the sweet spot of the lineup. This 18-foot 11-inch all-welded aluminum boat carries a 96-inch beam, a mod-V hull, and comes factory-rigged with a Mercury 115 four-stroke, a trailer, and a trolling motor in one package price.
That all-in delivery is what makes it the value champion.
The TXW adds a wider deck than the base Team boats, twin rod lockers, an aerated livewell, and Tracker's no-haggle factory pricing that removes dealer markup games. It will not out-ride a glass hull in three-foot chop, but for lakes and rivers it fishes far above its price. Out the door it lands near $32,000 complete.
- Price: ~$32,000
- Pros: Motor and trailer included, all-welded hull, unbeatable entry cost, big dealer footprint
- Cons: Rougher ride in wind, less resale upside than glass
Verdict: The most boat per dollar in 2024 and the smartest first bass boat.
3. 2024 Nitro Z21 XL
Nitro, the performance arm built under the same roof as Tracker, gives tournament-minded anglers a glass hull at a friendlier price than the premium brands. The Z21 XL stretches 21 feet 2 inches with a 96-inch beam and a Rapid Planing System pad hull that gets the boat up quickly and runs efficiently.
Rated to 250 horsepower, a Mercury-powered example will see the high 60-mph range.
The deck is genuinely roomy, with a 40-gallon livewell system and rod storage for long flipping sticks. Build quality has climbed steadily, and the value-to-performance ratio is among the best in fiberglass. Rigged pricing typically runs $60,000 to $68,000.
- Price: ~$64,000
- Pros: Fast pad hull, large livewells, strong value for a glass tournament boat
- Cons: Resale trails Ranger and Skeeter, gelcoat finish a notch below premium brands
Verdict: The value play in fiberglass tournament boats.
4. 2024 Skeeter ZX200
Skeeter, owned by Yamaha, pairs a refined hull with the smooth power of a Yamaha outboard, and the ZX200 is a 20-foot rig that punches above its size. The hull measures 20 feet with a 95-inch beam and is rated to 225 horsepower; with a Yamaha SHO four-stroke it runs efficiently and quietly in the high 60s.
Skeeter's reputation for a soft, dry ride in chop is well earned here.
The layout favors fishing comfort, with a 35-gallon recirculating livewell, abundant dry storage, and clean wiring routed for easy electronics installs. Resale is strong, second only to Ranger in many markets. A rigged ZX200 generally lands around $78,000 to $85,000.
- Price: ~$80,000
- Pros: Excellent dry ride, Yamaha reliability, strong resale, quiet four-stroke power
- Cons: Premium price, slightly smaller livewell than rivals
Verdict: A polished glass boat for anglers who fish rough water often.
5. 2024 Phoenix 921 ProXP
Phoenix was founded by industry veterans who left larger brands, and the 921 ProXP reflects that hands-on pedigree. At 20 feet 8 inches with a 96-inch beam, the hull is rated to 250 horsepower and is known for a planted, confidence-inspiring ride at speed without the chine walk that plagues some pad hulls.
Owners consistently praise the rigging quality.
The deck offers a 39-gallon livewell setup, deep rod boxes, and a fit-and-finish level that rivals boats costing more. Phoenix builds in lower volume, so dealer coverage is thinner, but loyalty among owners runs deep. Rigged examples typically sit between $72,000 and $80,000.
- Price: ~$76,000
- Pros: Outstanding ride and rigging, devoted owner base, strong build quality
- Cons: Limited dealer network, longer wait times on orders
Verdict: A craftsman's tournament boat for buyers who value ride over badge.
6. 2024 Bass Cat Eyra
Bass Cat has a cult following for hand-laid hulls and obsessive attention to detail, and the Eyra is the model that defines the brand. This 20-foot 4-inch hull carries a 96-inch beam, is rated to 250 horsepower, and is famous for a smooth ride and tight build tolerances.
Each boat is essentially semi-custom, with the buyer choosing layout and rigging options.
The Eyra delivers generous livewell capacity, premium hardware, and a finish quality that has earned awards. Production volume is small, which keeps resale firm and order lead times long. Rigged, an Eyra commonly runs $80,000 to $90,000.
- Price: ~$85,000
- Pros: Hand-built quality, smooth ride, semi-custom rigging, strong resale
- Cons: Long build times, premium cost, niche dealer presence
Verdict: A boutique glass boat for the detail-obsessed angler.
7. 2024 Triton 20 TRX Patriot
Triton, another Bass Pro family brand, targets serious tournament anglers with the 20 TRX Patriot. The hull runs 20 feet 4 inches with a 94-inch beam and is rated to 250 horsepower, delivering high-60-mph performance with a Mercury on the transom. Triton's hulls are known for a stable, predictable feel that newer drivers appreciate at speed.
Fishing features include a 37-gallon livewell, oversized rod storage, and a clean console layout for big-screen electronics. Resale is solid, and the dealer network is broad thanks to its parent company. Expect rigged pricing around $68,000 to $75,000.
- Price: ~$72,000
- Pros: Stable hull, big dealer network, good livewell capacity, strong tournament pedigree
- Cons: Styling polarizes some buyers, resale trails the top tier
Verdict: A dependable, widely supported tournament boat.
8. 2024 Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass
For anglers who fish big, windy northern waters, Lund's 1875 Pro-V Bass brings legendary aluminum ride quality to the bass world. The 18-foot 5-inch hull carries a 96-inch beam, Lund's IPS2 strakes for a dry ride, and a rating to 150 horsepower. It will not run with a glass rocket, but it handles two-foot rollers far better than most aluminum bass boats.
The deck offers a 30-gallon livewell, ample storage, and the heavy-gauge welded construction Lund is known for. Resale on Lund aluminum is excellent in northern markets. Rigged with a Mercury and trailer, pricing lands near $48,000 to $55,000.
- Price: ~$51,000
- Pros: Best aluminum ride in chop, excellent resale up north, tough welded hull
- Cons: Slower than glass, narrower fishing focus than dedicated bass rigs
Verdict: The aluminum choice for rough, open northern lakes.
9. 2024 Crestliner VT 19
Crestliner's VT 19 brings a glass-boat layout to an aluminum hull, giving budget-conscious anglers a tournament-style deck without the fiberglass price. The boat measures 19 feet 1 inch with a 96-inch beam, uses a welded Mod-V hull rated to 150 horsepower, and offers a flat, open casting platform that fishes like a much pricier rig.
Features include a 33-gallon livewell, dual rod lockers, and Crestliner's lifetime hull warranty. The ride is firmer than glass but the value is hard to beat. Rigged with a four-stroke and trailer, expect around $44,000 to $50,000.
- Price: ~$47,000
- Pros: Glass-style layout in aluminum, lifetime hull warranty, strong value
- Cons: Firmer ride than fiberglass, smaller dealer reach than Tracker
Verdict: A tournament-deck aluminum boat at a friendly price.
10. 2024 Xpress X19 Pro
Xpress pioneered the all-welded aluminum bass boat and continues to deliver tough, no-nonsense rigs with the X19 Pro. This 19-foot 6-inch hull spans a 96-inch beam, uses the brand's Hyper-Lift running surface for a surprisingly fast, dry ride, and is rated to 150 horsepower.
With a Yamaha on the back it runs in the low 50-mph range.
The deck carries a 31-gallon aerated livewell, generous rod storage, and the kind of heavy-gauge aluminum that shrugs off stumps and trailer dings. Built in the South with a loyal following, the X19 Pro offers excellent value. Rigged pricing runs roughly $42,000 to $48,000.
- Price: ~$45,000
- Pros: Fast for aluminum, dry Hyper-Lift ride, rugged welded build
- Cons: Regional dealer concentration, fewer premium options
Verdict: A fast, tough aluminum rig with real value.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Hull material and ride: Fiberglass rides smoother and holds value but costs more; quality aluminum saves thousands and is tougher against rocks and stumps.
- Engine hours and service records: On a used rig, ask for compression numbers and a Mercury or Yamaha service history; an outboard with documented maintenance is worth a premium.
- Trailer and bunks: Inspect for rust, check tire age, and confirm the trailer is rated for the boat's weight; a bad trailer is a hidden expense.
- Survey and structure: For glass boats, look for stress cracks at the transom and gelcoat blisters; for aluminum, check welds and rivets for cracks or leaks before buying.
FAQ
Is a fiberglass or aluminum bass boat better in 2024? It depends on your water and budget. Fiberglass rides smoother in chop, runs faster, and holds resale value better, which is why tournament anglers favor it. Aluminum is lighter, tougher against rocks, easier to tow, and costs far less up front, making it the smarter buy for casual anglers and rough rocky lakes.
How much should I budget for a good bass boat? A capable aluminum rig with motor and trailer starts near $30,000, mid-tier glass boats run $55,000 to $70,000, and flagship tournament rigs reach $90,000 to $100,000 rigged. Used boats from strong brands like Ranger or Skeeter hold value well, so buying a two-to-three-year-old glass boat can be the best value of all.
Which bass boat brand has the best resale value? Ranger consistently leads resale in the bass segment, followed closely by Skeeter and Bass Cat. Strong dealer networks, lifetime hull warranties, and proven durability keep these brands in demand on the used market, so they lose less value than lesser-known builders.
What size outboard do I need on a bass boat? Match the engine to the hull's maximum rating for best performance and resale. A 20-to-21-foot glass tournament boat typically wants 225 to 250 horsepower to hit competitive speeds, while an 18-to-19-foot aluminum boat fishes well with 115 to 150 horsepower.
Under-powering a hull hurts hole shot and resale.
Bottom Line
For 2024 the Ranger Z521R is the best overall bass boat, combining a bulletproof hull, huge livewells, and the strongest resale in the segment at roughly $95,000 rigged. If value matters most, the Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW delivers a complete motor-and-trailer package near $32,000 and gets you fishing for thousands less.
Between those poles sit excellent glass and aluminum choices for every budget and water type.
Sources
- Boat Trader — 2024 bass boat listings and pricing data
- Discover Boating — bass boat buying guides and segment overviews
- BoatUS — used boat survey and inspection guidance
- Boating Magazine — 2024 model reviews and performance testing
- NADA Guides / J.D. Power — boat valuation and resale data
- Yamaha Marine and Mercury Marine — outboard specifications and horsepower ratings
*Keywords: Top 10 Bass Boats 2024 — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*