How to Rig the Ultimate Bass Boat

1 EVINRUDE E-TEC 250

Big-bore boat owners listen up: Evinrude has reestablished the giant two-stroke as the state of the art in marine technology. The E-Tec gets 30 percent increased fuel economy over other comparable motors. It’s environmentally friendly and just plain fast–really fast. There’s no break-in period. You don’t ever need to change the oil, and it will even run on no oil at all for five hours. Evinrude’s three-year warranty can be extended to seven years. $21,254; 847-689-7090; www.evinrude.com

2 TRITON 21X HP DC

The official boat of the Bassmaster Classic, this rig has all the right features: a girthy 94-inch beam, a 44-plus-gallon live well, 54 gallons of fuel storage, a 28-quart ice chest, and cushy shock-loaded seats. But it’s the ride that makes us drool. With the right motor, and an insane desire, you can bolt out of the hole like a rabbit and reach speeds of up to 80 mph. About $34,000 including the trailer; 888-887-4866; tritonboats.com

3 LOWRANCENET

With old-school networking systems, you used to have to splice a wire to add an instrument–a serious electronic no-no. LowranceNet allows you to integrate electronics instantly and infinitely with simple plug-in connectors. $200; 800-324-1356; lowrance.com

4 LOWRANCE LCX-26C HD

It won’t catch fish for you, but it will find them and keep a detailed underwater record. The unit’s 20GB hard drive is chockfull of maps, and the ultrabright 7-inch screen is split, so you can mark waypoints and navigate with the GPS on the left and simultaneously watch for fish and structure on the right. $1,499; 800-324-1356; lowrance.com

5 LOWRANCE LMS-332C

You can run this fishfinder off the front transducer, or plug it into the LowranceNet for real-time communication with the dash unit for GPS functions. Four viewing options (including a split screen) with 256 colors are readable in every light condition. This is a stellar product for the price. $699; 800-324-1356; lowrance.com

6 T-H MARINE HYDRO-JACKER HS

Take your engine from top to bottom in eight seconds. This jack plate rises and lowers faster than any other hydraulic plate available and trims out to maximize high-speed performance. Machined from high-tensile-strength aluminum alloy in critical areas, it has stainless-steel fittings for hydraulic lines. $995; 256-772-0164; thmarine.com

7 MAZCO HP4 PROPELLER

The HP4’s design cleverly allows exhaust to pass over and through the hub for superior hole-shot performance. A one-piece casting in stainless steel, the four blades are thinned and polished for high speed, but the prop shows its real value in turbulent water, where it has outstanding bite. For many large bass boats, it just may be the perfect prop. $720; 636-343-9911; mazcoprops.com

8 DUAL PRO CHARGERS

As you run between holes, the Pro Xtra3 kicks on to refresh your trolling-motor batteries, and when you park dockside or in the garage, the Three Bank Pro Charger takes care of the rest. The banks charge each battery for individual maintenance under all atmospheric conditions and then shut themselves off. $479; 800-742-2740; dualpro.com

9 DUAL PRO LIGHTNING SERIES

Constructed from pure lead with no contaminants, the plates in these batteries have almost double the surface area found in typical marine batteries. With proper care, they will last for more than eight years. $567 for two trolling-motor batteries and one cranking battery; 800-742-2740; dualpro.com

10 T-H MARINE ELECTRONIC HOT FOOT

It doesn’t just make your boat a hot rod. This pedal offers meticulous control in rough water and allows you to keep both hands glued to the wheel. When your leg gets tired, flip on the cruise control. $2,000; 256-772-0164; thmarine.com

11 MOTORGUIDE W75 WIRELESS

Set yourself free and control your craft from any spot in the boat with either a mini-remote that clips to your belt or a cordless pedal with directional pads. This 24-volt unit delivers 75 pounds of thrust and is quieter than most. $630; 920-929-5040; motorguide.com