Stealth Bay Boat: Is It Worth The Hype?

Bay Stealth is a boat builder that offers boats in a variety of sizes, from 20 feet to 24 feet. The company is no longer in business, but their boats are still available for sale, both new and used. The boats are powered by motors with horsepower ranging from 150 to 225 and are suitable for day cruising, saltwater fishing, and freshwater fishing. They are constructed with modified vee hull types and are equipped with outboard or outboard-4S propulsion systems. The Bay Stealth boats are known for being heavy, wet riding, and having a wide fishing platform. Some models that are available include the 2230, 2030 Bay, 2030 Liner, and 2430. The price of these boats can range from $13,995 to $27,995. While some people have had positive experiences with Bay Stealth boats, others have criticised them for being wet riding, having electrical problems, and providing a rough ride in choppy waters.

Bay Stealth boats are no longer in production

Despite no longer being in production, Bay Stealth boats are still available for sale on the second-hand market. They are relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $13,995 to $27,995. The boats range from 20 to 24 feet in length, and are powered by outboard or outboard-4S motors with horsepower between 150 and 225.

Bay Stealth boats are described as having a wide fishing platform, a roomy cockpit, and decent storage for gear and rods. They are also said to be stable, even in rough conditions. However, they have been criticised for being wet riding, with small baitwells and poor electrical wiring. Some models also lack adequate storage space and have poor hull designs that do not allow for the installation of trim tabs.

Overall, Bay Stealth boats are considered decent entry-level or budget options for fishing and recreational boating. While they may not be the best in terms of comfort or performance, they can be a good choice for those looking for a simple and affordable boat.

They are considered heavy and wet-riding

The Bay Stealth is considered a heavy and wet-riding boat. Its heavy weight is attributed to its chopper-gun laid hulls and wood construction. While some users have noted that this weight gives the boat a better ride, others have complained that the boat rides too low in the water, making it wet.

The Bay Stealth's wet ride can be attributed to its hull design, which does not allow for the installation of trim tabs. As a result, the boat tends to pound in choppy waters, and users have reported getting soaked while riding in the boat. This issue is exacerbated when the boat is loaded with gear and multiple passengers.

However, it's important to note that some users have reported that the wet ride can be mitigated by operating the boat at higher speeds. By getting on top of the waves and cutting through them, the amount of water that splashes into the boat can be reduced.

Additionally, the Bay Stealth's heavy weight can be advantageous in certain situations. For example, one user reported that the weight gave the boat a better ride when taking it offshore snapper fishing and hitting rigs for trout.

In conclusion, while the Bay Stealth is considered heavy and wet-riding, user experiences vary depending on how and where the boat is operated. Some users have reported satisfactory experiences when using the boat for river runs, pulling tubes, and fishing in protected waters.

They are priced on the lower end of the market

Bay Stealth boats are priced on the lower end of the market. They are considered entry-level boats, and you can find them for sale for as low as $13,995, with the most expensive ones being around $27,995. The average price is somewhere in the \$20,000 range.

The low price of Bay Stealth boats is due to several factors. Firstly, they are no longer in production, with some sources stating that the company that made them, VIP, stopped manufacturing them around 2008. Additionally, they have a reputation for being heavy, wet riding, and lacking in fit and finish. They also tend to have electrical problems due to shoddy wiring.

However, despite their low price and aforementioned issues, some owners have expressed satisfaction with their Bay Stealth boats, particularly for fishing. One owner stated that their Bay Stealth boat is "solid as a tank" and that they have "fished the hell out of it." Another owner described their boat as "badass," saying that they "put that 18 [footer] through some rough stuff."

So, while Bay Stealth boats may be priced on the lower end of the market due to various factors, they can still provide a functional and enjoyable experience for those seeking a basic and affordable boat, particularly for fishing excursions.

They are good for fishing and have a roomy cockpit

The Bay Stealth is a good choice for fishing and offers a roomy cockpit for this purpose. The boat's deck space is ample, and its wide fishing platform is also a plus. It has decent storage for gear and rods, although the baitwells are small.

One user describes the Bay Stealth as an "excellent fishing platform", and another says it is "solid as a tank". The boat is also described as stable to fish from.

However, it is worth noting that the Bay Stealth is known for being a wet boat, and some users have reported a rough ride when the wind picks up or in choppy conditions.

They are well-built and solid

Bay Stealth boats are well-built and solid. One user who has been a factory rep for a boat company for almost 40 years said that Bay Stealth boats were "not bad compared to some of the other low-end boats". They were priced on the lower end of the market, and one user said that they were "solid fishing boats" and "definitely well-built and solid for the money". Another user said that their Bay Stealth boat was "built like a tank", and that it had survived ramming oyster reefs, docks, and pilings.

Bay Stealth boats are all-composite and fiberglass, with no wood. One user said that the boat they owned had survived for many years without any issues. Another user said that they had owned two Bay Stealth boats and had put the 18-foot boat through some rough stuff, including a dozen trips to Breton Island and offshore to weed lines 18-25 miles out from Freeport, Texas.

While Bay Stealth boats may not win any beauty contests, they are well-built and solid.

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