2017 Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 Dlx Review

Cursory Summary

The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy eighteen DLX has been redesigned and modified to improve its fishability and safety. This twin-toon has an 8' 2'' (ii.49 cm) beam, weighs 1,375 lbs. dry, and has a max rated hp capacity of sixty. We tested her with a Mercury 40-hp BigFoot 4-stroke.

Key Features

• Extra-plush marine-grade upholstery
• 24'' (60.96 cm) diameter high-buoyancy, multichambered pontoon logs
• Bow fishing platform includes 2 fishing chairs with secure screw-in pedestals and rail-mounted rod, tool and beverage holders
• Aft L-lounge with underseat storage
• Forward-panel seat with aerated livewell below
• Aft fishing platform with vinyl floor, fishing chair, vertical rod holders and molded livewell unit
• Boarding platform with non-skid surface and boarding ladder with handrails
• vii' colour-keyed polyester Bimini summit with protective boot

Test Results

RPM	MPH	Knots	GPH	MPG	NMPG	STAT. MILE	NM	dBa
700	1.8	1.five	0.2	8.75	7.61	276	240	65
one thousand	2.2	1.9	0.3	eight.8	7.65	277	241	67
1500	3.3	ii.9	0.4	9.43	8.2	297	258	67
2000	four.v	3.9	0.five	ten	eight.7	315	274	68
2500	v.three	iv.6	0.seven	8.15	seven.09	257	223	68
3000	vi.5	5.6	1	6.79	five.nine	214	186	69
3500	seven.4	6.iv	1.3	five.88	5.11	185	161	75
4000	8.vi	seven.four	1.6	five.34	4.65	168	146	77
4500	10.8	ix.3	ii.2	5	iv.35	158	137	80
5000	xiii.one	xi.iii	two.8	4.75	4.13	149	130	81
5500	15	13	3.3	4.62	4.01	145	126	81
5800	xvi.8	fourteen.half-dozen	iii.8	iv.41	iii.83	139	121	84

Specifications

Length Overall	20' 0'' / 6.ane 1000
Axle	8' two'' two.49 m
Dry Weight	one,375 lbs. 624 kg
Typhoon	N/A
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	open
Span Clearance	N/A
Weight Capacity	one,775 lbs. 805 kg
Person Capacity	8
Fuel Capacity	32.i gal. 122 L
Water Chapters	N/A

Price

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Dispatch Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	N/A
0 to 30	9.ii sec. ( 0 to fifteen mph)
Ratio	N/A
Props	14 x 9 Aluminum
Load	two persons, full fuel, no water, 25 lbs of gear
Climate	81 deg.; 35% humidity; current of air: 0 mph; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	i x forty-hp Mercury EFI BigFoot
Std. Power	1 x 40-hp Mercury ELPT 4-stroke BigFoot
Opt. Power	1 x xx-hp Mercury ELPT 4-stroke 1 x 25-hp Mercury ELPT four-stroke i 10 fifty-hp Mercury ELPT 4-stroke BigFoot 1 x 60-hp Mercury ELPT 4-stroke 1 x 75-hp Mercury 4-stroke/one x 9.9-hp Mercury four-stroke

Warranty

Deck Warranty Extended	Express Lifetime

Captain's Report

Past Helm Dan Armitage

Structure Highlights

The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy eighteen DLX is supported by twin pontoons that are 24''(.61 m) in diameter, which is pretty much standard.

The name of this boat describes her mission: a pontoon boat that has specialized features for bass or multi-species fishing. Because the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy xviii DLX has twin toons and an affordable price, she is intended for more sedate running, and then this is not intended for high-speed towing. Sun Tracker has other boats for towing watersports.

Operation

Having said that, during our test of the Bass Buggy xviii DLX, powered past a twoscore-hp Mercury 4-stroke, we had a WOT speed of 16.eight mph on average, burning 3.8 gph. So that means that you can tow a banana or some other water toys in a pinch, merely if that is what you desire to do, you should go more power, and maybe fifty-fifty consider a triple-toon. At best cruise, which was at 3500 rpm, we averaged 7.4 mph, burning just i.iii gph and got v.34 mpg, for a range of 168 miles from the boat'southward 32-gallon (121 50) fuel tank -- with a 10% reserve. This is the speed that most people will run the boat most of the time. At that speed, you tin motor around for 24 hours without refueling.

The Sun Tracker deck is surrounded by metal "fence" panels that are corrugated for actress strength. We adopt to call them "bulwarks."

Going for a more than upscale look, the Bass Buggy eighteen DLX features corrugated deck "fencing" coated in a loftier-gloss black cease and fewer graphics than institute on previous models. The deck features a new extruded aluminum edging and has full-width Z-bar supports and sport cleats at each corner.

The Bass Buggy 18 DLX's extended motor pod frees up space on the deck, allowing maximum utilise of its 20' (six.ane m) length.

The all-welded-aluminum motor pod is new for the Bass Buggy xviii DLX this year and serves double-duty by securing the gunkhole's congenital-in fuel tank beneath the aft deck. The reservoir's 32-gallon (121 50) capacity is generous, and by containing the weight of the fuel centered and below deck level, its position helps keep the boat's center of gravity low.

Nosotros like the Bass Buggy eighteen DLX's oversized boarding ladder with wide steps and large handrails.

At the stern to starboard of the motor pod is a heavy-duty boarding ladder that appears to be designed for a larger gunkhole. The ladder has 3 rungs, unfolds to drop 38'' from the deck, and leads to a small boarding deck outside of the fencing.

Fishing Features

The aft fishing station combines rod and loving cup holders with an aerated livewell/baitwell inside piece of cake reach of the rear line-fishing seat.

Anglers discover ii aerated livewells aboard the DLX, one on the fishing deck aft and another built into the front of the steering console. Both livewell stations offer rod holders.

We found that the throttle position at the helm of the Bass Buggy 18 DLX is positioned to let the operator to sit or stand when running the 20-footer (vi.one m).

Line-fishing Options

An optional fish package adds a Lowrance X-4 Pro fishfinder and a MotorGuide W55 Wireless Series 12V, 55-lb. thrust trolling motor with remote control. The lesser panel of the Bass Buggy's bow gate is cutting out to accommodate the head and shaft of a bow-mounted trolling motor when it is flipped up onto the deck between deployments. This characteristic allows the gate to remain in identify and secured despite the presence of the optional secured motor.

An L-shaped couch with roto-molded base features deep padding and hides storage lockers.

Creature Comforts

The deck of the Bass Buggy 18 DLX is a hybrid, with 22-ounce marine-grade carpeting underfoot in the cockpit and piece of cake-to-make clean, skid-free vinyl flooring on the fish platform aft. Accessories such as cargo netting on the underside of flip-up seat bases add utility to the storage capacity of this xx' (half dozen.1 m) boat.

A standard 7' (2.thirteen m) Bimini top protects occupants from the elements overhead.

Nosotros appreciate the coverage of the Bimini superlative, as well every bit the options for stowing information technology while fishing, cruising or trailering: folded overhead and secured confronting the aft supports or dropped downward to stow atop the stern railing. Note the amount of deck space to port of the helm in the bird's-middle photograph. We similar the style the contours of the re-designed helm console reverberate those of the helm seat and the lounge seat base, giving the boat a stylish appearance.

In that location are three gates to allow passengers to gain entry to the Bass Buggy xviii DLX, each fitted with dual-locking latches. The aft fishing seat is under the rolled up Bimini.

Layout Features

An overhead view shows but how much space is available to passengers – including elbow room for anglers – aboard this 20 footer. Check out the combo cup-holder/tackle racks on the bow and the vertical rod storage rack adjacent to starboard of the forward line-fishing seats. The aft angler has a deck to his or her own, consummate with livewell and a rod holder.

On the trailer, the xx' (6.1 m) Bass Buggy 18 DLX is easy to tow, maneuver and stow back home. Nosotros'd like to see a folding tongue as an option to make the rig more than family garage-friendly.

On the Road

The trailer for the Bass Buggy is custom built for the boat, with full-length bunks supporting the pontoons and the trailer'south wheels underneath. The trailer structure offers direct support and a wide stance for stable towing. The iii-step entry with handrail on the winch stand up is a welcome standard feature, as are the EZ Lube hubs and the trailer's powder-coat-over-galvanized "Galvashield" stop.

Anybody in the family can participate in the fishing fun while on the Bass Buggy 18 DLX.

Warranty

The post-obit items are part of the Sunday Tracker Warranty --

• Ten-Yr Bow-to-Stern Warranty -- that means manufactory-installed workmanship and materials are covered for ten years from the time of purchase, including electrical components, livewells and plumbing, carpet and vinyl, furniture, Bimini tiptop and much more. Your engine is covered past the Mercury manufacturer'due south warranty.

• Lifetime Limited Structural and Deck Warranty -- provides coverage for pontoon logs, motor pod, other structural elements including deck supports, perimeter fence rails and gates, and more, for the life of the boat.

• Transferability to 2d Owner -- the resale value of your gunkhole tin can exist enhanced by provisions to transfer warranty elements to a second owner. Your Sun Tracker dealer can aid you put applicable elements into effect when you are fix.

• Ane-end Warranty Resolution -- 10+LIFE coverage offers a one-finish solution, eliminating the need to pursue divide warranties with component manufacturers.

• Full Coverage During Warranty Menstruum -- ways there is no pro-rating, or reduction of your coverage over time. So the peace of listen you savour at the outset carries throughout your coverage menstruum.

In addition, Sun Tracker even backs its optional trailers by warranting the Galvashield steel tubing against structural failure due to corrosion for iii years!

Recommendations

Most of us here at BoatTEST.com have children of our ain and capeesh any attempts at addressing the needs of families – especially where boats are concerned. The stability and loftier bulwarks (aka "fences") inherent with most pontoon boat designs make them an excellent option for anyone considering boating with youngsters. Just remember that pontoon boats are designed for use on protected waters.

With features such as pinch-free folding seats, dual-locking latches on the gates, a sturdy, deep-reaching boarding ladder, enough elbow room on deck and plenty of protection from the sun and rain overhead, the Bass Buggy DLX is nigh equally family-friendly -- and affordable -- a boat as nosotros tin can observe. Even without the optional fishing package, the boat can serve every bit a fine fishing platform for occasional fishing.

At the end of the day, the 20' Sun Tracker rig is easy to load, trailer dorsum dwelling and store. You lot can lucifer the boat to the outboard power and toll signal yous wish to striking and get the family unit on the water for what we experience is a very reasonable cost. Our test boat was powered past a xl-hp Mercury ELPT iv-stroke EFI BigFoot which has an MSRP of $sixteen,895.

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Source: https://boattest.com/review/sun-tracker/2637_bass-buggy-18-dlx

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