Call it trickle-down fishing economics.

For years, boat manufacturers have used the highly pressurized environment of tournament angling to test and develop new technologies. These advances have appeared on their top-of-the-line models — those big, fast and luxurious boats that are a dream to fish from and look great on the showroom floor, but remain out of the reach of most anglers because of the sticker shock they induce.

However, that's changing. All those new designs and high-tech gadgetry we've been seeing in top-of-the-line models over the past few years is trickling down throughout almost every manufacturer's line up, resulting in a host of boats that offer unusual value for a relatively low price.

You can find these models in pretty much every segment. Sure, there are still models out there that will leave you shaking your head when you see the manufacturer's suggested retail price, particularly in the fiberglass bass and multi-species segments where luxury has become a given. But the increased competition in these segment has forced manufacturers to build better boats while still keeping an eye on the sticker price, and features that were once found only on top-of-the-line models are now included even in smaller, "entry-level" boats.

You can also see this trend in aluminum boats, where manufacturers are offering a wide range of boats that not only fish better, but also look and feel better, with bright, painted hulls, plush seats, high-tech consoles and expansive fishing decks.

In the following story, we'll show you some of the better values on the market in the various segments in 1998, with key features and specs to help you find the right boat for your needs, in a price range that won't bust your budget.

Fiberglass Bass Boats

Fisher FX18

Length: 18'6"
Beam: 7"9-1/4"
Max. HP: 175

The fast and stable FX 18 was added to Fisher's popular FX series of tournament fiberglass bass boats to provide a tournament quality boat in a more convenient length. However, Fisher made sure to include everything a tournament angler needs, including a divided, aerated livewell with recirculating system, folding tempress fishing seats and hydraulic fishing pedestals. There are convenience lights in the stowage boxes, livewell and stern rigging compartment, and the deck lids are all-welded aluminum. There's even a built-in cooler. Available in single or dual console layouts, the FX 18 is rated for up to a 175 horsepower engine. Standard equipment includes an FX6000 trolling motor by MotorGuide, and a Lowrance 1240A flasher mounted on the custom dash. The dash also includes speedometer, tachometer, volt meter, fuel gauge, trim gauge and water pressure gauge.

Hydra-Sports Z270

Length: 17'5"
Beam: 6'11"
Max HP: 150

For 1998, Hydra-Sports has redesigned and renamed one of its most popular boats of all time. The new Z270 combines the two qualities that made the X270 one of Hydra-Sports most popular models — performance and value. Offering plenty of fishing and stowage room, the Z270 still comes in a convenient and manageable size. Its hand-laid fiberglass hull also offers a rare combination of speed and comfort. Standard features include OMC trolling motor with foot control, 6-gauge trolling motor wiring, two pro-style pedestal seats, deluxe carpet, bilge pump, aerated livewell, dual steering, fire extinguisher, windshield, aluminum deck lids, Lowrance depthfinder and matching drive-on trailer.

Javelin 389B

Length: 18'9"
Beam:7'5"
Max HP:175

The 389B has been Javelin's most popular tournament boat for a reason. It offers everything you'd expect from a top-of-the-line tournament bass boat, including a roomy interior with more dry stowage than you'd expect to find on a boat this size. It also features a record-setting hull design, with all-composite construction that is both lightweight and extremely durable. Other features include ergonomic console with racing style gauges and Soft Touch switch panels, quick-change tackle trays, OMC 24-volt Silent Start trolling motor with foot control, Lowrance 1240 in-dash depthfinder, twin rod lockers and pro livewell system..

Ranger R91/R93

Length: 19'8"
Beam: 7'6"
Max HP:200

The newest additions to Ranger's popular Sport series, the single console R91 and dual console R93 offer tournament-quality features, roominess and stability at a price that is less than you'd imagine. Both can be factory-rigged with a wide variety of V-6 outboards. The hand-laid fiberglass hulls feature Ranger's patented rot-proof fiberglass transom and stringers. Other features include Seastar Pro fluid steering, oversized rod lockers with extra wide lockable lid openings and gas shocks, plenty of storage, 47-gallon fuel capacity, custom-designed seats and aerated livewell with removable divider, filter screens and auto and manual timer. Both models are also rigged with Lowrance electronics, a competition gauge package, MotorGuide trolling motor and Ranger Trail custom trailer with brakes.

Astro 162 Fish

Length: 16'2"
Beam: 6'10""
Max HP: 90

Astro designed the new 162 Fish to provide the comfort and performance of a tournament bass boat at a price you'd expect to find on an entry-level boat. Built with a rugged, hand-laid AME resin hull, the 162 Fish features a wide beam for added stability and comfort. Other features include MotorGuide trolling motor, Quicksilver instrumentation, Humminbird fishfinder, aerated livewells, standard tilt and trim and anti-feedback steering.

Procraft 16 Bass

Length: 16'2"
Beam: 6'10""
Max HP: 90

Procraft redesigned the 16 Bass for 1998, giving it a wider beam to improve its stability and allow for a roomier deck. That has made one of the better values in the Procraft line even better. Despite its entry-level tag, the 16 Bass is loaded with features, including MotorGuide trolling motor, built-in Humminbird fishfinder, aerated livewells and power tilt and trim.

Skeeter ZX176c

Length: 17'6"
Beam:: 150
The new Skeeter ZX176c has all the amenities of Skeeter's larger ZX models, just in a smaller package. At 17 feet 6 inches long and with a beam of 84 inches, the ZX176c still offers plenty of room for fishing. Both forward and aft casting decks can accommodate more than one angler, and there's loads of stowage on board, as well as two retractable rod holders. A fold-down seat between the contoured driver and passenger seats offer additional passenger space and provide easy access to both casting decks. Standard equipment includes full instrumentation, an adjustable fishing chair, a Skeeter Z41 trolling motor (made by MotorGuide) and Lowrance 1240A fishfinder.

Champion 187 Elite

Length:18'7"
Beam:7'5"
Max HP:175
On the water, the Champion 187 Elite seems like a much bigger boat. With its large rear deck, tons of stowage and ample casting room, it makes most other boats in its class seem small. It also comes with all the bells and whistles you'd expect to find on a top-of-the-line model, including a high-tech hull design with a flatter pad that cuts through chop and provides excellent lift, carbon fiber panels on the all switch plates, high-tech instrumentation, ergonomic steering wheel with a plush contoured seat, Sea Star hydraulic steering. Standard equipment includes MotorGuide 756 trolling motor, Lowrance X45 and 1240A, an interior light package and hydraulic lid supports.

Fiberglass Multi-Species

Tracker Targa 1900Z

Length:18'4"
Beam:7'9-3/4"
Max. HP:200
Designed to handle the biggest water with comfort and style, the Targa 1900 features a deep-V hull built with Unimax construction that bonds the hull, deck and liner together for added strength. The Targa also includes the latest in creature comforts, including dual consoles featuring helm and buddy seats with shock reducers, a custom dash, extra wide gunwales for easy mounting of rod holders and other accessories and two folding tempress fishing seats. Rated to handle up to 200 horsepower, the Targa 1900 boasts a 40-gallon main fuel tank with 8-gallon auxiliary tank, loads of carpeted storage, dual livewells with aerators and freshwater recirculators and an aerated baitwell.

Fisher FX 18 Deep V

Length: 18'6"
Beam: 8'1"
Max HP: 175
The first thing you notice about Fisher's new FX 18 is its width. With a 95-inch beam, the FX 18 is one of the most stable deep-V big water boats ever built. But Fisher had more than just stability on its mind when it designed the FX 18. It also features a special built-in transom setback for better performance, as well a host of creature comforts, including a comfortable dual console design with either dual windscreens or a tempered-glass walk-through windshield, loads of storage, a rod box designed to accommodate rods up to eight feet in length., dual aerated, recirculating livewells, aerated baitwell and a 40-gallon fuel tank with eight gallon auxiliary tank. Standard equipment includes Lowrance 1240A flasher and MotorGuide FX1000 trolling motor.

Hydra-Sports 171

Length: 17'7"
Beam: 7'
Max HP: 150
The Hydra-Sports 171 offers the smooth dry ride you'd expect to find on a high-sided deep-V boat, without sacrificing interior room or presentation options. It features large livewell and aerated baitwell, plenty of stowage, two large casting decks and a comfortable driver's console with full instrumentation. Standard features include a 30-gallon fuel tank, 12/24 OMC Silent Start trolling motor, deluxe instrument panel, two pedestal fishing seats, deluxe carpet, dual steering, windshield, and Lowrance in-dash flasher.

Javelin 320A

Length:19'
Beam: 7'7"
Max HP: NA
The versatile 320 A from Javelin features a wide 91-inch beam and fully-loaded interior which includes an expansive front casting deck, a variety of seating arrangements, oversized livewell and big aerated baitwell. It also features a record-breaking hull for great top end and a smooth ride even in rough water. Standard equipment includes Lowrance graph, OMC 24-volt Silent Start foot-control trolling motor and custom driver's console with gauge package.

Skeeter SC1775

Length:17'8"
Beam:7'4"
Max HP:150
The Skeeter SC1775 was built with the roughest water in mind. It features a beamy, deep-V hull, with rugged fiberglass composite construction. Standard equipment includes three movable fishing chairs with two power and two adjustable pedestals, full instrumentation, fore and aft aerated livewells, bow baitwell, dual rod lockers and bow tackle management system.

Aluminum Bass Boats

Ranger 118 Cherokee
Length: 17'8"
Beam: 6'5""
Max HP: 90
The 118 Cherokee is a new semi-V, wide bottom aluminum boat from Ranger that offers a surprisingly dry and comfortable ride, thanks to a crowned sheer line that provides extra inside depth. It features a built-in 17-gallon fuel tank, aerated livewells on the front and aft decks, dual rod lockers and roomy storage compartments. Standard equipment includes MotorGuide trolling motor, fiberglass console with full instrumentation and Lowrance electronics.

Crestliner 1750 Tournament Pro

Length: 17'3"
Beam: 7'4"
Max HP:140
The Crestliner 1750 Tournament Pro was designed to offer not only the smooth ride and rough water comfort of a big bass boat, but also the handling and convenience of a smaller boat, thanks to its versatile V-hull design. It features roomy casting decks fore and aft, deluxe consoles, built-in rod holders and plenty of stowage. The trolling motor panel in the bow has a handy courtesy light. It's dual livewells come with Crestliner's patented ICU (Intensive Care Unit) livewell system and auto timer that automatically mixes and aerates the water every few minutes, keeping fish alive longer.

Tracker Pro Team 185

Length:18'2"
Beam:6'6"
Max HP:N/A
The new Pro Team 185 features Tracker's new Revolution hull, which uses multiple deadrise angles to improve bow lift and reduce drag. The hull also features a built-in transom setback for improved performance and reverse chines for better handling and a drier ride. The spacious interior boasts front and rear elevated casting decks, dry stowage that's truly dry, a lockable rod box, divided aerated livewell and a newly designed console featuring burl wood accent and adjustable captain's seat. Standard equipment includes WhisperGuide Power Plus trolling motor and Humminbird 128 LCR fishfinder.

Princecraft Super Pro 179

Length: 17'5"
Beam:7'4"
Max HP: 150
The new Super Pro 179 DLX offers a unique blend of bass boat stability and bass boat performance, thanks to Princecraft's beamy Ultra Vee Pro Hull, which uses a wide, deep-V design to allow anglers better performance in rough water. Inside, the Super Pro 179 DLX offers all the appointments you'd expect to find on a tournament bass boat, including large bow and stern casting decks, pedestal fishing seats, dual seven-foot rod lockers and Princecraft's exclusive ProFlo aerated livewell system, which features separate electric fill and recirculating pumps and a remote-control through-hull drain system. Three side-by-side seats provide a comfortable ride underway, and fold down for easy access to the rear casting deck.

Grumman 18' Outlaw

Length: 17'11"
Beam: 6'5"
Max HP: 115
Grumman claims the 18-foot Outlaw is the largest modified V-hull bass boat ever built, and it certainly offers plenty of room and seating inside. The forward and aft casting decks each are fitted with 11.4- gallon aerated livewells and pedestal seats, and the single console design includes a bench seat and a custom dash with full instrumentation.

Lowe L1600 Bass Striker

Length: 16'2"
Beam: 6'10"
Max HP: 70
The L1600 is the latest addition to Lowe's successful Bass Striker line and features Lowe's V-Tech hull with reverse chines for s surprisingly smooth ride and amazing control in rough conditions. The L1600 also boasts an efficient fishing layout, five-person capacity and a load capacity of 950 pounds. Standard features include stern and bow casting decks with pedestal seats and 11.4 gallon aerated livewells, lockable rod stowage and eight separate stowage compartments, include dry stowage under the driver and passenger seats.

Skeeter SS17

Length: 17
Beam: 5'9"
Max HP: 75hp
The mid-range SS17 comes with composite floors and decks, single cable rack and pinion steering and a custom cockpit with full instrumentation. Other features include a fishing chair with 13-inch fixed-height extension, dual livewells, Lowrance X-25B fish finder and MotorGuide 743 trollng motor.

Aluminum Multi-Species Lund Mr. Pike Anniversary Edition

Length: 16'3"
Beam: 6'11"
Max HP: 90
Lund celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the introduction of the classic Mr. Pike with an anniversary edition that is reminiscent of the original, but with all the most modern features, including dual Pro-Long livewells, aft baitwell, a conveniently located rod ramp, ProRide seats and AirRide pedestals seats, Lund's unique soft-touch console with AM/FM stereo and tilt steering. The Mr. Pike 16 Anniversary edition is available in special anniversary colors and styling, including raspberry/ivory, gold/black and jewel green.

Crestliner 1650 Fish Hawk

Length:16'
Beam:7'1"
Max HP:115
Although Crestliner has targeted first-time buyers, the 1650 Fish Hawk boasts an amazing number of features for an entry-level boat. It runs on Crestliner's Tru-V, all-welded UniWeld hull which includes a 20 year warranty against failure of external hull welds. It also boasts a 18-gallon fuel tank, a 27-gallon livewell, 12-volt power outlet, baitwell, battery stowage, easy-access rod locker, plenty of stowage space and extra casting space. Its 85-inch beam also provides an extremely stable fishing platform.

Ranger Cherokee 236

Length: 16'0"
Beam: 6'10"
Max HP:90
The Cherokee 236, which comes with either a single console or a dual console with walk-through windshield, has a big feel for a 16-footer, thanks to its welded-aluminum V-hull and spacious interior. It features a 23-gallon fuel tank, key instrumentation, including an in-dash Lowrance sonar, and plenty of stowage space, including a roomy 7 1/2-foot rod locker. The front deck, side rod stowage and rear deck are all at the same level, providing a flush walk-around surface. It also features an aerated livewell in front and aerated baitwell in the rear.

Sylvan 2000 Eliminator

Length: 20'
Beam: 7'11"
Max HP: NA
Sylvan's new 2000 Eliminator features rugged exterior with all the amenities you'll need, including port and starboard locking rod boxes, built-in tackle trays in both the driver and passenger consoles, front and rear casting platforms with Roto-cast livewells, one fixed seat with slider, two moveable seats and five in-floor seat base locations. It also includes an in-floor stowage compartment, port console stowage area, a 40-gallon built-in fuel tank and a convertible top for inclement weather.

Princecraft Pro Series 142 SC

Length: 14'6"
Beam: 6'1"
Max HP:40
Princecraft has packed a lot of boat into the convenient and versatile Pro Series 142 SC. The hull, which has a reverse chine and extruded keel, is made of H-36 marine grade aluminum and finished with a two-tone high gloss acrythane, which eliminates the need for maintenance. The boat features a deluxe molded dash, a raised casting deck in the bow with folding pedestal seat that can be moved the back of the boat or next to the console, a 16-gallon livewell in the side and ample stowage space, including a 7-foot lockable rod box and rod holders.

Grumman 17 Super Pro Deluxe

Length: 17'6"
Beam: 7'1"
Max HP:120
The Grumman 17 Super Pro Deluxe features pedestal seats on its raised front and back decks. The front deck has a livewell and stowage compartment. The side console offers a windshield, molded instrument panel (with speedometer, tach and trim gauge), plus an AM/FM cassette stereo. The package also includes a 12-volt trolling motor, Lowrance fish locator and marine carpeting.

Lowe Roughneck 19TC

Length: 19'
Beam: 7'10"
Max HP: 175
The Roughneck 19TC features a variable deadrise hull with reverse chines, giving it a smooth, dry ride even in rough chop. It all features an uncluttered layout, with seating for four in the cockpit on four moveable fishing seats, and casting decks fore and aft. There's a trophy-size aerated livewell in front and a baitwell in the stern with removable baitkeeper.

Sea Nymph Angler 140BT

Length: 14'0"
Beam: 5'7"
Max HP:30
The new Angler 140BT is a boat, new tackle box and a fishing lesson all in one. Economical and functional, the Angler 140BT is the latest model in Sea Nymph's Dan Gapen Sr. Signature series, and it comes with a large selection of Gapen's own lures and several of his books. Featuring a rugged aluminum hull and a standard tiller packer, the 140BT has a bow casting deck with a large 11-gallon aerated livewell, plenty of stowage, including a large lockable rod box and starboard stowage area, and two pedestal seats.

Skeeter 1650

Length: 16'5"
Beam: 7'
Max HP:90
The new Skeeter 1650, which is available in either side console or tiller designs, offers smooth rough water performance without sacrificing stability. It features a composite, no-wood floor, full instrumentation, Lowrance 1240A fishfinder, dual aerated livewells, four interior lights and four fishing chairs with adjustable pedestals.

Generation III SV165

Length: 16'5"
Beam:7'
Max HP90
The SV165 uses Generation III's tough Tech hull that features extra wide gunwales for added strength and a deeper bow depth and wider beam to handle extremely rough water. It features a composite floor with marine grade carpeting, dual aerated livewells with timers, loads of stowage, dual fold-down fishing seats, MotorGuide foot-controlled trolling motor with bow and stern power points, and standard X-25B Lowrance depthfinder.

Outboard Motors

Let's go back a couple of years when nearly everyone involved with boating was wringing their hands over the EPA's stricter emissions standards for outboard motors. Boat builders weren worried that costs would skyrocket and consumers figured they'd be stuck with expensive engines that didn't produce the power or performance they were used to.

But flash forward to today and look at the choices there are in the market. Who would have thought back then that those tighter standards would lead to the variety of engine options we have today? From direct fuel injection to sophisticated EFI systems and a surprising array of four-stroke power options, the outboard manufacturers have certainly risen to the occasion.

And while these new technologies have upped the cost of outboard engines somewhat, they've also made operating our fishing boats more economical, saving significantly on the amount of fuel and oil our engines consume. And, yes, they've also reduced the amount of emissions that enter the air and water, which was the point after all, contributing to cleaner waterways and fishing spots, which is something we can all applaud.

Variety is probably the best way to describe the different outboard offerings in 1998, with each manufacturer expanding the number of clean choices available to consumers. Honda has again expanded its four-stroke line up, and has even broken the 100 horsepower barrier, something no one thought practical a few years back. Mercury has expanded the number of DFI models in its showroom, as well as offering more four-stroke models. OMC has done the same, increasing the number of outboards using the highly-praised Ficht fuel injection to three models. Suzuki, long a leader in EFI technology, has also combined the efficiency of its EFI systems with four-stroke technology, and Yamaha continues to increase its mix of four-stroke and fuel injection technologies, including the new Ox66 Electronic Fuel Injection system, the only marine system that monitors the O2 content in the exhaust, much the same way sophisticated automotive systems do.

All that in just the second year the new stricter EPA regulations have been in effect. Who would have thought?

Honda

Honda continues to push the envelope of four-stroke performance. This fall, Honda introduced the most powerful four-stroke outboard ever built, an in-line four cylinder that produces a whopping 130hp while meeting EPA standards — for the year 2006. Like past Honda four-strokes, the 130-horsepower model uses Honda automotive components. It also features multi-port Programmed Fuel Injection and twin balancer shafts to reduce vibration. The flywheel is also mounted on the bottom of the engine for better balance and stability. A 115-horsepower model is also expected to be announced this year.

Mercury Marine

Mercury Marine had a busy off-season. They not only added seven new low emissions engines for 1998, they also strengthened the warranty backing to on the OptiMax direct injection outboards and cut retail prices for its entire lineup by an average of 25 percent.

Three new direct injection models joined last year's 200-horsepower DFI model. The 135-, 150- and 225-horsepower Mercury and Mariner engines all use Mercury's OptiMax direct injection, which was developed in conjunction with Orbital Engine Corporation. Mercury claims its OptiMax engines, which have a precisely metered mix of fuel and air injected directly into the cylinder head, burn 40 to 45 percent less fuel than similar carbureted engines and exceed EPA emissions standards for the year 2006. Mercury is so confident in the durability of its new OptiMax engines, it extended the warranty to three years.

Mercury also increased the number of four-stroke outboards in its line up, with two new 15-horsepower models, and newly designed 25- and 50-horsepower four-stroke Bigfoot models. The new 15 four-stroke, a twin cylinder with a two-valve overhead cam., features a vibration isolation system that minimizes the amount of force transferred to the tiller handle and boat transom. The other 15-horsepower four-stroke is a Bigfoot model that features a larger, heavy-duty gearcase and will be available as mid-model year release. Like the 15-horsepower Bigfoot, the other Bigfoot models feature larger, heavy-duty gearcases and higher gear ratios, features needed in heavy applications.

Outboard Marine

OMC was also in an expansion mode, adding three new models with the Ficht direct fuel injection system, as well as two new four-stroke models.

After a successful debut of the Ficht Fuel Injection System on the 150-horsepower, V-6 Evinrude Intruder and Johnson FastStrike engines, OMC will offer it on three new models, the 175-horsepower, V-6s and 90- and 115-horsepower V-4s. OMC claims its Ficht models average 35 percent better fuel economy, use 50 percent less oil and reduce hydrocarbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional carbureted engines. Other side benefits include quicker starts, better low end and overall smoother and quieter operation.

The Ficht Fuel Injection system uses high-pressure fuel injectors, positioned directly over each cylinder, which fill the combustion chamber with atomized fuel after the exhaust port has closed.

In addition to the Ficht models, OMC also introduced two new four-stroke models — a 70- and 6-horsepower model — and redesigned a third, their 15-horsepower version. The 70-horsepower four-stroke features OMC's SystemCheck and S.L.O.W. (Speed Limiting Overheat Warning) systems, turn-key starting, a tuned induction system and fuel injection. Both the 6-horsepower model and the redesigned 15-horsepower feature throttle-activated accelerator pumps instead of manifold vacuum system for better fuel economy and throttle response.

Suzuki

Suzuki, a leader in EFI technology, has combined its EFI expertise with four-stroke technology on two models. The 60- and 70-horsepower DF60 and DF70 four-strokes both use Suzuki's sequential multi-point digital electronic fuel injection to provide a precise fuel and air mix to each cylinder. The result is pretty amazing fuel economy. Suzuki claims these two engines provide up to 75 percent better fuel economy than than comparable two-stroke outboards, and 30 percent less than carbureted four-strokes.

Yamaha

Not all engine news has been about cleaner exhaust and better fuel economy. Yamaha introduced three new V Max models, including a 225-horsepower, 3.1 liter V-6 that is claims is the most powerful bass boat engine available today. The other new engines are a 200hp V-6 and a new 40-horsepower V Max triple. The V-6 models feature Yamaha's new Ox66 Advanced Fuel Injection system, which is the first marine fuel injection system to monitor the oxygen content in the exhaust. This allows the system to better adjust the fuel output. The result is better performance and fuel economy.

Yamaha also added 15- and 25-horsepower four-stroke models to expanding four-stroke lineup.