The Ultimate 24-Foot Bay Boat: Top Models Compared

Bay boats are popular for anglers who enjoy fishing in coastal waters. They are roomy, with elevated casting decks and shallow drafts, making them one of the most versatile saltwater fishing boats. They are typically smaller in length and width, with the most common bay boat being around 22 feet.

If you're looking for the best 24-foot bay boat, you might want to consider the following options:

- Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat: This boat offers a complete package, allowing you to fish in shallow creeks, run across the bay, or even make offshore trips. It has a large max horsepower rating of 350HP and standard features such as an oversized hardtop and a comfortable leaning post. It's also comfortable for the entire family and easy to trailer.

- Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless: This boat provides a high-quality experience with a smooth ride and a spacious deck. It includes fishing features such as a 35-gallon aft-deck livewell, a bow fish box, and a full-beam casting platform. It offers a range of Mercury power options up to 400 hp.

- Contender 25 Bay: This boat rides on a twin-step hull that provides quick planing and a consistently flat trim angle. It includes ample livewell capacity, an insulated fish box, a cooler under the helm seating, and wraparound seating for cruising comfort. It can reach speeds of up to 60 mph with a Yamaha F300 engine.

- Everglades 243 Bay: While specific details about this boat are scarce, it is mentioned as an option in the 24-foot bay boat category.

- NauticStar 251-Hybrid: Specific details about this boat are not provided, but it is included in a list of 24-foot bay boats.

When choosing the best bay boat for your needs, consider factors such as fishing requirements, comfort, family-friendly features, and performance specifications.

Best 24-foot bay boat for fishing

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best 24-foot bay boat for fishing. Here are some recommendations and key features to look out for:

Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro

The Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro is a popular choice for a 24-foot bay boat. It is designed for both serious inshore and offshore fishing. The large single-level aft casting deck provides ample space for fishing, and the deck can also be converted into twin loungers when you're out on family trips. The half-tower with a second station is a unique feature that sets it apart from other bay boats. As with all Boston Whalers, the 240 Dauntless Pro features an unsinkable hull, giving you peace of mind while out on the water.

Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid

If you're looking for a versatile fishing machine, the Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid is a great option. It offers a large forward casting deck and an open cockpit, making it suitable for both inshore and offshore fishing. The boat has a sturdy 8'6" beam and can rest in shallow waters with a draft of only 13 inches. The half-tower with a second station is perfect for sight fishing, and the sturdy construction ensures a comfortable ride.

Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat

The Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat is another excellent choice for a 24-foot bay boat. This boat is highly versatile and can handle both shallow creeks and offshore trips on good days. It has a large max horsepower rating of 350HP and a comfortable standard leaning post for long rides. The standard features are impressive and include an oversized hardtop, a large two-person bench seat, and ample space for the entire family. The Masters 247 is easy to trailer and is perfect for a growing family that loves to fish.

Contender 25 Bay

The Contender 25 Bay is a well-known 24-foot bay boat that strikes a perfect balance between fishing and cruising. It offers spacious casting platforms at the bow and stern, providing ample room for multiple fishermen. The twin-stepped hull design allows for smooth and dry rides, both inshore and offshore. With a shallow draft of 12 inches, the Contender 25 Bay can float shallower than most boats in its class.

Barker 26 Open

The Barker 26 Open is a sturdy and versatile bay boat that can handle both inshore and offshore fishing. With a 9'3" beam, which is wider than most bay boats, and a 14-inch draft, it offers exceptional stability and the ability to fish in surprisingly shallow waters. The boat features two livewells—a 45-gallon livewell in the leaning post and a 15-gallon livewell in the bow. The half-tower with a second station is ideal for chasing game fish.

When choosing the best 24-foot bay boat for fishing, consider your specific needs and preferences. Factors such as casting deck size, livewell capacity, draft depth, beam width, family-friendly features, and overall versatility will play a crucial role in your decision.

Best 24-foot bay boat for family outings

A 24-foot bay boat is a great option for family outings, offering a spacious and versatile platform for both fishing and leisure activities. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat:

Sportsman Boats' Masters 247 is an excellent choice for families who love fishing and outdoor adventures. With a starting price that includes all the amenities needed for a day on the water, it's an ideal option for those new to boating or looking for an upgrade. The Masters 247 can fish in shallow creeks, handle less-than-ideal conditions in the bay, and even make offshore trips on good days. It offers a comfortable ride for the whole family, with extra space for the kids, and is easy to trailer. Its standard features include a large max horsepower rating of 350HP, an oversized hardtop, a comfortable leaning post, and a collapsible bench seat for a flush rear deck fishing area.

Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless:

The Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless is a fantastic option for those seeking a smooth ride and a spacious deck. It offers a 35-gallon aft-deck livewell, a bow fish box, and a full-beam casting platform. Families will appreciate the bow sun pad and the console lounger with armrests. You can choose from multiple Mercury power options up to a 400 hp XXL L6 DTS Verado.

Grady-White Fisherman 236:

The Grady-White Fisherman 236 seamlessly blends fishing features with family comforts. It offers a roomy cockpit, ample rod and tackle storage, a 15½-gallon livewell, and twin 22-gallon insulated fish boxes. Additionally, it provides bow seating with foldaway backrests, a stand-up head inside the console, and swim platform extensions on both port and starboard sides.

Robalo R230:

The Robalo R230 is a great choice for families looking for a combination of performance and comfort. It features a Hydro Lift multi-angle hull design for superior maneuverability and comes with standard features such as an aluminum-framed glass windshield, lockable console door, forward console seat, and bolster. For fishing enthusiasts, it offers vertical storage for six rods, horizontal rod storage, and four gunwale-mounted stainless-steel rod holders. The aft seat also converts into a casting platform.

Sea Born LX24 CC:

The Sea Born LX24 CC provides higher freeboard than traditional bay boats, offering greater security and protection from higher seas. It includes features such as a helm leaning post, forward-facing bow loungers, a plush aft bench, and a front console seat. For fishing, it has a 14-gallon portside livewell and an insulated fish box. Sea Born offers various upgrade packages, including electronics, hardtops, washdowns, additional rod holders, and more.

When choosing a bay boat for family outings, consider factors such as comfort, safety, versatility, and fishing capabilities. These boats offer a great balance between performance and leisure, ensuring enjoyable experiences for the whole family.

Best 24-foot bay boat for speed

If you're looking for a 24-foot bay boat that offers speed without compromising on comfort and fishing capabilities, there are several impressive options on the market. Here's a roundup of some of the best 24-foot bay boats designed for speed:

Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat

The Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat is a versatile craft that can handle both shallow creeks and rough bay conditions, and even venture offshore. With a 14-inch draft and a maximum horsepower rating of 350 HP, it delivers on speed and performance. The boat features a spacious layout, including a large two-person bench seat at the rear deck, which can be collapsed for a flush fishing area. It also comes with an oversized hardtop, a comfortable leaning post, and ample seating for the entire family. The Masters 247 is easy to trailer, making it a convenient choice for your boating adventures.

Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro

The Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro is designed for serious inshore fishing. It boasts a large single-level aft casting deck with storage and a livewell, as well as an expansive forward casting deck that converts to twin loungers. This boat offers speed and agility with a maximum horsepower of 400 HP. It also includes a half-tower with a second station and easy portside access. The Whaler's unsinkable hull provides peace of mind while out on the water.

Grady-White 251 Coastal Explorer

The Grady-White 251 Coastal Explorer combines the company's signature sharp entry and continuously variable-V hull with the benefits of a bay boat. It has a deeper aft cockpit than traditional bay boats, measuring 20 inches, and it floats in just 14 inches of water. The boat offers casting platforms fore and aft that convert to seating, making it a versatile option for fishing and cruising. With a maximum horsepower of 300 HP, it delivers speed and performance without sacrificing stability.

Scout 251 XSS

The Scout 251 XSS is a hybrid bay boat designed for both inshore and offshore fishing. With a draft of just 13 inches, it excels in shallow-water angling while also providing the seakeeping capabilities needed for offshore ventures. The proud bow, hull design, and extra interior freeboard ensure comfort and dryness when venturing into deeper waters. The Scout 251 XSS can be outfitted with a range of options, including a rear deck jump seat, port aerated livewell, and a portable marine head. It has a maximum horsepower of 350 HP, making it a speedy choice for your boating needs.

Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid

The Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid is a versatile bay boat that seamlessly blends inshore and offshore fishing capabilities. It features a double-stepped hull and a bustle transom, with a maximum horsepower of 350 HP. This boat can reach speeds close to 60 mph with a F300 Yamaha outboard. The elevated forward casting deck and open cockpit aft make it ideal for sight-fishing and bottom fishing. The Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid comes loaded with features, including flip-up rear seats, a deluxe tackle station, a 35-gallon livewell, and a 45-gallon insulated fish box.

These 24-foot bay boats offer an impressive combination of speed, performance, and versatility, ensuring you can enjoy your time on the water to the fullest.

Best 24-foot bay boat for comfort

If you're looking for a 24-foot bay boat that offers both performance and comfort, then look no further than the Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat. As the best-selling true 24-foot bay boat in the industry, the Masters 247 is an incredibly versatile vessel that can take you from shallow creeks to offshore adventures, all while providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

One of the standout features of the Masters 247 is its ability to cater to a wide range of activities. Whether you're an avid fisherman, a leisure cruiser, or a water sports enthusiast, this boat has something for everyone. With a 14-inch draft and a maximum horsepower rating of 350HP, the Masters 247 delivers on both performance and versatility.

The standard features of the Masters 247 are truly impressive. The oversized hardtop is packed with amenities, and the comfortable leaning post makes long rides at the helm a pleasure. The rear deck offers ample seating for multiple people, with a large two-person bench seat that easily collapses to create a flush rear deck fishing area. This boat truly shines when it comes to comfort and practicality, making it perfect for families.

But the Masters 247 isn't just about comfort; it's also an incredibly capable fishing vessel. Customers have taken this boat 40+ miles offshore and successfully reeled in monster Marlin. Whether you're fishing in shallow creeks or out on the open water, the Masters 247 is up for the task.

In addition to its fishing prowess, the Masters 247 is also perfect for family outings. You can often spot these boats at the sandbar, with people laid out on the bow sundeck, enjoying a relaxing day by the water. The boat's spacious design and comfortable seating make it ideal for cruising and spending quality time with family and friends.

When it comes to trailerability, the Masters 247 excels once again. This boat can easily be trailered, even with an SUV or quarter-ton truck, making it convenient and accessible for boaters of all kinds.

With its combination of performance, versatility, and comfort, the Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a 24-foot bay boat that checks all the boxes. It's no wonder that it continues to be the best-selling option in its class.

Best 24-foot bay boat for versatility

Bay boats are popular for their versatility, offering anglers the ability to fish inshore and coastal waters. They are also great for family outings, with some models providing extra comfort features. Here are some of the best 24-foot bay boats for versatility:

Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat

The Sportsman Masters 247 Bay Boat is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and family-friendly vessel. With a 14" draft and a large max horsepower rating of 350HP, this boat can handle both shallow creeks and trips offshore. It offers a comfortable leaning post for long rides and a collapsible bench seat that provides extra space for the kids. The Masters 247 is easy to trailer and is perfect for a growing family that loves to fish.

Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless

The Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless is a spacious and versatile bay boat, offering a smooth ride and a spacious deck. It features a 35-gallon aft-deck livewell, a bow fish box, and a full-beam casting platform. For family members who enjoy comfort, there is a bow sun pad and console lounger with armrests. This boat provides a well-rounded package for fishing and family fun.

Contender 25 Bay

The Contender 25 Bay is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a versatile and efficient boat. Its twin-step hull design allows for quick planing and a consistently flat trim angle. With a Yamaha F300, this model can reach impressive speeds of 60 mph. It offers ample livewell capacity, an insulated fish box, and a cooler under the helm seating. The wraparound seating and stern jump seat add comfort for cruising, making it a versatile option for both fishing and family outings.

Everglades 243 Bay

Although specific details on this model are scarce, the Everglades brand is known for its innovative features and versatility. The Everglades 243 Bay is likely to offer a well-rounded package for anglers and family boaters alike, with features that cater to both fishing and comfort.

NauticStar 251-Hybrid

The NauticStar 251-Hybrid is another excellent choice for a versatile bay boat, offering a combination of fishing and family-oriented features. While specific details on this model are limited, it likely provides a good balance between fishing functionality and comfort, making it a versatile option for anglers and families alike.

Frequently asked questions