Bullet Bass Boat???!!!

[Legitbritt]

So my best friend is looking to purchase a 1991 21ft Bullet with a 200hp Merc on it. He has a spending limit of 10 g's, they are asking 9,990. When he spoke with the guy he told him that the boat would run 90mph with a 200 merc!!! Is that even possible? Also, i have heard mixed things about bullet's performance (Stabilization, running in BIG water, comfortability, etc.) Was curious what other fisherman thought about this deal and would love to hear ALL opinons, particluarly from guys who own bullets. Thanks a bunch!!!

[B.Cline]

I own a 2000 21XD Bullet. I have a 225 EFI Merc on it. I run it @ 69-70 mph most of the time and it rides smooth at that speed, when I get it up above that you really have to drive it. I could play with the motor height and probably get some more stability out of it at higher speeds but I bought this boat mainly for the room and the giant deck. They are really light boats and are probably not the best for really BIG water but in normal windy conditions with a pretty good size chop thats when they are at their best! Lots of storage and tons of room, I love mine. Before I bought it, it had a 250 ProXS Merc. on it and the guy that ran it with that motor claims he got it up to 92mph!!

[Nubulletbass]

I own a 99 Bullet 20XDC with a 225 Optimax on the back. I too can go 65-70 mph and the boat rides smooth depending on the weather and water conditions. Definitely, after those speeds you have to drive the boat. As far as BIG water and stability goes I've been out on the Delta on many windy days and made it on and off the water one very windy weekend on Clearlake. The windy weekend on Clearlake was far from a smooth ride but, the boat performed well and I felt in control and safe in it. Overall, I enjoy the boat all of my friends that fish with me in the boat enjoy the ride. With that said I wish the deck was a little bit bigger so I could move around better. I guess I need a 21'er but I purchased the boat used at a good price.

Hopefully this helps you out. I must also add that this is the first bass boat that I've owned so I can't compare it to another. Before I purchased the boat I took it to C & C Marine in Modesto (a great shop) to have it checked out. They said it was good and one of the Reps on the pro staff advised me to let my buddy who has been driving bass boats for awhile drive it first. Then told me to take my time and learn how to drive it. It's a Bullet!!!

[fishwithron2]

Unless that boat had a hopup motor it's going to be hard to do 90+ with a plain 200. I have a 94 dual 20' running a 1998 200EFI with a 25 trophy and hit just over 70 before I ease up. Running a 25 trophy and if I switch props I can proably get more but it's fast enough for me.
I had a 19' nitro and a 18' champ before that. My champ sort of slide on turns ( same 25 prop) but my Bullet has no problems.

[kopper_bass]

Legitbritt,

why would anyone want to go 90MPH in a boat, even if it was possible? Ask anyone who has been thrown from a boat, even at 50-60MPH: it is not fun nor enjoyable. I would think that at 90, you would almost certainly die without proper crash protection (which no bass fisherman wears).

so, with that said, if your buddy is buying the boat because of the speed, than that's the wrong reason from the start and he should not buy it. personally, I don't think the boat really does that speed anyway, so anyone claiming it is likely exaggerating, and more than likely doing the same on other claims about the boat. think about it.........

I have rode and fished from several bullets. they are fast, and my experience with them has been a bit hairy, but handling of a boat in rough water has a lot to do with the driver too. a 21ft boat like that will work in rough water, but there are certainly better options and your buddy would need to practice how to handle it more so than with some other boats.

As for fishability, I think the boat was a bit tipsy with 2 guys in it. the sleek design that makes it fast, also makes it less stable when fishing. the front deck is also generally small, compared to the newer 21ft boats that are on the market today. almost all the boats today have a wider beam than any boat from 1991.

is this boat a great deal? ...... nobody could really tell you without seeing the boat 1st hand and surely taking some test rides. But with that said, I personally think a 1991 boat is a bit old for 10K and there are likely better, newer, options on the "for sale" market right now. Check out the classifieds on this website; there are some deals out there.

good luck,

Kopper_Bass

[fishwithron2]

FYI

I bought my 1994 20.6" Bullet for $4800 with a 150 XR6 ( carb). It neded new carpets and the rest of the hull and seats was in good shape. Previous owner had hummingbird 597 and a color up front. 597 was bought last Feb 2012 the same time he bought 2 new blue top optima as I have the receipt for it which shows almost $1000 total for all 3 items.
Swap out the xr6 relaced it with my 200 efi and also replace it with my fortex from my old boat. I don't fish Clear lake or tourneys so not worry about those 5-6' waves. Just delta and if it's blowing that hard I can go anytime.

[g-man]

Legitbritt,

why would anyone want to go 90MPH in a boat, even if it was possible? Ask anyone who has been thrown from a boat, even at 50-60MPH: it is not fun nor enjoyable. I would think that at 90, you would almost certainly die without proper crash protection (which no bass fisherman wears)
Kopper_Bass

Amen to that, It can get scary at 50mph with bad conditions...