Powered by an outboard motor, Bass Boats are usually steered by a foot pedal. Thanks to its low drag, it delivers more than respectable performance.
This high top speed comes from fishing competitions, where the aim of the game is to get to the fishing spot as quickly as possible and back again, in order to meet the strict start and finish times of American fishing competitions. The idea is to stay fishing as long as possible without wasting time on the journey, but also to change spot very quickly if things don't work out.
A flat hull designed for speed
Hull design has also evolved. Originally very flat, the hull of a bass boat was slightly rounded to reduce drag. Over time, some builders have accentuated the shape of the chines to increase lateral stability and, above all, enlarged the central skid to improve water flow to the propeller, reduce drag and provide underway stability. Examples include Bullet, based in Tennessee, and Vexus, based in Arkansas, which offers a highly engineered hull shape with a huge central skid for impressive high-speed performance.
Over time, the boats have also become a little wider, while still respecting the maximum width allowed on the road (8.5 ft). They have also become a little heavier due to the equipment and sophistication.
In terms of engines, some models now accept up to 400 hp, while the average size is around 18 ft in the USA with a 150 hp engine. In Europe, the average size is around 16 feet, with engines averaging between 90 and 115 hp.
