My dad and I were at the boat show today and and narrowed it down to four bay boats.(not in any specific order)
Sea Fox 20ft. bay(is the tunnel hull worth it for an extra $1500 so we could get in much shallower water).
2)Key West 21ft. bay
3)Sea Hunt 21ft. bay
4)NauticStar 21ft. Coastal(mom likes this the best because it was a bay plus it had a little more “comfortable” to it. Pitch in your ideas. We would like to find a boat similar to these used (cheap as possible ready to put in the water) but new is fine as long as its under the $35,000 mark not a hair more. All advice will be taken happily. Thanks in advance.
I looked long and hard at a key west at butler marine - priced at 34,5895 with a 175 zuk on the back but by the time you add eletronics and a troling motoe your up another 3k - butler also has a used one for sale down in beauford ready to fish www.boattrader.com/listing/2007-Key-West-216-Bay-Reef-99878610 - that one caught my eye as well every one has an opinion - I like key west I’ve owned a couple now and no major issues. The stealth runs like a tank.
I work at Duncan’s so I am partial to the NauticStar. NauticStar has the in deck cast net storage, two livewells, and like you said it is very versatile with the cushions(plus table in the front). Also if you want to pull tube/ski it does have the Stainless Tow Mount/Extended Swim Step. Still has a very shallow draft for inshore fishing. Plus the new Mercury 150!
I really liked the bulls as well, but that console looks strange to me. Very weird shape and didn’t sit well with my eyes. Regardless I would love to have one in my driveway…
Don’t have a knack for makin motors crank,
But I’m pretty good at drinkin beer
The best way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly.
Nautic Star line is cool… both family friendly and take out the cushions, fold em down and voila… FISHING boat! Bulls Bay ok for fishing but expensive!
of the ones you listed… the key west and sea hunt would be good choices.
don’t let the salesman fool you on a tunnel hull… they are made to RUN shallower than it’s “V” cousin, however they typically draft 1-2 inches more while at rest.
on top of that, they typically lose a good bit of top speed b/c of the tunnel.
some people run them around here, but they are designed more for areas where you run miles in a foot or 2 of water.
also, your money goes a lot further on a 2-4 year old boat…
On your list I would say the Sea Hunt. Personally I am a Pathfinder owner so I would suggest looking for a couple of year old 22 or maybe even step down to the 20. Both boats are great for this area and can fish shallow and off the beaches when the weather allows.
wait a month and Sportsman Boats should have a 22 bayboat out, if not I am with Fritz a used Pathfinder would be a better choice than the 4 on your list
I have a 07 Ranger 188 Intercoastal for sale that has your name all over it. 175 VMAX low 200 hrs decked out powerpole Xl, Lowrance 520C GPS/Sonar, 6" Jackplate MOtorguide 36V, 4 Bank charger, casting platform, Garage Kept, Ranger Trailer,
I was thinking the same thing last year. I was stuck between a sea fox sea hunt and the key west. In my opinion, the key west seems to be a tougher boat, but the sea hunt has nicer fit and options. The sea fox was a better looking boat to me, but it didnt ride as solid as the other 2. I was going to get the sea hunt new, but then butler marine found me a used 225 key west for a much better price.
If I had to do it again, I would wait for a used boat all over again!!! I got mine for $15k less than the retail on the new boat, and only a few years old!
I am partial to the key west. I have had 3 so far and beat the snot out of all them. Also, I can personally confirm that your wife can really slam it into the dock without sinking it.
You cant lose with either one, but I was going to buy the sea hunt new.
I would say the Sea Fox is the way to go I have the 22’ bay it is a great boat my wife has slammed it into the dock a few times trying to load it so i know it wont sink and the fishing room is great i have had four grown men on the boat redfishing and their was pleanty of room
Nautic Star line is cool… both family friendly and take out the cushions, fold em down and voila… FISHING boat! Bulls Bay ok for fishing but expensive!
The white 1 I looked at was $26,500. I didn’t think that was to bad for a 20’ Bay boat.
Funny topic Most people think that the boat they chose to buy is the best, and it probably was for them, at the time, for their budget. But best has a lot of definitions and all boats are a tradeoff of function, quality, features and price. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder. Some drink imports, some drink Busch, some drink micro-breweries. Most are happy with their choice
The question is like asking which is better, blondes, brunettes or redheads? Tuna or Wahoo? Gulp! bait or DOA?
I could build you a fine custom bay boat for $26,500:wink:
"Funny topic Most people think that the boat they chose to buy is the best, and it probably was for them, at the time, for their budget. But best has a lot of definitions and all boats are a tradeoff of function, quality, features and price. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder. Some drink imports, some drink Busch, some drink micro-breweries. Most are happy with their choice
The question is like asking which is better, blondes, brunettes or redheads? Tuna or Wahoo? Gulp! bait or DOA?"
Most people think that the boat they chose to buy is the best, and it probably was for them, at the time, for their budget. But best has a lot of definitions and all boats are a tradeoff of function, quality, features and price. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder. Some drink imports, some drink Busch, some drink micro-breweries. Most are happy with their choice 