OK, I know the basic differences between the two but what bothers me is that Bay Boats are advertised as being able to fish in much shallower water than a Center Console. I have researched the CC and Bay models between 17' and 19' and only see a couple of inch difference in draft between the two. There are many more CC's out there for sale than Bays, so what gives?Stalker
In my opinion, bay boats are ment for inland/near shore waterways and usually have a shallower Vee in the back (less deadrise- around 15 degrees). Regular center consoles usually have a deeper Vee (more deadrise- 18 to 20+ degrees) for a better ride in bigger water, and higher gunwhales with more flare at the bow. I always though of bay boats to be the salt water equivelent to a bass boat. Hope this helps.
I owned a bay boat. A 19' Palm Beach-BayDancer.I absoulutely hated that boat.The flat/roll chine bottom (no keel or hard chines) made the thing very difficult to control in the wind, not to mention slow speed manuevers.Anything over a six inch chop made the ride unbearable and VERY wet.
You won't notice too much difference between the two. Center consoles, if unspecified, are typically intended for light offshore to offshore use. When bay boat is specified, the boat is probably of lesser draft and deadrise. They are not intended for cutting through much more than you "typically" find in a bay (vs. offshore). Often times, gunnel heights are less on bay boats, and elevated bow casting platforms are also present. Please keep in mind, these are caveats you might notice in looking at the two types of boats in general and are by no means definitive.MY ADVICE: Look at the boat for your intended use. If you intend to use it in an area where seeas are rarely less than 2 ft, then you don't want shallow boat. Something with the ability to cut through the water would be better applied. If the intended use is in a sheltered body of water with little substantial turbulence, then obviously, alternate avenues should be taken. Find a boat to suit your purpose. Good luck!
I love my bay boat!http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/049968.jpgIt can handle skinny water right alongside most bass boats with 12 degrees of deadrise. Yet in chop it is still quite stable and dry.This model also serves double duty for our family enjoyment as it has a sunpad that goes on the front deck and two flip up seats in the rear when we want to pull a tube or skier around the lake. The bay boat was a few more sheckles but came with a lot of extras as standard accessories that are otherwise considered optional on their conventional "center console" model.
Hey Knot Addicted: Is your 94 "Burban" as bad on gas as mine? Thanks for the help. As usual, I will probably change my mind on what I want a dozen times before I buy one and then be sorry I didn't buy just the opposite. I live on Tierra Verde on Tampa Bay and spend most of my time fishing the Bay. I use a canoe for the real skinny stuff around Fort Desoto and only go off shore a few miles when I go for shore tarpon or an occasional king.Thanks AgainStalker
nightstalker, the trafic here is more stop than go, but I average 8-10 MPG in the city, and around 12 on the highway, but there aren't many highways here. Most of the time I am idleing in traffic.... What kind of mileage are you getting?
Bay Boat Versus Center Console
Stalker 
Linear Mode
