Bay Boat recommendations

[Gamecatcher]

Ok, so I did search this forum for suggestions. I think that made me more confused than when I started.

I am in the market for a 22'-24' center console Bay boat. Anywhere from new to a few years old if the condition and price is right. Not necessarily price shopping, but price must match the quality.

Will be used 25% in saltwater probably. Bay mostly, but, if conditions are right might venture out a wee bit. This is not a major consideration in my criteria. Most 22'-24' Bay boats can handle nice calm days outside the bay.

Fire away. What are your top choices for a 22'-24' Bay boat.

Thanks for your time.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

Where exactly do you plan on boating?
Northern/Sourthern West Coast? East Coast? Carolinas? Heck, Canada? lol
Different locations at times have different needs

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

Pursuit
Baja
Boston Whaler
Grady-White


I'll think of some more . . .

 

[mommicked]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

I was at a local dealer recently to buy parts and saw 3 brand new Ranger bay type boats 16-24'! they were not cheap! but looked extremely well built and functional. If i won the lottery I'd have to have one!

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

From the Scout Boats website:

251 XS
The industry’s first true inshore/offshore fishing boat in the 25’ category: our 251 XS.

"The 251 XS, with forward seating, was designed to be a “hybrid” model capable of handling and performing in both inshore and offshore waters. This model has a draft of approximately 13” for backwater fishing; while the proud bow, hull design, depth and freeboard allow it to slice through offshore waves while keeping you dry."


You want quality? Do yourself a favour and check out Scout.

Nuff said.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

that Scout looks really nice, and hopefully will educate those who say center consoles have no seating, aren't good for anything but fishing, etc. Boaters know it isn't so.

To the OP: about your description: "bay boat" is a type of hull that is relatively flat, both on the bottom and on the above-water hull, especially at the bow. Ironically, they are not very good for bays, especially the smaller boats. So are tyou really lookng for what is technically a bay boat, or a boat to use in a bay? what bay?

For example, compare the lines on this 21' bay boat: http://seahuntboats.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=99&Itemid=126
to a 21' boat for the bay from the same manufacturer: http://seahuntboats.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=111&Itemid=138

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

Excellent way to differentiate the two, HC. And those bow seat backrests on the Sea Hunt are genius.

Another item to consider for the OP - while HC is quite right about the seating capacity of CCs, the thing that pushed us into the dual console version of the Scout line was the issue of wind protection. And the helmsperson is the only one to get much. I dearly wanted a CC but but after a couple of test rides with the family, it was obvious that for our Canadian climate where a third of our already short boating season sometimes requires sweaters and mitts, the prospect of that kind of exposure wasn't going to be workable over the long haul for the rest of the crew - no matter how attractive the CC concept otherwise.

Anyway, one more reason to be real clear in your mind about the mission and conditions encountered therein.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

good point, scout. the selection of a boat has to be driven by the typical climate. Wind protection can be essential for some; sun protection more important for others. we don't know what the OP has in mind.

 

[Gamecatcher]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

Sorry for being ambiguous. To me, "Bay Boat" is a pretty general term for a center console, inshore fishing boat, larger casting platform on front. Not an offshore boat, something specifically designed for open water to go fish the rigs.

Being 24' or so, it does have the capability to fish some rougher waters, but with a constant eye on weather and conditions.

Here, to make it easy, are pictures of styles I want and don't want.

Want - 24' Yellowfin Bay boat http://www.yellowfinyachts.com/is24.html

Dont want - 23' Yellowfin - http://www.yellowfinyachts.com/os23.html

Well, I guess if someone were to give me the 23 I'd take it.

Fishing Texas Coast, Galveston, Rockport, may take it to Louisiana for inshore etc. Texas Lakes, Texoma, Ray Roberts, Lewisville, etc.

No, I do not "need" a 24' Yellowfin to fish Texoma ... I just want it!

BTW, I am not certain the 24 Yellowfin will fit my budget. Someone would have to go a long way to convince me that it is the cat's meow ... which, unfortunately, I know it is. I just can't see dropping $65-$70k on a bay boat.

 

[Gamecatcher]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

Homecookin', you got it right.

BTW, I like that Scout! I think I must have it! For those of us who are married, you know that your boat budget can increase by anywhere from 15%-50% (depending on the wife) for a boat that is comfortable with seats!

I showed my wife a nice 24'ish inshore boat, and said, "That is a nice $60k boat!"
She said, "It has no seats! Is that what you get for $60k, I would think it would come with seats!":facepalm:
"There is a seat, see it? Behind the steering wheel."

 

[Gamecatcher]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

No other recommendations?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

Ditto on the weather. I think you would be better served with a bow rider with trolling motor if you want, and a conventional runabout seating with a walk through windshield and cover to cover the area under the WS to keep the wind out. Then top it off with a top that mounts to the top of the WS and maybe side curtains.

I have been both places and I assure you that without what I said, my boating season was severely limited.

Other thing is, there are bay boats and bay boats, i.e. hull type. I don't know about you but I don't like to get pounded when out boating. A lot of CC bay boats have a low dead rise at the transom, or none at all and a shallow V up front for a "semi-V" configuration. That's OK when the waves are 6" high. But where I boat that is seldom the case and a deep V is much more desirable by me and the family. I had the former, a lighter weight boat and got tired of pounding and bought the latter in a significantly heavier hull. Night and day and I think you should give these two subjects serious thought. BTDT speaking from experience.

HTH,
Mark

 

[Gamecatcher]

Re: Bay Boat recommendations

Ditto on the weather. I think you would be better served with a bow rider with trolling motor if you want, and a conventional runabout seating with a walk through windshield and cover to cover the area under the WS to keep the wind out. Then top it off with a top that mounts to the top of the WS and maybe side curtains.
Mark

While that is the practical answer, I am pretty well dead set on the style I want. Maybe if I were farther North that would be a factor. But, I just can't see myself spending any amount of money on a boat of that style. I have owned a couple like that and don't want to go back there.

I want a center console, outboard, fishing boat. This isn't for family boating, skiing, pleasure boating, ... whatever. It's to fish. I don't spend too much time on the water in the cold, but if I do, I have clothes for that. This will be used 90% of the time when it is warm anyway.

I went with a guide in Crystal Beach who had a 24' Haynie. I liked that boat. They can be found new $40-$50, used $25k-$40k of course depending on accessories.

Anyone with experience in a Haynie?