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This boat gives you a fast, dry, and smooth ride
Handles pretty well in rough water
Chaparral
The Formula brand is a well built boat that uses high end components and has things such as fume detection for the bilge and other items like that are not seen on other brands. The seats are very comfortable and both interior and exterior are holding up extremely well. The boat handles great and has a very solid ride. Besides the quality and comfort Formula provides, the also have TAG, Technical Assistance Group which is a direct line to the factory for all kinds of support. For someone that enjoys every aspect of boating being able to get direct factory support from people that know your boat inside and out is priceless. I have continually updated my boat using factory parts keeping it looking and performing like a newer model. Everything from switch covers to stainless steel struts and on and on… when you have a 15 year old boat that looks like new, performs like new and still has better manufacture support than most get with a new boat there is nothing to complain about. I couldn’t ask for a better boating experience!
Bought it new in 2012 for about 70K with twin Yam 150 4/strokes. Price was much much less than GW, Boston W, Hydro Sports, etc. Checked quality of boat in every parameter. It is 95% of those boats at half the price. I run 75 miles into the Gulf almost weekly. Boat does everything I expected. Gets 2.4 mpg with a full full load of people and fuel.
Was a great upper line boat in quality materials and design. However the recession got them and the greed of a corporate raider that put them out of business. I think the design and quality is ahead of must of today’s boats. What a shame.
It is comfortable boat that meets our needs.
Love the open feel
This is my third bass boat and realizing the improvements made over the past 30 years, still believe this is a great all around boat. Boat came rigged with Mercury 150 ProXS, which is the absolute minimum (and Max allowed) for this boat. Handling is good, but not as responsive as other bass boats as the steering does not allow for quick changes, which limits agility on the water. It is however very, very solid and at no point feels like you are pushing to the limit of safety. Quality of build is top notch and fit and finish is excellent. Layout is basic, but wish the rod locker was in the center to allow for keeping rods strapped on deck while digging some more out or putting some away. I believe later model years they made this change. I have not invested in a jack plate, so top end speed is limited to around 60mph. The only change I would make to the boat is to allow for higher horsepower rating, which appears to only be limited by steering system. The boat feels like it’s not being pushed to its real potential and the same exact length and width on other Triton models allow for higher horsepower. A 175 would make this boat run up there and be more competitive on top end performance. Originally boat came rugged with X5 trolling motor (very basic) and have since upgraded to Ultrex, which is everything folks have said it is, that being fantastic. In conclusion, the 18XS is a great entry level bass boat for any serious bass fisherman and could get somebody into playing around in tournaments with a few basic upgrades. Your are not going to win any races, but will make it back to the ramp dry and in one piece. Solid, dependable and capable of handling water more like a 20-21 foot boat than most other 18’6” bass rigs out there. Would purchase again based on personal need, and very pleased 4 years in.
This is the third bass boat I’ve owned and it is by far the best boat for the type of fishing I do. It performs well in rough water with a dry ride. It is easy to launch and load and is fast enough to be competitive in tournament settings.
The manufacturer “claims” that this boat has a “dry” ride! The farthest from the truth!! Maybe in calm waters, but if you get over a two foot chop, you’re going to get soaked! I had to put an enclosure around my cabin just to keep dry. MANY things just not correct that should have been perfect from the factory and lot’s of hassle’s from the manufacturer as far as covering problems under warranty. I would not buy another sailfish
Not many people are very familiar with Bryant but they build a quality boat that is a bit more affordable than some of the other premium names. I have had this boat 5 years now and it looks great and rides well.