Best Boats of 2007

We pick the 10 models that will most change the shape of boating this year and beyond. These boats rank as our "must-considers."

By Boating Staff

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BEST HIGH-END BASS BARGAIN

Charger Pro Team 296
What was missing? We kept looking the boat over at its intro last fall wondering where Charger cut corners. We found dual livewells with timers and dual pumps to keep bass fresh for weigh-in. We found bow and helm depth finders, plus a foot-operated trolling motor and a bow-trim switch for creeping into the shallows. There's even a second console to protect the buddy angler from pelting rain.

All storage is lockable and includes water-resistant hatches. Special design touches like the recessed trolling motor pedal make stand-up fishing easier on your back. The Charger Pro Team 296 has something else we like, an agile, quick and stable hull that handles rough water. At $34,995, what it lacks is a head-thumping price tag.

Editors' Take
Powerful, fast, tough and affordable, with hard-core fishability.

Best of All
Charger's unique rod locker with tube tips and butt racks nests several rods safely. Additional fishing tackle and gear also stores away neatly.