Why Are Bass Boats So Fast? [Simply Explained]
Bass boats are different from other kinds of fishing boats. They’re designed specifically for the purpose of giving the best bass fishing experience.
As bass fishing tournaments became more popular, bass fishing boats have evolved to feature a more aerodynamic design and powerful engines that allow the boats to reach high levels of speed when fishing in large bodies of water.
So, why are bass boats so fast? Bass boats are so fast because high speed allows anglers to reach their fishing spots in less driving time which might give them the upper hand in fishing tournaments. The speed of a bass boat depends on some factors such as the weight of the boat, the weight carried on board, the propellers, and the engine power.
Continue reading to learn more about how fast bass boats go and the factors that affect their speed. Or you can jump ahead to check the best bass boats here.
Table of Contents
How Fast Can Bass Boats Go?
Bass boats are built with a sleek aerodynamic design and that allows them to glide across the water. They also feature powerful outboard engines that push them through the water.
On average, bass boats can reach a speed that ranges from 30 to 75 miles per hour with an engine power of 100 to 250 HP.
Most fishing tournaments allow a maximum of 250 HP on every boat, so you can easily go over 75 miles per hour if you are an expert. Some newer models of bass boats can support engines of 350 HP which will allow you to reach almost 100 miles per hour.
However, you need to keep in mind that the higher the speed and horsepower of your boat, the more fuel your boat will consume. Also, it can be extremely unsafe to control your boat at such a high speed on open water if you do not have the skill.
What Are Factors That Affect the Speed of a Bass Boat?
The speed of your bass boat is dependent on several key factors. Understanding how each factor works will help you make your bass boat go faster.
So, let’s break down these factors in more detail:
Weight
As your boat moves through the water, it displaces its own weight. If the weight of the hull is heavy, the boat will be forced to push a large volume of water out of the way which will create more water resistance and reduce the speed of the boat. So, a lighter hull would allow you better performance and more speed on the water.
The performance and speed of the boat also tend to decline with the added weight of the people and any gear you bring on board the boat. Generally, it’s believed that with every 1000 pounds of added weight, your boat speed will decrease by about 15%.
Engine and Horsepower
The power of the engine plays the most significant role in dictating the speed at which the boat travels.
To put it simply, a powerful engine with higher horsepower will allow you to reach higher levels of speed. So, if your bass boat has an engine of 200 HP, it can reach 65 miles per hour in speed.
The type of engine also matters. Most bass boats include an outboard motor instead of a trolling motor. These outboard motors have lower drag and allow you to reach higher levels of speed.
Propellers
The propellers on your bass boats also have a significant effect on the boat’s speed.
Propellers help lift the bow above the water when you are going full speed. The less contact your boat has with water, the lower the drag will be which will result in boosting its speed.
High-quality bass boat models feature stainless steel propellers with thin, raked, and cupped blades.
Construction Material
Bass boats are constructed from two main kinds of materials –fiberglass and aluminum.
Bass boats that are constructed from fiberglass are usually faster and easier to control, however, they’re significantly more expensive. On the other hand, bass boats that are constructed from aluminum are cheaper and more durable, but they’re not the best when it comes to speed.
How Does the Speed of a Bass Boat Affect Travel Time?
As a professional angler, the speed of your bass boat can have a large impact on your day and fishing time. Traveling at high speed might not be very important on small lakes, but if you’re fishing on larger lakes, it definitely makes a difference.
Basically, the higher your speed is, the less time it will take you to travel from one spot to another and the more time you’ll have to fish.
Since the majority of bass tournaments take place on larger lakes, where more fishing time means more money, it’s very important to maintain a high speed to reduce your travel time and increase your fishing time.
Check the following table for approximate calculations to show how much travel time you might save depending on the speed of your boat. You’ll notice that the faster your bass boat goes; the less travel time it will take.
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 43 MPH | 1 hour, 9 minutes |
| 49 MPH | 1 hour, 1 minute |
| 62 MPH | 48 minutes |
| 72 MPH | 41 minutes |
What to Consider When Choosing a Bass Boat?
Aside from the factors that affect your boat’s speed such as the weight of the hull, the material of construction, and the type of engine, there are other factors you need to consider when choosing your bass boats.
You need to make sure your bass boat has sufficient space and multiple storage options for your fishing gear and any other personal belongings you want to bring abroad.
You also need to make sure your bass boat comes with additional accessories that would enhance your comfort. The boat should have a padded seat with solid backrest to protect you against back pains when fishing for a long time. It also should have built-in accessory mounts for a fish finder or GPS device as well as rod holders
Related Questions
How Much Do Bass Boats Cost on Average?
On average, a new bass boat with an outboard motor and normal features can cost from $18,000 to $60,000. The cost of bass boats ranges from budget-friendly to luxury boats depending on the size of the boat, the materials used to manufacture it, the engine power and any other additional features it might offer.
How Much Fuel Do Bass Boats Need?
Small bass fishing boats need an average of 3 to 8 gallons of gas per hour. While bigger bass fishing boats which usually go faster might need up to 20 gallons. The amount of fuel a bass boat would need mainly depends on the weight and size as well as its speed.
Helpful Resources
Rules and Regulations of the Amateur bass series
Become A Bass Wizard
- An angler is as good as his tools, Check out the best Bass Fishing rods here.
- Complete your gear with the best Bass Fishing reels here and the best Bass Fishing Lines here.
- It’s surprising how much a Good bass boat can make a difference, check out these awesome Bass Fishing Boats
- Attract Bass like magnets with these Bass winter lures, Bass Summer Lures, and Bass Spring Lures.
- Catch the biggest bass in the toughest conditions with this Winter Time Bass Fishing Guide
- Muddy waters? no problem. Use this Muddy water Bass Fishing Guide to get the best results.
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