I think I have settled on one of the center console bay versions from these companies. Has anyone had both brands or knowledge of the brands quality, finish, durability etc? They seem to be very similar boats. There is some hull thickness I believe but nothing major. I will be buying used so I may not get much of a choice but wondering if I should be searching for one brand over the other.
https://excelboats.com/baypro.html
https://xpressboats.com/bay/
Always a good idea to make sure you have a good dealer for the brand within a reasonable drive of your home.
John Walker - Matthews NC
2021 Ranger RT198P - Mercury 150 4S
VesselView Link - Enertia Eco
MotorGuide Tour Pro - Epoch Lithiums
Lowrance Carbons - Active Target 2
I don’t own either but I do have some minimal input for you.
I was super close to buying a BayPro 183 a few years back (2019) when a NOS 203 came up for sale at a dealership in Kentucky close to where I was working. I stopped to look at it one day on the way home and spent a couple hours crawling around it.
The thing was solidly built and the fit/finish was top notch. They wanted to make a good deal on it but the color didn’t blow my skirt up and in reality the 203 was more boat than I wanted/need.
There were three things that kept me from buying the 183 in the end; 1, the dealer with the 203 wouldn’t negotiate on the price of an ordered 183, 2, the only other dealer within an 8 hour drive did not make me feel comfortable, 3, the size of the front deck on the 183 is considerably smaller than the deck of the Vexus 1880 I eventually bought.
I know a father and son who are die hard Ranger glass boat fans but they both own and rave about the Xpress boats they own.
Thank you for the information. No dealer close is somewhat of an issue for me but since I will be buying used I am not as concerned with that. I have only seen the xpress in person once and have not seen an excel at all. Doesn't sound like I will be disappointed in either one from a quality and finish standpoint.Originally Posted by BigEasy
I owned a 98 Xpress h-56 with a 135 mariner on it & got rid of it because of drifting around in the wind. That's the one & only reason i got rid of it. The fellow i traded with still ownes it & moved the batteries to the front & swears it doesn't do it now & says it's the best boat he ever owned. I will agree it was a very good rig & if i'd had a different trolling motor on it like we have now i'd probably still own it. Guys tell me the newer trolling motors make a huge difference nowadays. I do miss it still at times. If i buy another aluminum rig which i'm considering now Xpress will be the first one i check out that i know for sure.
If you're choosing between Excel and Xpress center console bay boats, it’s important to check the specific details of each boat's construction and previous usage. Given that you’ll be buying used, focus on the condition of the hull and any signs of wear or repairs. Both brands are generally known for their quality, but specific models and years can vary. Look at the maintenance records and inspect the boat thoroughly, ideally with the help of a marine surveyor.
To assist you in making an informed decision, you might want to explore more about used boats and their conditions. The website Nerd Used offers valuable insights into evaluating used equipment, which could be helpful when assessing the boats. They provide tips on what to look for and how to ensure you're getting a good deal. For further guidance, check out their site where you can find a section on buying used equipment, including an easy guide titled INSTALL YOUR SOFTWARE IN 3 EASY STEPS. This might give you additional tools to make a well-informed choice.
Last edited by dneals; 09-13-2024 at 09:01 AM.
2021 Tracker 190 TE W/ Mercury 115 Pro XS
I have an Excel 230 Elite that I use only for freshwater fishing. I looked hard at both brands. I use mine for tournament bass fishing, and its set up pretty much like any high end bass boat. I don't give up anything but speed in regards to bass fisjing. It floats in 10 inches of water, moves around easily on the troller, and has a ton of fishing space. I actually prefer the layout to a dual console bass boat.
The Excel seemed a bit heavier in build. The Express had more bow lift, and was a bit faster, but didn't feel as heavily built, which of course is just my loose assessment. I really love my Excel and it's versatility. Tournament one weekend, then grandkids piled in to crappie fish the next. That's why I bought it.
Reply With Quote