Bay boat ??

[Saltyag15]

Not Everyone has the same budget.

But I don't think anyone that says "budget" is looking for a $60,000 minimum custom boat.

[Daniel32]

FIL has a 22' Trancat (Transport Boats). Awesome boat

http://www.transportboats.com/

[okietaxi]

I will take a ride on that boat when it's available. I was headed to down there spring break, but spent my money at academy yesterday. I'm getting ready to tournament fish again.

[Aggiechick]

My next boat is either going to be a transport or shallow water...those get skinny

If you are lake fishing - with an occasional bay trip I would go with a Kenner or Bluewave (I have been on both...on the lakes and bay) and they are good boats. They can handle the chop of the lake and keep you dry. If you only use the boat a few times a year down on the coast, more than likely you will not need a skinny water boat (plus if you do not know your way around, a skinny water boat can get you in trouble).

[marekd]

Been fishing out of a 22 ft bay Stealth since 1990 - Works good . Doesn't run real shallow , but handles the chop

[AtTheWall]

Engines - Yamaha 4-Stroke with a stainless prop.

Computer controlled and fuel injected

Oil and oil filter changes = Piece of cake, like maintaining an auto

Lower unit fluid changes = Drain and refill = easy

Fresh water engine flush = the hookup hose is ready for a garden hose on the starboard side of the engine

I run a 70 hp Yamaha (F70LA) on my 17 ft Flats skiff. The fuel economy and low overall engine weight (372 lbs) really shines in this medium sized 4 stroke outboard engine. It's fuel stingy and I can literally run all day long, 40 - 50 miles at a pop, and tank up with only 3 - 4 gallons of fuel burned. I have a 20 gallon fuel tank in my boat - this engine allows me to range literally 180 miles or more on full tank of fuel. It's a 4 cylinder engine and it runs super quiet with easy starts.


A Carolina Skiff in the JVX 18 size, is a perfect match for a Medium sized Yamaha 4-stroke. Unsinkable hull, relatively shallow water running and enough bow chine to handle open bay chop, if you need to bust a few whitecaps to get over into the lee side shoreline.

The Carolina Skiff JVX 18 weighs 1000lbs, drafts 4 - 8 inches of water and has an 19 gallon fuel tank. Stick a Yamaha 70 on the transom, at 372 lbs, and you have a boat that runs skinny, trailers and launches easy....no wood and it will not sink.

[Texantax]

My next boat is either going to be a transport or shallow water...those get skinny

If you are lake fishing - with an occasional bay trip I would go with a Kenner or Bluewave (I have been on both...on the lakes and bay) and they are good boats. They can handle the chop of the lake and keep you dry. If you only use the boat a few times a year down on the coast, more than likely you will not need a skinny water boat (plus if you do not know your way around, a skinny water boat can get you in trouble).

This is pretty much what I am thinking. Mostly fish freshwater but don't want be confined to it. Something with higher sides is a must since my kids will be fishing with me a bunch.

[Texantax]

Engines - Yamaha 4-Stroke with a stainless prop.

Computer controlled and fuel injected

Oil and oil filter changes = Piece of cake, like maintaining an auto

Lower unit fluid changes = Drain and refill = easy

Fresh water engine flush = the hookup hose is ready for a garden hose on the starboard side of the engine

I run a 70 hp Yamaha (F70LA) on my 17 ft Flats skiff. The fuel economy and low overall engine weight (372 lbs) really shines in this medium sized 4 stroke outboard engine. It's fuel stingy and I can literally run all day long, 40 - 50 miles at a pop, and tank up with only 3 - 4 gallons of fuel burned. I have a 20 gallon fuel tank in my boat - this engine allows me to range literally 180 miles or more on full tank of fuel. It's a 4 cylinder engine and it runs super quiet with easy starts.

A Carolina Skiff in the JVX 18 size, is a perfect match for a Medium sized Yamaha 4-stroke. Unsinkable hull, relatively shallow water running and enough bow chine to handle open bay chop, if you need to bust a few whitecaps to get over into the lee side shoreline.

The Carolina Skiff JVX 18 weighs 1000lbs, drafts 4 - 8 inches of water and has an 19 gallon fuel tank. Stick a Yamaha 70 on the transom, at 372 lbs, and you have a boat that runs skinny, trailers and launches easy....no wood and it will not sink.

Very good info thx!!

[JEG8233]

This is pretty much what I am thinking. Mostly fish freshwater but don't want be confined to it. Something with higher sides is a must since my kids will be fishing with me a bunch.

That was another reason I chose the Bluewave was the high gunnels for the kids and plenty of on board lockable storage. It's got the jackplate, 4 blade stainless prop, 8' power pole, lowerance HDS gen 2, and I went with the Bimini top rather then a K top for less weight.

[txtrophy85]

What is your budget would really be the first question and take it from there

[Quackerbox]

What is your budget would really be the first question and take it from there

Yeap.

Hate to say it but on new boats you.may have 'missed the boat' as far as deals at the boat show. I bought my nautic star there last year from Texas marine. Loved the sales staff but the service manager is a ****. As long as he's there my sled won't go back.
But 4 stroke maintenance isn't that hard.

Several have mentioned mount Houston marine. They wouldn't allow a sea trial which was a HUGE deal breaker for me. I liked the blue wave and that plus knowing the saleswoman at tx marine kept me out of one. Overall I'm extremely pleased with the shallow bay.

I was able to get about 2500 off boat show sticker, swim ladder, extended warranty and 1500 rebate in my deal.

There's 2 nice boats in the classifieds. One 2014 nautic star and a the one posted earlier coastal is selling

[ETXBow]

I want this boat!

[jdeleon]

I want this boat!

Yours!! I'll drop it off tomorrow anywhere in Texas! We worry about the cost after

[Texantax]

Yeap.

Hate to say it but on new boats you.may have 'missed the boat' as far as deals at the boat show. I bought my nautic star there last year from Texas marine. Loved the sales staff but the service manager is a ****. As long as he's there my sled won't go back.
But 4 stroke maintenance isn't that hard.

Several have mentioned mount Houston marine. They wouldn't allow a sea trial which was a HUGE deal breaker for me. I liked the blue wave and that plus knowing the saleswoman at tx marine kept me out of one. Overall I'm extremely pleased with the shallow bay.

I was able to get about 2500 off boat show sticker, swim ladder, extended warranty and 1500 rebate in my deal.

There's 2 nice boats in the classifieds. One 2014 nautic star and a the one posted earlier coastal is selling

Not completely sure on budget yet but probably not much over 30. I know I missed the boat show but the fishing show is in town this weekend...

[Dejashoot]

A lot depends on budget and how you want to use it. I have a 2005 Nautic Star. Had it since new. Gets me where I want to go. Runs in the 40mph range. Jack plate allows me to run in fairly shallow water 14" or so. Yamaha 150 4 stroke. If you are still looking next month and want to ride along, we can probably set something up.