Vexus VX20 Before You Buy a Bass Boat Watch This - Video 15

Before You Buy a Bass Boat Watch This is is me reviewing the Vexus VX20 bass boat, this is Video 15 in this series, or the 2020-21 Great Bass Boat Search series of videos (see playlist on my channel). I walk you through me spending the day in a bunch of different boat brands and models through the fall of 2020 looking for my next boat. If you didn't see the first 12 videos you can go back and watch them first, (reviewed Bass Cat Puma Hybrid the boat with the Champion 203 style hull, a Charger 210 Elite, a Ranger 521C & 520L and a Caymas CX21 and a Bullet 21 SDC).
In video 3 I will score the boat 1-20 in 5 different categories, Fishability, Performance, Amenities, Fit & Finish and then a 5th catch all that includes feedback from friends that own them, trailer, options, feedback from fiberglass shops in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas asking them what they see as the best 3 boats, based upon construction, currently being built (since they see how we beat them up). And then we ask them which they see the most non-impact damage to the hulls with (least well built). Then for tournament anglers we include a 6th 20 point category looking to see who has the best contingency prize package available. Next up is a Phoenix!
#VexusVX20 #beforeyoubuyabassboatwatchthis #greatbassboatsearch2020
My Instagram page / kensmithfishing2.0
Links from today's videos
TH Marine Troll Tamer Locking System bit.ly/3c2i6MC
Plano Sportsman Trunk amzn.to/3hEXrPQ
Tackleweb Storage System bit.ly/33LN480
Weego 2500 Peak Amps Jump Box amzn.to/3hxYp08
Tournament Saver Pro bit.ly/33uu2CU
Waterland Optics (remember code Ken10 gets you a 10% discount) bit.ly/2AqabKo
All 6th Sense Fishing Product at www.6thsensefishing.com are 10% off with code Ken10
For electronics help reach out to Jones Trolling Motor & Electronics at 870 773 3474 or bit.ly/3gCyuog and please let them know you found them through Ken Smith Fishing
In addition to this boat i plan to spend the day in a more traditional Bass Cat go fast boat, a Nitro, couple Skeeters, Triton, Falcon, several Phoenix models, a Vexus (if we can find one) a Blazer, a Ballistic, Pro Gator and anything else that my viewers suggest that I can find to try.
See also Shopping for a New Bass boat, Bass boat shopping, Shopping for a new bass boat 2020, which bass boat is right for me, what to know before you buy a bass boat, thinking about buying a new bass boat, buying your first bass boat, buying a new bass boat, best bass boat for the money, what to look for in a bass boat, bass boat walk through, what to look for in a new bass boat, bass boat comparisons, bass boat champion, Ranger walk through, buying a new bass boat tips and tricks, consumer digest bass boat, best value bass boat, best bass boat 2020, best bass boat 2021, top 5 bass boats.
My camera gear
My camera, mount and wind mic for dash footage:
GoPro Black 5 has best set up for external mic amzn.to/3m2DHsL
Rode External Microphone amzn.to/33h8zgK
Waybetter Case amzn.to/2Ziy6VB
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GoPro Gooseneck amzn.to/3jWlQlm
GoPro 3.5 Mic Adapter amzn.to/3idp6bI
Remote power for camera, phone charge or to jump the boat Weego! amzn.to/3ihrCO4
For Transom Mount shots
YOLOtek PowerStick bit.ly/3be8E7K
GoPro Hero 8 Black bit.ly/2uiRPYR .
Guys from lots of trial and error, across my 5 cameras the best disk (and recommended by GoPro for the 7 and 8 series) is the Extreme Pro, buy a 64 or 128 gb here amzn.to/3ieXsuZ cheap!
Many of you have expressed an interest in supporting Ken Smith Fishing, when you purchase from my partners 6th Sense Fishing using my discount code Ken10, or Tackle Warehouse using one of the links below you are 100% supporting Ken Smith Fishing and your patronage is very much appreciated.
6th Sense Fishing Products 6thsensefishin... 10% discount code KEN10
If you’re just going shopping at Tackle Warehouse using this link supports Ken Smith Fishing more than you can know bit.ly/2S4dFY6
For some of the same gear I use at a discount check out these sites and discount codes:
The best rods and reels in the marketplace today Lew’s Rods bit.ly/37HLJQf
Lew’s Reels bit.ly/36FJpb2
Best Fluorocarbon and Braided line available at bit.ly/38QpBDm
Gary Yamamoto Custom baits bit.ly/36Ixl98
The BEAST the new Mercury V8 4 Stroke 250 Pro XS bit.ly/2tvlhdR
Still looking for Bigfoot, dude hollar at me at my email address is [e-mail]
Make sure and check out my website as well, www.KenSmithFishing.com
Mercury Fury 3 blade 24 pitch…fastest on my boat amzn.to/3bEVrp9
Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links I’ll receive a small commission.

[@waylonlevins]

Wow, I think you’re doing such an excellent job with these boat review videos. There’s really nothing else like them on KZbin. Most “boat review” videos are basically loyalist fanboys, marine dealers with a vested interest in sales or company sponsored pros. They all say this is the greatest boat ever. I’m I appreciate your objectivity and honesty. Congratulations on 10,000 subscribers. It won’t take nearly as long to get to 20,000.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Waylon, I had the same experience looking on line which is why I started this little journey

[@waylonlevins]

@@KenSmithFishing Yes sir, and thank you for what you’re doing. I also appreciate how in-depth you go with these reviews. I’ll buy you a hunk of cheap pizza at Colemans next time we meet. The tacos next-door are amazing by the way.

[@xyzman001]

I like these technical unbiased detailed reviews. Thank you!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks!

[@jackstein5486]

Thanks again Ken for all the time, effort, and information that you are providing!

[@robertdouglas9345]

I appreciate the work and effort you have put into these videos!

[@robertthornton5458]

Wow, I think you’re doing such an excellent job with these boat review videos.

[@mikeharris130]

I have seen these at several boat shows, but never have been on the water in one. The build quality is great and Vexus was able to start with a clean sheet of paper taking years of knowledge and experience to get there. I am a BassCat guy and used to it. Due to the cost difference, I doubt I would ever purchase a Vexus. I can buy a Puma/Cougar for mid to high $60,000 equipped for me. If I ever won the lottery, maybe a Vexus. I do agree on the location of the letters below the rub rail. I would have those torn off in 6 months.

[@JuanDoe1776]

Great video. I like vexus. I wonder if Vexus is going to factor and consider the points you guys made and make changes on the new Vexus models?

[@whoneycu]

Ken - You pointed at his sandwich holder with you foot.. and put your shoe on his console. Glad Willie is a nice guy. 😁

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yeah good point...

[@r.guardia9107]

Did you make it to Toledo Bend? Also, I took a ride in a Bass Cat at the Bassmaster Classic in 2018. Can’t remember which model, but it had a 300 Verado. It was a rough riding boat!

[@mickey17y]

Really looking forward the episode 3. Any idea when you'll be doing it?

[@BSmith-qt7ev]

Is there a part 3 coming down the pipe? Love the content....legit info and super informative!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Absolutely, just got get over to Toledo and take a rough boat ride.

[@ronwallace7563]

More great information. I can't wait until the scoring on this one! Thanks for posting sir.

[@dustinsmartfishing]

I wish they would publish their weight… it would be interesting to see if they are actually saving that much with the aluminum hull.

[@KenSmithFishing]

and I don't understand why they don't, so much less info on tin boats than glass ones on boat manufacturers sites

[@markbabcock6708]

Looking forward to the FXR review

[@jwar2163]

My Skeeter Has my running light located in a compartment in the back deck cockpit area. I wish my nav lights were integrated I forget to put the light pole up at times and it makes it into the most inconveniente compartment. Nice boat review. Too Bad it is not a multi species best of all worlds in my opinion.

[@scrimmy8857]

That shelf is amazing for keeping your top water rod or rods with treble hook baits so they don’t get snarled to shit with everything else so u can open up fast grab it for schooling fish or whatever

[@adamportner8102]

I don't know why they kind of really miss informed you about the raised rod storage in the left rod box or shelf as you called it.. It has nothing to do with the inside of the rod box. It has to do with their unique system to store the non-boaters rods. I hate how my partners rods seem to always be falling all over the place, so their new take on storing the other guys rods is very appealing to me. Did you take notice of that?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Adam I didn't, I'm trying to picture what you are talking about

[@adamportner8102]

@@KenSmithFishing the non-boaters rods go in tip 1st so the rods are not exposed. Just the reel and handle are. They go into rod tubes.

[@theduffster2581]

I’m condsidering buying a vexus as well hurry up and get that part 3 👍🏻

[@lwilliams55]

I like what you are doing with this. Looking forward to a Nitro review since there are so many out there....

[@alanaho4915]

Awesome review and honest opinion. Come on Part 3!

[@bobbysloneakathefishwhispe1300]

Awesome information thanks Ken

[@rkmrbig]

Nice video. Can't wait until part 3. Thanks

[@jaydoman7540]

Great critique Ken. I’m not going to replace my 2005 TR-196, it’s my last boat, BUT your quest is & should be very

[@jaydoman7540]

Interesting to anyone that is into bass fishing! Sorry about the “fat finger” early send!😂🇺🇸

[@dansherwood1043]

I just sold my 05 TR196 and I'm on the hunt for a 08-11 Triton 21. The price on these new boats is absolutely ridiculous! My next one is my last one and probably an 09 21x3.

[@dansherwood1043]

Ended up being a 2010 Triton TR21 hp. Quality appears to be below the 04/05 I had.

[@Basscater81]

Saw one out on Fork the other day. Thought it was a deep V walleye boat.

[@virgilhaverstick6336]

On the wall behind you are baits with green labels, are they 'Old Favorites?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Various Yamamoto stuff!

[@williamriley2528]

"That's why I ONLY drove that boat at 76 mph" OMG... How many of us can say that... LOL...! Yes, Ken, most of what Vexus sells nationwide are the $30K Aluminum AVX 1780 & $35K AVX1880 packages. The VX Models are the big Glass Tour Tournament Boats.

[@robertlane370]

My Triton runs 81 mph loaded 250xs with 27p fury prop

[@williamriley2528]

@@robertlane370 Time to do some Inches to feet to miles & rpm calculations...

[@robertlane370]

GPS speed

[@ised8uwell]

At some point, are you going to speak to the glass build process and non gel, hard case paint finish, longevity, wear ability, etc?

[@KenSmithFishing]

To the best of my ability, it really helps when I do when you guys chime in, I’ve found I have some really smart viewers, like with the trailer thing, I’m learning as I go and guys are helping me

[@ised8uwell]

@@KenSmithFishing I've taken the tour. There is little if ANY chopped glass in the process, btw. Multi million dollar paint booths, bake chambers, etc. I went a couple of months back. Now own an AVX 2080, but on the glass side was VERY impressive. Just out of my budget or "need" column.

[@MrBassOutdoors]

the hard case paint is not that impressive. You can scratch the paint on a dock very easily.

[@robertjacobsfishing]

Looking forward to part 3!

[@Macdaddy8124U]

Saw the first one in Indiana last weekend, and they said it's been nothing but issues. But the boat it handles amazing so they said.

[@MrBassOutdoors]

ive got a vexus avx, was nothing but issues but vexus sorts em out, and now its flawless.

[@BluntTruth7]

The grab portion of these latches are a lot easier to manipulate than the round latches. Not sure how you can break your rods, never had that issue. The only way I can see someone doing this is not having very good situation awareness of their surroundings and pointing their rods down on the surface. I would really be interested in knowing how many people have broken their rods on these latches.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Happened twice in Pies Triton, opened back port box to get something, rods in co-angler spot and when I closed the box it had hooked one and broke it in half. Other time one of us didn’t close latch, fish blew up in bushes and I grabbed frog rod really quick, it was in the little hook on the box, broke it in half. Now I’m NOT saying I have tons of situational awareness, but the only other place I’ve broken multiple rods in a boat is closing the port ice chest on tips in my Ranger

[@granthuddlestone8631]

Won't the pickle fork trap reeds etc. instead of letting it slide down the side of the boat?

[@pelagicprincesses6123]

Following, waiting on Skeeter review!

[@johnhumphreys9732]

Are going to do anymore bass cats? I just looked at the entire line up an really like the lynx and I would like to get your thoughts on it.

[@l8tapex]

Basically the ( Bass Cat line) same boat hull designs with different interiors. DC vs SC

[@jamesgeorge6980]

Ready to see the fxr test.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Jesse volunteered his boat today!

[@louiegreen4957]

we have a AVX2080 right now. and it’s a good boat. but my dad wants to upgrade soon. would u go with a phoenix 921 elite? or a FXR21? both boats ride nice and they feel very similar when driving. i just want to go with the boat that will be sturdy

[@THESHITTTTT65]

Phoenix

[@alanmcnally7268]

The Vx has some very good features;look forward to the 21 and the rough water test. The industry challenge: How to keep all those important design features and make it for $70K

[@KenSmithFishing]

Alan, so I've been doing a lot of thinking about that, here's kind of the rub, so I tested the Blazer 650 this week with the regional rep for them and he and I talked about this a bunch. The boat we fished out of had a Lowrance 16" in dash, lets just call that $4500, then it had a 12" Lowrance on the front deck, another $3,000, then it had a Garmin Livescope, let's call that $3,500, it had a Lowrance Ghost trolling motor, $3,000, two Minn Kota Raptors, $3,400 and a SHO Yamaha 250, guessing here but I'd bet $18,000, a hydraulic jackplate, $1,200, then I mean it's crazy all the little stuff that piles up, this one had blinker trim and tilt switches, probably $300, monster buttons for the raptors, $100, I'm sure if we thought about it there's a bunch more (oh boat covers are $1000), but just these "OPTIONS" are $38,000....my first boat with a 200 hp motor (granted it was very used) was $2,500. So if you go to Ranger, Bass Cat, Vexus, Blazer, whatever, and you price a boat out at $80,000, the boat and trailer is maybe half that price. You really could buy a boat a heck of a lot cheaper, but you can't dump $30k+ of options on one....just food for thought

[@alanmcnally7268]

Ken Good points> We all love the technology and helping us make our lives easier and perform better. Are the Options overpriced? Another comment: scratching my head on this : is the dealership cutting the buyer short or buyer cutting small dollars or manufactures: In the boat drive below that boat didn’t have covers for the electronics,no locks for them,no covers for power poles, can go on but you get the idea FYI. rode in a ZXR21 (2021) in Texoma 2’waves. That hull performed extremely well and we had to hold the RPM down due to break in procedure. Be interested in your comments when u get to that boat.

[@matthewweeks7547]

Sounds like the first time I drove a champion - a lot of bite with the bow down

[@kentitus6457]

Please try Out a falcon predator

[@dansherwood1043]

My brother has one. Yep, the metal side sticker came loose. Bad design.

[@vhf2582]

Sounds like if that front drops too low in cross waves that it could bow hook.

[@robertlane370]

When you see the price tag it better be the best and fastest ever made😁. Local car dealer owner here has one, it was $96,000😳

[@atthebrink74]

Damn! I spent $10k less than that on a house a few years ago! The prices of these boats have gotten out of hand.

[@chrishampton8842]

Yes, saw another video that had one for 90k, without the top electronics lol

[@Sean_Eynon]

we have them on order loaded for low $80s. Factor in all the options and it is equivalent to all the high end brands.

[@Ace-sx2ij]

Which Basscat are you going to try out? The Lynx or the Jaguar?

[@stevenbates5921]

He reviewed the Puma Hybrid... which in my mind is not a very accurate representation on BCB. I wish he would have reviewed a Lynx or a Cougar FTD.

[@Ace-sx2ij]

@@stevenbates5921 he has said he was going to review another bass at though. Thats the one I was referring to. I have seen the Puma review and being and ex champion guy it is very interesting. But, the Caracal is more my speed. Ken has said that he wanted a 21 ft boat so I knew the Puma would be really in the running.

[@stevenbates5921]

@@Ace-sx2ij Good deal! I didn't know he was going to review another one! Looking forward to it!

[@trevorelliottfishing6262]

I understand the commercials in the videos Ken. But dang we don’t need so many.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Sorry, I try to keep them at least 7 minutes apart

[@trevorelliottfishing6262]

Ken I hear that the draws are very flimsy and if stepped on you and pressure put on them they bend and that it.

[@samueldarroch7158]

Are you gling to review a fxr

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yes

[@Sean_Eynon]

@@KenSmithFishing let us get you set up with a Skeeter Demo Driver and you can spend all the time you want. We have our lake dealership right down the road from you.

[@williamriley2528]

Ken, Why are you fishing next to any trees with a $3,000 Spot Lock / GPS TM on it... Fish off the trees & cast to the trees... lol

[@mikesoliz9662]

I have a 2020 FXR 21 that you can run.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Mike where are you

[@mikesoliz9662]

@@KenSmithFishing Orange.

[@mikecinohio8541]

Ya that pickle fork front end is stupid. Why didn't they just carry the curve a few more inches to the bow tip. Never was much impressed with Ranger's design engineering, Not much impressed me on this one either.

[@williamriley2528]

It gives you an extra half step to a step forward on each side of the Trolling motor too...!

[@thechestnutking736]

Come on Ken you gave the Bass Cat a score and it wasn’t a 21 footer. I watched a video of a New Vexus 21 with a 250 and it wouldn’t even hit 70.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Not sure what you are asking or saying? I don’t have a good feel for this boat in rough water so I’m not going to score until I do?

[@thechestnutking736]

I’m sorry Ken. What I was trying to say is the Bass Cat Puma was a 20 foot boat and you scored it. I thought you were implying because the Vexus is a 20 footer you’re not going to score it. Why not go ahead and score it like you did the 20 foot Puma?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Got ya, didn’t understand what you were asking. The boat Handles different than any boat I’ve driven, not saying that’s good or bad, but for example with the Cat Puma hybrid I was confident after driving it that it would be good in crappy conditions, I don’t have that confidence in the Vexus as I don’t have the hours In it. So I’m not going to say the boat is a good or bad boat in big water until i drive or ride in it in big water, I just want to have 100% confidence in my judgment when I share it, so to your point if i got to experience the 20’ in big water with somebody with some hours behind the wheel I wouldn’t hesitate to score it. And obviously it’s going to score really well based on the tech in the boat, but ride, at least where I fish, is a HUGE factor in what boat I wind up buying. That make sense?

[@thechestnutking736]

@@KenSmithFishing Yeah makes plenty of sense. I really like the Vexus so far except for the one video I watched of a 21 footer that wouldn’t even hit 70. Thanks for these videos. I really enjoy them!

[@KenSmithFishing]

I’m with you, it’s NOT going to be a fast boat, but neither are rangers, my take is I go 35-50 miles an hour a lot more in 1-3 footers than I do 70 mph across the perfectly smooth water every boat ad on TV is shot in

[@morr1655]

if you are worried about seeing your gauges get rid of the two units on the dash. put ONE on a ram mount off to the side or put one in the dash. with the capabilities they have today there is no true need for two at the dash. also never have seen the need for two up on the front. Go back to old school and try to fish without the electronics always running. VEXUS is a Ranger 2.0 everything about the boat is what ranger was going to do with theirs.

[@dieseldood]

Thats a great thought, but its not reality in tournament fishing. If you are going to win, you need all the information you can get!

[@bakervinci163]

Do they have a 19 that goes 80+?

[@bakervinci163]

I’m a crappie guy and will upgrade to a faster aluminum and I feel like vexus, might be the top aluminum boat.

[@terryogletree2128]

The top boat period is Gator Trax , glass or tin . Talk to Kent Saxon at Gator Trax and design the boat of your dreams , it'll be your last boat

[@darryladams519]

They only have a 19 footer in aluminum with a 150. Axx1980.

[@mikeh9744]

I get the feeling your new boat will be a VX21. Like me, you're too intrigued. This is the future. It takes a while to accept change sometimes.

[@mikeh9744]

BTW...the lines are gorgeous inside and out on this boat. Best looking boat on the market imo.

[@dansherwood1043]

The biggest change with one of these is the substantial change in your bank account. You'd only be left with change...good golly ms molly!!

[@davidegeland2380]

Gator Trax and never look back!

[@KenSmithFishing]

looking forward to trying one

[@bgood419]

I like the videos, but I could do without the million comparisons to Ranger. People who like Rangers always think they are the best when they aren’t

[@KenSmithFishing]

It is the benchmark in this case since it's the line I've owned for the last 10+ years and it's the boat I am looking to replace. So if I don't see something better (which I have) I would stay in a Ranger.

[@bigjspec]

No way I going to trailer 21 footer every week

[@NytronX]

But a 20 footer is fine?

[@leejohnson4935]

It's not suction it's hook

[@donsdronesandstuff1033]

Horrible vid sorry no audio only time was your intro