Unveiling My New Fishing Boat with Honest Opinions

[@tjetter]

Man thank you for still be a fisherman’s fisherman. Fishing or fun and adventures we all can relate to you. Way to stay grounded. We appreciate ya

[@MTV0220]

Welcome to the Vexus family! Owner of a 2022 AVX 1880 here. I love my Vexus. I think you will be happy with your purchase. P.S. When I bought mine, the dealership did a lake test with me and suggested the top of the side rails of the trailer be 2" above the water. I believe that's why you had a hard time loading it. You just had the trailer too far in the water, that's all. Have fun out there with your new boat and be safe!

[@justinbarnes2606]

I hope you keep the crispy collector way more people can relate to a cheap jon boat than a expensive ass bass boat

[@TjTaylor4706]

Yeeeeah, I was loving the jon boat content

[@MaryBrownForFreedom]

I fished for years from an Alumacraft T14... 13 1/2 feet long 4'3" wide... weighed 110 pounds empty... had a 15hp Johnson on it and with just me in the boat no problem hitting 28mph... back foot of the hull and the motor was all that was in the water... awesome shallow water river boat, I bounced that thing off rocks, trees, mud bars... tough little boat. Sold it 15 years ago, my back said no more to being bounced all over on the water!

[@seththompson1042]

You can get decent bass boats that aren’t ass expensive

[@marcuslarwa9098]

I can’t understand why anyone would spend 80-100k on a bass boat. Maybe because I fish for stripers and would get a way over boat for the same price point but even if I didn’t I’d never spend that much. Like you said those Jon boats are nice and seem good enough for any lake or river. These days the equipment seems to be the most important not the boat.

[@killazftw]

It’s nice to see both, one to set goals, one for relatability

[@wadebowdre7748]

I’ve been away from the channel a bit but welcome to the Vexus family. It’s my very first boat (2021 AVX 1880) and I love it. I upgraded to the Helix 9 SI DI on the console and moved the Helix 8 DI to the bow. You’ll love it. The folks at North Texas Marine said to keep the trailer fenders at or about 2” above water level when loading on the trailer. It helps on those windy days.

[@yvlopez77]

I will agree with the one person that commented that yes the trailer was a lil too much in, I always put my top of the fenders and works just fine 👏🙌🤙🏼 nice boat!!! Justin

[@MaryBrownForFreedom]

Common up here are guide posts on the back of the trailer to help center in windy conditions. In MN you see way more aluminum fishing boats...

[@501Panfishing]

Welcome to the Vexus family. I had a 2019 Vexus 1880 and traded it in for the 2023 Vexus 1980c. You purchased a great boat!!!!!

[@abs353]

Sir, that's my dream boat. I strongly believe that's the most well-built boat on the market. Congrats

[@davethomas97]

I have the AVX 1980 and I love this boat. One thing I did notice is you were a little too deep with the trailer. I back mine to where the finder wells are above the water about 2 inches and 1/3 rd of my rails are out of the water. This allows me to use the trailer rails to guide the boat on to the trailer centered. Also my center rod box has my soft plastics which adds a lot of weight to the nose and sets the nose on my trailer and does not lift up. I know you will love this boat as I do. Love your show buddy. Keep them coming!

[@mjsbowl300]

This is your answer LFG! Keep that trailer shallow.

[@devinwillis7787]

How dry do you find it rides? I have the ranger 198 and in any waves over maybe mid knee you get totally soaked

[@krisramos7453]

First owner ate the depreciation for you. A few small repairs and the electronics you want and you’ll have your perfect boat. I just bought a 2021 z19 with a 200 ProXS this past November. Drove 1000 miles to go get it and 1000 miles back. I was nervous taking it out the first time like you were. Can’t exactly return it. I got it dialed in now and she’s catching big ones. Enjoy.

[@jasonconrad215]

I’ve got a 2020 Z-18 and love it! The trailer not quite as much have you noticed any issues with either the boat or trailer? I’ve got a little over 100 hours on the engine

[@krisramos7453]

Just had a hub turn into greasy baby powder so I replaced it and had the other 3 re packed. Full brake service and 4 new tires. The trailer creaks around quite a bit but I know there’s some solutions for that. I have no idea how many miles the trailer has so I can’t be mad. 270+ hours on my 200 I have to get a vessel view and get the exact number. So far on the boat just preventative maintenance and one bad fuse since I’ve owned it.

[@awwjr29]

Just raise the mount up to match the natural trailer location of the bow. They are almost always adjustable. Even if you have to get it cut and rewelded.

[@theINQBS]

For the way the nose wants to rise when fully seated not he trailer, simply adjust it. There are 2 things to need to do to get it to sit how you want it and like you, I like my boat to fully SIT on all points on my trailer so it's fully supported. Raise the bunks a bit (most bunks can be raised a bit) and the front D-Ring should then clear the roller so the front of the hull is supported. Then the down strap can be moved forward to help secure it on that roller. And also, change that crappy roller to the clear one in a slightly larger size, which although a bit stiffer, it protects the boat better and provide a larger area that both helps when loading it back on and better supports the hull while running down the road. Stoked for you sir! I'm currently looking for a late 90's Stratos 201 ProXL… THEEEEE Best bass boat ever made!!! I will strip it down and restore it to fresh out of the factory condition!!!

[@taegerprofishing]

Absolutely Correct in the Status of the late 90s Stratos ! Before Earl Bentz ruined the hull design in the year 2000…

[@larrystolzman9337]

Thanks LFG. I’ve had the same aluminum boat (Crestliner) for 22 years. With care your Vexus will last as long. Like most big changes you’ll need time to get comfortable with your new boat. In time you won’t remember fiberglass. You mentioned cost. Major bass boats are amazing, but how many young families can drop $100K for very part time use. Please continue to use this opportunity to teach everyone about keeping costs reasonable and enjoyment high. This is a great way to take your family fishing and help them in other financial ways as they get older. They will love you for it!

[@tatertots-n-soup]

One of the first welded hulls. What the 3rd year? After they fixed the bad powerheads

[@TodayWeFish]

I agree 100% with you about the Lund boats! They are great boats and are built to last. I own a 2020 1875 Crossover XS with 150HP Mercury ProXS, and I have to tell you, this boat is awesome for fishing and have a great time with the family out on the water. It is very light weight, respectively, and can be towed with my Volvo XC90, it has enough space for me and my fishing buddies, and great for a family of 5 + the dog. But in the end, it is all about your needs and what works best for you. Congratulation on your new Silver Bullet!! By the way, keep the videos coming, I love your vibe!

[@flyfishmerc]

I'm a used boat guy period. A quality well kept used boat is the way to go IMO LFG. Nice job finding the rig you want for the way you roll.

[@demurphy72]

I've had a AVX 1980 for almost 2 years now. Not that I've had alot of time in a glass boat but I've been real happy with it.

[@paulphelps8256]

Good morning brother justin. I have been a subscriber, enjoying your escapades, for years. I have recently found out that I have an anterior cranial fossa meningioma. I saw how you went through the diagnosis, surgery and recovery to continue to lead an awesome outdoor life. You inspire me to keep a positive mental attitude. Keep doing what you do. Best to all.

[@Big_Mike72]

I’ve had my AVX2080 for 2 years now and absolutely love it. I too upgraded my electronics including the batteries since purchasing the boat. It is lighter than a fiberglass boat and wind plays an issue at times. I’ve also learned not to back my trailer so far into the water. I back all the way down to wet the bunks, then I pull forward to where the rear bump boards (side tenders) are exposed. That will help with side slipping while loading. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

[@charliekorabek3846]

Add two rollers (one on each side u-clamped to the trailer….get them on-line) to keep the boat from drifting in the wind. I will be a huge help and they are not that noticeable. Love the boat and I also love Vexus. I’m actually looking for on myself. Not sure about the Alum Hybrid to be honest. Look forward to seeing all that you do to it! ❤️

[@patricksutton6449]

When I had my 2019 Vexus 2080, I loved it and thinking about getting another in the future. When trailering, I always kept fenders about 1/2 out of the water. It was the easiest boat to trailer that I have owned. I also had an issue with the nose on the trailer. I was able to adjust the position of the wench stand and don't remember it being an issue after that. Those are just my 2 cents. Love the boat! Congratulations on a great buy!

[@kalecastaneda]

It’s the xl crispy collector lol! I really enjoyed watching you in the Jon boat. Way more relatable. I don’t enjoy watching someone on a 100,000 rig just live scoping but you brought back the entertainment and I hope don’t go away!

[@nickjohnson2207]

I have a 2022 AVX 2080 and no real complaints. I took out the port side rod tubes and used an MK2 designs Port Rod Boot to cover the aluminum then added plastic sheeting to the bottom so my rod tips don't get hung up. I can get 8' swimbait rods in there and I have had 26 rods and reels in the port side after doing that work. MK2 design has a tackle organizer for the center compartment and a bilge tray I use as well. If you have any questions about wiring/mounts let me know, we wired mine with a house battery and 2 lithium trolling motor batteries. I hope you enjoy the Vexus as much as I do.

[@samtaylor6185]

My boat has the same boat ramp issues, I've learned that steeper ramps help because then the front of the trailer stays higher. Otherwise I have to just not back the trailer in as far, and just have to "slide" it up on the bunks for the last bit.

[@shaunroberts9361]

You own this boat #1. #2 You can put what you want on it. I think you did great.

[@mjsbowl300]

Great new boat LFG! With the aluminum boats, keep the trailer a bit more shallow, no need to back it all the way in. A lighter boat will allow you to load it easier. Keep making the great content!

[@crawlin2vgt]

Welcome to the Vexus family! Cool to see you in one. I have a 1980 and do wish I had a little more power for the size and a 2080 is only 4inches longer. Its a great riding boat that really does feel like a glass boat. Definitely make sure to hook the front winch on before pulling out just to be safe. Only thing i saw in the video was it looks like your trailer was too deep when loading. I back mine til the side guides are just at water level. gives me enough trailer to get on and not float around and then just power up the trailer a little. Best of luck in the new rig!

[@5thscaleripper]

For your aluminum boat, I recommend Ramp N Clamp !! Takes the weight off from the eyelet ! Also makes loading and unloading a one-man operation

[@robpaschal8499]

I fish out of a 95 16' seaArk. iPilot, 50hp Johnson, and a T-bar. Best FISHING boat I've ever been in.

[@TehDFC]

Is it multi-species capable?

[@mmancino1982]

Was in my buddy's Vexus 21' aluminum recently. Fell in love with it. Rides great, gets in pass super quick and is more agile than my boat (2016 Skeeter FXi21)

[@ZackaryFoxAdventures]

Awesome adventure LFG. keep them coming! Congrats on the boat take that baby girl fishing!

[@larrybarras8147]

Hey Justin, pull the trailer up some while loading. stop the trailer once the water gets right over the front step on the trailer fender. It will make your life 100 percent better. If you are pulling down on the boat with the winch strap, loosen the entire post and move it back towards the trailer some. That should help a bunch. Sometimes they don't always get the placement of that post 100% right. Two different companies but when I had my aluminum Ranger I had to move my entire winch post back.

[@benforsgren8258]

welcome to the vexus family! they are great boats!

[@patshively6094]

Congrats, now the fun begins building your new boat the way you want it.

[@majesticog9281]

I bought a 2021 Vexus AVX1880 with 360, livescope, helix 10, Garmin 1026, Garmin 9 exhomap, Ultrex with a 115 Pro XS for 35,000 bucks. 59 hours on the motor. Love the boat haven’t had any issues

[@robertdupre7493]

Love it you and Rob both have aluminum boats I’ve been wanting an xpress x19 with the mercury 200 and sea deck is a must I want to bring my boys crabbing and jug line fishing carpet is not ideal!!

[@scottgarber7363]

I fish a Ranger rt 178 aluminum. Boat changed my life!

[@soulmolasses33]

Heck yeah man i like the new boat. You can upgrade the electronics and deck material in time. The important thing is that the kids will feel more comfortable and confident in it. Looking forward to seeing what you get into next.

[@farwellfishing]

I absolutely love my AVX 2080!! Also with my 2022, i have my middle bunks just out of the water and it loads fine every single time!

[@Gonzo1968]

Love it! Multi species aluminum is the way to go! I have aluminum bass/ crappie/ catfish as well! Congrats!

[@bigrednhairy]

Welcome to the Venus family. They are great company and a great boat!!!

[@chrisbraun11]

That's a sweet boat! You should look at the Drotto Catch and Release system for loading and launching your boat!

[@ryantabberer]

I like it man. You gotta do it with what you've got to do it with. And this will do you nicely. My aluminum boat has come with plenty of quirks but it's the boat I have and when it gets me out on the water I can't complain about anything. Except that I don't get it out enough

[@justinpootin4021]

I like it definitely would set up some sorta seats up front for crappie fishing and to help with weight distribution

[@jacobpippin8559]

I’m glad to see someone I like watching does a review and gets a vexus it’s the same boat I’m looking to upgrade to I have a older 1987 glasstream which I really like it’s been completely redone but time for upgrade

[@stanb915]

Congrats on the new boat, FYI I think that was my red truck with Skeeter trailer in the parking lot 😆. The water has come up to 100% full since the rain. Enjoy hope to see you out there slaying them!

[@Wacky_fisherman]

I have a 1980 with the g2. Love it. Mk2 designs make a bunch of stuff for vexus. I ripped out my port side tubes out and made it open so i can fit all my rods.

[@centexbasser]

I wonder if you can adjust the bunk boards on the trailer to drop the nose some. Love the Vexus though I'd love to have something similar. Glad you got a big boat again can't wait to see the personalizing and finished product.

[@colbyhester7348]

Dude! A Vexus?!?! That’s amazing! They are phenomenal boats!

[@adrianalvarado7407]

Nice I got the 1980 with sea decking. Been a good boat so far. It's very agile

[@timf1095]

Appreciate the vid, beginning to gather my thoughts on what kind of boat I want to get for myself so this is great timing. Multi species Texas boy as well. Look forward to watching it get upgraded and worked on.

[@Three-13]

I've enjoyed watching you rock out of the Crispy Collector but beyond excited to see you back in a bigger boat! Looks like the Vexus checks most all of the boxes.

[@masitruc]

Several years ago wife said go buy a new boat. I did'nt want a new boat - too many trees in the lakes here in east texas and I knew I'd worry about the dents. So I bought an older aluminum tracker with a pretty good dent in it already. Added - terrova ipilot, hbird, led lights, millenium seats, raptor racks and smackdown rod holders. I now have a $2500 boat with $3000 in accessories - maybe I need a forward facing sonar next. At least I dont have to worry about dents. I did have to learn how to load the boat in the wind. I keep a couple ratchet straps on board. I have had to put one on the side rails of the trailer to the cleat on the boat to keep the back from blowing off the trailer.

[@kyndel382]

Nice boat. When loading your boat make sure there's at least a couple of inches of your trailer wheel wells are sticking out of the water if possible. It'll help guide boat on so you dont float over them in higher winds.

[@george8214]

Fun post and a really nice boat. Your opinion of is pretty valuable to a potential buyer of ANY boat. Made me nervous sing you fish solo on the deck in 20 knot wind with no pfd, though.

[@fivekeepersfishing9050]

#1- she’s white lightning all day! #2- you put the trailer a little to deep for a good load. #3- you’ll have zero regrets! She’s close to perfect. #4- we all love merc because of the growl!!!

[@J_Doozie]

Let us know in a future video if you find a solution to that issue with the boat lifting up off the front d-ring when you unstrap it. I have a 2007 Triton with a 90 HP Merc and mine does the same thing. Havent had any issues with it yet, but i put a new wench on it recently just to feel safer about it. Not sure there is a fix, but maybe there is. Grats on the new rig!

[@calvinh.8882]

I just have to say, At 1:06 those power company trucks were getting it! lol. It was like they just reserved a call saying they were off the clock and all the free steak and beer they could handle was waiting on them back at the yard. lol.

[@mikethetoolman8776]

great little rig for small lakes

[@javancross6085]

Get a Drotto. It makes boat retrieval a snap even in current and wind. I won't have a boat without one.

[@bobbybowens8564]

I fish the missouri and Mississippi rivers alot and love the dorotto in high current makes boat ramp time almost nonexistant

[@shelbymcelroy4525]

Love the look of the Vexus!

[@Holdmyber]

Congrats man! Can’t wait for the upgrades and customization!

[@ColtonLee1222]

Awesome boat bro can’t wait to see more vids on it. Congratulations. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@clifffrazier4696]

Congrats Justin on the new boat!

[@SamEichers]

Always funny every year when your fish are done spawning and ours have just started or haven't started yet.

[@Da93teg87]

As soon as I seen the back i knew it was a Vexus....I've been looking at these boats for several years and have ridden in a few...one day when I can afford one I will own one

[@RogerBankerFishmiser]

Vexxus are awesome boats! Ranger boats created the company after all.

[@Davidkro2002]

Been waiting for this all week

[@TheSpadre]

I'm glad you like it. For me, I'm not a fan. I like a boat that sits in the water, not on the water. I'm sure you will add a jackplate, but that's all I'd change other than upgrade to all Garmin electronics.

[@dontrump9362]

Nice rig. 👍 I have a 2072 2024 grizzly w/150 mercury center console. Gets me where I want to go. Enjoyed the video. 👍 have a great rest of the week and a better weekend. 👍🇺🇸🙏

[@tatertots-n-soup]

I guess 80mph is hard to achieve no matter what size

[@atoutdoors4649]

Congratulations on the new boat. Cant wait to see all the content from it

[@brucemckinnley5272]

I like the Ultrex and Helix 9's, beats a Fortrex and 997's hands down 😂😂. Enjoy your rig, and many safe miles and catches...

[@BackwoodsZ71]

Nice rig and a fair price . Good find

[@marqueandbrandon3249]

Sick boat, man!! Anxious ro watch your cosmetic repairs. Love the channel.

[@hunteroutdoorsTV]

Looks good and runs good! I think it will be a keeper for years to come brother! Congrats

[@FishinMitch]

LFG!! I have a 2020 1980 and noticed that you may have had the trailer a little too deep in the water, usually I keep about half of the vertical side bunks out of the water as the Vexus drafts so little. She literally loads herself its so easy! Obviously i dont know the dimensions of the ramp you were at, seemed super shallow so maybe you had to back her in that deep. Just figured I'd offer you a tip. Enjoy your Vexus!

[@seanlawrence972]

Glad to see this, congrats on the new ride

[@danaaccola8342]

nice to see that you upgraded the crispy

[@Mase357]

Looks like Central Texas Lake, look forward to the future “dangles” in the new boat.

[@rivfisheslakes]

awesome! i just bought my first bass boat i can’t wait to get out there

[@marshalljohnson6951]

Nice boat, congrats!! I had trouble on an Xpress where the weld on the top of the D ring broke, but I think it was from using a ratchet strap pulling straight down from the ring, as well as the normal strap. Other than that it was a solid boat for a decade

[@chads1891]

You should get the drotto easy loader you will love it look in to it. It will make load your boat easier and faster

[@EastTxConcealed]

Congrats on the new whip!

[@kyleherber3231]

i actually just sold my boat as i am really enjoying kayak fishing and want to focus on that as i mainly fish rivers not really out on Lake Michigan like a lot of people that live where I am.

[@carlyleyang9658]

Love the new Boat!!!

[@kevinloper6551]

Congrats on the new Silver Bullet! 😎

[@jobin918]

You should have checked out War Eagle boats. Great aluminum, they manufacture them from scratch. I’ve got the 961 Tomahawk, enjoy your new rig!

[@kevinbuie5144]

Nice boat I’m going with xpress GOD bless you and your family keep up the great vids

[@geoffbohartfishing]

Awesome content man! I found your channel watching Jon B and am glad I did! I just started a Fishing Channel in Kentucky and I use a 17 aluminum flatbottom I also fish for Crappie, Catfish, and all species of bass from mine and love it for lakes and medium/small rivers. It is a little rough but she runs MINT 👌

[@Badkharma21]

lol can’t wait to see your adventures in the new rig

[@bigdawgbassin9001]

Leave those fenders half way out of water when loading and it will go right on there, Love the boat

[@jasonmcloud5611]

Nice boat! Crappie edition boats are great though. I picked up a Triton CTX aluminum boat and its awesome. Many good catches to come in the new silver bullet I'm sure!

[@kevinwaller9470]

It's a great boat ,keep fishing.

[@shelbyraines234]

Great content I would get the trailer sand blasted and dura coated put garmins. and sea deck everywhere and let the big dog eat.god bless

[@KirkAllenOutdoorAdventures]

Great Looking boat!!

[@michaelgallagher9060]

Congratulations on your new boat.

[@cerealkillerjigs]

issues with the saftey or latching up front, check out Drotto Boat latch. ive had one on my SeaArk Big Easy for 5 years and it helps unloading and loading by your self.

[@johnmaddoxoutdoors1537]

Heard lots of horror stories about the hulls cracking on the vexus. Keep an eye out. Good luck with the new boat. Tight lines.

[@AzAngler77]

Why i traded my vexus in. Had mine for 3 years and the quality really came into question. Carpet coming up, leaks, paint failures….

[@073286]

Heard the same thing about my ranger rt198, I've had it for 10 years and not a single issue with cracking. I guess it all depends on what factory it comes from.

[@johnmaddoxoutdoors1537]

​@Venandii77 I have a friend that has had is crack twice. Hope LFG has good luck with this one.

[@jonnygranville281]

I like the scratches on the trailer. Gives it character

[@oliverkeene247]

I haven't even finished the video yet but the audio was incredible considering how windy it looked

[@elijahinky]

Im surprised you got an aluminum bassboat. But at least it's a Forrest Wood Vexus... Great engine on there. I like my old 2009 Ranger Z520 with the 250 H.O. G1 Evinrude. Rides great and stable. Fast for a Ranger too.

[@michaelsmith7640]

One thing about aluminum boats is you need to come from downwind side when loading in crosswind. I was also impressed with the boat , and it doesn't have a jackplate ?