Best Bay Boats For North Carolina's Waterways

Bay boats are among the most common fishing boats, thanks to their inshore capabilities and affordability. They are usually 18' to 26' long and can run and fish in shallow water. Most have similar layouts, including fore and aft casting decks, large livewells, and ample storage for gear and equipment.

When it comes to the best all-around bay boat for North Carolina, there are several options to consider. Here are some top picks:

- Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro: This boat is designed for serious inshore fishing, with a large aft casting deck and an expansive forward casting deck that converts to twin loungers. It also features an unsinkable hull, which is a signature feature of Boston Whaler boats.

- Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid: This boat combines a double-stepped hull with a bustle transom and a maximum horsepower of 350. It offers exceptional open-water performance and a shallow draft of 13 inches, making it ideal for both offshore and inshore fishing.

- Contender 25 Bay: The Contender 25 Bay is a hard-core fishing boat with large casting platforms and bolster pads for fish fights. Its twin-stepped hull provides a smooth and dry ride, with a draft of just 12 inches, making it perfect for shallow water fishing.

- Everglades 253cc: The Everglades 253cc is a hybrid-style bay boat loaded with features, including multiple livewells, insulated fish boxes, and ample storage compartments. With a 16-inch draft, it offers a comfortable ride and is well-suited for both inshore and offshore fishing.

- Grady-White 251 CE: The Grady-White 251 CE is a hybrid bay boat with a nod to family comfort. It has a shallow draft of 14 inches, making it ideal for back bays and creeks, while its 16-degree deadrise provides a smooth ride in nearshore reefs and barrier islands.

- Robalo R246 Cayman: The Robalo R246 is a spacious bay boat with elevated casting decks and built-in storage. It offers a comfortable ride with twin forward loungers and a spacious cockpit. Rated for up to 350 hp, it's a versatile option for anglers.

- Scout 251 XSS: The Scout 251 XSS is a hybrid bay boat with a shallow draft of 13 inches, making it ideal for shallow-water angling. It also features a proud bow and extra interior freeboard, providing comfort and security when venturing offshore.

- Sea Born FX25: The Sea Born FX25 is a hybrid bay boat with a single-step hull for efficiency and performance. It offers ample livewells and release wells, as well as a spacious forward casting deck. Rated for up to 350 hp, it's a versatile option.

- Sea Hunt BX 25 FS: The Sea Hunt BX 25 FS is a bay boat with a spacious aft casting deck and a forward casting deck. It includes two livewells and lockable rod storage. With a draft of 15 degrees, it offers a smooth and dry ride, making it a versatile option for anglers.

- Carolina Skiff: Carolina Skiff offers a wide variety of boats, including flat and semi-V hulls that provide minimal draft. They are versatile and reasonably priced, making them a popular choice for anglers seeking a bay boat.

Bay boats: pros and cons

Bay boats are designed for in-shore saltwater fishing and family boating. They are also suitable for offshore fishing when conditions are calm. They are a scaled-down version of center console boats, typically ranging from 20 to 25 feet in length. They are an excellent choice for novice boaters in coastal areas. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if a bay boat is right for you:

Pros:

• Versatile: Bay boats are versatile and can be used for both inshore and offshore fishing, depending on weather conditions. They are ideal for fishing in shallow waters due to their shallow draft, and their hull design provides a smooth ride across choppy waters.
• Accessibility: Bay boats are smaller and more manageable than offshore boats, making them easier to trailer and manoeuvre. They can access fishing areas that larger offshore boats cannot reach.
• Features: Bay boats offer many luxury features and amenities, such as comfortable seating, T-tops for shade, and ample storage space for gear and tackle. They often include live wells, bait wells, and even bait prep stations.
• Angling and Family Boating: While the primary purpose of a bay boat is angling, they have enough seating and comfort features to make them suitable for family outings and leisure activities like exploring, sandbar relaxing, or dining at a waterfront restaurant.

Cons:

• Rough Waters: Bay boats have a hull deadrise of 12 to 14 degrees, which means they won't handle rough waters or choppy conditions as well as deep-vee center console boats. They are designed for protected waters and calmer offshore conditions.
• Limited Offshore Capability: While bay boats can venture offshore, they are not designed for extended or frequent offshore excursions. If you plan to spend a significant amount of time offshore, a dedicated offshore boat may be a better option.
• Wind Sensitivity: Due to their lighter weight, bay boats can be more sensitive to wind, especially when compared to heavier boats like those made of fiberglass. This can impact handling and stability in windy conditions.
• Self-Bailing: Many bay boats, especially those made of aluminum, are not self-bailing. This means that if water gets into the boat, it will not drain automatically, which can be a safety concern.

When deciding whether to purchase a bay boat, consider your intended use and the typical weather and water conditions you will encounter. Bay boats are an excellent choice for anglers who want the flexibility to fish inshore and offshore waters while also enjoying family-friendly features. However, they may not be the best option for frequent offshore adventures or rough water conditions.

Best bay boats for NC waters

Bay boats are popular among anglers who enjoy fishing inshore and coastal waters. They are usually 18' to 26' long and can run and fish in shallow water. Most bay boats have similar layouts, including fore and aft casting decks, a center console, large livewells, and ample storage for gear and equipment. Here are some of the best bay boats for NC waters:

Best Standard Center Console Bay Boats:

• Boston Whaler Dauntless 220: Features Boston Whaler's unsinkable construction and has all the standard bay boat features.
• Pathfinder 2200 TRS: One of the most popular bay boats of all time, with all the fishing must-haves and a shallow draft of just 1'3"
• Scout 231 XSB: Known for maintaining a high level of comfort with features like plush seating, comfortable rides, and extras like extended loungers and freshwater systems.

Best Standard Center Console Bay Boat Models:

• Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless: Includes fishing essentials such as a 35-gallon livewell, locking rod boxes, and six flush-mount rod holders. It also has a shallow draft of 1'3" and offers creature comforts like a large lounger and forward loungers with pop-up backrests.
• Contender 26 Bay: Primed for shallow-water fishing with a relatively small console to maximize deck space. It comes rigged with a jack plate and has a large live bait capacity of 52 gallons.
• Pathfinder 2300 HPS: Designed for top-tier performance, with a High Performance Step hull that can reach speeds over 60 mph. It includes all the standard fishing features and more.
• Ranger 2360: A relatively affordable option with most of the features found on larger, more expensive models, including a 240-quart integrated fish box, fresh and raw water washdowns, and a swing-away tongue trailer with hydraulic surge brakes.
• Sea Hunt BX 25 FS: Features two separate livewells, one in the aft casting deck and another in the leaning post. It also has a unique seating arrangement with three flip-up jump seats integrated into the aft deck.

Top Aluminum Bay Boat Models:

• G3 Bay 20 GX: Features elevated fore and aft casting decks, vertical rod racks, tackle storage, and a standard Bear aluminum trailer.
• Lowe Bay 22: One of the most affordable bay boats in its size range, offering a massive forward casting deck with four storage compartments and a trolling motor mounting area. It also has dual livewells with a total capacity of 46 gallons.
• Ranger RB190: The smallest and least expensive aluminum bay boat from Ranger, it comes with an aluminum trailer, Rawhide non-skid interior coating, eight-foot rod boxes, and an 80-lb thrust Minn Kota electric trolling motor.

Best Hybrid Bay Boat Models:

• Barker 26 Open: Made with vinylester resin and composite coring, this boat has a deep cockpit, a minimal aft casting deck, 60 gallons of livewell capacity, bench seating, and a standard aluminum trailer.
• Caymas 281 HB: Packed with fishing features, including large non-skid casting decks, 35-gallon livewells, and ample storage. The twin engines provide added confidence when running offshore.
• Everglades 253CC: Offers a spacious aft casting deck, two foldaway jump seats, a 69-gallon insulated fish box, a 26-gallon livewell, locking rod storage, and tackle storage compartments.
• Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid: Offers an optional upper station, making it versatile for various fishing situations. This vacuum-infused boat can reach speeds over 60 mph.
• Regulator 26 XO: With a higher transom deadrise than most bay boats, it tames waves and allows fishing even on windy days. It's fully outfitted for both inshore and offshore fishing.

Best Small Bay Boat Picks:

• Carolina Skiff J16 JVX: One of Carolina Skiff's smallest and simplest offerings, it still includes raised fore and aft casting decks, rod holders in the console, and a 12-gallon livewell.
• Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC: An affordable option at under $20,000, with a full selection of integrated fishing features, including an eight-gallon livewell, and a draft of just eight inches.
• Robalo 206 Cayman: Robalo's only offering under 21', it's a fully featured fishing machine with a long list of standards, including a Kevlar-reinforced hull and an unusual five-year component warranty.

Top Pick for Affordable Bay Boats:

Bulls Bay 2200: One of the most affordable fiberglass bay boats on the market, it's equipped with rod lockers, fish boxes, rod holders, livewells, and ample console storage.

Best Bay Boats for Families:

• Crevalle 26 HBW: Offers a balance of fishing capabilities and family comfort, with features like a head in the console, a swim platform with a ladder, and forward seating with removable backrests.
• Grady-White 231 CE: Splits the difference between fishing and family comfort, with features like a head compartment, comfortable seating, forward console loungers, and a shade-providing T-top.
• Sportsman Masters 267: Maximizes open cockpit space and open-water capabilities, making it ideal for families. It includes features like a fiberglass hardtop, a Garmin 12-inch multifunction display, a JL Audio sound system, and ample livewells and fish boxes.

Bay boat brands and models

Bay boats are popular among anglers due to their versatility, allowing fishing in both inshore and coastal waters. They are typically 18' to 26' long, with shallow drafts, elevated casting decks, and ample storage for gear. Here are some of the top bay boat brands and models to consider:

Standard Center Console Bay Boats:

• Boston Whaler Dauntless Lineup: Includes the 220, 250, and 280 models, all with standard bay boat features and unsinkable construction.
• Pathfinder TRS and HPS: One of the original bay boat builders, offering purebred bay boats with popular models like the 2200 TRS.
• Scout: Known for luxury center console fishing boats, Scout also builds a line of bay boats that maintain a high level of comfort and features.

Standard Center Console Bay Boat Models:

• Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless: Features a 35-gallon livewell, locking rod boxes, and a shallow 1'3" draft. It also offers comfortable seating arrangements and is unsinkable.
• Contender 26 Bay: A shallow-water fishing boat with a svelte console, jack plate, and 52 gallons of live bait capacity.
• Pathfinder 2300 HPS: Riding on a High-Performance Step hull, this boat is designed for top-tier performance and is rigged with fishing features, reaching speeds over 60 mph.
• Ranger 2360: A relatively affordable option with features like a 240-quart integrated fish box, fresh and raw water washdowns, and a swing-away tongue trailer.
• Sea Hunt BX 25 FS: Offers two separate livewells, one in the aft casting deck and another in the leaning post, along with unique seating arrangements.

Aluminum Bay Boats:

• G3: Offers a wide range of aluminum bay boats, including six models from 17'2" to 22'3", with features like elevated casting decks, vertical rod racks, and tackle storage.
• Lowe: Provides three aluminum center console bay boat models (18 Bay, 20 Bay, and 22 Bay) at very competitive prices, making them an excellent value proposition.
• Ranger: Builds both fiberglass and aluminum bay boats, with three aluminum models (RB190, RB200, and RB210) sold as complete turnkey boat-motor-trailer packages.

Top Aluminum Bay Boat Models:

• G3 Bay 20 GX: Features an interior coated in Tuff Coat spray-in liner, elevated casting decks, vertical rod racks, and a standard Bear aluminum trailer.
• Lowe Bay 22: One of the most affordable bay boats in its size range, offering a massive forward casting deck, dual livewells with 46 gallons of capacity, and locking rod boxes.
• Ranger RB190: The smallest and most affordable aluminum bay boat from Ranger, comes with an aluminum trailer, Rawhide non-skid interior coating, and an electric trolling motor.

Hybrid Bay Boats:

• Caymas: A newer builder with all bay boats in their lineup being hybrids, including the 26 HB, 28 HB, and 281 HB models. They offer exceptional performance thanks to their Stepped Vee Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) hull design.
• Everglades: Offers three bay boats, with the 243cc as a standard bay boat and the 253cc and 273cc as hybrids. Known for their thorough equipping, stout construction, and RAMCAP construction for a solid structure.
• Regulator: Initially focused on deep-V offshore boats, but their 26 XO, 24 XO, and 30 XO hybrids proved popular for bay fishing. These boats are built tough and rugged.

Best Hybrid Bay Boat Models:

• Barker 26 Open: Made with vinylester resin and composite coring, it features a deep cockpit, minimal aft casting deck, 60 gallons of livewell capacity, and a standard aluminum trailer.
• Caymas 281 HB: Packed with fishing features, including large casting decks, abundant storage, and twin engines for offshore confidence.
• Everglades 253CC: Spacious aft casting deck, 69-gallon insulated fish box, 26-gallon livewell, and ample storage compartments.
• Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid: Offers an optional upper station, a vacuum-infused construction, and speeds exceeding 60 mph.
• Regulator 26 XO: With more transom deadrise than most bay boats, it handles waves better but has a slightly higher draft. Fully outfitted for both inshore and offshore fishing.

Small Bay Boats:

• Carolina Skiff: Offers a wide variety of boats, including flat and semi-V hulls with minimal draft, making them versatile options for bay fishing.
• Hewes: Designs boats for fishing flats and backcountry, with models like the Redfisher 16, 18, and 21 that straddle the line between flats boats and bay boats, offering high-tech features and excellent performance.
• Mako Pro Skiff: Features an "Inverted V" hull, a mix of tunnel

Bay boat features and specifications

Bay boats are designed for inshore fishing and family boating, and they are usually kept within sight of the shore and on protected waters in coves, bays, river mouths, and sometimes offshore when the weather is calm. They are typically 20 to 25 feet in length, which makes them versatile for fishing in shallow areas or deeper fishing holes. They are also spacious enough for about four anglers.

Bay boats are often centre consoles, which allow for 360-degree access to the water when fishing and better balance. They usually have a live well and a bait well, and some include a bait prep station, as well as dedicated tackle and rod storage. They have a hull deadrise of 12 to 14 degrees, which won't slice through chop like a deep-vee centre console but will be more comfortable in rough water than a flat-bottom bass boat.

The bow of a bay boat usually has a large casting platform, which is notably different from the bow space on traditional deep V-hull centre consoles. This spacious casting platform provides anglers with ample room to cast lines from the bow area without obstruction. The design also offers flexibility, as the bow casting area can be converted into a sunpad with cushions and backrests, making the bay boat ideal for family outings.

Some bay boat models include:

• Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro
• Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid
• Sportsman Masters 267OE
• Tidewater 2300 Carolina Bay
• Barker 26 Open
• Caymas 28 HB
• Contender 25 Bay
• Everglades 253cc
• Grady-White 251 CE
• Robalo R246 Cayman
• Sea Born FX25
• Sea Hunt BX 25 FS
• Sea Pro 248 DLX
• Sea Vee 270Z Bay
• Scout 251 XSS
• Yellowfin 21 Bay

Buying advice for bay boats

Bay boats are popular with anglers who enjoy fishing inshore and coastal waters. They are roomy, with elevated casting decks and shallow drafts. If you're looking to buy a bay boat, here are some things to keep in mind:

Storage

Look for a bay boat with plenty of storage for your rods, reels, and fishing tackle. Some boats have vertical console rod storage, lockable storage boxes, and flush-mount rod holders.

Water Depth

Bay boats should be capable of handling both deep and shallow water. They should be able to handle occasional chop and waves, as well as intense weather conditions in the bay. Look for a boat with a shallow draft that can access skinny water and remote fishing areas.

Capacity

Consider how many people will be joining you on your bay fishing trips. Choose a boat with the right capacity to ensure everyone has enough space and the boat isn't overcrowded.

Planing and Ride Quality

A quality bay fishing boat should quickly get to plane, levelling out and moving forward smoothly. It should also cut through the water at high speeds, providing a smooth and consistent ride.

Engine

Even the best hull design won't perform well without a quality engine. Look for boats with powerful and reliable engines that deliver speed and efficiency.

Comfort and Convenience Features

If you plan on using your bay boat for family outings, look for one with family-friendly features such as a swim platform, wave gate, stain-resistant vinyls, and cell phone chargers.

Safety

In addition to the above considerations, always prioritise safety when purchasing a boat. Ensure the boat has safety features such as carbon monoxide detectors and a well-stocked first aid kit. It's also a good idea to invest in a quality boat insurance policy to protect yourself and your vessel.

Frequently asked questions