About this time of year, anglers across the continent begin dreaming about towing home a brand-new boat. Whether it’s to escape mid-winter’s melancholy or simply savor the sweet anticipation of fun-filled adventures in the months ahead, we just can’t help ourselves.
Often, the boat-buying process entails tendering trade-offs between different types of hull construction and primary uses, such as hard-core fishing vs. family fun, or big-water performance vs. the ability to raid shallow, gnarly environments.
Headed into 2016, however, Lund Boats offers bass, pike and muskie fans two breakout options that make such compromises a thing of the past. Meet the legendary boat-builder’s new 1875 Pro-V Bass (which comes in a Bench Seat version) and 1875 Pro-V Bass XS (which comes in a Pedestal Seat version).
Newest members of Lund’s iconic lineup, they’re versatile and affordable high-performance bass and Esox fishing platforms. Both are built on the time-tested 1875 Pro-V Series hull and feature long-lasting riveted construction backed by a lifetime warranty.
“The Pro-V hull handles big water well, giving you a more stable ride than traditional bass boats,” explains Ryan DeChaine of Wired2Fish, who put the boat through its paces late last season and can’t wait to get one on the water again this spring.
“Having such a stable hull is a godsend when fishing large lakes and reservoirs, or anytime you face heavy seas or big waves on any size body of water,” he adds.
“The bench seating version is a straight-up 19-foot bass boat with big casting decks,” says DeChaine. “The pedestal layout in the XS model is ideal for people looking for a dual-purpose family boat. Think of the ‘XS’ as equating to extra-seating, because there are two comfortable flip-up seats behind the cockpit seating area. The layout also offers a bigger, deeper center cut-out that’s more kid-friendly than your typical bass boat.”
That being said, he notes that both seating arrangements are offered with a ski pylon for pulling tubes, wake-boarders and skiers.
Both versions of the 1875 Pro-V Bass feature a 36-gallon fuel tank and are rated for outboards from 115 to 200 horsepower, with the latter engine pushing the boat to top-end speeds of 61 mph. DeChaine says piloting the rig is a joy even at the upper end of the speed spectrum, thanks to zero-feedback tilt steering and the rig’s Integrated Power Strake hull, which tames angry waves and grips the water, even in tight turns.
The stylish cockpit features a custom fiberglass console and dash, with windscreen, and offers fully lighted instrumentation. Other standard amenities include a lighted, 36-inch, 28-gallon recirculating aft livewell (complete with pump-out, which helps prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species); pre-rigged Mercury analog gauges; 12-volt power receptacle; LED interior lighting; and Lund’s new Advanced Water Control System, which manages water flow to keep storage compartments drier than ever.
“Storage is absolutely cavernous, too,” adds DeChaine, pointing to ample lockable storage fore and aft, plus underseat storage, on-the-go rod strap-downs and center bow rod locker with 13 tubes from 8’4″ to 9 inches in length.
With a standard weight of just 1,475 pounds, the 1875 Pro-V Bass is a joy to tow, especially since it’s paired with a single-axle, E-Coat painted bunk trailer with swing tongue and radial tires.
The price tag won’t break the bank, either. For example, a bench seating model rigged with a 200XL Mercury Verado and Tempest prop has a $38,957 MSRP, which is far less than comparable fiberglass bass rockets.
As a bonus, getting a quote on the rig of your dreams is easy thanks to Lund’s online Boat Builder feature, which allows you to choose the color, engine and options that fit your personal taste and style of fishing. Once you dial in the right configuration, it’s a simple matter to make your new-boat dreams come true.
“Bottom line, the 1875 Pro-V Bass and 1875 Pro-V Bass XS have Lund DNA but fish like bass boats,” says DeChaine. “If you’re looking for a high-performance aluminum bass or muskie boat with big-water capability at an affordable price, these are your rides.”
For complete details, visit LundBoats.com.
