Deep Vee or Modified Vee?

[redearhoosier]

I currently own a 1986 Bass Tracker V Guide Special that's 16 foot long and it has a twenty horsepower Tohatsu motor on it...love the Tohatsu motor, they're great. I'm probably going to keep this boat for small lakes around Southern Indiana that we fish but am interested in a bigger boat for Ky Lake/Barkley Lake/Ohio River fishing.

I'm leaning towards buying a 17 or 18 ft deep vee hull from Crestliner, Lund or maybe Bass Tracker. I'm a multi species angler that loves bluegill/redear fishing and also dabbles chasing catfish and crappie. Most people around here buy the modified vee but that would probably beat me to pieces on large waters. If you had fifteen thousand to spend on a boat, what would you buy? Is that even enough money to buy a new boat?

I need opinions and help, thanks.

[Crankinstein]

I got the 19' Tracker and it has no problem with big water. Handles Big water just as good as 19' glass boats I have been in. I do have some issues with the carpet and seats. I have the 90 Optimax and the gas millage is great. My boat is 5 years old and is built for bass. The newer model is more muli- species with a bait/livewell in front and back.

[Fisherjoe]

I have owned both and prefer the deep-V for multi-species. It handles rougher water a little better than the mod-v. Main disadvantage for myself with the deep-V is it catches more wind, making it harder to control/anchor at times.

One suggestion: replace the carpet with vinyl or some type of bedliner-like material to ease clean-up. Catfishing can be especially messy.

Good luck with whatever you choose. They are both good designs.

Joe