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Nine Bay Boats You Can Take Offshore

• By Jim Hendricks
• September 14, 2023

Supersizing: It’s a uniquely American phenomenon. Burgers expand into triple-deckers. TVs stretch into expansive big screens. RVs transform into rolling mansions. And now bay boats—among America’s most iconic fishing craft—are growing to unprecedented sizes.

Need proof? Look at the Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless , Caymas 281 HB , Everglades 273CC , Grady-White 281 CE , Pathfinder 2700 Open , Regulator 30XO , Scout 281 XSS , SeaVee 270Z or Solace 30HCS . All sport center consoles, and some even boast the availability of twin outboards, putting these relatively shallow-draft 27- to 30-footers in competition with many conventional ­offshore center-console fishing boats. 

More than one factor has spurred this supersize trend, including the evolution of bay-boat interiors. Traditionally, bay boats have sported layouts intended for fishing in the protected and shallow waters of bays, harbors and coastal rivers . Spacious, elevated bow and stern casting decks with low gunwales, if any at all, allow anglers to better spot fish and cast to nearshore species such as little tunny, redfish, snook, striped bass and tarpon. 

Yet many anglers also use their bay boats to venture offshore for species such as cobia, grouper, kingfish, mahi, snapper, tuna and sailfish. Over the past decade, bay-boat builders have responded to this trend with new designs that abbreviate, lower or eliminate casting platforms, with the goal of creating greater cockpit depth for security and safety in rougher waters. At the same time, hulls more or less maintained the traditional, less-than-acute transom deadrise (around 15 to 20 degrees versus 20 to 25 degrees for deep-V hulls of this size) to enable shallow-draft designs for fishing inshore waters. Bay boats also possess relatively low exterior freeboard to reduce windage, facilitate the use of bow-mount trolling motors, and enable anglers to lean over the side to more easily boat and release fish. 

The versatile mix of more-open layouts within a bay-boat hull has given rise to a new category known as hybrid bay boats . But the evolution has not stopped there. To help make hybrid bay boats even safer when heading offshore, builders in recent years have, as mentioned, supersized them while also ramping up the power (sometimes with twin outboards) and fuel capacity, and lending models deep-V-like cutwaters and healthy bow flares. Here are nine models in the 27- to 30-foot range that represent this growing trend.

Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless

The 280 Dauntless represents the flagship of Boston Whaler’s bay-boat lineup, with a 27-foot-9-inch length overall, 9-foot beam, and transom deadrise of 18 degrees. Whaler claims the 280 can float in 1 1/2 feet of water with the outboard(s) trimmed up. It comes with either a single Mercury V-10 400 DTS or twin 200 to 300 hp Mercs, ranking it among an elite group of big bay boats available with twin outboards. The 280 includes a big bow casting platform that also converts to bow seats and lounges, but there is not an aft casting platform per se, even though you could stand atop the area that houses the foldout transom bench. This big bay boat features a 19-gallon livewell, and a large forward fish box with a pump-out. An outrigger package is also available for days when you decide to head offshore. For more leisurely boating, opt for the swim patio that deploys from the port side of the aft cockpit for convenient access to the water. An optional gyrostabilizer (a rare feature on a bay boat) minimizes roll. The hardtop incorporates a full-height, three-sided glass windshield (with a vent atop the center panel), and the console dash includes Simrad navigation electronics, a JL Audio system and digital switching. The doublewide helm seat has flip-down armrests and flip-up bolsters so you can sit or stand while driving the boat. Even better, it can electrically actuate to convert to a simple leaning post for the captain at the helm while creating two plush aft-facing seats for the crew to sit in the cockpit. For our certified test of the 280 Dauntless, click here .

Pricing and Specs

Boston Whaler – Edgewater, Florida; 877-294-5645 ; bostonwhaler.com

Grady-White 281 CE

Grady-White’s new 281 CE (Coastal Explorer) represents one of the latest big examples of this do-it-all fishboat category designed to serve the needs of inshore and offshore anglers while providing a marvelously comfortable platform when more leisurely outings are the order of the day. The 281 CE is engineered to perform well with either a single Yamaha XTO 450 or twin Yamaha F300 DES outboards. The Yamaha Helm Master EX with the optional Full Maneuverability package is a great addition with the twin-outboard setup. The Grady SeaV2 hull on this boat features 16 degrees of transom deadrise that artfully sharpens at the cutwater. The sheer sweeps gracefully upward and incorporates a classic Carolina flare for a smooth, dry ride. For fishing inshore, the 281 CE drafts 1 foot, 7 inches. The layout includes a wide-open forward casting platform formed by using the forward snack tabletop and a crescent-shaped insert as fillers. Remove both to create unfettered access to the bow between the forward loungers. The aft platform doubles as a comfy bench seat; remove the middle backrest and swing the two outer backrests 90 degrees to serve as elevated coamings while standing. The 281 sports a 38-gallon livewell in the leaning post and an integral hardtop with a wraparound, full-height windshield. The 281 CE is also the only bay boat to feature a fully electric-powered side door. This standard feature is called the Sport Deck, and it pivots downward to serve as a cool swim platform or for hauling a big offshore fish aboard. For our full test and video of the Grady-White 281 CE, click here .

Grady-White Boats  – Greenville, North Carolina; 252-752-2111 ;  gradywhite.com

Caymas 281 HB

The Caymas 281 HB hybrid bay boat strikes a dashing profile with its curvaceous sheer and contoured tumblehome in the stern quarters. But it’s a Michael Peters double SVVT (Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel) hull that delivers speed, a smooth ride in rough water, fuel efficiency, and the ability to skim the shallows in this 27-foot-11-inch fishing machine. With 18.5 degrees of transom deadrise, the 281 HB drafts 1 foot, 4 inches at rest with the outboard(s) tilted up. The interior layout includes traditional roomy bay-boat-style casting decks fore and aft, with a cockpit in between providing 26 inches of interior freeboard. Angling amenities include a pair of 35-gallon livewells and foldout seating under the stern deck. Forward on the 281 HB, you’ll also discover a 45-gallon forward fish box and roomy stowage lockers for tackle and gear. Just abaft the foredeck is wraparound seating, and the forward console offers a seat with a built-in cooler below. A tempered-glass windshield with a powder-coated aluminum frame protects the helm area, which includes a fiberglass leaning post with flip-up bolster seats and a backrest, four rod holders, a pair of stainless-steel drink holders, and a rigging station on the backside. The center console comes with four vertical rod holders on each side. The dash will accommodate a pair of 12-inch multifunction displays. Hardtop options with and without second stations aloft boast powder-coated aluminum pipework. Caymas offers Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha outboards up to 600 hp total in single or twin configurations to propel the 281 HB, and a 200-gallon fuel capacity results in superb cruising range. 

Caymas Boats – Ashland City, Tennessee; caymasboats.com

Solace 30HCS

Solace Boats has entered the hybrid bay-boat segment of the market with one of the largest and most daring in this category—the 30HCS (Hybrid Center Step). The interior layout does away almost entirely with elevated casting platforms to maintain a consistent cockpit depth throughout. The most captivating feature is an elevated pair of chairs that sit atop the cover of the two 30-gallon transom livewells. The backrest of the cushioned seats pivot to let crewmembers face fore or aft. There are walk-throughs on both sides of the transom to access the swim platform, and you’ll find two 35-gallon in-deck fish boxes flanking the cockpit. The twin Mercury Verado 400 V-10-powered 30HCS boasts vacuum-infused carbon-fiber and epoxy laminate construction. The hull has a twin-stepped, variable-deadrise ventilated hull with a high-density PVC composite transom that offers 21 degrees of deadrise, verging on the running surface of a true offshore center-console. The console features a seamless, integrated three-sided glass windshield with electric rams to fully open the front panel, and a pair of deluxe helm seats cradle the captain and co-pilot. The back of the leaning post has a rigging center with a sink, faucet and cutting boards, and a cooler underneath. The forward console has a lounge, and wraparound seating adorns the bow. The entrance to the console lies to port, and the interior provides more than 6 feet of headroom, a vanity with a Corian countertop, a stainless-steel sink, and an electric-macerated freshwater toilet. An optional stand-through upper station is available. For our review of the Solace 30HCS, click here .

SŌLACE – Edgewater, Florida; solaceboats.com

Pathfinder 2700 Open

Pathfinder’s big new 2700 Open features a double-stepped hull with 18 degrees of transom deadrise and an unbroken sheer that lends it the appearance of a pure bay boat from a distance. Yet the interior mimics an offshore fishing machine more than most other models in this category. That’s because Pathfinder—a pioneer of the bay-boat genre—eschews any pretense to the traditional aft casting platform, instead reserving the stern area for an offshore-style 22-gallon transom livewell (with a viewing window) flanked by a pair of optional fold-down jump seats. Adding even more bluewater cred to this hybrid is a second 43-gallon livewell in the seating module abaft the deluxe helm seating for two with a vented high-rise backrest, folding armrests, and individual flip-up bolsters for support while standing at the wheel. There is a big elevated casting platform on the bow, a reminder that the 2700 Open can also serve inshore duty thanks to its 1-foot-5-inch draft. A jack plate on the transom allows anglers to adjust engine height when traversing the shallows. The dash panel is large enough for a pair of 12-inch multifunction displays or one 16-inch display. The optional T-top includes two glove boxes and six rod holders. A fully molded, removable cooler with handles and integral tie-downs serves as the forward console seat, with a backrest cushion attached to the console. Access to the console interior is to starboard; an optional head is available, and there’s also access to the electronics rigging inside. 

Pathfinder Boats  – Fort Pierce, Florida;  pathfinderboats.com

Regulator 30XO

With a length overall of 30 feet, 7 inches, Regulator’s 30XO stands as the largest of all hybrid bay boats. Key features include twin Yamaha F300 DES outboards, an optional half-tower station, and a convertible tackle and entertainment center. There’s a forward casting platform with deep gunwales for safety. The aft casting platform offers jump seats that fold out from underneath. Anglers will love the combined 341 gallons of fish-box, livewell and storage space, the 10 rocket launchers on the helm station, and optional undergunwale locking rod storage. When it comes time to kick back, the 30XO offers plenty of plush seating, with the option to upgrade to diamond-quilted upholstery and add teak accents for a rich, classic look. The standard forward console settee delivers 218 quarts of cooler space, while the flush-folding rear cockpit seats house integrated dual bucket holders, with custom buckets port and starboard, and a mechanical access center. The dash can accommodate two 16-inch Garmin 8616xsv MFDs. A proprietary user interface called MyHelm provides easy-to-use functions on the touchscreen. The system even has its own key fob for controlling the Power-Poles, jack plate, spreader lights, light bar and deck lights. Yamaha Helm Master EX joystick control is an option. With 15 degrees of transom deadrise and a draft of 1 foot, 9 inches, the 30XO can ply inshore waters, but the hull also has the forward-V and heft to safely head offshore. For our full test of the Regulator 30XO, click here .

Regulator Marine  – Edenton, North Carolina;  regulatormarine.com

Scout 281 XSS

Scout’s 281 XSS serves as a prime example of a hybrid bay boat with bluewater angling chops and inshore fishing prowess. It features advanced epoxy-infused carbon-fiber and E-glass construction that minimizes weight, ensures durability and maximizes performance. With 15.5 degrees of transom deadrise, the 281 XSS drafts just 1 foot, 2 inches. Yet the double-stepped hull has a sharp entry to slice through choppy seas. Big casting platforms fore and aft give anglers plenty of elevation. It is available with single or twin outboards from Mercury and rated for a maximum of 600 hp. A fuel capacity of 126 gallons offers great fishing range. An 18-gallon livewell integrates into the leaning post, as does a slide-out 65-quart cooler, four rod holders, and lockers for fishing tackle. Under the aft casting deck is a pair of voluminous fish boxes that can be optionally plumbed as livewells. There’s also dedicated fender stowage and a foldout bench seat. A pair of helm chairs cradle the captain and co-pilot, and the helm features a pair of Garmin 10-inch multifunction displays. There’s an additional switch panel in the intricately crafted hardtop, which also includes four Fusion stereo speakers. A three-sided glass windshield shelters the helm area. An inviting forward console lounge features backrests and fold-down armrests. In the bow you’ll find wraparound seating with backrests to create a pair of forward-facing lounges. Classic Scout styling and optional colors add to the pride of ownership. To see our full review of the Scout 281 XSS, click here .

Scout – Summerville, South Carolina; scoutboats.com

SeaVee 270Z

SeaVee Boats led the early charge toward bigger bay boats when it introduced the 270Z Bay in 2015. With a 27-foot length overall and a 9-foot-1-inch beam, the 270Z reflects a traditional bay-boat interior, with spacious forward and aft casting platforms that sit high, 1-inch-high toe kicks all around, and a recessed cockpit amidships. The vacuum resin-infusion process used to build the hull and deck translates into lighter weight and a shallower draft. With 17 degrees of transom deadrise, the double-stepped hull drafts just 1 foot, 3 inches of water at rest. At the same time, multiple lifting bodies of the double-stepped Z-hull optimize the trim angle while underway to help smooth the ride in rough sea conditions. The 270Z is available with single or twin outboards, and can handle up to 600 hp. A 116-gallon fuel tank provides the ability to fish far and wide. Inside, twin insulated 6-foot-long, 75-gallon fish boxes and stowage space for a 5-gallon bucket and eight life jackets are built into the forward casting platform and drain overboard. A 25-gallon livewell is integrated into the forward cockpit, a 30-gallon pressurized livewell resides under the aft deck, and a foldout bench is concealed under the aft deck. The dash has room for a 16-inch MFD. Forward seating integrates a 68-quart cooler underneath. The console can be equipped with a clear acrylic windscreen, tempered glass windshield or polycarbonate enclosure. An optional hardtop is available and engineered to accommodate a second station aloft. For our test of the SeaVee 270Z, click here .

SeaVee – Miami, Florida; seaveeboats.com

Everglades 273CC

One of the original big hybrid bay boats, the Everglades 273CC drafts just 1 1/2 feet for stalking inshore waters. But it also possesses the heart of an offshore hunter thanks to a wave-slicing variable-deadrise V-hull that features a healthy 20-degree transom deadrise, generous freeboard and Everglades RAMCAP construction. On deck you’ll find a spacious forward casting platform made possible by a filler placed between the bow seating/lounge modules. Remove the filler for unobstructed access to the bow. Underneath the forward seating, lockable storage incorporates racks capable of cradling as many as eight rods to port and another eight to starboard. The aft platform is abbreviated, but also has a pair of jump seats for crew comfort when moving between fishing spots. A 31-gallon livewell resides in the leaning post abaft the deluxe helm seats, along with a nifty tackle-storage and bait-prep center, and a sink with a pullout freshwater washdown hose. An insulated 82-gallon fish box is below the forward deck. Power arrives in the form of twin Yamaha F300 DES outboards available with the Yamaha Helm Master EX system. The standard hardtop features an aluminum powder-coated frame, LED lighting, an electronics box, four rod holders, and a ski pylon for days when watersports supplant fishing. Always the innovator, Everglades equips the 273CC with a tempered-glass windshield that slides downward at the push of button to usher in a breeze on sultry days. An optional tower with a second station provides an elevated viewpoint for sight-fishing. Everglades offers a variety of optional marine electronics packages from Garmin. 

Everglades Boats – Edgewater, Florida; evergladesboats.com

More Choices

A number of other bay boats push the size envelope in this category. Here are some prime examples.

Barker Boatworks offers two 25 1/2-foot bay-boat models based on the same hull. The 26 Calibogue Bay offers a traditional layout with fore and aft casting decks, while the Barker 26 Open eschews casting decks in favor of a big, deep ­cockpit that’s better suited to offshore fishing. Both models display outstanding workmanship and immaculate rigging. They feature 18 degrees of transom deadrise, weigh 4,500 pounds, draft 1 foot, 2 inches, sport a 450 hp rating, and have standard 90-gallon fuel capacities, with 120-gallon fuel-tank options. Both models are available with jack plates to elevate the outboard. 

Pricing for the 26 Calibogue Bay starts at $206,350 with a Mercury 400 Verado V-10; the 26 Open starts at $211,400 with the same motor.

Contender 26 Bay

The 26 Bay features traditional expansive casting decks and a deep cockpit. It also offers U-shaped seating abaft the bow platform with big dry stowage ­lockers underneath. More dry stowage and insulated fish lockers reside forward. A ­40-gallon livewell is positioned between the aft seats, and a 12-gallon well is in the bow. With 15.5 degrees of transom deadrise and a displacement of 4,200 pounds (with power), the 26 Bay drafts 12 inches. It’s rated for 400 hp and offered with a jack plate. Its 100-gallon fuel tank grants great range. 

Pricing is $150,000 for a base boat with a Yamaha F300 to $250,000 when fully tricked out with a second station, luxury seating, dual Power-Poles and more.

Yellowfin 26 Hybrid

With a sweeping sheer, a deep cockpit from transom to bow, and the availability of twin outboards, this highly customized 26-footer epitomizes the trend toward offshore-capable bay boats. Yet this 5,000-pound (with power) hull drafts only 1 1/2 feet, striking a sweet compromise between skinny and blue water. Rated for 500 hp, the 26 Hybrid carries 118 gallons of fuel for long range. Hardtop and tower options let you set up the 26 Hybrid for how you like to fish. You can also opt for forward seating for days when family cruising is on tap, or choose an insulated coffin box to boost onboard cold storage. It also has plenty of dry storage, with inner-hull access under the rear bench seating. An upright livewell sits in the leaning-post module abaft the helm seating. 

With each boat built specifically to the buyer’s specifications, the 26 Hybrid ranges in price from $325,000 to $395,000.

Robalo Cayman 266

This boat features fore and aft casting platforms that convert to seating. The 5,600-pound Cayman 266 boasts a 110-gallon fuel tank. This delivers great range, even with the max 425 hp Yamaha XTO Offshore outboard on the transom. The wide 9-foot beam provides plenty of room for fishing.

Angling accoutrements include four gunwale rod holders, locking rod storage and twin 30-gallon livewells aft, plus a 20-gallon livewell in the bow. The aft livewell/fish boxes are blue gelcoated, insulated, and feature specific livewell pumps, LED lighting, adjustable flow valves and plexiglass divider.

The Robalo Cayman 266 carries a suggested retail price of $171,079 with an F300 Yamaha.

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10 Best Bay Boats for 2023

Table of Contents

Last Updated on July 14, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

The popularity of center console bay boats has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and as a result, the 2023 model year is chock full of awesome choices. Some stand out because they’re exceptionally lethal fishing weapons, others make their mark with luxury touches, and some score points for being unusually affordable bay boats . For one reason or another, each of these 10 bay boats are the best and deserve top billing:

• Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless
• Bulls Bay 2000
• Caymas 26 HB
• Grady-White 281 CE
• Pathfinder 2300 HPS
• Ranger RB200
• Robalo 246 Cayman SD
• Scout 281 XXS
• Sportsman Masters 267OE
• Tideline 235 Hybrid

List your boat & start earning an avg. of $20K yearly with Boatsetter

1. Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless

The 280 Dauntless made our list of the 10 Best Center Console Boats , and it’s making this list, too, for the same reason: as advertised, it really is unsinkable. Whaler’s glass-foam-glass sandwich construction makes every inch of the boat buoyant. 

And, the 280 Dauntless checks all the fishing boxes with livewells, rod holders, tackle stowage, and so on. We also note that while Boston Whalers command top dollar, they maintain a stronger resale value than most competitors, so they represent a better investment than most boats.

Visit Boston Whaler to learn more.

2. Bulls Bay 2000

With an MSRP under the $45,000 mark, including a Yamaha F115 outboard, the Bulls Bay 2000 makes its mark for being affordable without being “cheap.” Though it’s priced well below most similar competitors, it still has multiple livewells, a true leaning post with rocket launchers as opposed to a swing-back cooler seat, and lots of stainless-steel pieces and parts where cheap boats have plastic.

Visit Bulls Bay Boats to learn more.

3. Caymas 26 HB

We love the Caymas 26 HB for its bow -to- stern 100-percent fishability — pull off the bow seat cushions and fold down the bench seat in the aft deck , and the only place on this boat unfit for casting is on the console itself. 

Twin livewells hold 35 gallons each, and there are rod holders galore. But what really sets it apart from the crowd is the SVVT twin-stepped tunnel hull . It boosts speed and efficiency to the tune of 15-percent and rigged with the 400-hp max power; you’ll be scooting across the water at highway speeds.

Visit Caymas Boats to learn more.

4. Grady-White 281 CE

This all-new model for 2023 lands you squarely in the lap of bay boat luxury! 

Between the big forward console lounger, electric-actuated bow seat backrests, and a folding door in the gunwale that turns into a swim platform, nothing will beat the 281 CE for relaxing after you’re done reeling. Plus, this is one of the few hybrid bay boats around that lets you opt for either single or twin-engine power packages.

Visit Grady-White Boats to learn more.

5. Pathfinder 2300 HPS

Few bay boats can match the techy construction on the Pathfinder 2300 HPS, which is vacuum infused to maximize strength while minimizing weight. On top of that, this boat has a stepped hull and, with a 250-hp powerplant, can hit speeds in the low 60s— something very few bay boats under 25 feet can accomplish.

Visit Pathfinder Boats to learn more.

6. Ranger RB200

The only aluminum boat to make our list is the Ranger RB200, and the fact that it’s an aluminum rig gains the advantages of relatively low cost, lighter weight for easy towing with a modest tow vehicle, and low maintenance . But beyond that, we love that this boat comes as a complete package. 

It has the bow-mounted electric trolling motor and deep-cycle batteries, the fishfinder, the onboard battery charger, the Rawhide interior coating, and even the tandem axel trailer with a spare wheel and swing-away tongue. All are included, right out of the box.

Visit Ranger Boats to learn more.

7. Robalo 246 Cayman SD

There’s a lot to be said for the Robalo 246 Cayman SD, including a relatively attractive price-point, more room than most bay boats its size thanks to a 9’0” beam , and a long list of fishing features, including twin livewells with 50 gallons of total capacity. 

What makes it unique, however, is that it’s one of the smallest bay boats around, with an upper station atop the hard top. Those who enjoy sight fishing but don’t want to move up to a 26’ or larger bay boat will look no further. 

Visit Robalo Boats for more information.

8. Scout 281 XXS

This is another model that stands out for its luxury appointments, with a double-wide forward console lounger, gobs of seating, and cushioning synthetic decking on the bow and stern casting decks. 

It carries top tech, too, with an infused hull, digital switching touchscreen controls, and Zipwakes on the transom . This is also another boat that can be rigged with either a single or twin engines; opt for the twin 300s or a single 450, and you’ll be rolling across the water at speeds in excess of 60 mph.

Visit Scout Boats to learn more.

9. Sportsman Masters 267OE

The Sportsman Masters 267OE was refreshed for the 2023 model year, and this boat has all the angling goodies you could want, plus some luxury touches while offering something most other high-end bay boats can’t: a tremendous bang for your buck. 

It MSRPs for around a third less than the cost of some, yet the top-end features found on pricier boats like multiple livewells, the big console lounger, and a full electronics package are included on the stock boat.

Visit Sportsman Boats to learn more.

10. Tideline 235 Hybrid

Cat fans will be happy to see the Tideline 235 Hybrid on this list, and they already know why it makes it: you just can’t beat that smooth cat ride in a chop. It also enjoys resin infused construction. What about fishing features? 

The Tideline 235 Hybrid is a custom boat, so you can have it built with or without whatever you like — more rodholders over here, less over there, Power Poles, upper stations, it’s all up to the original owner.

Visit Tideline Boats to learn more. 

Did you find your perfect fishing machine among these 10 best bay boats for 2023? Maybe rent a boat to get to know the boat. 

Each of these 10 bay boats deserves to be called “best” for one reason or another, and if you’re hunting for a new fishing machine there’s a good chance one or more will land on your short-list.

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With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk , he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

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8 Best Bay Boats  Reviewed in 2024

For this guide, our writers researched the best bay boats. We visited boat shows, checked out these boats on display and interviewed sellers.

A bay boat is a class of center console fishing boat built for near and in-shore waters rather than rough offshore conditions. They aren’t as small as a skiff, flats, or jon boat.

By all rights, bay boats look like downsized fiberglass center consoles with outboard motors, space to move around, and tons of fishing features. Like center consoles, however, their utility extends far beyond fishing—they’re great for family cruising, hanging at sandbars, and snorkeling or diving trips.

Plus, they can access shallow waters where big offshore boats just can’t go.

The Top 8 Bay Boats in 2024

Grady white coastal explorer 231.

Where to buy:

Where to buy grady white coastal explorer 231:.

With its impressive 23-foot size and 19 rod holders, the Grady White Coastal Explorer 231 offers ample space and convenience for fishing enthusiasts. Its 10-passenger capacity allows for comfortable and fun outings on the water.

The simplicity of the Coastal Explorer 231 is a testament to its focus on functionality and ease of use. Its shallow water capabilities make it ideal for fishing in various environments, including flats, bays, and inlets. The strength and durability of the boat ensure a safe and reliable experience even in challenging conditions.

Whether you’re an avid angler or simply looking for a versatile and enjoyable boat for casual recreation, the Grady White Coastal Explorer 231 is an excellent choice. Its size, capacity, and performance make it an ideal vessel for fishing and simple cruising in calmer waters.

• Engine: 250 Yamaha Four-Stroke
• Top Speed: 48.8 MPH @ 5950 RPM
• Length: 22.7’
• Weight w/o Engines: 3720 lb.
• Draft: 16’’

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

Pathfinder Boats

Pathfinder 2300 HPS

Where to buy Pathfinder 2300 HPS:

The Pathfinder 2300 HPS hits the sweet spot for many inshore anglers. HPS stands for High-Performance Step because these boats feature a unique and efficient stepped hull. The boat has just the right amount of space and features for long days fishing the Keys’ mangrove creeks or tooling your way along the Intracoastal casting for snappers.

Some of the most value-laden fishing and utility craft have Pathfinder written on the hull. The 2300 HPS represents an impressive marriage of advanced construction and simplicity.

Super High-Output Yamaha Four-Strokes powering a Vacuum-Assisted Resin-Infused (VARIS) hull construction make this a $100,000 boat that outperforms its price class.

• Length: 23 feet, 6 inches
• Beam: 8 feet, 4 inches
• Draft: 12 inches
• Deadrise: 15 degrees
• Weight: 3,075 pounds
• Propulsion: Yamaha 300 hp

Tidewater Boats

Tidewater 2110 Bay Max Tunnel

Where to buy Tidewater 2110 Bay Max Tunnel:

Tidewater’s Bay Max line of bay boats has all the features you want in a clean, tidy, and angler-centric package. The option of the tunnel hull on the Tidewater 2110 sweetens the deal, giving you a few inches less clearance to reach those really back backwaters.

With a jack plate to kick the engine up, this boat can scoot along in as little as ten inches of water.  For around $45,000, there’s a lot of boating experience to be had for a reasonable amount of money.

In addition to the Bay Max line of true bay boats, Tidewater makes the Carolina Bay line of hybrid center consoles up to 31 feet long. Tidewater boats are built in Lexington, South Carolina.

• Length: 21 feet, 6 inches
• Beam: 8 feet, 2 inches
• Draft: 10 inches
• Deadrise: 15 degrees on the standard 2110 Bay Max, NA on a tunnel hull
• Weight: 2,100 pounds
• Propulsion: Yamaha 150 hp (Max 200 hp)

Scarab Jet Boats

Scarab 235 Open ID

Where to buy Scarab 235 Open ID:

The Scarab Jet 235 Open ID is a versatile and stylish all-purpose jet-powered boat that offers a combination of performance, comfort, and features.

It is especially ideal for wakeboarding, and surfing, but also great as a bowriding cruiser that can used for fishing. It’s surprising how well this boat can be used for all these activities.

It has all the advantages of a walk-around center console with some amazing customization features.

• Length: 22'6"
• Draft: 19’’
• Dry weight: 4500
• Fuel capacity: 56 gallons
• Passenger capacity: 10
• Max hp: Rotax Twin Jet Engines 340-, 460-, 600 hp.

NauticStar Boats

NauticStar 194 Bay

Where to buy NauticStar 194 Bay:

NauticStar Boats are built in Mississippi. The company’s bread and butter are its Offshore and Legacy lines of center consoles, but they also make some outstanding bay boats, hybrids, and even deck boats.

The 194 Bay is NauticStar’s smallest bay boat. These are basic starter boats built for a budget, making them a great place to start looking. They’re solid platforms to get out on the water at half the cost or less compared to the legacy bay boat brands. The 194 Bay starts

• Length: 18 feet, 8 inches
• Beam: 93 inches
• Draft: 11 inches
• Deadrise: 13.1 degrees
• Weight: Not listed
• Power: Max 150 hp, available with Yamaha, Mercury, or Suzuki 115–150

Scout Boats

Scout 195 Sportfish

Where to buy Scout 195 Sportfish:

Scout is a center console brand focused on luxury and family features. Their hulls are sleeker than most, and their upholstery and finishing touches are top-notch.

The 195 Sportfish is the right size for inland boaters or those sticking to the bayside . It’s easy to tow with almost any SUV and has plenty of space for couples to enjoy a day on the water.

• Length: 19 feet, 5 inches
• Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches
• Draft: 13 inches
• Capacity: 7 people or 1,050 lbs
• Dry Weight: 2,150 lbs (w/o engine)
• Deadrise: 19º
• Max Horsepower: 150 hp

Everglades Boats

Everglades 243cc Bay

Where to buy Everglades 243cc Bay:

Everglades makes a line of hybrid bay boats that can only be described as big and luxurious. While other builders focus on keeping their boats simple and angler-friendly, Everglades also keeps the rest of the family happy. You’ll find plenty of comfortable seating options, nice upholstery, and tons of useable space, whether you’re bound for a fishing trip with your buddies or the sandbar with the family.

• Length: 25 feet, 8 inches
• Draft: 16 inches
• Deadrise: 19 degrees
• Weight: 4,750 pounds
• Power: Yamaha 300 hp

Ranger Boats

Ranger 2360 Bay

Where to buy Ranger 2360 Bay:

While Ranger’s target market is undeniably the freshwater fishing sector, their Bay series saltwater boats are great choices for near-shore anglers on the coast. Sizes range from 23 to 26 feet long, and all are powered by single Mercury Pro or Verado outboards.

The 2360 Bay is the smallest Ranger saltwater boat and the only one priced below $100,000. With a starting price of $89,999, a standard Mercury 250, and an included tandem trailer, the 2360 is the right size and price to make the perfect first boat for fishing places like the Florida Keys, Chesapeake Bay, or the Bayous and bays of the Gulf Coast.

• Length: 23 feet, 5 inches
• Beam: 102 inches
• Draft (engine down): 14 inches
• Weight (boat): 3,400 lbs. (add 300 lbs. for t-top)
• Capacity: 10 people
• Max Power: 300 hp.
• Fuel Capacity: 81 gal
• Baitwell Capacity: 40 gal

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler Montauk

Where to buy Boston Whaler Montauk:

The Boston Whaler Montauk is a center console boat that stands out from other ships in its category due to its unique features and exceptional qualities.

An unsinkable hull design, deep-V design, and state-of-the-art technology provide a safe and smooth ride, even in challenging waters. The Montauk is also celebrated for its spacious layout and remarkable durability, contributing to its popularity among boaters worldwide.

This lineup’s commitment to versatility and adaptability makes it an ideal choice for fishing, water sports, and leisurely cruising.

The Boston Whaler Montauk provides a high-quality boating experience that meets the requirements of both seasoned and inexperienced boaters.

• Capacity: 9 Persons
• Fuel Capacity: 66.5 Gallons
• Max Weight: 2800 LBS.
• Length: 21’4”
• Max Horsepower: 200HP
• Weight with engine: 3650 LBS

Related Reviews

Read full review

Bay Boat Buying Guide

Over the last few decades, bay boats have become wildly popular in coastal areas . Descended from stout offshore center consoles, bay boats bring all of the advantages of these multitaskers to skinnier water. Their crucial characteristic is being able to float in about 12 inches of water, making them perfect for cruising nearshore and bayside waters, lounging at the sandbar, and—of course—fishing the backcountry.

If you’re in the market for one or just curious if it’s the right boat for your lifestyle, this bay boat buying guide is for you. Here’s a look at what bay boat features to look for, the best brands, and what you need to know about owning and maintaining them.

What to Look for in a Bay Boat

Generally, all bay boats share a similar set of features and layouts. The forward deck is a raised, open casting platform with storage lockers underneath. The center cockpit has short gunwales that allow you to move easily around a center console. Finally, the aft deck is also raised, allowing you to use it as another casting area .

In some ways, a bay boat can be considered a saltwater version of an inland bass boat—low profile and with lots of open space to stand up and cast a line.

Compared to offshore center consoles , bay boats have lower freeboard and short gunwales. Their hulls have less deadrise, too— they aren’t that “deep-vee” design that cuts through chop and rides so well offshore .

A bay boat is more likely to pound in a chop, but the shallower vee allows them to access the skinniest water. An offshore center console usually has a transom deadrise of 20 degrees or more, while bay boats generally have deadrises of around 15 degrees .

Safety is a consideration when the water gets rough. The low freeboard and short gunwales mean a bay boat is easier to fall out of . But there are benefits, too. On nice days, these boats are super easy to get in and out of to go swimming or play on the sandbar. There is no one perfect boat; you must find the design that best suits your use.

Top Rated Bay Boats for 2024

Most center console makers have a bay boat option—the smaller boats in their lineups better suited for near shore rather than offshore adventures. Be wary of boats that claim to be “hybrids” —something that’s not quite a bay boat and not quite an offshore center console, either. These boats tend to be compromises that excel at neither—center consoles with too little deadrise and low freeboard or boats with too deep draft and too much freeboard.

The top rated bay boats are ones purpose-built for inshore fishing and cruising . They must be easy to use, operate, and maintain in saltwater. Your location will dictate the best boat  for your family since it’s the conditions you face daily upon which you must make your decisions.

A Florida Keys boater with a deep-vee offshore boat will opt for a smaller shallow bay boat to play on the sandbar and take into the Everglades backcountry. On the other hand, a coastal fisherman in the Carolinas may opt for a hybrid model that can handle choppy open waters on marginal days while still providing plenty of access to shallow creeks and coves.

Where Bay Boats Really Shine

Bay boats are built for skinny water, so they’re best used in places where anglers want to stick nearshore. Much of the southeast US coastline qualifies— bay boats are extremely popular from North Carolina down to Florida and all along the Gulf Coast . In these areas, tidal estuaries have some of the best fishing in the world.

Miles of marshes and creeks are begging to be explored, and the bay boat is the perfect vessel for the job. In these areas, boaters are not taking these boats into the open ocean except on exceptionally calm days. But the larger bays and sounds they regularly cross will get bumpy, and a bay boat can handle that just fine.

Unlike a flats skiff, a bay boat is large enough and stable enough to take your family out. It has enough of a vee to cross a bumpy bay or sound without problems, and the shallow draft means it’s easy to beach it for a day of sunning or swimming.

Bay boat features are more robust than jon boats , skiffs, or flats boats, with more space for things like coolers, built-in seating, and live wells. One feature to watch for is the presence of flip-up seating that makes the boat more useful for cruising and family adventures. Serious anglers will want to look for bay boat features that include trolling motors, Power Pole anchor systems, and enough space and capacity to fit your group.

Comparing Bay Boat Manufacturers

The key to finding the best bay boat manufacturers is to look at where these boats are used. The best boats come from builders who are making boats they want to use themselves. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the best bay boats are built by companies in the Carolinas or Florida, where they are most popular.

The top-rated bay boats come from a select group of manufacturers that have zeroed in on this market. Pathfinder, Scout, Everglades, Contender, Robalo, and Sea Hunt make dedicated bay boat models. Many other center console companies, like Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Regulator, Caymas, and Yellowfin, make “hybrid” boats aimed at skinny water boating. Finally, a handful of bay boats, like Ranger and Skeeter Boats, come from bass boat makers looking to expand into the saltwater market.

Best Inshore Fishing Boats for Anglers

Nearly all boats marketed as bay boats are designed from the keel up for saltwater fishing. It’s generally not a problem to find the best inshore fishing boats ready to go, with rod holders, aerated live and bait wells, rod storage, and pre-rigged trolling motors. Jack plates are a feature to look for if you’re interested in scooting through the shallows often, and a Power Pole anchoring system is a great addition to these boats.

If a builder doesn’t offer something as a factory option, adding fishing gear after purchase is generally straightforward because these boats are so simple and easy to work on. Alternatively, semi-custom builders like South Florida-based Contender can outfit your bay boat with literally any options you may want.

Tips for Maintaining Your Bay Boat

Bay boats spend their time in brackish and salt waters, so they should be designed from the outset for easy maintenance and upkeep . All hardware should be high-quality stainless or powder-coated aluminum. For the most part, maintenance should be little more than keeping the boat clean with regular washes and waxes.

Engine maintenance is another concern for saltwater boats, but these boats universally use reliable outboards . These engines are stored tilted out of the water and can be flushed easily after each use with a garden hose.

The absolute best way to care for one of these boats is to store it out of the water . Their small size makes them easy to trailer , making all maintenance and storage problems much easier to tackle. If you have water access at your base, a boat lift is an excellent investment and will keep your boat safe and secure for years.

Bay boats are popular because they really are one of the best inshore fishing boats you can buy. They are shallow water boats that still have lots of versatility for fishing and adventuring on nice days—the days you want to be out in the boat most anyway. The big offshore center consoles might turn heads, but the best bay boats are more useable by more boaters—they are simply some of the most versatile boats on the water.

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Parker 2300 Big Bay.....review

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Gentleman, looking for any Parker 2300 Big Bay owners, that could, give me some feed back.. on ride quality ??...dry ride ??... Any likes or dislikes.....overall quality??? Thanks for your help.  

I don't own one but have ridden in them. The area a VERY well made stout boat that rides really well. The only down side that there might be is they are heavy. I really don't consider that a problem. It is not a super shallow running boat. Well, it will go shallow but being as big and heavy as it is I wouldn't push it. The weight really helps with the ride quality.  

Rides excellent. A real wave smasher. The tunnel version helps with shallow water ability but kills speed. Very heavy sturdy boat. Awesome for Galveston bay, Corpus Christi Bay, Aransas bay, Copano Bay, Baffin etc.....the bigger deeper bays that get big with a little wind. Very dry. Great if you like to go offshore. With a 200hp it will do 41ish....with a 250hp it will do 45ish....with a 300hp it WONT do 50.....its a truck killer and trailer crusher and tires squisher. Make sure all are big time overbuilt for the task. I do not like the big seat console storage thing that rotates up. Hard to organize like that so all your stuff just ends up piled on top of each other in there. Then its hard to dry it out in there too with that big pile. The two front ice boxes are great tho.  

I ran one approx. 200 trips a year for 3 years. Great solid well built boat. I liked everything about it including the large storage in the center console. Mine had a 225 V Max and was pretty thirsty. Imagine a 4 stroke would help that. Never owned a trailer or trailered the boat but they are heavy. They will get you in the flats but are not a shallow running boat. They are great for the bay as the name implies and also good for ling etc. offshore when it's calm. They hold their value well if taken care of. Send me a pm if you have a specific question and best of luck  

Very smooth and dry for a 23 foot boat. Like segrm said low 40s. It’s a very heavy boat but it still floats in 12” or less. If you have a soft bottom I’m sure you could get it up in around 18”-20” I’ve never had to so I don’t know. I’m sure it’ll run less than a foot but I’ve never measure or gotten stuck so not sure. If you want a do it all boat get a big bay only boats that compare are haynie Bigfoot’s and the shallow sport 24v both of which will probably be a little shallower but not as smooth but not much experience with those Hulls other than what I’ve read. The Parker is very well made it is a life time boat. If you hit a reef you’ll hurt the reef more than the hull not many hulls will donthat. If you want speed think again get a haynie ho or mag. Big bays are very capable boats. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  

I can"t add much to what the other quys have said. it is an extremely well constructed boat, built in North Carolina to withstand the huge bays on the Atlantic coast. it is a simple, yet very functional fishing boat. not a lot of extra bell's and whistles.it is extremely versatile, we have many guides that use this boat, on a daily basis. The below deck porti-potti enclosure is nice when you have the ladies on board, but I think most of us guy's could care less about it. Then it makes for great storage, even if somewhat hard to keep organized. I think that we have even had a couple customers ride out a lightning storm in there, if I remember correctly!Please come by to look at one , if needed. Ronnie Red Wing Boat Co. 713-921-0656  

Call Bobby. He runs one or at least used to. Captain Bobby Elliott La Porte, TX 77571 713-598-3413  

Yes, Bobby is one of the guides that I had referenced in my earlier post.He has an awful lot of seat time in a Big Bay, I think we have re powered his boat about 6 times. It still fishes hard, still taking that east bay,Trinity Bay punishment after about 15 years!  

still in the market myself I am still kicking an upgrade to the 2300T Big Bay from my 1977 R196 Robalo. (Yes Ronnie its me again!). great feedback from all and pretty convincing testimony. Fishing out of Port M it is probably just what the doctor ordered as I do not have to run in 10" of water to catch good fish as I have fished that area for over 45 years. Do have a question, I like the storage and set up for the smaller console on the BB but the larger console on the GC version looks like you get out of the wind and elements a little better and provides ample area for flush mount electronics etc. Do any of you have experience or any feedback on how much protection the BB provides? Does the reverse bend on the lip of the windshield help keep the wind off when you are sitting in the high rise seats with the live well built in seating arrangement? And can the BB console handle a 9" bracket mounted Garmin without cluttering it up? Ronnie, if I do not get down there before the holidays I WILL be there for First weekend of boat show as the second weekend I will be in Port Mansfiled! Just came back yesterday and got caught on the east flats when the weather came through ( 30MPH from due north on Wed). Needed more boat, felt safe in mine, but wife did not see it that way.  

Thanks for all the input. I'll have to get over to Red Wing, and checkout out...  

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12 Best Bay Boats

Explore the top 12 bay boats for all your boating needs! From family-friendly features to angler essentials, find your perfect match with photos and reviews.

If you are looking for a new boat, you are probably overwhelmed with the array of types, styles, and models offered by the various manufacturers. Finding the right boat can be a challenge. One of the more popular options for recreational boaters is a bay boat. This hybrid design gives recreational boaters options and features that fill many niche requirements for families and sportsmen.

Bay boats are neither open water boats nor shallow draft flat bottom boats meant for activities in shallow water. The semi-V hull design offers a smoother ride than flat bottom shallow draft boats. The hull doesn’t require as much water as the deep-v hull of an open-water boat. Many bay boats have fishing gear and enough power to water ski or tube.

A bay boat can take the family for a day of recreational boating activities and provide the anglers in the family with a stable fishing platform that can perform almost as well as specially designed bass boats or flat bottom boats. In many ways, a bay boat is one of the best compromises in features, comfort, and uses that you can choose when selecting a boat.

1. Scout 251 XSS

Scout Boats

If having the option of boating inshore or offshore is on your list of features for your bay boat, you should take a look at the Scout 251 XSS.

These boats feature a slightly deeper V-hull than some other bay boats giving a more comfortable ride in bigger waters while needingg only 13 inches of draft to operate safely.

Scout outfits the 251 XSS with rod holders and storage, an anchor locker and a transom ladder making this boat equally at home towing a water skier or a tube. You can pack a whopping 1,695 pounds on board and mount up to a 400-horsepower engine to get you where you want to go in a hurry.

Length : 24 feet 10 inches

Weight:  2,300 pounds (w/o engines)

Type:  Center Console

What Are Customers Saying?

For the most part, people who buy a Scout 251 XSS are more than pleased with their purchase. These purchasers cite the abundance of features and accessories that are included with the boat, the overall quality of the construction, and the way the boat handles in bigger waves. The one downside mentioned most often is the higher comparable price of these boats.

2. Contender 25 Bay

Contender designs their boats for a purpose. Located in Florida, these guys know what most people want in a bay boat, and they have designed the Contender 25 Bay to fill that niche. It doesn’t matter whether you are fishing inland shallow waters or want to pick a calm day to spend a little time offshore, the Contender 25 can fill the role.

Contender provides the accessories and options to customize your Contender 25 Bay to fit your exact needs. These boats come standard with a live well, rod holders, forward casting platform and pop-up jump seats.

The Contender 25 Bay is aimed more at the fishing community that needs a boat that can occasionally fill the need for a family recreational boat.

Length:  25 feet 4 inches

Weight:  4,200 pounds (w motors) approximately

Customers of Contender boats frequently mention the fantastic service and customer care of this company. Almost all purchasers of these boats order optional equipment to customize their boats and found the process easy and the outcomes satisfying.

These boats are very popular with anglers because of the wide array of fishing-related accessories that are included with the basic boat models.

3. Ranger 2360 Bay

Sport Fishing Magazine / YouTube

One of the big selling features of bay boats is the multipurpose utility that these designs afford to the owners. Putting as many different options onto a single hull as possible gives more value and greater attraction to buyers. Ranger has succeeded in meeting this challenge with the Ranger 2360 Bay.

Those who want to indulge their fishing interests will find what they need on these boats. Every Ranger 2360 includes standard rod holders and storage, a built-in cooler, and flip-down rear seats for comfortable traveling over the water.

Families will find plenty of room for a day on the bay with their kids or friends in the well-designed floor plan of these boats. Anglers are not forgotten with standard features such as rod storage and gunnel rod holders.

Length:  23 feet 5 inches

Weight:  3.400 pounds (w/engine) approximately

Most customers who purchase a Ranger 2360 Bay tout the family-friendly design of these boats. They cite the standard features such as an onboard stereo system, convenient cup holders, a wrap-around rear seat, and a place in the console to stow a porta-potty. Customers of Ranger also like the affordable price of these boats when compared to others.

4. Tidewater 2210 Carolina Bay

Tidewater Boats

If you spend more time on the open ocean than in the bay but still want bay boat performance, the Tidewater 2210 Carolina Bay is a good option.

This 22-foot boat easily handles all but the worst of big water with a large bow flair that cuts through the waves comfortably. The large casting deck provides plenty of fishing space and helps shed water quickly and safely.

Families are not forgotten in this design. Fold-up jump seats provide plenty of space for passengers while keeping the deck clean and free for your on-the-water activities.

Rod holders, tackle boxes, and a large cooler are optional accessories that can be added. You can opt for a Yamaha F150 XB motor with up to a maximum of 250 horsepower.

Length : 22 feet 10 inches

Weight:  2,600 pounds (WO/Engine}

The most common comment among customers of Tidewater is the number of options and features that are available for these boats. Some even comment that it is hard to choose because there are so many possible combinations. Most customers love how these boats handle bigger waves when on the open waters close to shore.

5. Parker 2500 SE

Parker Boats

In truth, the Parke 2500 SE performs more like a deep-water boat than a bay boat. If you want to spend the majority of your time offshore but want the shallower draft necessary to operate in bay areas, the Parker 2500 SE is a great combination of hull design and features. The gunwales of these boats are a bit deeper than most bay boats giving you an edge in the offshore environment.

However, you won’t find the Parker 2500 SE lacking if you want to take the family for a day on the bay. The forward fishing platform has a removable cushion that provides plenty of lounge space for the family.

A flip-down rear seat and a transom door make this a perfect boat for family water activities. With a draft of 15 inches, this is also a versatile bay boat.

Weight:  4,300 pounds (w/engine)

These are popular boats with fishermen in the coastal regions who venture offshore for blue water fishing. They consistently mention the deeper gunnels and the hull’s stability when navigating these waters.

Fishermen seem to love the many fishing features included as standard items with these boats. One downside mentioned frequently is the overall cost of the Parker 2500 SE.

6. Bayliner T18 Bay

Fish Master

For those who are looking for a boat just a bit smaller, the Bayliner T18 Bay may be an option. While this model of Bayliner boat is a bit shorter than some of our other choices, it still manages to provide space for six people. Built with casting decks fore and aft, these boats feature an M-hull design for stability and comfort.

Families appreciate the spacious layout, but fishermen won’t find their interests lacking. A self-bailing cockpit keeps things dry. At 2,000 pounds of dry weight with the engine, most SUVs can easily tow and launch these boats. A full array of options can be configured to make this the perfect family day boat or a versatile bay fishing boat.

Length:  18 feet 2 inches

Weight:  2,000 pounds (w/engine)

Overall, the biggest fans of the Bayliner T18 line of boats are families who are interested in water recreation but want to be able to fish occasionally. Most purchasers of these boats cite the smaller size and lighter weight as part of their choices. Many owners also make note of the reliability of the included Mercury engines and the easy maintenance.

7. Wellcraft 222 Bay Boat

Yacht World

If fishing is your main interest, then an obvious choice is the Wellcraft 222 Bay Boat. Wellcraft has focused this design more on the above-average fisherman than the family boat owner who wants to fish occasionally. Features such as a blue live well with lights and a 34-gallon capacity speak to this focus on fishing.

Even the T-top is geared toward fishing with four rod holders on the front and four more on the leaning posts, and an additional four rod holders on the gunwales.

Rod holders under the gunwales give you places to stow more gear than even the most intrepid angler wants to carry. You can get to where you want to fish at the 50-mph top speed provided by the Evinrude engine.

Length:  22 feet

Weight:  3,900 pounds (w/engine)

Type:  Center Console

By and large, most people who purchase a Wellcraft 222 are more interested in fishing than family recreational boating. Most comments center on the many features provided for angling enjoyment and how the boat is laid out to facilitate fishing on the bay offshore close to the beach. Most customers found these boats to be priced mid-range for comparable styles of bay boats.

8. Crestliner 1800 Bay

Crestliner Boats

The Crestliner 1800 Bay offers a different boat from most of the others on our list. This boat features all-welded aluminum hull construction.

All metal boats typically require a bit less maintenance than fiberglass boats which can be a big selling feature for some boat owners. These boats are geared more toward bay activities than offshore fishing, with lower gunwales than many of the other boats on this list.

The Crestliner 1800 is another boat that is more popular as a fishing boat than as a family recreational boat. The amenities and features are geared more toward a day of fishing than a day with the family on the water. However, you can easily adapt this boat to a family outing on the bay for a day of water recreation.

Length:  18 feet 6 inches

Weight:  1,216 pounds (WO/engine)

Those who purchase the Crestliner 1800 Bay focus on the aluminum welded hull as the main selling point. They like the ease of maintenance and the strength of the all-metal hull. Anglers also mention the low gunwales as an advantage when fishing and the relatively shallow draft of these boats.

9. Sportsman Masters 207 Bay Boat

If you are like me and are a technology junky, the Sportsman Masters 207 Bay Boat may be just what you are looking for. Along with all of the usual features you expect from a top-of-the-line boat manufacturer, Sportsman outfits their bay boats with a complete set of factory-installed SportLink electronics.

These smaller bay boats are designed for single-engine operation and are rated for up to 150 horsepower. You can enjoy plenty of bay fishing with the shallow draft allowing you access to water that is only 12 inches deep. With a 7-person capacity, the Sportsman Masters 207 can also provide plenty of family on the water recreation time.

Length:  20 feet 4 inches

Weight:  2,000 pounds (WO/engine)

Owners of Sportsman boats consistently comment on the quality of these boats. Most customers report that the Sportsman Masters 207 is one of the easiest boats they have owned to launch and load onto a trailer. Performance and handling on the water are also top-rated by boat owners.

Fishermen like the three live wells located forward and aft. One criticism often heard is the diminutive size of the windscreen, which doesn’t seem to offer much protection.

10. Robalo 226 Cayman

Robalo Boats

The Robalo 226 Cayman is a smaller boat that performs and feels like a much bigger hull. These boats are rated for engines up to 150 horsepower. The factory configuration usually includes a 200-horsepower Yamaha motor.

The V-hull is deep enough to handle almost any kinds of conditions you may encounter on the water. These characteristics make the Robalo a great boat for families.

Robalo rates this boat for 8 people allowing you to enjoy time on the water with your friends and family in comfort and style. A closed compartment can house a porta-potty for added convenience. Anglers won’t feel neglected. Robalo adds massive amounts of storage for rods, tackle, bait, and live wells. The closed compartment offers 5 feet of headroom, making it unique among most bay boats.

Length:  22 feet 6 inches

Weight:  3,400 pounds (w/engines)

Both recreational boaters and fishermen rave about the ample deck space on the Robalo 226 Cayman. Boat owners like the deep cockpit that can be transformed into an entertainment space by bringing out the auxiliary table. Huge live wells and the large stern deck with two live wells get praise from avid fishermen.

11. Sea Hunt BX 25 RS

Salt Water Sportsman

If you want to do the bay, the Intracoastal waterway or some limited offshore with style and comfort, you should take a look at the Sea Hunt BX 25 RS. These boats offer a touch of luxury with above-average quality.

The design handles shallow water with ease and is comfortable for making the trip offshore. These boats are also at home in shallow water, needing only 15 inches of draft to operate safely.

Huge bait tanks, captain’s chairs, underwater LED lights and an integrated fiberglass top make this almost a luxury boat. The cockpit features a tempered glass enclosure for optimum comfort despite the worst conditions. The Yamaha touchscreen controls give a nod to the latest and greatest technological innovations. The cockpit is well-designed and puts everything within easy reach.

Length:  25 feet 3 inches

Weight:  3.700 pounds (w/engine)

The overall impression from owners of the Sea Hunt BX 25 FS is that this boat performs more like an offshore boat than a bay boat. The comments mention that the aggressive bow rake gives an impressively smooth ride. These boat owners also speak highly of the Sea Hunt’s maneuverability and handling on the water.

12. Regulator 26XO Bay Boat

Regulator Marine

Regulator has a reputation for building great offshore boats, and they have translated that reputation and knowledge into a superb bay boat.

This boat features a bow that is a bit higher and with a more pronounced flare than most other bay boats giving it an aggressive visual effect and a ton of stability. You can explore offshore or take this boat into some seriously shallow water because it only needs 14 inches of draft.

The Regulator is truly more of a fishing rig than a recreational boat, but its roomy interior and ample seating can handle your family boating activities with ease and comfort. There is foredeck seating as well as comfortable aft seating enough to handle. The open bow design lends itself to a day on the lake with the family or fishing. There is also plenty of storage both fore and aft.

Length:  26 feet 9 inches

Weight:  6,780 pounds (w-engine)

Type:  Center Console.

Anglers rave about the storage and the ample live well capacity of these boats. Most Regulator 26XO owners say that these boats handle offshore almost as well as many boats designed specifically for blue water motoring. Several owners use these boats for family recreational boating and maintain that pulling skiers or tubers doesn’t strain the boat at all.

Kit Evans is a seasoned marine journalist and naval architect, bringing over 20 years of multifaceted experience in the boating industry to his writing and consultancy work. With expertise ranging from boat design and marine surveying to charter operations and vessel restoration, Kit offers unparalleled insights into all aspects of maritime life. When he's not penning articles for top boating publications or hosting his popular YouTube channel, Kit can be found sailing his lovingly restored 1960s Columbia 29 on the Chesapeake Bay, embodying his commitment to both preserving nautical heritage and embracing modern innovations in boating.

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Ranking the Best Bay Boats of 2024

Scout 251 XSS

Contender 25 Bay

Scout 231 XS

Bay boats and flat-bottomed boats all have the same mission – to take you to hard-to-reach fishing areas that have shallow waters. But, unlike flatboats, bays can’t be propelled by oars or poles if you want a super-stealthy approach.

Plus, they’re usually much larger and have a deeper V in their hulls, which allows them to navigate the open waters of the ocean in the appropriate conditions.

A bay boat is essentially a hybrid – a cross between a shallow-draft and a deep-draft vessel. It can cruise through (relatively) shallow waters, and the stability to withstand deeper areas with choppier waters.

Some are even designed for water sports, like skiing and tubing.

So, what are the best bay boats, and how do you choose the best one? Here’s everything you need to know.

If you’re looking for a high-performance forward-seating bay boat that’s capable of handling both inshore and offshore water, then you’ll like what the Scout 251 XSS brings to the table.

Its prominent bow, hull design, and 13-inch draft make it perfect for backwater fishing, as well as cutting through choppy offshore waves without getting you wet in the process.

Standard features of the XSS include a high-performance leaning post that comes equipped with rod holders, lockable rod storage, an anchor locker, trim tabs, and a transom ladder. It truly is the best bay boat we’ve come across so far.

Buy on Amazon  →

● Fully customizable ● Comes with loads of fishing accessories ● Offers unmatched stability in choppier waters

● Slightly pricey

If you’re looking for a vessel that delivers exceptional value for money on all fronts, the Contender 25 Bay is a great option to consider, particularly if you love offshore fishing in calm water conditions or cruising about inshore.

It comes with plenty of rod holders, trolling motors, electric reel outlets, and Livewell plumbing. It is also pretty spacious, which is great for the days you want to entertain. Compared to other bay boats in its category, 25 Bay is a true outlier.

● Perfect for fishing and entertaining ● Feature-rich and fully customizable ● Offers great value for the money

● Not ideal for choppier waters

2020 2350 Bay (Best Bay Boat for Family)

Modern-day boat manufacturers work hard to cram as much multipurpose utility as they can into a single vessel. The new 2020 2350 Bay from Ranger Boats is the perfect example of this.

You’ll find angler-savvy features on it, as well as family-friendly specs for those weekends where you want to spend a bit of quality time with the wife and kids. The removable bow cushions, the forward lounge seats, and the wraparound rear seat are a nice touch for an afternoon out in the sun.

Standard features of the 2350 Bay include LED navigation lights, a stereo speaker system, cup holders, gunnel rod holders, fish boxes with overboard drains, a built-in cooler, rod storage, and an optional porta-potty.

● Family-friendly ● Ideal for fishing ● Fully customizable

● May require a high level of maintenance

Parker 2600 SH (Best Bay Boat for Offshore)

The Parker 2600 SH is a bay boat that excels offshore. This hybrid vessel is designed with enough beam and gunwale height to give it a remarkable amount of stability when venturing offshore.

Standard features include broad fore and aft fishing platforms, digital electronic controls, an insulated fish box, navigation lights, a trolling motor receptacle, cup holders, tackle storage, centerline storage, storage box, and lots more.

● Provides unmatched safety when venturing offshore ● Comes with plenty of storage ● Several fishing-savvy features included

● Pricier than most boats in its category

Grady White 251 Coastal Explorer (Best Bay Boat for Shallow Water)

The Grady White 251 Coastal Explorer boasts an aft cockpit depth of 20 inches, which is considerably more than what you would expect from traditional bay boats. It also has casting platforms on the fore and aft that convert to seating if required.

But the most outstanding feature of the 251 CE has to be its ability to float on a measly 14 inches of water, which is pretty impressive if you think about it. Standard features include a deluxe lean bar, 15-gallon Livewell, built-in rod storage, and low gunnels that allow for easy access to the water.

● Can cruise through 14 inches of water ● Has plenty of fishing-friendly features ● Has several family-friendly features

● Poor fuel mileage compared to that of other lighter boats

Regulator 26XO (Best Bay Boat for Beginners)

If you’re new to the boating world and are looking for a great starter bay boat, the Regulator 26XO is an excellent choice for beginners. It is designed to give you easy access to skinny waters, bays, and lakes, and the ability to head out offshore anytime you need to.

It has ample seating space and storage, making it ideal for family use as well, which is perfect if you don’t intend to spend all your time angling. Standard features of the 26XO include a Minn Kota trolling motor, Yamaha engine, cup holders, portable marine toilet, a marine stereo system, and lots more. It is the perfect bay craft to ease you into boating.

● Versatile ● A great option for beginners ● Fully customizable

● High maintenance required

Everglades 253 CC Bay Boat (Best Bay Boat for Freshwater)

The Everglades 253 CC Bay Boat is not only optimized for offshore use but is also perfect for inshore freshwater lakes. We particularly like its expansive aft deck that provides enough room to allow you to easily cast in inshore freshwaters.

Standard features include a premier audio package that comes with a JL amplifier, subwoofer, and speakers, rod holders, ample storage for life jackets and fishing gear, USB charging ports, bow seating, stern seats with foldable backrests, forward-console seating, drink holders, and lots more.

● Perfect for inshore freshwater use ● Multipurpose ● High-quality construction

● May be too small for entertaining

For the hardcore anglers out there, the Scout 231 XS was designed with you in mind. It is no doubt the best performing bay boat model in its class.

Thanks to its stepped hull, coupled with the raw power of the 300 hp Mercury engine, the XS effortlessly achieves speeds in the mid-60 range to get you to fishing sites quickly and efficiently.

Standard features of this particular vessel include a 26-gallon cockpit baitwell, 11-gallon bow baitwell, and a 26-gallon release well. It also has a 6-gallon freshwater tank. It was made for the avid fisherman.

● Perfect for fishing in both inshore and offshore water ● Has a large passenger capacity ● Intuitive dashboard control

● May not be ideal for entertaining

2020 Robalo 206 Cayman

Bay boats don’t exactly come cheap, with some models going for $120,000 and up. Nonetheless, it is possible to get a shiny new boat for under $40,000. You just need to know where to look.

The 2020 Robalo 206 Cayman , for instance, retails for around $38,000 – trailer included. It has ample seating and is designed for both fishing and family outings.

The interior looks sleek and comes outfitted with a 15-gallon Livewell both at the fore and aft decks, removable bow cushions, aft jump seats, drink holders, grab rails, rod holders, an insulated fish box with an overboard drain, LED courtesy lights, and lots more.

● Sleek design ● Affordable price point ● Feature-rich and fully customizable

● Livewell capacity could be bigger

How to Choose the Best Bay Boats – Buyer’s Guide

Bay boats are arguably the most versatile watercraft in existence. Whether you need a boat for fishing inshore/offshore or for family use, a bay boat checks all the boxes.

Picking the right one is, therefore, one of the most important decisions you’ll face. We’ve outlined the most important factors to consider when choosing the best bay boats.

Purpose of the Boat

First, you need to be clear on what you intend to use your boat for and pick one whose attributes contribute towards your chosen mission. So, if you plan to use your bay boat for fishing, then pick one whose features center around making your expeditions as efficient as possible.

If, on the other hand, you want a boat that does a bit of everything like fishing and family outings, you want a boat that caters to the individual needs of all the users. Once you determine what you want to use your boat for, you’ll be able to narrow down the type of craft you should get.

Interior Seating Configuration

This is something many people often overlook when deciding the type of bay boat they should get. The interior layout is an important element in the decision-making process.

What matters the most to you? Do you intend to entertain when you’re not using your boat for fishing ? Do you have kids? How many people will you have onboard? Is forward-seating important to you, or would you rather have a roomier cockpit?

The answers to these questions will advise the interior layout of the vessel you get.

Ample storage is equally as important when picking the right boat. If you’re an experienced boater looking to upgrade the vessel you currently have, you probably already know what your storage needs are.

If you’re new and haven’t spent enough time on the water to determine the kind of storage space you need, it’s always a good idea to speak to an expert before you make a purchase.

Nonetheless, regardless of your on-water experience (or lack thereof), you want to pick a vessel that offers dry, protected storage. Find a boat whose storage lockers are foam-insulated and come with a drain overboard. That way, they can double up as fish boxes if the need arises.

Keep in mind that the more dry storage a boat has, the more options you’ll have on how to utilize it.

It’s important to mention at this point that efficient storage for your fishing rods is extremely important when choosing a bay boat.

You want a design that hides away your fishing equipment and gear when they’re not in use, yet handy enough to quickly retrieve them when you sight some fish. The kind of fishing you intend to do will determine how much rod storage you’ll need.

A Livewell is standard in most bay boats. If you come across a vessel without it, well, it’s not even worth your time. What you need to establish, however, is the purpose, capacity, and configuration of the Livewells onboard. You also need to think about what you’ll use them for.

At the very least, you should opt for a boat that has two of them – one fore and one aft. Imagine how inconveniencing it would be to have to walk to the back or the front of the boat to grab fresh bait in the heat of all the action? Having two of them just makes sense.

You want a boat that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride with the maximum fuel range and efficiency possible. A solid ride largely depends on the hull construction and design.

A bay boat with a deeper V-hull is likely to deliver a less bumpy ride compared to one with a shallower draft. As far as the fuel range and efficiency go, those have everything to do with the capacity of the fuel tank and the power of the outboard motor.

Mechanical Considerations

Some of the mechanical considerations you need to keep in mind when choosing a bay boat include checking that it has a provision for anchoring systems for shallow waters and trolling motors .

Ideally, you want a vessel that already has the wiring in place, waterproof connectors attached, and backing plates mounted. This makes installation easy if you ever need to add those components later down the line. Plug-and-play compatibility is important when picking a vessel.

Electronic Considerations

The integration of onboard electronics is a highly customizable feature. Some of the popular installations you can consider adding to deck out your boat include a VHF radio, multifunctional touchscreen displays, stereo systems, mood lighting, and any other desirable feature you can get factory installed.

These are usually available on the manufacturer’s site when you use the “Build-a-Boat” feature. Keep in mind that these fall in the category of “optional extras” and will likely elevate the cost of the boat.

Do the Legwork

When choosing the best bay boats, ensure that the manufacturer in question has a stellar reputation for high quality and excellence. That way, you know that the boat you buy will last you several years to come.

Any of the 9 options detailed in this guide would be a great choice. Do your research, identify the features that matter the most to you, and then take the plunge – pun intended!

In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a new skiff, check out our comprehensive review on the best flats boats.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

Categories : Boats

Gary on January 27, 2022

Curious about the new line of crevalle….bay boats…25 ft and up

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Contender 23Bay

• By Randy Vance
• September 16, 2024

Contender’s new 23Bay boasts a 12-inch draft and a 15.5-degree deadrise with a double-step bottom. Its lines are sleek and crisp, and response is immediate. In the light wind chop of the broad St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida, it proved its capability for fishing from inshore flats to off-the-beach excursions. You’ll no doubt see the 23Bay on nearshore reefs in ­calmer seas, and the boat presents crew in style and grace for ­waterfront dining.

No other category of boat is more popular than hybrid bay boats, and with Contender’s extremely successful 25Bay, it needed to bring out something more than just a shorter platform in the crowded field of fishing hybrids. 

First, Contender had to develop a bay boat with a ­skinny draft and a ride solid enough to live up to Contender’s well-earned reputation for ­quality. This one’s motor-up draft is shallower than most of its competitors, enabling exploration farther into backwater creeks and flats than ­many boats of its size. We proved that in our test. 

We also proved its solid ride in navigating heavy wakes of much larger center-consoles, cruisers and sport-fishers that regularly traverse the river, heaving moderate chop with bone-jarring rollers. Any boat will shake up the crew if these wakes aren’t navigated with caution, but we took these on plane, stretching from crest to crest on some, and taking ­wider rollers at an oblique angle. On the former, the boat was remarkably solid on reentry. On the oblique wakes, which can steer some boats off course, the 23Bay soldiered on, keeping its line at speed. How does a 23-footer do that?

First, Contender vacuum-­infuses the 23’s hull, a process that combines exactly the right amount of resin with a glass mat to make a hull of consistent thickness, weight and resilience from the first to last hull off the line. A stringer grid is fused to the hull, and all of the wiring and plumbing is put in place through ample chases to allow additional electrical wiring to be pulled in place if transducers need replacement or ­operating systems need updating or maintenance. The deck is then fused in place, and screwed and glued with adhesive, leaving no slack anywhere for creaking, cracking or grinding as the boat ­traverses rough water. 

This all speaks to a long, happy life for the boat and owner, but there’s more.

With a double-step hull, the 23Bay offers amazing performance, easily besting 60 mph with the 300 hp Yamaha outboard on a jack plate. The 23Bay also achieved more than 4 mpg at 3,000 rpm and 28.5 mph—its most economical cruise speed. Some step-hulls have a nasty habit of spinning out in ­unexpectedly crisp turns, but we challenged our test boat to do so, and it refused. 

The low gunwales keep the wind profile low enough to minimize wind drift, giving better control when operating the trolling motor, and more precision in positioning the boat with its Power-Pole shallow-­water anchors.

At the helm was an acrylic windshield, grab bars for extra security, and a leaning post comfortable for two. The helm had one 12-inch multifunction display, and a locker with an acrylic door for phones and wallets. Ergonomics were engineered to keep switches in comfortable reach, and the wheel and throttle where hands naturally fall.

Another of our favorite features, one most boaters ­never look at until something breaks, is the 23’s organized wiring. This rigging is logical, clean, and labeled for easy diagnosis should problems arise. The clarity of it means adding equipment is easier too. In addition, two hatches, one lifting up and the other pulling away, provide ample access to the compartment that contains batteries and space to stow life jackets. 

The 23Bay carries a generous 35-gallon livewell in the aft deck on the centerline. On each side of the livewell are hatches for storage and access to the bilge. Access to pumps, the fuel filter and other plumbing belowdecks is impressive and will ease maintenance down the road. Hydraulic pumps for the dual Power-Poles were also conveniently accessible, making them easy to configure and maintain.

A pair of rod holders in each gunwale, four in the leaning post, and four on the starboard side of the console are complemented by lockable rod holders in each forward compartment, and they’re capable of handling 8-foot rods. A center foredeck locker boasts 75 gallons of dry storage where there’s an easy step up to the casting deck molded into the deck. At the bottom of the step is another locker for a cast-net bucket. A seat with a cooler underneath for the forward console can be removed to create more fishing room. Walkways between the bow and stern casting decks are wide, and the coamings on the inside of the low gunwales were optionally padded with SeaDek, but upholstered bolsters are also available. An optional aft seat fits over the livewell and comes with a backrest. 

Read Next: Contender 26 Bay

Our boat came without a T-top, but this is an available option, as is an upper station. We think the 23 is going to be most popular among the most hardcore sport fishermen who want optimal access to shallow water, as well as confident handling when the call of hungry snapper, kings and grouper beckons anglers ­outside the inlet.

Specifications

Contender Boats – Homestead, Florida; contenderboats.com

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Mag Bay Yachts 42 Hardtop Boat Review

• By Jim Hendricks
• Updated: April 1, 2021

The DNA of Mag Bay Yachts’ new 42 dates back to the early 1990s. Though the company was started in 2014 by the father-son team of Mike and Barrett Howarth, they were also the family that founded the vaunted Cabo Yachts line of diesel-powered sportfishers in 1991.

Yet Mag Bay’s inaugural model, the 33 Center Console, bears little resemblance to a Cabo, leading the offshore sport-fishing world to believe that the Howarths had committed to the booming center-console segment. The 42 dispels that notion, as this new express-style sportfisher reflects much of the heritage of the original Cabo line. You could say that the Mag Bay DNA reflects a good amount of genetic diversity.

That made me all the more curious to climb aboard the 42, an opportunity that occurred as I joined Barrett Howarth for a test run of this model in the Pacific waters off of Newport Beach, California.

Boat of Details

“I call it a boat of details because we focus on building everything, even the smallest items, to the highest craftsmanship standards possible,” said Howarth, as we began our tour of the Mag Bay 42.

That became clearly evident as I examined details like the flawless bilge rigging, a specially designed compartment for the washdown spigots and shower hoses, and another that hides long-handled items such as deck brushes, boat hooks and gaffs.

Though teak covering boards and decking are available as part of the custom build process, my test boat featured an all-fiberglass cockpit. Smoothly rounded cockpit coamings are gentle on legs and help eliminate the need for padded bolsters. Diamond nonskid ensures traction on a wet deck, and below the cockpit sole, I discovered a pair of 70-gallon, guttered fish lockers.

In the middle of the transom resides an 80-gallon pressurized livewell with toe space below and a curved, aquarium-style viewing window. A beefy, outward opening tuna door in the starboard quarter lets you slide aboard big, heavy fish.

A three-step companionway leading to the helm deck splits the mezzanine seating in the forward cockpit. I found abundant dry storage under the seating, as well as below the elevated deck at the foot of the benches. The entire helm deck hinges upward at the push of a button to access the immaculate rigging in the engine room with its twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D-13 turbo-diesel inboards, Onan 13.5 kW generator, standard Seakeeper 6 gyro-stabilizer and other systems.

I measured 6 feet of headroom when I stepped down inside to get a sense of what it would be like to service the boat’s engines and ZF transmission.

Two Versions

You can custom order the 42 as an open, sport express model or with an integrated hardtop, like the one I tested. Both versions feature wraparound glass windshields to protect the bridge deck, which features an L-shaped settee stretching across the aft bulkhead and extending forward on the port side.

The integral hardtop is supported entirely by the windshield-frame structure, with no supports for the portion that cantilevers aft, giving this top a sleek appearance. It also includes a retractable sunroof to usher in light and fresh air. My test boat also featured a rack of 10 rod holders lining the aft edge.

A tackle center with cabinets, drawers, spool racks, shelves and tackle boxes occupies the starboard side of the bridge deck. It also houses an icemaker.

The test boat’s expansive helm featured a pair of Garmin 24-inch multifunction touchscreen displays. A flip-open compartment to port conceals but allows immediate access to dedicated displays and controls for systems such as the Seakeeper, SidePower thruster joystick, autopilot, windlass and more. The entire dash module easily hinges upward if you need to inspect or service the rigging. A trio of adjustable helm seats cradles the captain and two companions in comfort.

First Cabin

A pocket door on the starboard side of the bridge leads down to the salon and galley area, which offers 7 feet of headroom and a bright, airy feeling thanks to skylights and side windows, as well as overhead LED lighting. Wood cabinetry and decking lent a rich look to the quarters below deck on my test boat.

An L-shaped settee spans the aft bulkhead and port side, while the galley occupies the starboard area. It features a long granite countertop with tiled backsplash, cooktop and stainless-steel sink. Above is a microwave and below is a 190-cubic-inch Isotherm fridge/freezer.

The enclosed head is also to the starboard side, boasting 6 feet, 8 inches of headroom, a vanity and sink, standup shower and electric-flush commode. The salon also features a media locker for controlling the onboard audio system and other entertainment electronics.

Forward, through a central passageway, lies the master stateroom with a queen-size, elevated island berth, wood accents, overhead LEDs and a portlight hatch for illumination and fresh air. Teak cabinets above the berth store clothing items and other gear.

Accommodations belowdecks make the 42 a great boat for overnight trips, be it canyons in the Northeast, oil rigs in the upper Gulf of Mexico or multiday trips to the islands.

Performance

With 2,000 ponies pushing this 42,000-pound sportfisher, the Mag Bay 42 delivers plenty of get-up-and-go. You feel the power kick in 3 to 4 seconds after hammering the throttles as turbo-chargers spool up.

During my test, we jumped on plane in 9.5 seconds, and accelerated to 30 mph in 14.6 seconds. Top speed clocked in at 44.6 mph and 2,350 rpm, where the twin diesels burned 100 gallons per hour for 0.45 mpg. I recorded cruising fuel economy of 0.60 mpg at 1,900 rpm and 35.1 mph.

Trolling valves in the ZF transmissions let you reduce speed to as low as 2.6 mph for slow-trolling live bait. Without the trolling valves, the lowest trolling speed I could achieve was about 8.7 mph.

Read Next: Fish Trial: Mag Bay 33

The handling and seakeeping of the Michael Peters-designed hull proved nothing less than stellar. Though the water laid flat on test day, I attacked the wakes created by large boats in the area, and the 42 sliced smoothly through the mess. It cornered with confidence at speed, and the Optimus electro-hydraulic steering system eased the task of controlling the rudders.

At low speed, with judicial use of the throttle, I could easily spin the 42 within its own length. The Mag Bay backs down confidently and cleanly, and in the calm waters of my test, did not take a hint of green water over the transom.

Just as Cabo quickly ascended to the top, it appears that the same DNA will propel Mag Bay Yachts to angling prominence, as evidenced by the quality, fishing features and performance of the new 42.

Specifications

• LOA: 42 ft. 3 in.
• Beam: 15 ft. 6 in.
• Draft: 4 ft.
• Deadrise: 18 deg.
• Dry Weight: 42,000 lb. (w/ engines)
• Fuel: 700 gal.
• Max Power: 2,600 hp
• Base Price: $1,295,000
• Engines: Twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D-13 turbo-diesels
• Load: 665 gal. fuel, 130 gal. water, two crew
• Time to 30 mph: 14.6 sec.
• Top Speed: 44.6 mph @ 2,350 rpm
• Best MPG: 0.6 mpg @ 35.1 mph (1,900 rpm)

Notable Standard Features

• Michael Peters-designed running surface
• 80-gallon pressurized transom livewell with viewing window
• Seakeeper 6 gyro-stabilizer
• Three air conditioning systems (two for the bridge deck and one for the cabin)
• Zipwake interceptors

Mag Bay Yachts – Hesperia, California 949-395-0437

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Advantages of Owning Smaller Yachts: Adrian Morgan’s Boat Scale

Is it better to own a smaller yacht? Adrian Morgan’s column weighs up the advantages of scaling down…

Thinking of buying a smaller yacht.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that… the smaller the [wooden] boat the greater the pleasure, and I would add, just as important, far less of a chore to fit out. It takes time enough to sand, fill, prime and paint Sally’s topsides, then I look to my right where stands, propped up in the yard, a yacht not many feet longer than my modest 25 footer, and I thank goodness for small boats. Z4s, Hillyards, Debens of various kinds, et al, the list is long.

Those hardy souls who camp in dinghies under ingenious tents, heating their rations on portable gas stoves, get even more of my admiration. It’s great to be invited aboard a big wooden classic, and I treasure my time racing the McGruer Kelana, or squatting on the aft deck of Moonbeam, but would not envy her owners the task of maintaining them every year to the highest standards. That’s like grooming an elephant, when all you really have the energy for is to stroke a kitten. One is exhausting, the other is relaxing. Up to a point.

I reckon 25ft is about as much as one person can maintain, allowing a day for each of the annual chores. A day to sand the topsides, another to strip the varnish, one to antifoul , and so on. Sally comes into that category, but even so, after a week which begins with despair at the task facing me, then satisfaction in seeing the work list slowly shrink, towards the final push to complete all by the time the yard want to launch her, I have lost much of the enthusiasm and just want to see her floating to her waterline again at her mooring in Loggie Bay, a spit opposite the yard where she has been for a couple of weeks.

That 34 footer alongside Sally is more like a three- or four-day per chore boat, and I would not want to be the one to have to tackle the towering wall of gleaming white enamel every few years. Besides, you’d need staging, not the wooden ladder up and down which I clambered these past weeks. And I can just about reach much of Sally’s topsides from the ground, and the higher bits by standing on a few keel blocks placed around her. 

Adding a few feet to a boat’s length increases the work at fitting out exponentially. I used to long for the day when, flushed with cash from a series of best selling nautical murder mysteries I could scribble a list of what needed doing and let the experts at the yard get on with it. I would write cheques, and appear at launching. In fact last year I tentatively asked if anyone might be free to lay on a perfect coat of Hempel’s Polar White , as I’ve seen the difference between my efforts and those of a professional. I was once given a badger haired – I think it was, or perhaps Madagascan squirrel – laying off brush, something I’d not come across before, by a painter of superyachts. Apparently you apply the paint, then quickly caress the surface with the fine. I tried it once, but never again. It’s hard enough to keep a wet edge without stopping to caress what you’ve just achieved with the neck fluff of an exotic creature. Nope, Sally’s topsides are again this year flawless… from a distance, and that’s the way they will stay, until a new owner familiar with the techniques of laying on brushes, and (the correct) thinners takes her on.

Don’t get me wrong; maintaining a small wooden yacht as best you can, given sunny days and plenty of time is a vital and mostly pleasurable component of ownership. Once a year you get the chance to pore over every inch of her, stroke her flanks intimately in a way that is more akin to the grooming rituals of the animal world. For fleas, read flaking paint and tangles, small divots. And this year, annus mirabilis, I may finally have managed to achieve what I am hoping will be the perfect waterline. Hoping, as she has yet to be launched as I write this. After nearly thirty years of ownership, perhaps this time…

Show Me More:

• Shamrock V Relaunch: Sole Wooden J Restoration Complete
• Classic Boats for Sale: Two Wooden Motorboats on the Market
• Boat Design & No Need for Ugly Boats: Tom Cunliffe’s Column

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