BigBendFishing.Net

I'm looking to buy a 2004 196 key west bay reef. Most of the time I fish out of ecofina. Will this boat be ok to fish there. Specs says it drafts 12-14 inches of water but it looks like it would be more than that. If y'all could help I would appreciate it very much. Thanks

Would be fine to fish there. I would make sure to have 1.5 to 2' of positive tide when you plan on going out and coming in. Just be mindfull of the big rock across from the landing and the big one just past the no wake zone on the way out. I fish my 19' Kenner there.

That's a great boat. I am a huge fan of Key West boats and the 196 is one of my favorite set ups. I'm not sure why they stopped making that model. I have a good friend that owns a 2007 BR 196 and he fishes all over the flats...he just watches the tides. I think he drafts about 15 inches when loaded. The mouth of the Econfina might be tricky unless at high tide but overall, I think you would love that boat.

The draft #'s are about right. That boat will fish the flats just fine. It will also run the Ecofina no problem. While the mouth of the river is pretty shallow to the right of the tripod (going out) there is a deeper route on the left side of the tripod.

I'd agree with a real draft of 15" or so if you are loaded with normal gear, the boat was originally designed for 2 strokes so they sit a little lower with a 4 stroke due to the heavier engine weight. Keep in mind that adding batteries in the aft storage compartments or filling the live well will have an impact on draft too as the rear live well on the Bay Reef is around 42 gallons and at 8# to the gallon it can add up quick!

One really nice thing about the Bay Reef is the 19 degree dead rise hull so you can also run them offshore reasonably well in decent weather.

I've had mine up the creeks and rubbing the marsh grass near Keaton and Steinhatchee (way fewer rocks there though) and I got it stuck on a little hump off Pig Island on a falling tide in St Joe Bay but it will handle flats with no issue.

Mine is an 08 and I don't baby it, no spider cracks in the gel and it fishes 3 - 4 people relatively well. If you want some Key West input drop in over at the KWB forum, you'll find some of the factory people are online almost daily.

http://www.keywestboatsforum.com/

thank all yall for you comments. It has been a great help. If I get to go soon i will let yall know how we did. thanks again