You can expect an average bass boat weight to be about 1,500 pounds (680 kg). Most bass boat trailers weigh about 800 pounds (363 kg).
The average boat weight with trailer is approximately 2,300 pounds (1,043 kg).
Gasoline for your motor also weighs about 6.3 pounds per gallon. With a 40 gallon tank common for most bass boats, that adds an additional 252 pounds (114 kg).
The total weight depends on the length and size of the boat. These numbers can vary from different models and boat manufacturers.
For pulling bass boats, it's recommended to use a vehicle that can tow at least 2,000 pounds above the weight of the load. This will keep your engine running well and leave plenty of extra wiggle room.
To determine your tow capability, calculate your (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight rating. This will make sure that you don't try to pull a boat that you can't handle. You can find this data inside your vehicle manual or online on the manufacture's website.
10 Example Bass Boat Weights
Next, we'll be taking a look at 10 example bass boats to get an idea of the weight range you can expect. Each of these manufacturers also break down the bass boat weight into dry weight and package weight.
The dry weight refers to only the boat itself without gas, gear, motor, or trailer weight. The average package weight refers to everything combined, and varies a bit more.
These boats range from the lightest dry weight to the heaviest boats on the market. You can find more information and specs on the manufacturer's websites. Here's the bass boat weight chart:
Bass Boat Model | Average Dry Weight | Average Package Weight |
|---|---|---|
Tracker Boats Pro Team 190 TX | 1,048 pounds | 2,327 pounds |
Tracker Boats Pro Team 195 TXW | 1,302 pounds | 2,628 pounds |
Lowe 18' Catfish | 1,327 pounds | N/A |
NITRO Z17 | 1,450 pounds | 2,650 pounds |
NITRO Z18 | 1,700 pounds | 3,200 pounds |
Sea Ark Boats BC210 | 1,800 pounds | N/A |
Charger 210 Elite | 1,900 pounds | N/A |
Ranger Boats Z521L | 1,925 pounds | 5,400 pounds |
NITRO Z21 | 2,150 pounds | 4,050 pounds |
Ranger Boats 1880MS | 2,290 pounds | 4,500 pounds |
Additional Weight To Consider
When using a bass boat, you're also bound to be loading it with a lot of fishing and boating equipment. All of that hidden hull storage can add a bit of additional weight to the load. Sometimes with rods, baits, coolers and other related gear it can weigh upwards of 300 pounds (136 kg). Here's a list of some common bass boat accessories along with their weights.
#1 - Tackle Box - 10 to 20 pounds
Carrying your tackle in a storage box makes fishing a lot easier.
I've always gone with larger ones to be prepared when out on the water.
They're in the medium weight range, and shouldn't take up too much space.
#2 - Fishing Rods/Reels - 30+ pounds
Fishing rods are an absolute must in order to catch fish on the water.
Many fishermen and boaters opt to bring multiple rods along if going with a friend. This weight can range on the amount of rods and reels.
They're quite light, yet can add up if you plan on loading up your bass boat.
#3 - Cooler - 24 pounds (empty) or 50+ pounds (full)
Going for a day out on the water makes it essential to bring a cooler. Personally the YETI works great for fishing and bringing along some drinks.
You can bring back some fish on ice, or even store some additional food for the day.
It's one of the heavier items, and can get heavier with ice. Not to mention, some boaters may opt to bring multiple coolers for cold storage.
#4 - Anchor with Line/Chain - 10 to 20 pounds
After finding a nice spot to fish, you'll want a solid anchor to keep your boat steady.
This will keep it from drifting away, and moving when trying to catch fish.
An anchor by definition is heavier, yet a crucial piece of equipment for fishing.
#5 - Life Preservers - 1 to 2 pounds each
Finally, last but not least, the life preservers.
When taking anyone under the age of 13 on your boat, these are essential to avoid problems with the coast guard.
One of the lightest items on your boat, yet something you don't want to forget.
To Conclude
Bass boats can offer an excellent fishing experience while out on the water. It's important to make sure that you have the right vehicle to tow your load. Not to mention, you'll typically want to leave a bit of wiggle room so you don't go over your load. Otherwise, you may cause a whole host of engine and transmission problems.
To be extra sure, you can also drive through a certified CAT scale to weigh your truck and tow load. This will give a reading to verify you have the right towing equipment, and vehicle for your load.
Stay safe, follow these guidelines with your vehicle's tow ratings, and you'll be good to go for getting your bass boat on the water for fishing.
Angel Bogart
Friday 3rd of May 2019
I really appreciate it that you mentioned how bass tracker boats provide the best fishing experience only if you have the right towing load and with enough wiggle space to prevent overloading. This is just the sort of reminder that my grandpa would appreciate should he get interested in catching bass in Lake Tahoe before summer ends. He'd surely want to impress my grandma with a crate of live bass to serve for Sunday dinner. To feed his fancy, I'd make sure to book a bass tracker boat tomorrow and have everything fixed and prepared for Sunday morning's fishing adventure.