Our Top Picks
- Best Tournament Bass Boat: Nitro Z20 Pro. A fiberglass powerhouse engineered for elite tournament angling with professional-grade electronics and high-end outboard motor performance.
- Best Family All-Rounder: Tahoe 210 Si. The ultimate crossover for families who need a sleek bowrider for skiing, tubing, and cruising without sacrificing comfort.
- Best Budget Fishing Boat: Tracker Pro 170. An industry-leading value that offers a complete boat, motor, and trailer package for those entering the world of competitive fishing.
- Best Multi-Purpose Pontoon: Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX. Combines the stability of a pontoon with dedicated fishing features, making it perfect for family outings.
- Best Utility Workhorse: Tracker Grizzly 1654 T. A rugged, all-welded aluminum build designed for shallow water navigation, hunting, and multi-season outdoor pursuits.
Bass Pro Shops Boating Centers offer industry-leading brands like Tracker, Nitro, and Sun Tracker, catering to everything from professional tournament angling to family leisure. These Bass Pro boats represent the gold standard in value-packed fishing and leisure vessels for 2024, providing specialized designs that range from high-speed fiberglass hulls to durable aluminum utility models.
The Bass Pro Advantage: Pricing and Service
Choosing a new vessel is as much about the dealership experience as it is about the hull design. When you step into a Bass Pro Shops Boating Center, you are engaging with the White River Marine Group ecosystem, the largest boat builder by volume in the world. The primary benefit for most buyers is the No Haggle No Hassle pricing policy. This transparent approach ensures that every customer, whether in Florida or Oregon, pays the same fair price without the stress of typical showroom negotiations.
The infrastructure behind these boats is equally impressive. With over 130 dealer locations across North America, owners have access to Mercury Master Certified technicians and a massive inventory of genuine parts. This level of service is crucial for maintaining outboard motor performance and ensuring your investment stays on the water. For 2024, the Boating Center has also streamlined the financial side of ownership. They offer recreational watercraft financing with competitive rates, such as 8.09% APR, making it easier for first-time buyers to find affordable aluminum bass boats for beginners at Bass Pro. Furthermore, the commitment to quality is backed by the NMMA CSI awards, which recognize the brand's excellence in customer satisfaction.
1. Nitro Z20 Pro: The Tournament Standard
If your goal is to compete at the highest level of tournament angling, the Nitro Z20 Pro is the fiberglass machine of choice. As the official boat of Major League Fishing, this model is built to handle the rigors of big-water competition while providing a stable, high-speed platform for casting. The 2024 Nitro Z20 Pro specs for tournament bass fishing are designed to give anglers an edge before the first cast is even made.
At the heart of this boat is the hull structural integrity and a 225-hp Mercury Marine engines setup that provides a blistering holeshot and high top-end speeds. The Pro package includes a suite of advanced marine electronics integration, featuring Lowrance HDS Live 9 fishfinders at both the bow and console. This integration allows for seamless navigation and fish-finding capabilities in diverse environments.
The interior layout is a masterclass in ergonomics. The massive front casting deck configuration provides enough room for two anglers to operate without interference. Storage is equally abundant, with specialized compartments for rods up to 8 feet long. Perhaps most importantly, the Nitro Z20 Pro features advanced livewell aeration systems designed to keep a tournament limit of fish healthy and thriving throughout the day, even in the heat of summer.
Nitro Z20 Pro: Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 20' 2" |
| Beam | 94" |
| Max HP | 225 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 gal. |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass |
2. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX: Family Fishing Fun
Not every day on the water needs to be a high-speed race. For those who prioritize space and versatility, the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX is a standout among pontoon and leisure boat models. This boat proves that you don't have to choose between a dedicated fishing rig and a comfortable family cruiser. It is consistently ranked as a top choice for those looking for the best bass boats at Bass Pro Shops for 2024 that the whole family can enjoy.
The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX family features include a spacious 8-person capacity and comfortable lounge seating, yet it remains compact enough for easy freshwater navigation and docking. For the anglers in the family, it includes two bow-mounted folding fishing chairs and a forward-aerated livewell. This combination of amenities makes it one of the most versatile Bass Pro boats on the market.
Stability is the hallmark of the Sun Tracker design. The 24-inch multichambered pontoons provide a smooth, level ride that is much more forgiving for children and seniors compared to traditional V-hulls. Whether you are anchored in a quiet cove for a swim or trolling along a weed line, the Bass Buggy provides a massive, flat platform that feels more like a floating patio than a boat.
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX: Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 20' 0" |
| Deck Width | 8' 2" |
| Max HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 32.1 gal. |
| Log Diameter | 24" |
3. Tracker Pro 170: The Aluminum Value Leader
When discussing aluminum bass boat reviews, the Tracker Pro 170 is almost always the benchmark for value. It is arguably the boat that started the revolution in affordable, ready-to-fish packages. For 2024, it continues to hold its position as the go-to choice for those seeking affordable aluminum bass boats for beginners at Bass Pro.
The Pro 170 is built using the proprietary Revolution Hull technology. This variable-deadrise design provides a smooth, dry ride even when the wind picks up, which is a common complaint in lighter aluminum boats. The all-welded construction ensures long-term hull structural integrity, making it a boat that can be passed down through generations.
Despite its entry-level price point, the Pro 170 doesn't skimp on essential features. It comes standard with a Lowrance fishfinder, a Minn Kota trolling motor, and a custom-matched trailer with Galvashield Impact protection. The Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW has established itself as one of the best-selling aluminum fishing boats in the United States by providing a tournament-style layout and a 21-gallon aerated livewell as standard equipment. The Pro 170 follows this same philosophy of including everything you need from day one.
Tracker Pro 170: Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 16' 8" |
| Beam | 77" |
| Max HP | 50 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.4 gal. |
| Hull Material | 0.100 5052 Marine Alloy |
4. Tahoe 210 Si: The Ultimate Family Watersports Platform
For the family that wants to do it all—ski, wakeboard, tube, and cruise—the Tahoe 210 Si is the premier choice. This bowrider is designed for maximum comfort and style, offering a level of refinement that rivals much more expensive European imports. In our Tahoe 210 Si review for family water sports, we found that its biggest strength is the balance of performance and passenger utility.
The 2024 model features a deeper cockpit for added safety when carrying small children and a redesigned Power-Step swim platform that makes re-boarding from the water easier than ever. Performance is handled by a range of Mercury Marine engines that provide the torque needed to pull skiers out of the hole while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency during long afternoon cruises.
Interiors are finished with high-quality marine grade upholstery and include smart storage solutions for skis and boards under the floor. While it is built for recreation, the 210 Si doesn't ignore the needs of a casual angler, with options for a trolling motor and fish-finding electronics. It truly bridges the gap between a high-performance sport boat and a relaxed family cruiser.
Tahoe 210 Si: Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 21' 0" |
| Beam | 102" |
| Max HP | 225 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 gal. |
| Average Weight | 3,195 lbs. |
5. Tracker Grizzly 1654 T: Multi-Season Utility
Some boaters need a tool rather than a toy. The Tracker Grizzly 1654 T for multi-season sports is the quintessential utility vessel. Known as a "Jon boat," this all-welded aluminum workhorse is equally at home in a timber-filled duck marsh as it is on a rocky riverbed. Its rugged nature is what makes it a staple among the best fishing boat brands for those who demand durability above all else.
The 1654 T features a tiller-steer configuration, which maximizes interior space and offers precise shallow water navigation. Because there is no steering console, the entire floor of the boat is open for gear, decoys, or multiple coolers. The hull is finished with a forest green powder-coat for maximum durability, though camouflage patterns are available for hunters.
Despite its utilitarian appearance, the Grizzly series shares the same high-quality engineering as the rest of the White River Marine Group. The longitudinal stringer system supports the entire length of the hull, ensuring a rock-solid feel even when hitting submerged obstacles. It is a no-nonsense boat for the angler or hunter who values function over flash.
Tracker Grizzly 1654 T: Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 16' 1" |
| Beam | 78" |
| Max HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | Portable Tank |
| Hull Material | 0.100 5052 Marine Alloy |
Choosing Your Material: Aluminum vs. Fiberglass
One of the most frequent questions we hear at the Boating Center is whether to choose an aluminum or fiberglass boat. The answer depends entirely on your planned usage, budget, and where you live.
Aluminum boats, like the Tracker series, are known for their extreme durability. They are lightweight, which makes trailering and towing easier for smaller vehicles. They are også more resistant to damage from rocks or gravel beaches, making them ideal for rivers and shallow lakes. Furthermore, aluminum is typically more affordable, which is why they dominate the best fishing boat brands list for entry-level buyers.
Fiberglass boats, such as those from Nitro and Tahoe, offer a more sophisticated hull shape. This allows for a smoother, faster ride in rough water. The weight of fiberglass provides better stability at rest and allows for more intricate interior designs and integrated storage. While they require more care to avoid hull scratches, the performance benefits are undeniable for tournament angling or high-speed watersports.
Comparison Table: Aluminum vs. Fiberglass
| Feature | Aluminum (e.g., Tracker) | Fiberglass (e.g., Nitro/Tahoe) |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | High (Resistance to impacts) | Moderate (Prone to gelcoat chips) |
| Weight | Light (Easy to tow) | Heavy (Better stability) |
| Ride Quality | Good (Can be bouncy) | Excellent (Planing & speed) |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate (Polishing/Waxing) |
| Price Point | Budget to Mid-Range | Mid-Range to Premium |
According to industry data, Nitro Boats is currently the top-selling bass boat brand by volume in the marine industry, largely due to its high-visibility distribution partnership through Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. This dominance underscores the trust buyers place in fiberglass models, even as aluminum remains the volume leader for casual and multi-purpose use. Similarly, the 2024 Sun Tracker Party Barge 24 DLX is identified by industry rankings as a top family cruiser that typically retails for approximately $42,000 when equipped with a 115 hp outboard engine, illustrating the diverse price points available within the house brands.
FAQ
What boat brands are sold at Bass Pro Shops?
Bass Pro Shops Boating Centers carry a comprehensive lineup of brands manufactured by the White River Marine Group. These include Tracker (aluminum fishing), Nitro (performance fiberglass bass), Sun Tracker (pontoons), Tahoe (sport and deck boats), Regency (luxury pontoons), and Mako (saltwater offshore and inshore).
Who manufactures the boats sold at Bass Pro Shops?
The boats are manufactured by the White River Marine Group, which is owned by Bass Pro Shops. This vertical integration allows for the unique pricing and quality control standards found at their dealerships. Most manufacturing takes place in advanced facilities across the Missouri Ozarks.
Are Tracker boats considered good quality?
Yes, Tracker boats are widely regarded as a high-quality, value-oriented option in the marine industry. They were pioneers in all-welded aluminum construction and are known for their structural integrity and innovative hull designs like the Revolution Hull. They are consistently among the top-selling boats in North America.
What is the best Bass Pro boat for family use?
The Tahoe 210 Si is often cited as the best option for families who want a traditional sport boat experience. However, for families who prioritize maximum floor space and stability, the Sun Tracker series of pontoons provides an unparalleled platform for social gatherings and slow-speed cruising.
Does Bass Pro Shops offer in-house boat financing?
Yes, Bass Pro Shops Boating Centers provide specialized marine financing through their in-house financial services teams. They work with a network of lenders to offer competitive rates and terms specifically tailored to boat-motor-trailer packages, often including options for low monthly payments and extended terms.
Conclusion: Visit the Boating Center
Choosing one of these 5 best Bass Pro boats for 2024 is the first step toward a lifetime of memories on the water. Whether you are chasing a tournament trophy in a Nitro or teaching your kids to ski behind a Tahoe, the lineup at the Boating Center offers a solution for every lifestyle and budget.
We encourage you to visit your local Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's showroom to experience these models in person. Walking through the decks and sitting in the helm will give you a true sense of the craftsmanship and ergonomic design that sets these brands apart. With the No Haggle No Hassle pricing and a nationwide network of service centers, you can purchase with the confidence that you are joining a community of boaters supported by the best in the business.
