The 9 Best Bay Boats of 2024

For those with a comfortable budget seeking relaxation and the joys of life, boating on the sea or a lake can be a fun and relaxing activity. Following the boat’s path on the water, soaking up the sun, and unwinding in its glow can have a rejuvenating effect on both mind and body. Of course, spending an afternoon fishing on the boat or experiencing the thrill of waterskiing and leisurely swimming are also excellent choices.

If you’re considering getting a new boat for leisure or recreation, bay boats are worth considering. Their manageable size makes them an ideal choice for beginners to navigate coastal areas or freshwater lakes.

Furthermore, their shallow draft means they can navigate in waters like lakes and rivers without touching the bottom. This allows boaters to access fishing areas that larger vessels cannot reach. We’ve also found 9 excellent and popular bay boats in the market for you and provided you with the information you need to make the right choice for your bay boat.

For specific details, you can refer to the recommended list below and our buying recommendations.

Recommended List

Boats	Lengths	Maximum Horsepower Value	USD	Max. Person Capacity
Sportsman Heritage 231	23’4″	300HP	$93,790	12
Stabicraft 1850 Fisher	18’5″	140HP	$55,497	6
Quintrex Trident 650	6.55M	200HP	$82,999	7
Parker 2600 CC	25’4″	500HP	$169,096	12
2023 Shallow Water Bay Boat Active Seagull 580	5.8M	115HP	$16,000	6
Ranger 2360 Bay	23’5″	300HP	$89,995	10
Tidewater 2210 Carolina Bay	22’10”	250HP	$58,500	10
Crestliner 1800 Bay	18’6″	150HP	$32,230	4
Everglades 253 CC Bay Boat	24’9″	400 HP	$124,995	10

Best Family Boat for Shallow Water: Sportsman Heritage 231 ($93,790)

Length: 23′ 4″

Beam: 8′ 6″

Fuel Tank Capacity:106 gal.

Livewells: 10 gal. (x2)

What we like about it: The stylish and versatile console features Garmin chartplotters screens and considerate equipment.

What we didn’t like about it: The windshield layout may not be suitable for sailing in strong windy weather, and the price is a bit high.

The Sportsman Heritage 231 employs a family-centric design that combines comfortable seating with the signature center console of a bay boat, offering users a well-balanced space for both leisure and fishing. Despite its relatively higher price tag, the Sportsman Heritage 231 comes with many advantages not found in other bay boats in its price range. The most outstanding feature is its oversized fiberglass hardtop, which comes as a standard feature. It not only provides shade for the driver in sunny weather but also includes lighting, speakers, and fishing rod holders, enriching and enhancing the boating experience.

If you often take on the role of the driver, you’ll particularly appreciate this boat. The Garmin chartplotters screens are beloved navigation tools among boating enthusiasts. They boast advanced features such as high-resolution mapping, real-time sonar, and preloaded charts, making it easy to plan routes to your desired destinations. Additionally, the boat’s 106-gallon fuel tank, combined with the navigation system, ensures a fulfilling and enjoyable water journey.

However, if you enjoy sailing in rough waters, you’ll need to be aware that the limited-size glass in front of the console might expose rear passengers to the wind. Luckily, features like the tabletop, refrigerator, two livewells, and freshwater tank allow you to engage in your desired fishing or cruising activities with your family. Once you experience it firsthand, you’ll have no regrets about the decision to purchase this boat.

Best Bay Fishing Boat: Stabicraft 1850 Fisher ($55,497)

Length: 18’5″

Maximum HP: 140HP

Deadrise: 16°

Fuel Tank: 39.6 gal.

What we like about it: Affordable, solid and convenient walk-in full windshield, spacious casting platform.

What we didn’t like about it: Limited comfortable seating layout, not ideal for family parties.

The Stabicraft 1850 Fisher stands out in the bay boat community with its innovative design, offering users spaciousness, unparalleled stability, safety, and comfort. Whether you’re fishing with your family, enjoying watersports, or going out with friends, it perfectly meets your needs. The classic full-glass walk-through windshield of the Stabicraft 1850 Fisher has caught the attention of many consumers. It not only shields you from wind and rain on the water but also makes it convenient for you to step ashore.

If you and your family are serious anglers, you’ll likely boast to your friends about how lucky you are to have purchased this boat. And rightfully so. On one hand, the spacious self-draining deck located at the stern is designed specifically for anglers. Combined with navigation lights and detachable anchor light on the beam, it provides an excellent fishing environment from dawn to dusk. On the other hand, all these remarkable features come at a price point of around fifty thousand dollars, making it quite economical compared to other more expensive and similarly outstanding bay boats.

Unfortunately, if you’re in the market for a boat primarily for parties with friends or family, it might not be the wisest choice for you. This is because apart from the helm seats, there are few suitable seating arrangements for gatherings on the Stabicraft 1850 Fisher.

Best Bay Boats Under 100k: Quintrex Trident 650 ($82,999)

Length: 6.55m

Beam: 2.48m

Boat Weight: 1006kg

Maximum HP: 200HP

What we like about it: Sturdy and robust hull, spacious and comfortable cabin, reasonable fishing platform.

What we don’t like about it: Not suitable for family outings, not designed with a center console.

Do you yearn for a fishing boat that can take you cruising along the coastline? If you’re a passionate angler with many like-minded friends who are always up for an adventure, then you definitely shouldn’t miss out on the Quintrex Trident 650. The standout feature of the Quintrex Trident 650 is its Millennium Blade hull made from a robust 5mm bottom plate, which easily handles the unpredictable weather of open waters. Its hull side plates and bottom plate, created using stretch-forming technology, provide a sharper V-shaped bow, allowing the boat to cut through choppy waters like a knife.

As I mentioned earlier, the Quintrex Trident 650 is perfect for anglers. While it doesn’t adopt a center console design, it boasts a spacious self-draining deck. You and your friends can easily cast fishing lines simultaneously without collision. The large bimini top frame even offers ample rod holders, solving the problem of storing multiple fishing rods when inviting friends for a fishing outing.

For many serious anglers, night fishing is a must. This boat features a spacious cabin with padded seating at the bow, providing excellent conditions for night fishing while ensuring your safety and privacy.

Overall, we believe it’s better suited for anglers on fishing trips. It indeed lacks amenities like tables, swim platforms, which are essential for family leisure activities.

Best Bay Boat On The Market: Parker 2600 CC ($169,096)

Length: 26″

BEAM: 9′ 6″

DEADRISE: 21°

Maximum HP: 500HP

What we like about it: Powerful engines, sleek and modern design, comfortable and spacious seating.

What we don’t like about it: High price, significant maintenance and operational expenses.

Are you often fascinated by minimalist boat designs? If you appreciate a modern and understated appearance, then you definitely shouldn’t miss out on the Parker 2600 CC.

The Parker 2600 CC features a classic Deep-V hull design combined with a center console layout, providing you with a comfortable and dry driving experience. Compared to Parker’s previous series, this boat not only comes equipped with premium seating materials but also offers the most spacious deck space.

If you’re craving strong speeds and have a passion for water sports, the dual outboard motor design of the Parker 2600 CC is sure to thrill you. It can be powered by engines up to 500hp, easily giving you and your friends an adrenaline rush. However, this also means you’ll need to spend more on maintenance and fuel costs down the line.

Without a doubt, essentials like the refrigerator, livewell, and tabletop are included in the base configuration upon purchase. It’s worth noting that you’ll indeed have to pay a high price to enjoy such an exceptional bay boat. This is also the main reason why most people refrain from purchasing it.

Best Bay Boats For The Money:2023 Shallow Water Bay Boat Active Seagull 580 ($16,000)

Length: 5.8M

Beam: 2.2M

Weight: 500KG

Maximum HP:115HP

What we like about it: Affordability, sturdy hull, excellent performance.

What we don’t like about it: Doesn’t deliver strong speeds.

The steep prices of bay boats can be a burden for most people. Many desire to own their bay boat but are forced to give up due to the costs involved. Luckily, the 2023 Shallow Water Bay Boat Active Seagull 580, as one of the outstanding shallow water bay boats, can fulfill your dream of exploring all the shallow waters.

Concerns may arise about whether the budget-friendly price of the 2023 Shallow Water Bay Boat Active Seagull 580 can provide a perfect and safe water journey. However, let me assure you that there’s no need to worry. The discounts offered by Neoboats for all their boats are based on cutting brand premiums rather than cutting corners.

Therefore, the boats they provide are more budget-friendly compared to similar types. In terms of quality, Neoboats ensures that each boat is meticulously crafted by a professional team with years of research and development, making both excellent performance and sturdy hull reliable.

The Active Seagull 580, with its V-shaped hull made from a thick 4.0mm 5083 aluminum plate, can handle choppy waters well. Its shallow draft also makes it an excellent companion for exploring diverse fishing grounds. Additionally, its ample and comfortable resting area inside provides a wonderful on-water experience for you, your family, or your friends.

Of course, the Active Seagull 580 isn’t without its imperfections. It’s a dependable choice for those who want to enjoy the breeze, cruise, or host parties on the water. However, for those seeking speed and racing, the speed experience provided by the Active Seagull 580 might not match the exhilarating thrills of other boats we mentioned. This is due to the challenges for its maximum 115hp engine to deliver higher speeds.

Worth the Investment: Ranger 2360 Bay ($89,995)

Length: 23′ 5”

Beam: 102”

Fuel Capacity: 81 gal.

Max. Person Capacity: 10 persons

What we like about it: Basic configuration with motor and trailer, spacious casting deck, and ample resting areas.

What we didn’t like about it: Relatively high price.

For anglers who desire a spacious casting platform that comfortably accommodates friends, the Ranger 2360 Bay is the perfect blend of comfort and reliability. While some might consider the price of the Ranger 2360 Bay to be on the higher side, it’s truly a worthwhile investment.

Its base configuration comes with a 250 XL Pro XS FourStroke DTS Mercury® motor and trailer, making it incredibly convenient. If you think a 250hp engine won’t deliver the exhilarating speeds you desire, you also have the option to upgrade to its maximum 300hp engine.

For dedicated anglers, spending long days fishing is common. In such cases, having a comfortable resting area to unwind during breaks becomes essential. The Ranger 2360 Bay features fold-down lounges from midship to aft, each with substantial padding and the convenience of easy storage when you’re fishing solo.

If you see it in person, you’ll undoubtedly be captivated by its spacious and minimalist casting platform. It not only accommodates 2-3 people casting simultaneously but also provides ample storage underneath for keeping your belongings dry during your day out.

All in all, its exceptional performance truly makes it a very worthwhile investment for users with a sufficient budget.

Best Boat for Inshore Fishing: Tidewater 2210 Carolina Bay ($58,500)

Length: 22′ 10″

Beam: 8′ 6″

Weight:2600 lbs.

Fuel Capacity:56 gal.

What we like about it: Spacious casting deck, excellent performance, stylish and practical center console.

What we don’t like about it: The windshield is too small.

The Tidewater 2210 Carolina Bay effortlessly caters to your exploration of the nearshore, shallow bay, river, or lake fishing waters. However, we don’t consider its hull design to be tailored for rough open waters. Like many fishing boats, the 2210 Carolina Bay features large front and rear casting platforms and can efficiently drain water. Positioned amidships is a stylish hardtop center console that sets it apart from traditional fishing vessels.

On one hand, it provides you with ample space for 360° battles with large fish. On the other hand, it offers shade on scorching days. Unfortunately, the windshield at the front of the console is relatively small compared to the hardtop’s framework, and it might not provide an optimal driving experience in windy conditions.

Fortunately, the presence of front and rear livewells and the seating at the front of the console ensures that you and your friends have a wonderful fishing experience together. If cruising is more your style, the option to pair it with a maximum 250hp engine won’t disappoint in terms of speed. Its price point also gives it an advantage over comparable vessels of the same type. If you have the budget for it, don’t miss out on getting to know more about it.

Easily Affordable: Crestliner 1800 Bay ($32,230 )

Length:18’60”

Beam:8′

Dry Weight：1,216lbs

Fuel Tanks:21gal.

What we like about it: Budget-friendly, ample livewell and storage space, center console design provides a spacious fishing platform.

What we didn’t like about it: The seating area isn’t the most comfortable.

The Crestliner 1800 Bay is a boat designed specifically for anglers. Anglers can enjoy a spacious fishing view on the V-hull with a center console. With its 18’60” length, it’s easy to tow and launch into the water. For most people, its price of just over thirty thousand dollars is quite friendly, making it one of the most popular fishing boats for a reason.

It’s worth mentioning that despite accommodating only four people, it offers a considerable amount of livewell and storage space. The boat’s starboard and port sides also feature quick-access rod storage that can hold two 10-foot rods.

The fiberglass center console is not only stylish and sturdy but also equipped with six fishing rod holders, making it convenient for anglers to store their gear. The seats with backrests in front of the console serve another purpose – they house a 48-quart cooler underneath, ensuring that anglers’ drinks remain icy cold.

However, we must also acknowledge that it’s designed for serious anglers. Therefore, its seating isn’t as comfortable, and it lacks amenities like tables. If you frequently need to travel with your family, especially if you have kids, this boat might not be your best option.

One of the Most Popular Bay Boats: Everglades 253 CC Bay Boat ($124,995)

Beam: 8’6″

Fuel Capacity: 100 gal.

Livewell Capacity: 26 gal

Dry Weight: 6,650 lbs.

What we like about it: Ample seating areas, versatile and stylish hardtop.

What we don’t like about it: Expensive price.

The Everglades 253 CC Bay Boat features a deep-V hull design with a center console, tailored for bay waters. It can be equipped with a maximum of a 400hp engine, providing not only facilities that cater to most anglers’ needs but also the perfect platform for water sports.

The bow of the 253 CC Bay Boat offers a comfortable and spacious seating area that can easily accommodate ten passengers. The unique center console in the middle of the boat features a hydraulic sliding windshield at the front, complete with an intelligent rain-wash system, enabling you to navigate through adverse weather conditions with ease. The fiberglass hardtop overhead replaces the traditional bimini top, adding a stylish touch while providing functional features such as LED lights, pendant lights, subwoofers, rod holders, and a ski pylon.

It’s worth noting that many people enjoy water travel but find themselves limited by their fuel capacity, having to turn back or stick to shorter journeys. The 100-gallon fuel tank equipped on the 253 CC Bay Boat ensures that you can reach areas on the water that you might have never had the chance to before, allowing you and your family to have more fulfilling water adventures. However, what you need to be aware of is that enjoying such an outstanding boat comes at a cost – a high price tag.

Bay Boats Buying Tips

• Length
• Horsepower
• Material
• Hull
• Price

Length

When choosing the perfect bay boat that suits your family outings and boating needs, length plays a crucial role. If you’re looking to upgrade your current boat to accommodate more gear or welcome new family members, a 24-foot boat is usually sufficient for family trips.

However, if you prefer solo excursions or fishing trips, opting for a more compact boat can help you save on costs. Of course, for those looking for a larger, more luxurious vessel for hosting parties, a 26-foot or above boat might be the better choice.

Horsepower

What are your speed requirements for the boat? If you wish to venture to distant waters for your favorite fishing spots, having adequate horsepower will get you there faster without wasting valuable fishing time.

Typically, the power of fishing boats ranges from 50 horsepower to 300 horsepower, though the size of the boat also plays a key role. Bay boats, with their semi-V hull, can handle rough water conditions, including nearshore waters, quite well. Hence, they are usually equipped with higher horsepower, averaging between 250 to 300 horsepower. If you’re after ultimate speed, you can opt for larger bays with 300 to 400 hp engines.

Material

Bay boats are typically made of aluminum or fiberglass. Aluminum boats are often cheaper than fiberglass ones. So, if you’re on a tight budget, aluminum boats are a good choice. They’re also lighter in weight, making them easier to launch and tow. Aluminum boats also offer good corrosion resistance, which translates to lower maintenance costs. However, due to their lighter weight, you need to be cautious during trips and avoid rough waters.

Fiberglass boats, though more expensive, are generally heavier, resulting in better wave resistance and stability. Fiberglass is also easier to mold into complex hull shapes, which is a major reason they often catch people’s attention on the water. While fiberglass boats come with higher maintenance requirements, they are better suited for users who frequently fish in nearshore waters.

Hull

The hull is the part of the boat that travels through and sits on the water. Different hull designs and shapes affect the boat’s stability. A deep V-shaped hull with a cuneiform shape from bow to stern is generally considered the most stable while underway. Flat-bottomed hulls hardly have any rise, making them suitable for leisurely days on the water with friends, particularly in shallow areas. However, they cannot handle rough waters like a V-shaped hull and are better suited for calmer weather.

The importance of hull stability depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a lake or river fishing boat, a flat-bottomed hull might be suitable. If you plan to navigate unpredictable waters in nearshore areas, a V-shaped hull is your better option.

Price

For many boaters, especially beginners, the price can be a significant factor in determining which bay boat is right for them. Unlike cars produced on assembly lines, boats are handcrafted, making them costly. Bay boat prices can go up to $150,000. Of course, size, performance, and materials used also dictate the cost of the boat.

If you’re seeking a boat for occasional use, you might be willing to sacrifice some key features to save money. If you’re a passionate boater, you understand the importance of certain features, making it a worthwhile investment for you. A high-quality bay boat is a great investment that can serve as your best water companion for over a decade.

Summary

As a popular choice for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, bay boats provide not only the best fishing platforms but also opportunities to explore various waters with your family. When searching for the best bay boat for your needs, there are many essential factors to consider. It also depends on how you plan to use it and which features are essential for you.

Once you’ve made up your mind, remember to decide before summer arrives. Otherwise, you might regret missing out on timely experiences with your new boat due to delayed customization.

Regardless, we’re looking forward to you stepping onto the perfect bay boat that’s yours. We hope the information we’ve shared about the best bay boats is helpful. If you enjoyed our content, feel free to share it with friends around you. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter as we’ll continue to provide advice on different types of boat purchases.