Access More Boat Tests
Already have an account? Login
Price
See the price by becoming
a BoatTEST member.
Members Must Log In
Brief Summary
The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET breaks new ground in a production pontoon boat by coming equipped with a Torqeedo electric motor with lithium battery as the primary propulsion system. The company says it will push the boat at 4 to 6 mph. Fishing features include two fishing seats up front and a livewell to keep your catch frisky. The floor is finished with fishing-friendly, easy-clean vinyl.
Key Features
- Eco-friendly Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 R electric motor for horsepower-limited lakes and waterways
- Torqeedo lithium ''smart'' batteries with multifunction display
- Fishing-friendly, easy-clean vinyl flooring throughout
- Helm console with tinted windscreen, drink holders, vertical rod storage and storage below
- Forward-console seat with grab handles and aerated livewell below
- Bow fishing platform with 2 fishing chairs
- 24'' diameter high-buoyancy, multichambered pontoon logs
- Aft L-lounge constructed with marine-grade and UV-resistant upholstery
- Dual-latching gates that open inward
- Color-keyed Bimini top with protective boot and pull-down loops
Specifications
Length Overall | 16' / 4.87 m |
---|---|
Beam |
7' 1'' 2.16 m |
Dry Weight |
1,235 lbs. 560 kg |
Draft | N/A |
Deadrise/Transom | N/A |
Max Headroom | open |
Bridge Clearance | N/A |
Weight Capacity |
1,400 lbs. 635 kg |
Person Capacity | 7 |
Fuel Capacity | electric |
Water Capacity | N/A |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
Currently no test numbers |
---|---|
Std. Power |
1 x 6-hp Torqeedo Electric Cruise 2.0 R |
Opt. Power |
Not Available |
Warranty
Deck Warranty Extended | Limited Lifetime |
---|
Captain's Report
Overview
The Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET by Sun Tracker is an entry-level fishing pontoon boat with a very interesting twist. It is propelled by an electric outboard motor and ‘smart’ lithium batteries for an ultra silent ride and zero emissions. Although this power package is focused on a niche market, for now, it deserves a closer look at what the future of boating will include.
Ready for Fishing
Log boats make for great fishing platforms, they are spacious, stable and in this case, tree hugger approved. Sun Tracker has been serving the needs of lake fishermen and families alike since its inception and affordability has always played a role.
Features Inspection
Forward Deck.
The Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET is the shortest of the line but offers a dedicated forward deck area equipped with enough room for casting and working a hole without getting in the way of one’s fishing buddy. A pair of folding pedestal seats have full swivel and are nicely upholstered for improved comfort. The starboard seat has access to the flush-mounted trolling motor foot controls, located just forward of the seat in the sole.
Both front seats have an easy reach to the trolling motor for quick deploying or stowing via the forward deck gate. A table can also be used here with the included floor pedestal mount. New for this year, the deck carpet has been replaced with easy-clean vinyl flooring, certainly one of the best additions one could make to a pontoon boat.
Another nice feature of the Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET’s bow fishing area is the simple access to the boats concealed livewell, located just aft and integrated into the helm console. The tank is located below a hinged seat bottom that is both wide and secure with a pair of molded grab handles. The well-designed thermoplastic helm console houses several handy features including cup holders, rod holders, utility storage and courtesy light.
Performance
Many inland waterways have restrictions that limit internal combustion engines or limit horsepower size. The Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET is prepared to introduce these sacred places to anglers and friends by propelling the Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET with silent electric power. Rigged with the Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 R electric motor (aka e-outboard) it is said to have a gasoline equivalence of 6 horsepower. This waterproof motor is mated to a pair of lithium batteries and regulated by the redundant Battery Management System (BMS). The user controls give battery charge status, vessel speed, power consumption and calculated range determined by the systems integrated GPS sensor.
Construction
The deck is made from ¾”, 7-ply, pressure-treated wood supported by a structure of full-width heavy-duty extruded Z-bar supports. These are then thru-bolted to M-brackets that are welded to the 24” diameter logs. The high-bouncy, multi-chambered pontoons are made from 0.080” thick, 5052 aluminum alloy and include wave deflectors and internal bracing for added strength. Sun Tracker backs this boat with a limited lifetime warranty and a pleasing 10-year bow-to-stern warranty to boot.
Test Results
We have yet to test this green power option on the Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET.
Ergonomics
A 24” tall aluminum anodized fence incorporates a handicap accessible gate on the port side, and surrounds the boat’s deck. The Bass Buggy DLX ET’s L-shaped aft seating area is covered in attractive two-tone vinyl and affords up to five adults. Both the aft and port side seat bottom cushions are hinged to gain access to the generous storage compartments below. The corner cushion is removable for additional storage or a beverage cooler.
Helm
Helm seating takes advantage of the beam width cockpit settee and the welcome armrest for the captain. The electric motor’s on board computer provides all the necessary information on the user’s binnacle mount controls so there is no need for gauges at the dash. This may take some getting used to, but the layout definitely simplifies the piloting. Sun Tracker offers a Lowrance fishfinder that mounts atop the dash behind a smoked acrylic windshield. Topping off the Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET is a folding, 6’ polyester Bimini top that is included in the base price of the boat.
Warranty
The following items are part of the Sun Tracker Warranty --
Ten-Year Bow-to-Stern Warranty -- that means factory-installed workmanship and materials are covered for ten years from the time of purchase, including electrical components, livewells and plumbing, carpet and vinyl, furniture, Bimini top and much more. Your engine is covered by the Mercury manufacturer's warranty.
Lifetime Limited Structural and Deck Warranty -- provides coverage for pontoon logs, motor pod, other structural elements including deck supports, perimeter fence rails and gates, and more, for the life of the boat.
Transferability to Second Owner -- the resale value of your boat can be enhanced by provisions to transfer warranty elements to a second owner. Your Sun Tracker dealer can help you put applicable elements into effect when you are ready.
One-stop Warranty Resolution -- 10+LIFE coverage offers a one-stop solution, eliminating the need to pursue separate warranties with component manufacturers.
Full Coverage During Warranty Period -- means there is no pro-rating, or reduction of your coverage over time. So the peace of mind you enjoy at the outset carries throughout your coverage period.
In addition, Sun Tracker even backs its optional trailers by warranting the Galvashield steel tubing against structural failure due to corrosion for three years!
Observations
Electric powered boats are nothing new, but the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET is one of the first affordable family fishing pontoon boat we’ve seen with factory-equipped electric propulsion. It’s great to see this technology evolve and be used in places where dinosaur-burning engines are not welcome.