Kimple Sniper 498 – Is It A Top Choice For a Bass Boat?

Kimple Sniper 498 Review

Suitable waters: Shallow waters, rivers, ponds and small lakes.

Type: Bass Boat

Weight: 424kg

Capacity: 3 persons

What we like about it: Ample storage space, spacious deck.

What we don’t like about it: Not very fast and lacks some thoughtful features.

Rating (4.65/5)

Kimple, as a brand specializing in designing and manufacturing aluminum boats, boasts advanced machinery and exquisite craftsmanship. This ensures that their aluminum boats are of excellent quality.

The Kimple Sniper 498 is well-known for its highly corrosion-resistant hull, allowing easy navigation on Lake Guntersville or Lake Fork. With a length of 4.98 meters and a width of 2.10 meters, the boat provides ample space for you and your family or friends to move freely on the water. It’s also an ideal choice for leisure and fishing competitions.

Now, let’s analyze the driving experience, seating comfort, specifications, and other versions of the Kimple Sniper 498.

If you want to explore more boats similar to this one or find a suitable boat, be sure to stay tuned to our updates. We will continue to publish blogs on different types of boats, which we believe will be helpful for your choices.

Driving Experience

My friend Paul is a fishing enthusiast. Influenced by him, I also fell in love with fishing. However, due to some reasons, I had to return to my hometown for work. In the past, I used to go fishing with Paul on his bass boat, and I cherished those moments. Even now, I’m still fascinated by this activity. So, on Paul’s recommendation, I purchased a Kimple Sniper 498. Last week, I finally got it, and I invited my friend Carl from my hometown to go fishing on the river.

It was Carl’s first time on a bass boat, and he looked extremely excited. The boat was very spacious, more than enough for both of us. I got on first to show Carl that it was stable, as I was afraid he might hesitate to step in. It didn’t change much even with me on board. Even when Carl got on, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “Bro, I feel like it’s going to be an awesome fishing companion.”

Once he settled in, I started maneuvering the steering handle. It was very responsive, and I could easily navigate without any jerks or stiffness. As I turned the wheel, the boat glided smoothly on the water, leaving a trail of beautiful waves behind.

In front of me, the Kimple Sniper 498 came with a tinted windscreen. However, for me, it may be a bit too small to block a significant amount of strong sunlight. Carl, sitting beside me, enjoyed the beautiful view of the lake and watched how I operated the steering wheel. I could sense the envy in his eyes behind his sunglasses. But he doesn’t know how to drive a boat, otherwise, I would let him experience it.

Riding Experience

Both Carl and I agreed that the seats on this boat were very comfortable. They have high backrests and are wrapped in vinyl, which not only looks stylish but also provides excellent support for our backs and buttocks. When we arrived at the fishing spot, I stood up and opened the storage compartments on the boat.

It has plenty of space, and I could fit my six fishing rods and three of Carl’s inside without filling it up completely. I must commend that it also has locks, so we don’t need to worry about potential bumps disrupting the arrangement of our fishing gear. We placed the baits in the large storage box at the stern for quick access and organization.

However, the boat only has one fishing chair at the bow, and it’s not the most comfortable one. It’s more like a swivel chair you’d find in a bar, and I tend to stand up after sitting for a while. Nevertheless, we also fish while standing on the spacious bow, and there’s enough space for both of us without interfering with each other.

As the temperature rose, I was thinking how nice it would be to have a portable cooler. Then we could sit and wait for the fish to bite while enjoying cold drinks. But before long, our fishing rods showed signs of activity. After Carl caught a plump bass, I also reeled in a nearly three-pound bass. We placed them in the livewell at the stern, and I believe the boat’s aerator would keep them fresh for the day.

Specifications

For novice anglers, the Kimple Sniper 498 almost meets all your necessary fishing needs. It comes with comfortable driver and passenger seats, an easy-to-operate console, a spacious casting deck, and ample storage areas.

Notably, the Kimple Sniper 498’s hull is made of fully welded aluminum, making it sturdy and corrosion-resistant. It can easily withstand impacts and collisions with rocks, allowing you to freely navigate shallow water areas and catch a variety of fish. This boat will undoubtedly provide you and your family or friends with enjoyable fishing trips.

Other Versions

Compared to the Kimple Sniper 498, the Kimple Sniper 468 is more suitable for consumers with smaller capacity requirements. With a length of 4.68 meters, the boat can only accommodate 2 people and is paired with a 60HP engine. This means it is not ideal for racing.

Of course, the Kimple Sniper 468 has limited storage space. The bow deck is not fully utilized and only has one storage area. However, you don’t need to worry about fitting your long fishing rods. It can hold rods as long as 7’6″, just like the Kimple Sniper 498. Fortunately, the storage area on this boat has its advantages too. Both the driver and passenger seats can flip up, providing enough space for life-saving equipment below.

Although only two people can enjoy fishing trips on this boat, it is still considerate enough to come equipped with a 90-liter inflatable livewell. This is more than enough to keep your catch fresh until the boat is full. Additionally, it offers a more affordable price, making it more suitable for those on a lower budget.

What do we like about it

• Spacious deck for better fishing performance.
• Ample storage space for added convenience.
• Generous and ventilated livewell to keep fish fresh.
• Aluminum floor with carpet provides durability and comfort while standing.
• Accommodates fishing rods up to 7’6″, great rod capacity.

What we don’t like about it

• Doesn’t offer thrilling speeds, maximum 75HP.
• Fishing chair configuration could be improved.

FAQ

1. What is the best length for a bass boat?

The suitable length of a boat depends on your fishing location and the number of people on board. Generally, a 15 to 17-foot bass boat is ideal for one to two anglers. This Kimple Sniper 498, a typical 16-foot bass boat, is perfect for fishing in protected small lakes or weekend leisure activities.

2. What are the benefits of owning a bass boat?

Firstly, bass boats are versatile and suitable for various fishing environments, from freshwater lakes to protected saltwater bays. Secondly, they are highly maneuverable, allowing you to navigate narrow channels and tight spaces due to their shallow draft and V-shaped hull. Lastly, they offer comfort and convenience with features like comfortable seats, ample storage space, and user-friendly electronics.

3. How many people can fit on a bass boat?

Bass boats are designed for fishing, with a stylish and low-profile appearance to reduce water disturbance for better fishing. The number of people a bass boat can accommodate varies with different sizes. Typically, boats over 16 feet can carry two to three anglers, providing enough room for casting in any direction. Some larger models may accommodate four to five people.

Kimple Sniper 498 SPECS

LENGTH	4.98m
BEAM	2.10m
DEPTH OF HULL	74cm
WEIGHT	424kg
MAX HP	75hp
MAX PERSON	3

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Deck Length	Maximum Horsepowerlimit	Maximum capacity limit
Tracker Pro Team 175 TF	17′ 7”	75HP	4 persons
Skeeter ZX150	18’6″	150HP	4 persons
Bass Cat Pantera Classic	19’6″	200HP	5 persons

Kimple Sniper 498 vs Tracker Pro Team 175 TF

The layout of the Tracker Pro Team 175 TF is very similar to the Kimple Sniper 498, but it offers more considerate basic performance.

Firstly, the Tracker Pro Team 175 TF has a larger tinted windscreen in front of the console, providing better protection against intense sunlight. Secondly, the wider fishing chairs and deluxe driver’s seat offer consistent accessories, ensuring a more comfortable experience for the crew. Moreover, it has more rod storage areas and an inflatable livewell.

Additionally, it features a livewell design at both the center and rear, making it convenient for anglers to store their catch immediately. If you have a larger family and a more generous budget, I believe it would be more suitable for you than the Kimple Sniper 498.

Kimple Sniper 498 vs Skeeter ZX150

The Skeeter ZX150 is more suitable for consumers with a higher budget and a desire for high-end features compared to the Kimple Sniper 498. It also offers all the appropriate functionalities and improvements in basic performance. If you are a freshwater tournament angler, it would be your best choice.

The Skeeter ZX150 is powered by a Yamaha V MAX SHO 150 four-stroke outboard engine. The larger console and cockpit, increased beam size, rod storage layout, and new ergonomic seats with stylish interiors will meet your space and comfort requirements.

Additionally, with an 18’6″ long fiberglass hull, the Skeeter ZX150 not only supports accommodating more crew members but also provides more stable performance. Despite its weight reaching 1710 pounds, it doesn’t mean you can’t experience speed on it. The engine with a rated power of 150HP can deliver thrilling speeds for you, your family, or your friends.

However, it’s essential to note that the maintenance costs for this boat are higher, making it less suitable for practical-minded families.

Kimple Sniper 498 vs Bass Cat Pantera Classic

The Pantera Classic, compared to the Kimple Sniper 498, primarily targets young anglers and fishing enthusiasts in the consumer market. It provides the best assistance for your fishing trips.

The Pantera Classic has a 19’6″ long hull and a 90″ beam forward design, offering a wider front deck space for convenient casting movements. Its storage areas are well-distributed from the bow to the stern. The massive central rod storage can accommodate 8 feet 6 inches fishing rods.

Additionally, with a rated power of 200HP, the engine provides ample power, giving you an adrenaline-pumping speed experience. The 30-gallon fuel capacity also ensures sufficient fuel for a full day of fishing on the water.

Undeniably, this 100% fiberglass boat provides a stable riding experience on the water. However, these excellent features also mean that it comes with a high cost.

Summary

If you want to have a bass boat that fulfills your desire to go fishing anytime, the Kimple Sniper 498 would be suitable for you if your budget allows it. It meets your basic fishing needs.

However, if you prefer a boat with more thoughtful features or a more eye-catching appearance, it might not be the best fit for you. Additionally, it’s not the cheapest option, and you might find other brands with more feature-rich boats for a similar price.

Of course, if your budget is limited for the mentioned boats, don’t worry. You can also consider the Weld Wanderer, similar to the Kimple Sniper 498, available on the NeoBoats website. It is very budget-friendly and offers excellent performance. If you want to know more, feel free to contact us. Thank you!