Shoalwater cat 21 vs Majek Illusion

[Bassbuster]

I'm in the market for a new used boat in the next few months. I'm looking into the shoalwater cat 21 or Majek Illusion. Just wants some thoughts on performance. And if anybody has one of these boats that could tell me about them. Thanks

[stickman]

Been in both. Cat takes chop better but it's really not much of a factor unless you are crossing bays/deep water. They both run scary skinny. Finish on both is nice, storage I would say is equal, neither are very family friendly boats if that makes a difference at all. Max HP is 225 on the illusion and 250 on the cat. Don't go under powered(min of a 200hp for either one).After riding in both I would say the cat was my preference but the illusion is a great boat. Price and availability would ultimately be the most discerning factor.

[Bassbuster]

I fish the Galveston bay complex so I want a boat that will handle chop will and run fairly skinny. I will mostly be fishing with a few adults

[panhandlehunter]

I fish the Galveston bay complex so I want a boat that will handle chop will and run fairly skinny. I will mostly be fishing with a few adults

Galveston Bay I would get something with a V-hull.

[stickman]

Galveston Bay I would get something with a V-hull.

X1000. I bought a blazer bay 675 ultimate bay and it runs plenty skinny and takes chop very well. I don't have a problem running in 12" even though I don't do it often. For that bay system if you are stuck on those two options the shoalwater cat wins hands down.

[Bassbuster]

How skinny will the blazer bay get up

[stickman]

Soft bottom it takes about 15-18" if you romp down on it. I just drift or troll out of skinny water. If there is a blazer dealer nearby you they will set up a demo day for you to run it.

[Cabela]

Haynie ho would be a good choice for that area

[Jon-Paul]

For G-Bay out of those two options Shoalwater, but I would get the 23.

I fish mostly G-Bay and I have a 24' El Pescador Cat. I am also looking at an Illusion but it will be strickly a tower boat that will be used in west bay and in the back lakes

[Big Bill]

I have the 2015 21 Cat with a 150 Yamaha and I fish the end of the jettys all the way back in the shallow marsh of greens with 3 250 pound guys aboard with no problem shallow or deep. I have a K-Top and a lot of lights for bow fishing and still does about 40 MPH loaded. And it will flat out run shallow if you keep it trimmed with the jack plate up. Best boat I have ever owned and I have been thru a bunch.

[Cabela]

For G-Bay out of those two options Shoalwater, but I would get the 23.

I fish mostly G-Bay and I have a 24' El Pescador Cat. I am also looking at an Illusion but it will be strickly a tower boat that will be used in west bay and in the back lakes

He does have a good point if you are strictly looking at one of those two I would definitely get the cat and a 23' version.

[ownels]

I have a Blazer Bay 1960 and can run in 12" all day with a boat and take the chop in East Bay very well.

[Bassbuster]

Big bill that's a beautiful boats. That's the boat I've really been leaning towards.

[Reelthreat]

I think some people have a different tape measure than me. 12" is awfully skinny for all day.


Anyways, if you are stuck on the 2 and fishing Galveston go with the cat. Both great boats but the illusion will beat you to death crossing any open water. I run a 21 haynie cat with a 150 mercy and it is a great all around boat but anchoring with any decent wave action and it will fill with water. Not really a big deal other than comfort.

[Leemo]

Galveston Bay I would get something with a V-hull.

This, I've seen that bay look like the gulf in a squall