Offshore Riding: Choosing The Best Boat For Your Adventure

When it comes to offshore fishing boats, there is no one-size-fits-all option. The best boat depends on factors such as budget, intended use, and geographical location. However, some boats stand out from the crowd due to their design, performance, and features.

For those seeking a smooth ride, a catamaran fishing boat may be the ideal choice. The twin hulls of a power catamaran deliver a smoother ride than most monohull boats. The World Cat 235 CC, for example, offers the stability and comfort of a catamaran design while still being one of the smallest offshore-capable boats.

If you're an angler looking for a boat that can handle diverse fishing techniques, the Contender 28T is a popular option along the East Coast. With an aggressive deep-V hull, it can handle rolling waves at high speeds, providing a comfortable ride for its passengers.

For family fishing trips, the Grady-White Freedom 335 offers a combination of family-friendly features and excellent seakeeping abilities thanks to its variable-degree deadrise hull design.

When it comes to small offshore fishing boats, the Regulator 23 is a dedicated offshore fishing machine with a well-deserved reputation for its competence and serious fishing capabilities.

Ultimately, the best offshore fishing boat for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Whether you prioritize comfort, performance, stability, or a combination of these factors, there is a boat out there that can deliver an exceptional offshore fishing experience.

What are the best small offshore fishing boats?

When it comes to the best small offshore fishing boats, there are several factors to consider, including your budget, the type of boat, your level of experience, and the conditions you'll be navigating. While there is no "magic size" for offshore fishing boats, boats in the 17- to 22-foot range offer responsiveness and can be ideal for fishing in rough seas. Here are some top options for small offshore fishing boats:

Boston Whaler

The Boston Whaler brand is known for its unsinkable boats, making them a top choice for offshore fishing. The Boston Whaler Montauk, at 17 feet, is a great option for those seeking a smaller boat. For a larger model, the Boston Whaler 360 Outrage, at 36 feet, offers a balance of fishing features and comfort. It has a powerful pair of Mercury V12 600-hp Verado outboards, allowing it to reach top speeds in the upper 40s mph. It also includes ample fishing amenities, such as a 55-gallon transom livewell and 14 flush-mount gunwale rod holders.

Grady-White

Grady-White offers a range of offshore-capable boats. The Canyon series starts at 27 feet, with the Canyon 271 being a capable offshore boat thanks to its SeaV2 hull design. For a larger option, the Grady-White Canyon 326, at 32 feet, provides more range with its larger size and 327-gallon fuel tank. The Canyon 326 also offers a comfortable ride and excellent fishability features.

Robalo

Robalo offers the Robalo R222, a 21-foot 9-inch boat that is suitable for close-in offshore work. It has a lot of freeboard in the front and is a capable compact center console.

Sea Fox

Sea Fox, known for their smaller boats, has introduced a larger model, the Sea Fox 368 Commander, at 36 feet. This boat offers a long list of standard features, including fishing amenities such as a huge tackle station, a pair of 40-gallon pressurized transom livewells, and an aft-facing hard-top MFD. It also provides comfort features like an extending aft sunshade and a large forward console lounger.

World Cat

If you're looking for a smaller option that's easy to trailer and maintain, the World Cat 235 CC, at 23 feet, is a good choice. With twin 115-hp outboards, it can cruise at around 26 mph while still being fuel-efficient. It also includes fishing features like a 30-gallon livewell, a pair of 150-quart fish boxes, and eight rocket launchers.

Quintrex

For those just starting out, the Quintrex 430 Fishabout Pro is an excellent entry-level boat. It has a car-like layout and dash, making it easy for beginners to familiarise themselves with. It has a two-stroke 60hp Evinrude motor, providing a good balance of speed and control. The Quintrex 430 Fishabout Pro is also versatile and can be used for cruising, skiing, or diving.

Bayliner

The Bayliner VR4 RB is a compact and easy-to-tow boat that's perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. It has a four-stroke Mercury Marine V6 engine with 150hp and offers excellent visibility with its panoramic windshield. Despite its small size, it provides ample space and storage for passengers.

These options offer a range of features and capabilities to suit different needs and budgets. Remember to consider factors like safety equipment, fuel capacity, and hull design when making your decision.

What are the best offshore family fishing boats?

When it comes to choosing the best offshore family fishing boat, there are several factors to consider. The type of boating your family enjoys, the size of the boat, and the features it offers are all important. Here are some of the best options currently on the market that cater to family fishing and cruising:

Boston Whaler 360 Outrage

The Boston Whaler 360 Outrage is an excellent choice for family anglers who enjoy a mix of hardcore fishing and mellow angling. It offers a full range of comfort features, including cushioned seating, USB ports, and an audio system. It's powered by twin Mercury V12 600-hp Verado outboards, allowing it to cruise at around 30 mph and reach top speeds in the upper 40s. For fishing, it's equipped with a 55-gallon transom livewell, 14 flush-mount gunwale rod holders, and a bait prep station with tackle storage. The unsinkable construction of all Whalers, made with Boston Whaler's unique glass-foam-glass sandwich construction, is another notable feature.

Grady-White Canyon 336

The Grady-White Canyon 336 is a serious offshore fishing boat that also offers comfort and fishability. It's equipped with a pair of Yamaha F425 outboards, enabling it to reach top speeds of around 50 mph while still providing good fuel efficiency at a cruise. One of its standout features is the massive 72-gallon fish box in the transom. The Canyon 336 checks the boxes for both fishing capabilities and comfort, making it a top choice for families who want to enjoy their time on the water.

Sea Fox 368 Commander

The Sea Fox 368 Commander is a triple-engine centre console boat that packs a punch with its extensive list of standard features. It offers serious fishing credentials with a large tackle station, a pair of 40-gallon pressurized transom livewells, and an aft-facing hard-top MFD. For family comfort, it includes an extending aft sunshade and a spacious forward console lounger. With 27 rod holders and a shockingly long list of features, the Sea Fox 368 Commander is a strong contender for families looking to enjoy both fishing and leisure cruises.

Grady White Freedom 285

The Grady White Freedom 285 is a premium dual console boat that excels as a family fishing vessel. It comes loaded with features, including a head compartment with a shower, a fibreglass hardtop, integrated fish boxes, and a 32-gallon livewell. The bow thruster makes docking a breeze, and with twin 300hp Yamaha outboards, it achieves a cruise speed of around 30 mph while delivering impressive fuel efficiency. While it carries a higher price tag, the Grady White Freedom 285 offers a rich set of features for families seeking a luxurious and capable fishing boat.

Beneteau Antares 8 Fishing

The Beneteau Antares 8 Fishing is a versatile and affordable family fishing boat. With a contemporary pilothouse design, it offers a modular cockpit seating arrangement, a livewell, a side-exit dive door, and integrated fish boxes. The pilothouse features sliding plexiglass windows for enhanced ventilation, and the settee can convert into an additional berth. The galley includes a two-burner stove, refrigerator, and sink. At 26 feet 6 inches and with a maximum of 250hp, it may not be the fastest boat, but its versatility and value for money make it a compelling choice for families.

Cobia 240 DC

The Cobia 240 DC is a modestly-sized family fishing boat that offers a good balance of features and performance. It's equipped with a single 300hp Yamaha outboard and has a 21.5-degree deadrise, providing adequate speed and handling. The Cobia 240 DC includes ample seating, plenty of rod holders, an enclosed head, a windlass, fresh water system, a 22-gallon livewell, and in-deck fish boxes. While not the cheapest option, it offers great value for a well-equipped midsize boat that's perfect for families.

What are the best offshore fishing boats with cabins?

There are many types of offshore fishing boats with cabins, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Here are some top picks for offshore fishing boats with cabins:

Boston Whaler

Known for building "unsinkable boats", Boston Whaler has a range of offshore-capable cabin boats in their lineup, including the 26 Outrage, 325 Conquest, and 405 Conquest. Their boats are designed with safety in mind, featuring a hull and deck moulded together and filled with high-pressure foam, creating a fiberglass-foam-fiberglass sandwich construction. Boston Whaler's offshore cabin boats offer serious fishing features such as integrated livewells, rod holders, and fishboxes. The 380 Outrage, for example, offers a dividable and pressurized 60-gallon transom livewell, 45 square feet of cockpit space, and vertical rod holders. The cabin features seating that converts to a berth, an enclosed head, and a microwave.

Grady-White

Grady-White boats are known for their combination of family-friendly features and excellent fishing capabilities. Their models suitable for offshore fishing include center consoles up to 45', dual consoles up to 36'7", and cabin models up to 36'7". The Grady-White Canyon 376, for instance, offers a wide beam, a roomy console-cabin interior, and luxury appointments. It boasts fishing features such as rod holders, a 66-gallon fish box, and a deluxe leaning post with a livewell. The cabin features a settee that converts to a berth, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a stand-up shower.

Pursuit

Pursuit's Offshore Boat Series combines seaworthiness and fishability with luxurious interior appointments. Their boats range from 32 ft to 46 ft and offer twin and triple outboard engine options. The cabins feature forward and aft berths accommodating up to four people, a galley, and a separate enclosed head with a stand-up shower. The bridge deck provides exceptional visibility and a separate climate-controlled social zone. The Pursuit S 428, their flagship model, offers a spacious aft cockpit, three fish boxes totalling 134 gallons, two 36-gallon transom livewells, and ample rod holders. The console cabin features a convertible berth and an enclosed head compartment.

Parker

Parker offers a range of boats for inshore and offshore fishing, including center consoles and cabin boats. Their Sport Cabin lineup includes models large enough for offshore duty, with stout construction, voluminous fuel capacity, and basic fishing features. Parker's cabin boats are fully enclosed with aft bulkheads, and they offer a second station in the cockpit for added convenience.

Viking Yachts

Viking Yachts caters to those with unlimited budgets, offering a range of offshore fishing boats with luxurious features. Their smallest boat is the 38 Billfish convertible, while they also have larger models, including a 90-footer that qualifies as a fishing superyacht. Viking's boats provide niceties such as private staterooms, satellite TV, and air conditioning, along with ample space for fishing.

Other Options

Other notable brands mentioned include Contender, known for their aggressive deep-V hulls that handle rough seas; Invincible, offering both monohull and powercat options with ample livewell capacity and rod holders; and World Cat, specializing in power catamarans that provide a smooth ride. Additionally, brands like Albemarle, Venture, Carolina Classic, and Regulator offer smaller fishing boats that can handle offshore conditions.

What are the best East Coast offshore fishing boats?

When it comes to the best East Coast offshore fishing boats, there are several factors to consider. East Coast anglers need boats that can handle diverse fishing tactics, from trolling rigged baits to live bait fishing. Additionally, travel time to offshore fishing grounds varies along the East Coast, with shorter distances in Florida compared to longer runs in New York. As a result, the ideal boat for East Coast anglers combines a comfortable ride with ample fishing features and a spacious layout. Here are some of the top picks for East Coast offshore fishing boats:

Contender

Contender boats are known for their aggressive deep-V hulls, which provide a smooth ride even in choppy waters. The company offers a wide range of models, from 24 feet up to 43 feet, 10 inches, ensuring that anglers can find the perfect boat for their needs. All Contender boats feature voluminous fuel capacities, making them well-suited for extended runs offshore.

Invincible

Invincible manufactures both monohull boats and power cats, giving anglers a range of options to choose from. Their boats are designed as serious offshore fishing platforms, equipped with large livewell capacities, numerous rod holders, and massive fish boxes. The Invincible 36, with its Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull, has been a popular choice among anglers, offering a smooth ride and exceptional performance.

World Cat

World Cat specializes in power catamarans, offering a stable and smooth ride that is ideal for East Coast anglers. Their lineup includes center consoles and dual consoles, with the center console CC-X models being particularly well-suited for battling pelagic species. The World Cat 235CC, for example, combines offshore fishing capabilities with the advantages of a power catamaran hull, making it a versatile choice.

Grady-White

Grady-White boats are known for their family-friendly features and excellent seakeeping abilities, thanks to their variable-degree deadrise hull designs. They offer a range of models suitable for offshore fishing, including center consoles up to 45 feet, dual consoles up to 36 feet, 7 inches, and cabin models up to 36 feet, 7 inches. The Grady-White Freedom 335 is a popular choice, offering a spacious layout and excellent fishing capabilities.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler is renowned for their unsinkable boats, constructed with a unique glass-foam-glass sandwich construction. Their lineup includes offshore-capable cabin boats like the 285 Conquest, 325 Conquest, and 405 Conquest, all of which are rigged for serious fishing. The Boston Whaler 360 Outrage is another standout model, offering a full complement of comfort and fishing features, making it ideal for family anglers who want a versatile boat for both hardcore fishing and mellow angling.

These are just a few examples of the best East Coast offshore fishing boats. When choosing a boat, it's important to consider your specific needs, budget, and the features that are most important to you. With the right boat, you'll be able to enjoy many exciting fishing adventures along the East Coast.

What are the best West Coast offshore fishing boats?

West Coast conditions demand a different set of features from offshore fishing boats when compared to their East Coast counterparts. West Coast anglers face deep waters right from the shore, and the waters are strewn with debris and logs. The weather can be gloomy and cold, and there are limited boat ramps. These factors influence the type of boats used on the West Coast.

The best offshore fishing boats for the West Coast are those that can handle offshore conditions and provide comfort and safety for anglers. Here are some top picks for West Coast offshore fishing boats:

• Grady-White Canyon 336: This boat offers a spacious cockpit, a full complement of fishing features, and comfortable amenities for family anglers. It's powered by Mercury V12 600-hp Verado outboards and cruises at around 30 mph, reaching the upper 40s.
• Caymas 34 CT: This power catamaran model offers an immense bow cockpit, a 70-gallon pressurized and lighted livewell, over 30 rod holders, and ample integrated tackle storage. It cruises in the 40s and has a top speed of around 60 mph.
• Grady-White Canyon 326: With a slightly smaller size and weight, this boat achieves impressive speed and fuel efficiency. It can reach close to 50 mph at top speed while getting 1.6 mpg at a 30 mph cruise.
• Invincible 46 Pilothouse: This rare boat offers a fully protected helm and maintains 360-degree fishability thanks to side-decks. It provides comfortable seating, a small galley, and a forward berth and head compartment. Quadruple Mercury Marine 450R outboards push it to a cruising speed of around 50 mph and a top speed above 70 mph.
• Boston Whaler 360 Outrage: Ideal for family anglers, it offers a full range of comfort and fishing features. It includes ample seating, USB ports, an audio system, and a large berth inside the console. Powered by Mercury V12 600-hp Verado outboards, it cruises at around 30 mph and has a top speed in the upper 40s.
• Dusky 33 Open Fisherman: A simple and straightforward craft that excludes fancy accouterments, making it more affordable. It features a twin-stepped hull, twin Simrad touchscreen MFDs, and optional Optimus joystick control. It has a slew of rod holders and an available rocket launcher post in the bow. With Suzuki DF350APX outboards, it can reach speeds of 60 mph.
• Sea Fox 368 Commander: This boat offers an extensive list of standard features and accessories, with options mostly limited to cosmetics, power choices, and comfort packages. It includes a huge tackle station, a pair of 40-gallon pressurized transom livewells, and an aft-facing hard-top MFD. Comfort is enhanced with an extending aft sunshade and a spacious forward console lounger.
• Solace 30 HCS: This hybrid bay boat excels in both inshore and offshore fishing. It features deeper cockpits, a full complement of rod holders, a pair of 30-gallon livewells, and a rigging station with a sink and tackle storage. The construction utilizes epoxy-infused carbon fiber and Innegra for reduced vibration and improved impact resistance. It has a top speed of 63 mph and cruises in the mid-40s.
• Sportsman Open 352: This boat stands out for its spacious center console deck layout, impressive performance with a top speed above 58 mph, and fishing features such as pressurized livewells and a Garmin MFD. It also offers exceptional comfort with a large console cabin and a luxurious forward console lounger.
• Valhalla V-55: This massive and luxurious center console boat from Valhalla Boatworks offers the amenities of a true sportfish. It boasts a huge cockpit, twin 65-gallon livewells, and a mezzanine seat. It is a top choice for anglers seeking a spacious and feature-rich offshore fishing platform.

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