G3 Bay 22 GX – Is It The Best Place To Buy A Bay Boat?

G3 Bay 22 GX Review

Reference price: from $39,744

Type: Bay Boat

Weight: 1676 kgs (net boat weight)

Seats: 8

What we like about it: Spacious casting platform, cost-effectiveness, ample livewell capacity.

What we didn’t like about it: Storage space might be insufficient.

Rating (4.8/5)

Bay boats have become quite popular in recent years, developed by coastal fishermen along the Mexican shores. They’re commonly used for fishing redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and other species in coastal bays. If you’re a serious angler or a nature enthusiast, a bay boat is worth considering.

The G3 Bay 22 GX is the largest version in the Bay series under the G3 brand. It combines a spacious and deep hull with excellent maneuverability and high-end performance, offering you a roomy, sturdy, and versatile fishing platform for your outings.

Now, let’s delve into the seating experience, driving feel, usability, specifications, and other versions of the G3 Bay 22 GX.

If you’re in the market for a boat that suits you, remember to keep an eye on our homepage. We’re eager to share the features of various types of boats with you, so you have more options when it comes to purchasing a boat.

Seating Experience

I joined my local fishing club last month and met a fishing buddy named Carter. He owns several different types of fishing boats. After learning that I’ve never been on a bay boat for fishing, he invited me to join him on his G3 Bay 22 GX for a fishing trip in Chesapeake this weekend. I gladly accepted and am looking forward to the trip.

This is my first time seeing the G3 Bay 22 GX, and I must admit that this boat could be the most visually appealing vessel I’ve seen so far. Carter chose the Ice Blue Metallic color for the hull, making it look as cool as a Porsche sports car. The combination of the hull’s curves is incredibly stylish.

As soon as I stepped onto the G3 Bay 22 GX, I felt the deck beneath my feet was incredibly comfortable. Carter told me that the deck is covered with SeaDek mats, which are not only non-slip but also easy to clean. He believes choosing such carpeting was one of the wisest decisions for this boat. Indeed, for anglers who spend whole days on the water, comfortable flooring is a necessary feature.

Driving Experience

Carter also invited his friend Dutton to join us for this trip. He has fished with Carter on the G3 Bay 22 GX many times before. Today, he’s taking on the role of the captain. To help me get acquainted with the boat, he enthusiastically introduced me to the iconic central console.

Even from the shore, I could see the prominent central console of the G3 Bay 22 GX. I know this layout is perfect for anglers because it provides ample space to wrestle with big fish and also leaves us with plenty of room to store our belongings on the boat.

As Dutton smoothly throttled the engine, he told me that you can truly appreciate the excellence of this console only when driving the G3 Bay 22 GX. With his maneuvers, I saw the electronic devices embedded in the console light up gradually, displaying a rich array of functions.

Standing on the port side, Carter reminded me, “Bro, hold onto the handrail and be careful not to slip.” Before I could react, he leaped straight into the water. The speed of this exhilarating move caught me off guard. The spray kicked up from the side of the boat almost reaching the deck. Wild!

User Experience

Afterward, they took me for a few rounds along the coastline, letting me soak in the scent of the sea breeze. As I gradually got used to the speed of navigation, Carter had Dutton find a suitable fishing spot to anchor the boat. Once the boat was steady, I dared to move around on it. Dutton told me that if I go fishing with them more often, I’ll fall in love with this exhilarating speed. He instructed me to take a seat in the captain’s chair to rest a bit while he and Carter prepared the fishing gear and rods.

Dutton skillfully opened the rod storage compartment at the bow. Despite my careful observation, I could sense how spacious it was inside. Dutton kept pulling out bags and fishing gear. Meanwhile, Carter flipped open the seats behind me, neatly arranged with the fishing tools we needed. Seeing how well-prepared they were, I quickly joined in to help organize the bait.

Once we had everything ready, we each chose our preferred fishing positions. Thankfully, this boat has an extremely spacious casting platform, allowing me to cast with a wide range without interfering with them. Most importantly, it has livewells at both the bow and stern. This means we don’t have to run to the other end to release our catch, which is incredibly convenient.

Specifications

Being a fully welded aluminum boat, the G3 Bay 22 GX boasts not only a sturdy structure but also the ability to handle saltwater and waves that might come its way. With a maximum engine capacity of 200hp, the G3 Bay 22 GX can effortlessly cut through the water’s surface while maintaining a stable ride.

Moreover, the ample seating areas cater to the need for separate spots for invited friends. The spacious casting platform, essential for fishing activities, is another standout feature of this boat. Considering the starting price of the G3 Bay 22 GX, it’s hard to find a boat as exceptional as this one.

Other Versions

The G3 Bay 20 GX has a hull length of 20’3″, making it a more suitable choice for families who frequently transport boats.

As a sibling vessel, the layout of the G3 Bay 20 GX is nearly identical to the former. You don’t have to worry that the more affordable price will come with reduced capacity or lower-grade features. However, the matched engine doesn’t provide the same horsepower as the G3 Bay 22 GX.

Nevertheless, a rated 150hp engine provides sufficient speed for most families or anglers. However, everyone’s speed preferences might vary. If you enjoy the thrill of speed, you should pay attention to this difference.

What do we like about it

• Spacious casting area adjacent to the central console.
• Foldable T-TOP.
• Ample livewell capacity.
• More cost-effective compared to most other bay boat brands.
• Stylish and easy-to-clean SeaDek mats.
• An aluminum hull that’s both sturdy and portable.

What we don’t like about it

• Utilizing the remaining deck space for enclosed storage would make it even better.
• Lacks some more thoughtful features.

FAQ

1. What is a bay boat?

A bay boat is a type of watercraft designed for use in bays and nearshore coastal areas. It has a shallower draft compared to offshore boats, allowing it to float in shallow waters. However, it incorporates many innovations and features from various boat types, filling the gap between small boats.

They often accommodate larger horsepower engines, which means they can offer impressive speeds. At the same time, they provide a smooth ride in a variety of water conditions.

2. What are the usual benefits of a center console?

A center console is usually positioned at the center of the boat’s hull, providing anglers with the ability to fish from any point on the boat. This layout is ideal for nearshore fishing, offering convenience for engaging with fish from all angles. Additionally, the design of a center console allows easy access to both the bow and stern, which is handy for gatherings and parties. Most bay boats adopt this central console layout.

3. What kind of water is a bay boat good for?

Bay boats are best suited for calm and protected waters such as bays, estuaries, and nearshore environments. They’re an ideal choice for recreational boaters interested in fishing, water sports, or family outings.

However, due to their limitations in stability, range, and amenities, they’re generally not suitable for rough offshore conditions or long-distance travel.

G3 Bay 22 GX SPECS

Dry Weight	1676
Package Weight	3047
Width on Trailer	97″
Boat Length	22′ 3″
Package Length	28′ 4″
Max Horsepower	200
Fuel Capacity	30 G
Person Capacity	8
Beam	97

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Deck Lengths	Maximum Horsepower	Maximum person capacity
Blue Wave 2200 Pure Bay	21’4″	250HP	8 persons
Skeeter SX230	23’6″	250HP	8 persons
NauticStar 224 BAY	22’6″	250HP	8 persons

G3 Bay 22 GX vs Blue Wave 2200 Pure Bay

The Blue Wave 2200 Pure Bay shares a very similar layout to the G3 Bay 22 GX, with both leaning more towards the preferences of anglers in terms of deck setup.

Constructed from 100% hand-laid fiberglass, the hull of the Blue Wave 2200 Pure Bay is not only more robust than the G3 Bay 22 GX but also boasts a smoother surface. However, this also means higher maintenance costs. Its enhanced stability on water makes it capable of accommodating motors of up to 250hp, offering substantial speed for cruising along the nearshore coastline.

In terms of features, the Blue Wave 2200 Pure Bay’s two livewells, ample seating areas, and abundant storage spaces ensure you won’t have to worry about lacking necessities during your water adventures.

However, it’s important to note that the Blue Wave 2200 Pure Bay comes with a notably higher price tag. If a starting price of over fifty thousand dollars falls within your budget, it could be a fishing option that accompanies you for the long haul.

G3 Bay 22 GX vs Skeeter SX230

Compared to the G3 Bay 22 GX, the Skeeter SX230 stands out as the preferred choice for dedicated anglers seeking a vessel tailored for fishing activities. With its 23’6″ length, it provides ample space to accommodate fishermen, bait, catches, and fishing gear.

The Skeeter SX230’s hull is constructed from fiberglass, making it an exceptionally stable presence on the water. Once you experience navigating on this boat firsthand, you’ll discover how comfortable its seating areas truly are.

Not only that, but the Skeeter SX230 also boasts a generously spacious casting area. When you’ve got a big catch on the line, you won’t have to worry about limited space giving the fish a chance to slip away.

The Skeeter SX230 combines the two large rod storage compartments at the bow with the fishing rod holders by the console. Even if each of your invited friends brings more than one fishing rod, the ample space is more than enough to accommodate your gear.

However, if you want to own such an exceptional vessel, be prepared for a higher cost. This might be the biggest drawback of this boat for most individuals.

G3 Bay 22 GX vs NauticStar 224 BAY

The NauticStar 224 BAY, much like the G3 Bay 22 GX, features the hallmark center console design typical of bay boats, and its seat layout maintains a high level of similarity with the latter.

However, the NauticStar 224 BAY offers a more enhanced on-water experience in terms of features. On one hand, its fuel tank capacity is nearly double that of the G3 Bay 22 GX, ensuring you have enough fuel for a full day of cruising. On the other hand, it boasts more built-in stainless steel rod holders around its console, allowing you to easily access your fishing rods.

In summary, both of these boats come with remarkably similar excellent features. However, if you prioritize extended endurance on the water, the NauticStar 224 BAY might be better suited for you.

Summary

Owning a stylish and robust G3 Bay 22 GX is a great privilege as it opens up various fishing waters for exploration. Its layout and features are tailored to enhance your fishing experiences. When compared to other similarly functional bay boats, the G3 Bay 22 GX is indeed a cost-effective choice.

If you’re interested in learning more about different boats, you can explore other boat options on our homepage. Of course, if you’re looking to purchase a boat directly, feel free to contact us for more detailed information. Your visit is appreciated! Thank you for your support!