POLAR KRAFT TX 175 PRO

There seems to be two kinds of bass fisherman out there: one who has to have the ultimate 80 mph tournament-ready rig, and then there are the rest of us, who just want a fully featured boat they can afford to own and run. For those in the latter category, the Polar Kraft TX 175 Pro delivers.

Powered by the minimum recommended horsepower, Yamaha’s compact F50 four-stroke, you might assume the fun of driving factor is minimal, but this boat is a blast to drive. Although its top speed is a stately 32.7 mph and it takes 5.3 seconds to get on plane, you sit low enough to feel like you are traveling much faster. It has a cruise speed of 23.8 mph, and at 4500 rpm you aren’t prematurely aging it.

The real fun comes from its handling. The boat is easy to drive thanks to the optional hydraulic steering, which makes it light on its hull and it corners very well. This maneuverability it may come in handy for dodging submerged tree stumps on the smaller, horsepower-restricted lakes you’ll be able to fish. For those who are in more of a hurry, you can get it rigged with a Yamaha F75, which should push it close to 40 mph.

Rigging this boat won’t cost you a fortune even if you include items like the Minn Kota Edge trolling motor with movable foot control, Lowrance M68C color fishfinder and a Power Pole fishing seat. It’s got plenty of standard fishing features like the lockable centerline rod storage compartment, and a large aerated livewell with divider. Unlike some other boats in this class there is no bow baitwell.

Although this entry-level, 17-foot, 6- inch aluminum bass boat is wallet friendly, you still get plenty of passenger comforts like the standard 20-ounce marine carpeting and low-rider helm and passenger seats with an especially comfortable middle jump seat. It even has an eye-catching standard Pro Team paint and graphics package.