Can we talk Boats?

[Red Beard]

The “Yeet 3” (as FishWithChris; called it) is gone like Hall and Oats, and now looking for the replacement.

Had a few boats in mind that I am familiar with. But I am still looking at everything. The main thing I’m needing besides a good ride is longevity. I’m not rough on my gear but the frequency of use would wear most boats down quick. Needs to be able to fish the flats (when water is there) and out to the K tower.

Went and looked at a 25’ Sea Hunt yesterday; was pretty surprised how much is “standard” and the value your getting compared to other similar brands. But I have not spent anytime in one to know if it’s all for show or if the Sea Hunt can deliver more than looks.

Looking for the 23-25’ range; no more than a 15” draft. Sharp V with good flare. Would appreciate what y’all like and don’t like about these boats. (SeaHunt, Blazer Bay, Tide Water, Skeeter, etc…)

Your input is appreciated, thank you in advance.

[doomtrpr_z71]

A buddy of mine has a bullsbay 230cc and it's just about everything you're asking for, it's cheaper than a sea hunt but it's a no frills boat. Granted my views may be a little jaded since they come out the old seapro molds and the old seapros seem to hold up better than the new ones. They have 24 in production but the draft is a little deeper than you want at 17in.

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[DriftingSun]

Spent 6 months + looking at every kind of bay boat and hybrid I could find. Came from a 21’ Sea Pro CC (not the bay boat). Because I fish more inshore than off I decided to go to something that could get skinnier, but still wanted something that was offshore competent on good days.

Looked at Pathfinders, Skeeters, Rangers, Sea Hunts, Avengers (Suweet boats!) and a couple of others up close and in person. Dozens more online and via YouTube. Kept coming back to the Robalo 246 Cayman. It’s a hybrid, and with a 9’ beam it floats in 12” but is also capable of handling more slop offshore than I care to. 3 huge live wells and not 2, but 3 casting decks.

We know all boats are trade-offs but I have seen it referenced more than once as the “Swiss Army Knife” of bay boats and I’d have to agree. Have also seen at least a couple/few folks state that everybody that gets in theirs goes and gets one (this has not happened to me yet, but everyone loves it)

They also make it in 20ft, 22ft, and 26ft versions.

Happy hunting.

[SHOWBOAT]

Lots of good options. Love my Ranger; have had miles back in creeks and 40 miles offshore. Buddy just bought the Blazer Bay hybrid and is loving it. Sounds like it would fit your bill. Had a good build experience.

Good luck with your search.

[ropeman]

Went and looked at a 25’ Sea Hunt yesterday; was pretty surprised how much is “standard” and the value your getting compared to other similar brands.

So you're saying the Sea Hunt is a better value that other comparable brands? I have two friends with Sea Hunt boats. One is a 17' 1999 CC with a 115 Rude and it's been all over the Apalachee Bay from Mandalay to K Tower and even to the Keys a few times. The other is a 26' I think 2008 and it doesn't get out of the yard much. Both of them love their boats. For some reason I thought they were higher priced than other comparable brands.

[dombern34]

i think the Blazerbay 675 or GTS would cross everything off your list and some. it's not quite 25' tho. i'm a speed guy but i also know being a guide, speed isn't important lol. my good buddy owned a sportsman 227 and it was a great boat! with a T-top i wish it was closer to 24-26' T-Tops are nice in the summer time but i hate fishing around one. Xpress in 24' would be another boat i would take a look at.

honesty, because it's easy to spend someone else's money, get a simmons! that's my "unrealistic" dream boat. i love my Lake and Bay, don't know how she does off shore but she's been great in everything else. good luck!

[cobia2007]

I have a 2200 purebay by blue wave it is a good riding boat and have been in 3-4 and made it back. The boat have 40 gal live well and 16 gal can fish 4 adults with it.

[rockyg]

Pathfinder 25 Hybrid. It's what all the best dressed SW Florida guides run. $150k or so and you will be stylin' Red.

[Red Beard]

I appreciate the input from everyone.

[DWilliams]

Most likely need two boats, and don't forget the river boat...Plenty of good options out there for a hybrid. Plenty of Pathfinders out there. Just need to whittle the list down and get on a few. The Unfathomed Caymas is still for sale

[ropeman]

I love my Lake and Bay, don't know how she does off shore but she's been great in everything else. good luck!

That brings up a question for the Red Bearded one, why isn't Lake and Bay on your short list? My sister's boyfriend has one it seems like a well built boat.

[doomtrpr_z71]

All of this boat talk got me looking around for fun this morning, Blue wave now makes a 2600 Makira that would be a good hybrid boat, it does draft 17in, but the 2600 Pure Bay drafts just an inch less.

[TroutTrent]

Don't know if your looking for something bigger but Member Gulf Coast AKA Chris Lewis has his 2021 Skeeter 21ft bay boat for sale and it is sweet

[kenfly]

I’m with the 2 boats, really hard to find just one that will do everything, I have my 1872 Seaark tunnel which I couldn’t live without, I can pretty much go anywhere inshore , especially in winter when tides are low, then a have a 23’ Polar bay boat that rides great, can do some off shore and plenty of room for the family on those sand bars days


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[ropeman]

Are you gonna spill the beans on what you got?