Bay Boat v Center Console

[seajoe23]

I am considering buying a bay boat because they look like a great all around boat. Will use a lot for fresh water and family. My concern is I want something that can handle the Chesapeake Bay and Outer Banks too. The Bay Boats look too low for these rougher waters. Torn between a 21' center console and a equal size bay boat. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: Bay Boat v Center Console

seajoe,<br /><br />If you buy the bay boat and expect it to handle anything over a six inch chop, you'll be sorry.<br /><br />I sold one two years ago and was glad to be rid of it.

 

[chris in va]

Re: Bay Boat v Center Console

I had to search for a picture of a 'bay boat' as I've never heard of it. Now that I see what it looks like, there's no friggin way that will handle the 4' swells on the Chesapeake. Looks like a center-console bass boat. My 19' Caravelle bow rider got hammered on the 'peake and had to call in the CG. Winds were light, 7 knots.<br /><br />Get something more seaworthy.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Bay Boat v Center Console

I run a 23' CC quite comfortably in Biscayne Bay (just south of Miami), the Florida Keys and off shore in good weather.

 

[zxr600]

Re: Bay Boat v Center Console

Any suggestions on CC between 21 & 23' in models 2004 to 2007. It will be used in seas 4' to 10'. Hoping to get something that is reasonably economical to run

 

[dingbat]

Re: Bay Boat v Center Console

Humm....do you take a knife or a gun to the gun fight?
A 21' boat at either location is on the small side. You'll have to pick your days.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bay Boat v Center Console

ZXR: nobody goes out in 4-10' seas. The latter seldom occurs in the bay, or offshore except in gale+ conditions. Don't go anywhere until you learn a little more about safe boating.

Sea Joe: You want something that will get you home safely if you get caught in bad weather; 21-23 V will do that. Or consider a whaler, Carolina Skiff or Bayrunner flat bottom--safe but they will beat you up.
Popular mid-range boats are Sea Hunt, Sea pro, Scout, Key West; also Parker (more serious for fishing, less family friendly). Sea Hunt Ultra is a nic eblend of family boating and fishing.
You're right about the "bay boat" design not being the best for Chesapeake Bay and OBX, although a friend of mine is all over it in a 22' bay boat. He is, however, more likely to trailer across the bay rather than run it.
Look around a Tidalfish.com to learn more about boating in the area. Might find a used boat for sale, too.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Bay Boat v Center Console

Popular mid-range boats are Sea Hunt, Sea pro, Scout, Key West; also Parker (more serious for fishing, less family friendly).

Not priced a Parker in a while?

BTW: Wait until I tell the guys on TF you called a Parker a mid-range boat and put them in the same class as those others.