Excel Boats has carved a niche in the boating industry, particularly among anglers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts who value durability, functionality, and versatility in aluminum boats. Known for their thicker aluminum construction and a range of models tailored to various needs—from bay boats to duck hunting rigs—Excel Boats promises a robust, long-lasting vessel. However, like any product, they come with their share of strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive article dives deep into the pros and cons of Excel Boats, drawing from user experiences, expert insights, and model-specific details to help you decide if an Excel Boat is the right fit for your aquatic adventures.
Why Choose Excel Boats?
Excel Boats, manufactured in Arkansas, USA, has built a reputation for producing rugged aluminum boats designed to withstand tough conditions. Whether you’re navigating shallow rivers, tackling choppy bays, or hunting in timber-laden waters, Excel offers models like the Bay Pro series, the F4 duck boats, and inflatable options like the Volante series. Their commitment to using thicker aluminum—often .160 gauge compared to the industry-standard .125—sets them apart, promising enhanced durability and strength. But what does this mean in practical terms? Let’s break it down by exploring the key advantages and drawbacks.
Pros of Excel Boats
1. Superior Durability with Thicker Aluminum
Excel Boats emphasizes thicker aluminum as a cornerstone of their design philosophy. For instance, their Bay Pro models feature .160 gauge aluminum, a 28% increase in thickness over the .125 gauge used by many competitors. This translates to:
- Increased Strength: The hull is more resistant to bending, flexing, and impacts from obstacles like rocks, stumps, or shallow water hazards.
- Longevity: Thicker aluminum reduces the likelihood of dents, dings, and punctures, lowering maintenance costs over time.
- Resale Value: Boats with robust construction tend to retain value better in the used market.
User feedback supports this claim. One owner of a Bay Pro 220 noted, “It’s a solid boat—rides better than most aluminum boats I’ve been in, like Lund or SeaArk.” Another duck hunter praised the F4 1854, saying, “It’s stout and built tough, perfect for rivers and lakes.”
Table 1: Aluminum Thickness Comparison
| Brand | Typical Gauge | Strength Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Excel Boats | .160 | High durability |
| Competitors | .125 | Standard durability |
| Custom Builds | .1875 (3/16) | Extreme durability |
2. Solid Ride Quality
Excel Boats are engineered for stability and a smooth ride, particularly in their Bay Pro series. The hull design, often described as “flat” with minimal bow rise, ensures a steady transition from rest to plane. An owner of a Bay Pro 203 commented, “It handles waves better than most aluminum boats and much better than any tin boat I’ve owned.” This rigidity is attributed to the boat’s weight and thicker construction, making it a “wave eater” in moderate chop.
For duck hunters, the F4 series offers a stable platform in shallow waters and timber, with one user noting, “It does great in stumps and timber with good big water manners too.”
3. Versatile Model Range
Excel Boats caters to diverse needs:
- Bay Pro Series (e.g., 220, 203): Ideal for anglers fishing bays, lakes, and coastal waters. Features include ample deck space, rod storage, and options for powerful engines like the Yamaha 150 SHO.
- F4 Series: Designed for duck hunting, with shallow-draft hulls and options for mud motors. A user in Arkansas praised the 17×51 F4 with a 35hp surface drive for timber and river hunting.
- Inflatable Options (e.g., Volante SD330): Portable and lightweight, perfect for solo adventurers or small families. One reviewer lauded its “sturdy feel” and “high-pressure flat floor.”
This versatility ensures there’s an Excel model for nearly every type of boater, from casual fishermen to hardcore waterfowlers.
4. Quality Construction and Features
Excel Boats often go beyond the basics in their build process. For example:
- Hatch Hinges: Machine screws are fastened into a secondary flatbar, not just the deck, enhancing durability.
- Console Design: Unlike some competitors (e.g., Xpress, where thin fiberglass lets light through), Excel’s consoles are beefier and better finished.
- Foam Flotation: Modern Excel models use closed-cell foam, addressing past concerns about water absorption.
Users appreciate these touches. A Bay Pro 220 owner said, “Fit and finish was excellent, and customer service was great when I worked for an Excel dealer.”
5. Affordability Relative to Performance
While not the cheapest option, Excel Boats offer a strong value proposition. The Bay Pro 203 with a 115hp Suzuki, for instance, was cited as $3,000 less than a comparable SeaArk 2072 VFX without extras like GPS or trolling motors. The inflatable Volante SD330, with a 6hp Suzuki and accessories, came in under £2,320—a budget-friendly choice for a reliable SIB (small inflatable boat).
Cons of Excel Boats
1. Weight and Portability Challenges
The thicker aluminum and robust construction come at a cost: weight. Excel Boats are heavier than many competitors, which can affect:
- Trailering: A Bay Pro 220 owner noted, “Trailering was a pain initially—the long hull requires heaving on the winch, which popped the strap stitches the first time.” Upgrading to a lower-geared winch was suggested.
- Inflatable Setup: The Volante SD330, at 50kg packed, is manageable solo but tricky to unload without help, with one user reporting a torn bag from minor dragging.
For duck hunters, the F4’s weight can be a drawback in mud-heavy environments, though less so in timber or rivers.
2. Handling Limitations
Despite their solid ride, Excel Boats have quirks:
- Front-Light Design: The Bay Pro series, with motors on brackets, is “very front light,” making it prone to wind movement and tricky to back up. “It crabs when backing in tight spaces with strong winds,” one user said.
- Rough Water Performance: In heavy chop, the low bow can struggle. A Bay Pro 220 owner with a 200 SHO remarked, “It has no bow lift in rough water, making it hard to keep the bow high to avoid spearing waves.”
- Speed Trade-Offs: While capable (e.g., 53mph WOT solo on a Bay Pro 220), some users expected more from higher-horsepower setups, with porpoising occurring above 45mph with four people.
3. Build Quality Inconsistencies
While many praise Excel’s construction, some report issues:
- Workmanship Flaws: A Bay Pro 220 owner found a blocked drain tube and duct tape left from manufacturing, though the factory provided prompt support to resolve it.
- Recent Models: A 2020 Pro Hull owner criticized “terrible build quality, attention to detail, and quality control,” contrasting with others who found their boats “sound” and “well-finished.”
This suggests variability, possibly tied to specific production runs or models.
4. Limited Dealer Network
Excel’s dealership presence is sparse compared to brands like War Eagle or Ranger. Users in areas like upstate New York or South Florida struggled to find local options, often requiring long drives (e.g., Tampa to New Orleans) or direct purchases from Mud Buddy in Utah. This can complicate service and support.
5. Customer Service Concerns
Opinions on Excel’s customer service are mixed:
- Positive: Dealers like Metro Boating Center and factory support have been praised for responsiveness.
- Negative: Some report poor experiences, with one user calling Excel’s service “poor at best” and another labeling a representative “dishonest.”
This inconsistency could be a risk, especially for buyers far from a dealer.
Common Issues & Owner Complaints
| Issue | Frequency | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Transom wheel bending | Occasional | Upgrade to sturdier aftermarket wheels. |
| Deck slipperiness | Common | Add traction pads (Lowes strips work). |
| Winching difficulty | Frequent | Replace with a lower-geared winch. |
| Foam waterlogging (older models) | Rare | Newer boats use closed-cell foam. |
Notable Owner Feedback:
- “The boat is built like a tank, but the front is too light in wind.”
- “Trailering is a pain—long hull makes winching tough.”
- “Excel’s customer service is hit or miss—some dealers are great, others unresponsive.”
Model-Specific Insights
Excel Bay Pro 220
- Pros: Solid ride, durable .160 gauge hull, spacious interior (preferred over the narrower 203 for three+ people).
- Cons: Front-light handling, trailering challenges, limited bow lift in rough water.
- Performance: 45-53mph depending on load and engine (150-200hp).
Excel F4 Series (e.g., 17×51, 1854)
- Pros: Shallow-draft versatility, tough for timber and rivers, good payload capacity.
- Cons: Heavy for mud, requires thicker hull (.125 minimum, .1875 preferred for stumps).
- Performance: 25-30mph with mud motors, depending on load.
Excel Volante SD330
- Pros: Portable, affordable, stable high-pressure floor, fits four adults for short trips.
- Cons: Heavy to unpack solo, transom wheel design flaws, limited speed with 6hp.
- Performance: 7-14 knots with 6hp, planing with two people.
Comparing Excel to Competitors
Excel vs. SeaArk
- Excel: Thicker aluminum (.160 vs. .125), smoother ride, lower cost for similar setups.
- SeaArk: Wider front deck (e.g., 2072 VFX), drier ride, more dealer options.
| Feature | Excel Bay Pro 220 | SeaArk 2072 VFX |
|---|---|---|
| Hull Thickness | .125″ | .125″–.190″ |
| Bow Width | Narrower | Wider (better for fishing) |
| Price | ~$3k cheaper (with TM & GPS) | More expensive |
| Porpoising | Some issues | Less (due to hull design) |
| Sponson Pods | Not available | Optional |
Verdict:
- Choose Excel if you want cost savings and a solid ride.
- Choose SeaArk if you need more bow space and better rough-water handling.
Excel vs. Xpress
- Excel: Beefier build, better resale potential.
- Xpress: Lighter, slightly cheaper, but some report cracked hulls.
Excel vs. Custom Builds (e.g., Gator Trax, Uncle J)
- Excel: Mass-produced affordability, decent quality.
- Custom: Tailored designs, thicker hulls (.1875+), but higher cost and lead time.
| Feature | Excel F4 | Gator-Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Hull Material | .125″ 5086 aluminum | .125″–.1875″ aluminum |
| Customization | Limited | Fully custom |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter (better for mud motors) |
| Price | Mid-range | Premium |
Verdict:
- Excel is a good budget mud boat, but Gator-Trax offers better performance for serious hunters.
Table 2: Excel vs. Competitors
| Feature | Excel Boats | SeaArk | Xpress | Custom Builds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Gauge | .160 | .125 | .125 | .1875+ |
| Ride Quality | Solid | Dry | Moderate | Excellent |
| Price | Moderate | Higher | Lower | High |
| Customization | Limited | Limited | Limited | Full |
Who Should Buy an Excel Boat?
Ideal Buyers
- Anglers: Bay Pro models suit lake, bay, and coastal fishing with ample space and durability.
- Duck Hunters: F4 series excels in timber and rivers, especially with mud motors.
- Budget Adventurers: Volante SIBs offer portability and value for casual use.
Who Might Look Elsewhere
- Rough Water Boaters: Those needing superior wave handling may prefer fiberglass or deeper-V hulls.
- Lightweight Seekers: If portability is paramount, lighter options like Honwave might appeal.
- Custom Enthusiasts: Buyers wanting bespoke features may opt for custom builders.
Tips for Excel Boat Owners
- Trailering: Upgrade to PVC runners and a lower-geared winch for easier loading.
- Handling: Adjust trim and weight distribution to counter front-light tendencies.
- Maintenance: Check drains and foam post-purchase; add traction treads to slick decks.
- Engine Choice: Match horsepower to use—115hp for efficiency, 150hp+ for speed.
Conclusion
Excel Boats offers a compelling mix of durability, versatility, and value, underpinned by their use of thicker aluminum and thoughtful design. The Bay Pro series delivers a solid ride for anglers, the F4 series shines for hunters, and the Volante SIBs provide affordable portability. However, their weight, handling quirks, and occasional build quality hiccups mean they’re not perfect for everyone. For those prioritizing strength and longevity over lightweight agility or bespoke customization, Excel Boats is a strong contender. Weigh your needs against these pros and cons, and you’ll be better equipped to decide if Excel is your ticket to the water.
Recommendation:
- Test-drive before buying (especially in windy conditions).
- Consider adding trim tabs if porpoising is an issue.
- Opt for a reputable dealer (Excel’s customer service varies).
Happy boating!
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Read Are Pathfinder Boats Good & Reliable Enough to Own? until we meet in the next article.