Boats Review
Xpress H18 – Is It Worth The Price You Pay For It?
Xpress H18 Review
Reference price: from $30,395 (w/ Yamaha VF115LA)
Type: Bass Boat
Weight: 1,215 pounds (approximately)
Capacity: 4 persons
What We Like About It: The SeaDek liner deck is easy to clean and provides ample storage space.
What we don’t like about it: The price is not cheap, and a larger windshield would be even more appealing.
Rating (4.8/5)
The story of Xpress Boats began in a small schoolhouse in Friendship, Arkansas. After successfully building their first fully welded aluminum boat, they invested more effort into creating more high-quality aluminum vessels and earned a good reputation. Xpress Boats thoroughly considers performance and safety in designing and constructing boat models. With its aluminum V-hull and longitudinal rib structure, as well as expandable foam for added strength, Xpress Boats meet and exceed all US Coast Guard floatation and safety standards.
The Xpress H18 is no exception, as it not only has a smooth and sturdy hull but also delivers excellent performance. It ensures drivers can maneuver flexibly while providing an enjoyable experience. Additionally, the entire hull is filled with high-quality, environmentally friendly expandable foam, greatly enhancing safety during water travel.
Now let’s analyze the driving experience, seating comfort, specifications, and other versions of the Xpress H18.
If you want to explore more boat types or purchase the one that suits you, please remember to follow us or contact us directly. We are more than happy to assist you.
Overall Impression
My friend Jace is a crazy fishing enthusiast. He often goes fishing in various places, exploring different fishing techniques. He is also a boat collector, with several boats of different performances in his warehouse. Just last week, he got his hands on a new boat, the Xpress H18. It’s a bass boat, and he plans to use it to take his friends to go fishing in Texas or Florida. As it can accommodate up to four people, it’s a very spacious boat.
Drake, another good friend of his, and I received his invitation for a fun fishing trip on Lake Okeechobee. When I first saw this boat, my immediate thought was, “Wow, this thing looks stunning.” The aluminum hull surface, with its streamlined shape, looked even more beautiful under the sunlight. From a distance, it appeared like a glowing glass boat. As we got closer, I noticed that its deck is lined with SeaDek liner, providing not only a non-slip surface but also a pleasing appearance.
Furthermore, on the deck above the storage areas, the Xpress H18 features an eye-catching color-bordered pattern, making the storage compartments easily identifiable.
Drake took on the role of the driver for this trip. He was very interested in driving this boat, and Jace was more than willing to grant his wish.
Driving Experience
It was Drake’s first time driving this boat, and I could sense his excitement sitting next to Jace. The console of this boat is very spacious, and Drake, who is over six feet tall, had no problem sitting comfortably at the helm.
I was curious about how easy the console was to operate, so I asked Drake about his experience. He told me, “The Yamaha motor equipped on this boat is very reliable. I felt a smooth and stable start, without much rocking of the boat. However, I haven’t figured out what all these buttons do, there are so many of them. But overall, it’s great. Do you want to try it later?” I politely declined his offer because, at that moment, I was eager to show off my fishing skills to Jace and the others. Looking back, it became my biggest regret of the day.
Riding Experience
Jace told Drake that one advantage of this boat is its impressive speed, surpassing many bass boats in terms of speed. Hearing this, Drake couldn’t wait to throttle up. At the same time, I was also amazed by the Xpress H18’s speed. Watching the buildings and trees on the shore rapidly receding, I opened my arms, enjoying the wind and water splashes on my face, feeling exhilarated on the surface of the lake. At that moment, I felt like a free bird soaring above the water.
After experiencing its speed, we got down to business. Arriving at the right fishing spot, Jace took out three fishing rods from the rod storage area at the bow. It was so spacious that it could even accommodate seven to eight feet long fishing rods, perfect for Jace, who had an array of fishing gear. On the right side of the storage area, there was also a portable cooler where Jace had stocked plenty of Coca-Cola and beer in advance.
While the boat has two fishing chairs, one at the bow and the other at the stern, their designs are quite different. The fishing chair at the stern is very spacious and comes with a backrest, providing great comfort.
On the other hand, the bow’s chairs are bar-style swivel seats, relatively simple and more suitable for smaller individuals. You can choose your preferred seat. As a technical angler, I didn’t mind not having a seat, so I chose to fish with Jace at the bow. The bow’s deck was more spacious, allowing me to cast my line without worrying about interfering with Jace. When feeling tired, sitting down on the deck was also a good option.
Specifications
The Xpress H18’s excellence goes beyond what has been mentioned above. For all anglers, proper placement of the catch is often more important than protecting the fishing rods. This is not a concern for Xpress H18 users. At the stern, Xpress has equipped ample inflatable livewells. The driver can control the built-in timer and pump discharge with the push of a button, ensuring your catch remains fresh at all times.
In addition, the interior design of this boat also follows ergonomic standards. The impressive standard features and the stylish, well-designed open deck will provide you with years of excitement.
Other Versions
As part of the same series as the Xpress H18, the Xpress H17 maintains a similar layout in appearance but has different configurations.
This boat is equipped with the Yamaha VF90LA engine and does not have the speed advantage of the Xpress H18, with a maximum of only 90hp. Although it can also carry up to four people, its weight limit is only 540 pounds. This means you and your companions cannot all be heavyweights. Its hull weight is also lighter, resulting in a more stable experience on the water compared to the Xpress H18.
However, it does have its advantages, with price being its biggest selling point. It is priced about a hundred dollars cheaper than the Xpress H18. But I don’t consider this a significant advantage, as most people wouldn’t be concerned about that amount. It might be more suitable for families with kids or those who need a slow-speed boat.
What do we like about it
- Spacious cockpit and comfortable seats provide a better driving experience for the driver.
- The SeaDek floor liner not only offers excellent slip resistance but is also very easy to clean.
- Ample storage areas are designed to keep fishing gear organized and convenient.
- The powerful Yamaha motor ensures a stable and speedy ride, making navigation on the water smoother.
- Sufficient inflatable livewell with timer and ventilation function keeps the catch fresh at all times.
What we don’t like about it
- The colored windshield on the dashboard is not large enough to block sufficient breeze and sunlight.
- The price is somewhat expensive and may not be affordable for everyone.
FAQ
- How much are bass boats?
The cost of a bass boat can vary significantly based on factors such as size, brand, age, and the type and condition of the equipment. On average, the price of a bass boat ranges from $20,000 to $45,000. Our Xpress H18, for instance, easily exceeds $30,000, which may not be budget-friendly for budget-conscious anglers.
Fortunately, our Fisherman’s Fortress model shares many similarities in features and construction with the Xpress H18 but comes at a much lower price. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us!
- What are the benefits of SeaDek flooring?
Firstly, it provides excellent slip resistance even in wet conditions. Secondly, it offers a strong sense of comfort when standing or walking. Moreover, it is very easy to clean, and after a long fishing trip, you can simply spray off the dirt, and it dries within fifteen minutes, making maintenance hassle-free.
- How fast does a 115 hp bass boat go?
If you choose to equip your bass boat with a 115hp engine, theoretically, you can expect a speed of 30-35 miles per hour. However, the actual speed depends on the total weight of the boat. Take Yamaha’s fastest 115hp four-stroke engine, the VF115 V MAX SHO, for example. Under ideal conditions, it can reach a top speed of nearly 51 miles per hour. Fortunately, our Xpress H18 is paired with the VF115 V MAX SHO, offering both speed and being 10 pounds lighter than two-stroke competitors. Thus, it might be your best choice if you seek speed.
Xpress H18 SPECS
Standard
| Length | 1710″ |
| Bottom | 67″ |
| Beam | 93″ |
| Sides | 22″ |
| Transom Height | 22″ |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18 gal. |
| Approximate Weight | 1,215 lb. |
| Max Wt.Per/Mo/GR | 1,488 lb. |
| Total Wt. Per Cap | 4 / 673 lb. |
| Aluminum – 5052 Gauge | 0.125 |
| Maximum HP | 115HP |
Video
Comparison Table
| Boat | Deck Length | Maximum Horsepowerlimit | Maximum capacity limit |
| Ranger RT178 | 17′ 10” | 75HP | 4 persons |
| Nitro Z17 | 17′ 4” | 115HP | 3 persons |
| 2023 Lund 1775 Impact XS SS | 17’11” | 125HP | 6 persons |
Xpress H18 vs Ranger RT178
Ranger RT178 is a perfect combination of value, functionality, and performance, and it offers the same size as the Xpress H18 but at a more budget-friendly price. At the same price, the Ranger RT178 also includes a 60 ELPT FourStroke Mercury® motor and a trailer, providing you with more peace of mind compared to the latter.
Regarding storage space planning, the Ranger RT178 comes equipped with an 8-foot port rod storage, an embedded trolling motor pedal, three tackle-specific storage compartments, and an extra-large center storage box. It’s worth noting that the wide deck and cockpit provide stability from bow to stern.
Of course, the Ranger RT178’s aluminum hull is also filled with Ranger’s signature foam floatation for smooth and sturdy performance at speeds of up to 75HP in all conditions. However, its carpeting uses all-weather marine-grade material, which may not be as dirt-resistant and easy to clean as the SeaDek flooring in the Xpress H18. If this is a concern for you, it’s worth considering.
Xpress H18 vs Nitro Z17
The Nitro Z17 is a versatile fiberglass bass boat. As we all know, fiberglass hulls are known for their stability, weight, and aesthetic appeal, which makes the Nitro Z17 more expensive than the Xpress H18.
Despite having a wider hull than the Xpress H18, the Nitro Z17 has a maximum capacity of only three people. This might not be great news for those seeking practicality or families with two children. It is perhaps better suited for professional anglers or amateur tournament participants. On the bow deck of the Nitro Z17, there is a lockable center rod organizer that can accommodate fishing rods up to 7 feet 6 inches long, providing you with astonishing storage space.
Additionally, there’s a huge 23-gallon NITRO-exclusive GUARDIAN™ inflatable, partitioned, and timed livewell that keeps your catch fresh until they’re weighed.
Xpress H18 vs 2023 Lund 1775 Impact XS SS
The Nitro Z17 is a versatile fiberglass bass boat. As we all know, fiberglass hulls are known for their stability, weight, and aesthetic appeal, which makes the Nitro Z17 more expensive than the Xpress H18.
Despite having a wider hull than the Xpress H18, the Nitro Z17 has a maximum capacity of only three people. This might not be great news for those seeking practicality or families with two children. It is perhaps better suited for professional anglers or amateur tournament participants. On the bow deck of the Nitro Z17, there is a lockable center rod organizer that can accommodate fishing rods up to 7 feet 6 inches long, providing you with astonishing storage space.
Additionally, there’s a huge 23-gallon NITRO-exclusive GUARDIAN™ inflatable, partitioned, and timed livewell that keeps your catch fresh until they’re weighed.
Summary
We believe that the Xpress H18 is a great boat for medium-sized lakes. It offers many amenities found on larger, more expensive boats while being more cost-effective to tow, operate, and fish. It’s an ideal choice for families who love fishing and have a comfortable budget, or for young individuals who frequently venture out on weekends with friends.
Moreover, the Xpress H18’s stylish appearance makes it an appealing choice for anglers at any stage of their fishing journey.
Of course, if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to it, you can also check out similar boats on the NeoBoats website, such as the Fisherman’s Fortress model. If you’re interested or have any other questions, feel free to contact us! Thank you very much!
