How much does a Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 weight?

A Pontoon Boat Rigged for Fishing

Tested By Capt. Bob Smith

For 2011 Tracker has added a flip-flop seatback on the midship passenger seat so you can sit forward or backward as you cruise. The builders has also added closed, roto-molded storage under all the bench seats. There’s ample room for eight people, and if your family is serious about fishing, a deep aerated livewell comes standard for 2011. The optional Fish Package adds a bow-mounted trolling motor with wireless remote and a fishfinder.

A Close Look

Although you may think of pontoon boats as primarily vessels for getting around to beaches or lake shore with the family while having a great time or party aboard, Sun Tracker originally built its models specifically for fishing. Pontoon boats certainly make a stable platform that can get into skinny water. And no fishing boat could be more comfortable or safer. You never have to worry about capsizing this boat!

The Bass Buggy 18 has added features like a set-back motor pod for improving useful space aboard. A 42-gallon fuel tank resides in the pod saving more room. The new Bass Buggy is more stable now with 24” diameter multi-chambered logs constructed of .080 marine grade aluminum.

Layout

The Bass Buggy 18 offers three entry points. One up front, one on the side that is extra-wide for wheel chair access and finally one at the back. All have double latched gates that open inward and a safety latch system that required them to be lifted up to swing them open. (That makes them harder for the little ones to get them open fast.)
There are two removable casting seats up front. In the port bow you have an 8-gallon livewell with 500-gallon per hour aerated pump. Over on the starboard side is a storage compartment. The test boat had two tackle organizers held in the starboard box with a bungee cord so the gear would be easily found when needed. Both corners have cup holders.

Deck Features

Resilient roto-molded bench seats occupy the center cockpit seating on the port side. Both the side and back bench cushions are held on the bench with piano hinges on the front lip and have abundant storage below. The center pie-shaped piece between them does not come off.
The helm pod has a covered trash bin in the front with two cup holders for the cockpit riders. Underneath the helm is a cooler that slides into place. I would prefer to see this held in place somehow, although I doubt you will do any racing turns that may dislodge it from its storage area.

Behind the Wheel

The helm has a smoked windshield deflector screwed into place that adds a bass boat look to the rig. A stereo with CD player and flip-up cover is at the left of the wheel. A long, shallow tray is in front of the wheel for coins, glasses and your wallet. You’ll find a 12-volt DC adapter for portable gear and rocker switches to the left of the wheel for controlling navigation lights, aeration system and accessories.

Rigged for Fishing

The stern area is also ready for fishing. You have another removable fishing chair on a pedestal on the port side behind the L-shaped bench seat. In the corner of the bench on the back are additional cup holders for the stern fishing crew. Three rods can be stored upright along the port side. Through the rear entry you have a very nice extra wide flip boarding ladder.

Specs

The Bass Buggy 18 has a deck length of 19’ 7” and a deck width of 8’1”. The pontoon length is 18’4” and this pontoon is approved for carrying up to 8 people or 1315 lbs. This model comes standard with a 20-hp Mercury 4-stroke outboard but can use multiple models up to a 40-hp EFI BigFoot Mercury 4-stroke outboard. Approximate package weight is 1,344 lbs.

If you like the versatility, maneuverability and stability of a pontoon and want to have as much fun with the family as you do fishing, the Bass Buggy 18 from Sun Tracker certainly has the personality and features to fill the bill.

Recommendation

If you have a house or summer cottage on a lake or river and you don't have a boat, you are missing the best part of waterfront living. A pontoon boat is about the least hassle of any boat type we can this of and they are loads of fun. At Sun Tracker's low prices, it's hard to go wrong with one.

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