Bass boat

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Standard aluminum bass boat, with trolling motor Bassboat1.jpg
Standard aluminum bass boat, with trolling motor
Center console aluminum bass boat Bassboat2.jpg
Center console aluminum bass boat
Two bass boats speeding across Sacramento River during a Bassmaster Elite competition Bassmaster Elite - 2015 3622 (17358624316).jpg
Two bass boats speeding across Sacramento River during a Bassmaster Elite competition

A bass boat is a small boat that is designed and equipped primarily for bass fishing, usually in freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers and wetlands. The modern bass boats are motorboats that feature an elevated flat front deck with swivel chairs that permit the angler to readily cast to any direction around the boat, large storage containers for fishing tackles and equipment such as rods, reels and lures, high-performance fishfinders, and a recirculating livewell where caught fish may be stored and kept alive for prolonged periods of time.

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Bass boats are usually propelled by two means: an outboard motor, which moves the boat swiftly from place to place; and a trolling motor, which moves the boat at a slow pace through an area where the angler is fishing. Should those motors fail, bass boats are often small and light-weight enough to be propelled by oars in an emergency.

Bass boats are typically either constructed of aluminum alloy or fiberglass. The aluminum boats are lighter and typically smaller in size and less expensive than the fiberglass versions. The fiberglass renditions, however, offer more space, better handling, and the ability to house larger outboard motors.

The developer of the modern bass boat is widely considered to be Skeeter Fishing Boats, a company now owned by Yamaha. In 1948 Holmes Thurmond designed and launched the first Skeeter boat. By no means was it the last "first" for Skeeter. In 1961, he built the first bass boat from fiberglass, a huge leap forward in performance and durability. Other well-known bass boat manufacturers include Ranger, Nitro, Tracker, Triton, Stratos, Bass Cat, Champion, Lowe, G3, and Xpress.

An older usage of the term “bass boat” refers to a type of sport fishing boat once popular for fishing for striped bass off the Atlantic Coast of the United States. These bass boats were about 25 feet (7.6 m) long and featured a hull form similar to a New England lobster boat with a sharp entry, rounded bilges, and relatively little deadrise at the stern. They were powered with inboard engines and had a top speed of about 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph). The typical deck configuration featured a long cockpit with a windshield at the forward end and a cuddy cabin in the bow. Examples still in production include the Fortier 26 and the Dyer 29. Some outboard-powered sport fishing boats emulate bass boat styling including the Steiger Craft Block Islands and the Parker 2310 and 2510; however, these boats have a more sharply V-shaped hull form and are designed for higher speeds.

Advances in technology

Bass boat technology has come a long way in recent years, with advancements in materials, design, and electronics. [1] One major development has been the use of lightweight and durable materials, such as carbon fiber and fiberglass, which allow for faster speeds and improved maneuverability. Additionally, manufacturers have focused on reducing weight in other areas, such as the trailer and engine, to improve overall performance. [2]

In terms of design, bass boats now feature sleeker profiles and improved aerodynamics, with features such as raised casting decks and wider beams to increase stability and improve the angler's ability to cast and reel in fish. The hulls have also been refined to provide better handling in a variety of water conditions. [3] Furthermore, the introduction of advanced electronics, such as GPS navigation systems and fish finders, has revolutionized the way anglers approach fishing, enabling them to quickly locate fish and navigate waterways with ease.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boat</span> Vessel for transport by water

A boat is a watercraft of a large range of types and sizes, but generally smaller than a ship, which is distinguished by its larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or its ability to carry boats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kayak</span> Light boat that is paddled

A kayak is a small, narrow human-powered watercraft typically propelled by means of a long, double-bladed paddle. The word kayak originates from the Greenlandic word qajaq.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yacht</span> Recreational boat or ship

A yacht is a sailing or power vessel used for pleasure, cruising, or racing. There is no standard definition, though the term generally applies to vessels with a cabin intended for overnight use. To be termed a yacht, as opposed to a boat, such a pleasure vessel is likely to be at least 33 feet (10 m) in length and may have been judged to have good aesthetic qualities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outboard motor</span> Self-contained propulsion system for boats

An outboard motor is a propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes engine, gearbox and propeller or jet drive, designed to be affixed to the outside of the transom. They are the most common motorised method of propelling small watercraft. As well as providing propulsion, outboards provide steering control, as they are designed to pivot over their mountings and thus control the direction of thrust. The skeg also acts as a rudder when the engine is not running. Unlike inboard motors, outboard motors can be easily removed for storage or repairs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trolling (fishing)</span> The practice of fishing by drawing a baited line or lure behind a boat

Trolling is a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish, are drawn through the water. This may be behind a moving boat, or by slowly winding the line in when fishing from a static position, or even sweeping the line from side-to-side, e.g. when fishing from a jetty. Trolling is used to catch pelagic fish such as salmon, mackerel and kingfish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorboat</span> Boat which is powered by an engine

A motorboat, speedboat or powerboat is a boat that is exclusively powered by an engine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drift boat</span>

A Drift Boat is an evolution of the open-water dory, converted for use in rivers. The design is characterized by a wide, flat bottom, flared sides, a narrow, flat bow, and a pointed stern. A Rocker is used along an arc from bow to stern along the bottom of the boat. It is this constant rocker that allows the boat to spin about its center for ease in maneuvering in rapids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnboat</span>

A johnboat is a flat-bottomed boat constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, wood, or polyethelene with one, two, or three seats, usually bench type. They are suitable for fishing, hunting and cruising. The nearly flat hull of a johnboat tends to ride over the waves rather than cut through them as a V-hull might; this shallow draft – only a few inches – enables the johnboat to operate in very shallow water, but limits its use to calm waters. Johnboats typically have a transom onto which an outboard motor can be mounted. They are simple and easy to maintain, and inexpensive, though with many options to upgrade. Typical options may include live wells/bait wells, side or center consoles, factory installed decks and floors, electrical wiring, accessory pads/mountings, and casting and poling platforms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fishing vessel</span> Boat or ship used to catch fish on a body of water

A fishing vessel is a boat or ship used to catch fish in the sea, or on a lake or river. Many different kinds of vessels are used in commercial, artisanal and recreational fishing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sailing yacht</span> Private sailing vessel with overnight accommodations

A sailing yacht, is a leisure craft that uses sails as its primary means of propulsion. A yacht may be a sail or power vessel used for pleasure, cruising, or racing. There is no standard definition, so the term applies here to sailing vessels that have a cabin with amenities that accommodate overnight use. To be termed a "yacht", as opposed to a "boat", such a vessel is likely to be at least 33 feet (10 m) in length and have been judged to have good aesthetic qualities. Sailboats that do not accommodate overnight use or are smaller than 30 feet (9.1 m) are not universally called yachts. Sailing yachts in excess of 130 feet (40 m) are generally considered to be superyachts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panga (skiff)</span>

The panga is a type of modest-sized, open, outboard-powered, fishing boat common throughout much of the developing world, including Central America, the Caribbean, parts of Africa, the Middle East, and much of Asia. The original panga design was developed by Yamaha as part of a World Bank project circa 1970. Pangas are commonly operated directly off beaches. The name comes from the panga fish, which is commonly netted. The upswept bow of the boat resembles the machete or knife called a panga.

The North 26 is a boat designed by Julian D Everitt in 1982, Cowes UK, who also designed the E-boat. Big brother to the E-boat, intended for Yacht racing inshore and in Junior Offshore Group races to rate under Channel now IRC measurement rule. Examples race the English Channel and have a wide flat sole plate that enables them to sit the mud in English ports with the keel retracted. This feature also enables safe beach sitting whilst cruising and use as a Trailer yacht.

The Watkins 25, also known as the W25 and marketed as the Seawolf 25 from 1986, is an American trailerable sailboat that was designed by the Watkins Design Team and first built in 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flats boat</span>

Flats boats are a category of boat designed primarily for fishing in protected, shallow water areas often referred to as "flats" by anglers.

The Allegra 24 is an American trailerable sailboat that was designed by Fred Bingham and Lou Nagy and based upon the work of Fred Bingham's son, Bruce Bingham. The boat is intended as a cruiser and was first built in 1984.

The Bay Hen 21 is an American trailerable sailboat that was designed by Reuben Trane as a pocket cruiser and first built in 1984.

The Dehler 25 is a German trailerable sailboat that was designed by E. G. van de Stadt as a cruiser and first built in 1984.

The Gladiator 24 is an American trailerable sailboat that was designed by Bill Lapworth as a racer-cruiser and first built in 1958.

The Lapworth 24, sometimes called an L24, is an American trailerable sailboat that was designed by Bill Lapworth as a cruiser and first built in 1958.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeanneau Arcachonnais</span> Sailboat class

The Jeanneau Arcachonnais is a French trailerable sailboat that was designed as a day sailer and pocket cruiser, first built in 1969.

References

  1. "Fishing boat features insulated hull". Reinforced Plastics. 47 (4): 9. April 2003. doi:10.1016/s0034-3617(03)80109-1. ISSN   0034-3617.
  2. "Fishing boat features insulated hull". Reinforced Plastics. 47 (4): 9. April 2003. doi:10.1016/s0034-3617(03)80109-1. ISSN   0034-3617.
  3. Lisena, V.; Paschero, M.; Gentile, V.; Amicucci, P.; Rizzi, A.; Mascioli, F. M. Frattale (September 2016). "A new method to restore the water quality level through the use of electric boats". 2016 IEEE International Smart Cities Conference (ISC2). IEEE. pp. 1–4. doi:10.1109/isc2.2016.7580870. ISBN   978-1-5090-1846-8. S2CID   19586390.