This is my first post on this forum. I am looking to by my first boat and I am leaning toward a big bay boat. I have looked at the Sea hunt 24’, the key west 24’,hydrosport 23 and the sea fox 24’. All are powered with a 225 or 250 hp 4 stroke and have the same options such as T-top, trim tabs, etc. I am looking at used boats between 2006 and 2010. My main question is “are sea fox good boats compared to the others listed”? I like the lay out of the sea fox better than the others but have heard some pretty negative things about the sea foxes. I know that you hear good and bad about every brand but the sea fox seems to be beat up pretty hard on every review I have read. I really don’t want to make an bad decision so any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
I think you shold look at the 22’-24’ Pathfinder. I have the 20’ and you said you want a big one. I feel the Pathfinder is the only boat to go with.
I recommend you also look at Tidewater. I have a friend with a 21’ and its a really nice rig. He would like the 24’ just to allow him to go farther offshore with it.
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
Sea Hunt 24 is a nice ride. Also check out the Blackjack listed on my site below. It is one sweet ride!
Carolina Boat Brokerage, LLC
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A hybrid you may be interested in is the 22 Pioneer Baysport. It is big for a bay boat, but it has some aspects the others don’t have so much. It is a heavier built boat with a big bow flare and sharp entry- but still a bay boat layout that’s easy to fish.
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Luke 8:22-25
24 Yellowfin
I have a sea pro 24 and a shearwater 24. You didnt mention what price range , but there is a difference in quality. Shearwater is more expensive but after being on the water for 3 years and over 1700 hrs on the motor,it still looks almost new. The SeaPro is a bit older and looks it.
For some reason I had 3 e-mails go to my JUNK folder saying that 3 people had responded to this thread after I had made a reply. For the record, most of my accounts have been hacked and God only knows what is going on out there. Anyway, I come here and see that nothing has been posted by “me” so I wonder what is going on.
Your title question is a little different than the actual thread…
For the "best big bay boat? In general terms I’d look at the Shearwater 25LTZ or an Everglades 243cc. (I owned a 1900v Pathfinder Bayboat about 10 years ago, and those are also worth looking at.)
Now for the question in your thread, I would only buy a Seafox if the boat was going to get limited use and was an absolute steal of a deal. (In most cases, you get what you pay for.)
You mentioned that this is your “first” boat. That means a lot of different things. How experienced are you around the local waterways? The reason I ask, is that I wouldn’t recommend a boat that large to anyone who hasn’t spent years handling a boat.
Out of the options listed, I think a used Key West is about the best value around.
If you were deadbent on having a boat that large and you really aren’t that experienced, I might suggest you go back with the Seafox. Get one really cheap and if you hurt it, chaulk it up as a learning experience…
quote:
Originally posted by JP3Your title question is a little different than the actual thread…
For the "best big bay boat? In general terms I’d look at the Shearwater 25LTZ or an Everglades 243cc.
Now for the question in your thread, I would only buy a Seafox if the boat was going to get limited use and was an absolute steal of a deal. (In most cases, you get what you pay for.)
You mentioned that this is your “first” boat. That means a lot of different things. How experienced are you around the local waterways? The reason I ask, is that I wouldn’t recommend a boat that large to anyone who hasn’t spent years handling a boat.
Out of the options listed, I think a used Key West is about the best value around.
If you were deadbent on having a boat that large and you really aren’t that experienced, I might suggest you go back with the Seafox. Get one really cheap and if you hurt it, chaulk it up as a learning experience…
I agreee… everyone should have to start out in a 10’ conoe.
Buy the Sea Fox… should be about $10k less than the other boats you mentioned… doubt you plan on taking it offshore for Marlin, so don’t think it will fall a part from 5’ seas.
Thanks for all of the input guys. I guess I should have been more clear on a few things. First, I didn’t want this to turn into a seafox bashing thread so I left that out of the title. Second, this will not be my first boat but it will be my first salt water boat. I have had a bow rider, pontoon boat, and a few bass boats in the past. I’ve had a kayak or two in the past as well haha. i will mainly be using the boat in a fresh water lake where I live but would like something that I could take down to Charleston or Jax once or twice a year and learn some salt water fishing. It would be about a 3 or 4 hour haul to either. I also should have included my budget. I could buy a 24 yellowfin but I just can’t see spending $75K on a boat that I will use mainly in the fresh water and salt water once or twice a year. I would like to spend less than $20k but would go up to $30K for the right boat. Again, I appreciate all of the response and sorry for not including more info on my original post but again this is my first time here so don’t beat me up too bad. Thanks again guys!
for what you are descibing, I’d look for a Skeeter bay boat
For 20-30K you could find a slightly used Pathfinder 22 or a really used 24. I’ve had both and really like the versatility of the Bayboats for this area.
quote:
Originally posted by CaptFritzFor 20-30K you could find a slightly used Pathfinder 22 or a really used 24. I’ve had both and really like the versatility of the Bayboats for this area.
and I know where one is available …
where?
Sounds like you’ve got plenty enough experience to handle what you are after… Given your price range, I agree with the others, try to find a used Pathfinder. I had very good results with mine.
coates2122,
Most of the good boaters I know, did start in a 10’ canoe. 
quote:
Originally posted by padlsnaperwhere?
currently sitting in my driveway …
I have a 2008 Sea Hunt in excellent condition that I am selling because I moving inland to TN. The boat is in excellent shape and would be easy to haul. I am asking $28,500 for the boat but would take a little less. You can view it on boat trader or send me a PM and I can send pictures.
Sea Hunt 207
150 Yamaha
Shearwater outclasses the rest but price goes with it. The hull has a kevlar base to it so its lite and the 24 with a 250 Yammie will run lo 50mph. The Pathfinder would be 2nd choice and there are a lot of them around to look at.