Is 2023 Sun Tracker BASS BUGGY 18 DLX Worth Buying?

2023 Sun Tracker BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX Review

Reference price: from $24,995 (excluding trailer)

Type: Pontoon boat

Weight: 1470 lbs (average dry weight)

Capacity: 8 people

What we like about it: The perfect space layout,designed for fishing lovers, brings the extraordinary enjoyment.

What we don’t like about it: It’s not very fast.

Rating (4.75/5)

Introduction

As the most popular manufacturer of pontoon boats, Sun Tracker has always had its own unique philosophy. It has gained the love of many users with its high craftsmanship and excellent service quality. The main character we are going to introduce today is this 2023 Sun Tracker BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX.

As the best-selling pontoon boat in the SUN TRACKER® line, this one is known for its versatility and fun. It will be the perfect choice for your fishing and leisure cruising. Its spacious cleats can accommodate up to 8 crew members, while the comfortable seating makes it even more enjoyable. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a great time on the water together!

Here’s a breakdown of the 2023 BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX driving experience, ride specification features, and other versions.

If you want to know more about boats or want to pick a boat you like, don’t hesitate to follow us or contact usOpen Popup. We are always at your service.

Driving Experience

I often take my wife and two children with my brother Peter to the man-made lake not far away on weekends, and each time I look forward to a new adventure. I enjoy having a great time on the water, especially when driving this pontoon boat.

Rotomolded couches & backs for furniture w/Diamante Pepper accent are ergonomically designed. The soft leather provides good support for my hips and back and makes my driving process more relaxed. When everyone was ready, I started its outboard engine and began the journey.

I chose the base model 20 ELPT FourStroke’s motor, which is not the most powerful horsepower, but it is good to have a smooth power run. With a gentle push of the throttle, the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX eases off the dock and leaves a small wake in its path. It was smooth and delightful. Needless to say, the 4:2 ratio no-feedback steering on the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX is highly responsive and silky smooth, especially when facing corners. The wrap-around sport console guard is very convenient in experience and does not keep me busy, while the tinted windshield design stops the reflection of sunlight and lake surface, guarding the driving safety.

After some time of forward travel, we came to the center of the lake. As I cruised along the lake, the breeze blew against my face, while beside me was the laughter of my wife and the girls, enjoying this free and restful moment after a long time. As the sun rose, my brother opened the equipped bimini top and took over my cockpit seat, allowing me to catch my breath.

Ride Experience

I made my way to the sofa in the back and joined in the conversation, enjoying the drinks and food my wife pulled out of the storage box. I loved the design of its small tray to keep these things on instead of holding them in my hands all the time. Peter’s driving skills were very sophisticated, and all I had to do was enjoy it all.

Peter picked a suitable place for us to stop, where I was going to try out its fishing performance. I had to say that the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX was designed for anglers, with several rod holders and a convenient livewell. At the same time, the stable and vast space provided me with a great casting platform. Tournament fishing has always been a classic with Peter, and I threw my rod hard in anticipation of the catch. Eventually, with a roar of cheers, I managed to win the tournament, and all my brother had to pay for was to drive all the way back.

After a short break, we were off once again, this time with a full load. With the powerful motor pushing, I couldn’t help but marvel once again at how powerful it was and how effortlessly it could transition from cruising to exciting bursts of speed. On the way back, we turned on its Bluetooth audio system, and the cheerful singing accompanied us all the way. It was like having a water party, with everyone beaming with happiness.

Specification

Styling

As a classic pontoon boat, the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX inherits the Sun Tracker’s classic design. A 20′ size hull can accommodate 8 people, spacious enough for passengers to ride more comfortably.

Also, plasma and laser cutting machines and robotic welding technology are used in hull construction to ensure a precise fit and finish in every process. The high gloss grill finish makes the boat more durable and beautiful. The tried and tested marine-grade aluminum material has higher strength and longevity, and the soundproof and vibration-proof fence insulation allows for a quiet ride and will be the perfect companion for your cruising excursions.

Fishing System

BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX is thoughtfully designed with 4 fishing platforms and rod storage on the front and rear decks to make your time on the water more enjoyable. Enjoy the freedom to swing your rod in spacious room and enjoy the fun of a full load. It also comes with a 30.28-liter inflatable livewell with a shut-off valve to keep your trophies inside. It is worth mentioning that its seat has a swivel function, which greatly facilitates your fishing.

Cockpit

If the above features form the body of the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX, then the design of the cockpit is the soul of it. The adjustable cockpit bucket seat with a swivel function is very soft and comfortable, minimizing your driving fatigue. The sport steering wheel has more silky smooth responsiveness, and the 4:2 ratio feedback-free steering is responsive and brings easy cornering. In addition to controlling the pontoon boat, the AM/FM Bluetooth® stereo console and 2 padded speakers make this cruise a fun party with great food, views, and music!

Other versions

In order to have a more comprehensive understanding of this series, we have also found this 2023 BASS BUGGY® 16 XL. We hope it will be helpful to you.

2023 BASS BUGGY® 16 XL

As the base model of the BASS BUGGY® series, its standard package includes the easy-to-use Bimini top deployment system, wrap-around tinted windshield, and Bluetooth® stereo system. In addition, the deck is 16 feet long and 8 feet wide, providing a spacious and stable platform for a variety of activities. The BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX has been upgraded with more space and the ability to accommodate more people. At leisure, the luxurious L-shaped lounge allows for a relaxing day on the water while providing good storage space below to carry more stuff. The double bow fishing chair, on the other hand, provides a comfortable place to play all day, and the console comes with storage rods and a livewell, thoughtfully prepared for fishing enthusiasts.

Overall, this is a great pontoon boat, functional and excellent. But if you need to bring more family members and friends and expect a wider fishing platform, then the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX would be a better choice.

What we like about it

• Durable anodized aluminum fence rails and extruded anodized aluminum deck edges with polished back corner caps are comfortable to touch.
• Loose and soft seats for your comfort and relaxation.
• Excellent outboard engines for a smooth and comfortable ride.
• Responsive steering system that can easily handle any water situation.
• The aft L-shaped lounge with seat storage provides ample storage space to support you to be fully prepared and reserve enough space for playing.
• Versatile and rich in fun, the boat can be used for both leisure cruising and fishing.
• All-welded, all-aluminum, and extended motor pod with a built-in EPA-compliant fuel system for durability, safety, and environmental protection.
• Excellent hull design provides good stability on the water.
• Whether fishing, hanging out, or cruising, the Bluetooth stereo enables you to do it all with the fitting soundtrack.

What we don’t like about it

• It is more suitable for those who seek leisure and comfort of the family rather than the pursuit of high-speed driving.
• Not suitable for driving in some rough water.

FAQ

1. What are the most popular pontoon boat sizes?

The most common size of a pontoon boat is about 20-24 feet. This medium-sized pontoon boat can usually carry 10-12 people and provide enough space and additional facilities for large groups. It can also load a weight of about 2000 to 2500 pounds. For home use, a small pontoon boat of 16-19 feet is sufficient. If you need to carry more, then consider the larger size of the pontoon boats, which have a 25-30 foot size and can accommodate more people. When you have more members in your group, we recommend you choose a larger-size recreational pontoon boat or fishing pontoon boat. If you need, you can check our pontoon boat page on our homepage. Of course, you can also contact us and tell us your needs directlyOpen Popup. We will recommend and design the perfect travel solution for you accordingly.

2. How fast is this BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX?

Obviously, like most fishing pontoon boats, the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX is not designed for speed. Even though it has 5 engine options, the most powerful is only 75 hp. Instead, the motor I chose is the 20 ELPT FourStroke, which is capable of speeds of about 12-14 mph. If you have a need for boat speed, you might consider a recreational pontoon boat with a larger motor. Of course, if you are looking for a boat that will get you to your fishing destination quickly, then a more flexible bass boat is a good choice. If you need one, feel free to contact us.

3. Is BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX suitable for harsh water environments?

Generally speaking, pontoon boats are more suitable for those calm waters. This BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX is the same. Although it has excellent stability but is still not suitable for uneven water. As for your safety, we suggest you drive in calm lakes.

2023 Sun Tracker BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX Specs

Standard

Length	20′
Deck Length	17′ 8”
Deck Width	8′ 2”
Max. Recommended HP	75 HP
Fuel Capacity	32.1 gal.
Pontoon Log Length	18′ 4”
Pontoon Log Diameter	24”
Pontoon Log Material	0.080 5052 marine alloy
Max. Person Capacity	8 persons

Max. Person Weight	1200 lbs.
Max. Person, Motor & Gear Weight	1775 lbs.
Interior Depth	24”
Average Dry Weight	1470 lbs.
Average Package Weight	2985 lbs.
Package Height	8′ 8”
Package Width	8′ 2”
Towing Length	27′ 5”
Storage Length	27′ 5”

Optional

Mercury® FourStroke	USD
9.9 ELPT FourStroke Command Thrust ProKicker	$30,375
25 ELPT FourStroke 12-14 mph	$32,195
25 ELPT FourStroke 10-14 mph	$37,995
60 ELPT FourStroke Command Thrust 18-22 mph	$40,395
115 ELPT Pro XS® FourStroke Command Thrust	$38,355

Video

Comparison Table

Ships	Deck	Maximum horsepowerLimits	Maximum capacity limit
Bennington S18 Fishing	17’6″	50 HP	7 persons
Lowe Ultra 182 Fish & Cruise	17’8″	75 HP	9 persons
Avalon Venture Fish 19′ Quad Fish	18′	90HP	10 persons

2023 Sun Tracker BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX vs Bennington S18 Fishing

As Bennington’s classic S-Series fishing boat, this Bennington S18 Fishing shows us extraordinary recreational enjoyment. It has two bass seats and a central fishing platform on which you can sit and fish to your heart’s content. Considering the comfort of user experience, the seat is selected with high-quality material, which is not only soft to touch but also durable. The L-shaped bench with a sun cushion in the middle of the hull brings a comfortable riding experience.

The BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX is equally considerate when it comes to recreation. Not only does it have more space, but also features four fishing chairs, which means more than one person can enjoy the harvest at the same time on the same boat. As well-known brands, these two pontoon boats are comparable in both performance and design, but if you have a larger family, then the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX will be more suited to your needs.

2023 Sun Tracker BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX VS Lowe Ultra 182 Fish & Cruise

For fishing enthusiasts and families who like to entertain, the Lowe Ultra 182 Fish & Cruise is ready for them. The open deck design provides plenty of room to move around on the marine-grade vinyl flooring, while three differently positioned fishing chairs facilitate tracking your quarry from multiple locations. Unlike the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX,  Lowe Ultra 182 Fish & Cruise features a long seating bench and is placed aft, giving you a broader view of the lake while sitting on it.

For all of these the BASS BUGGY® 18 DL can do the same, and in some ways handles it even better. You’ll find all the features you want on this pontoon boat, including a livewell, rod holders, optional pre-wired fishing bags, storage, and a bar, etc. You’re free to move around on it with music playing, so enjoy this great party time on the water!

2023 Sun Tracker BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX VS Avalon Venture Fish 19′ Quad Fish

The traditional design of the VTX harkens back to the simple beauty that ignited the public’s initial love of pontoon boats. This Avalon Venture Fish 19′ Quad Fish features a traditional front-wall design combined with Avalon’s premium construction so that you can fully appreciate its beauty. Notably, it boasts more horsepower than the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX and faster speeds for more exciting enjoyment.

This seems to look more like a fishing boat. In contrast, the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX is more settled and comfortable and performs well in quiet lake cruising, smoother running, and flexible steering for those recreationists. The higher rails are fully protected for your safety, perfect for boating together.

Of course, if these two boats are a bit unaffordable for your family, feel free to follow and contact us with your needs. We will match you with the best choice.

Summary

For those who are looking for a boat that can accommodate both family gatherings and entertainment, the BASS BUGGY® 18 DLX with its outstanding performance and design, has succeeded in doing so. It will live up to your expectations in construction and function, so bring it along and have a long overdue water party with your wife and kids!

Of course, if you have a limited budget, you can also consider our carefully selected SUN TRACKER PARTY BARGE 22 DLX‘s alternative model Sunset Breeze Duo S19 is also a good choice. They are not only cheap but have excellent performance. Of course, if you want to know more, don’t hesitate to contact usOpen Popup.