Offshore Center Console vs. Bay Boat. On the other hand, if I am going swordfishing and know I only have a 60-mile run that day, I am going to open the throttle up to get there faster. As the second largest boat in the Yellowfin fleet, the 42 Offshore offers world-class bluewater fishing capabilities. And if you're running a single-engine boat outside of the inlet we certainly hope you have a good tow insurance policy just in case a problem arises. Because of the open simplicity and solid construction of a CC there is less to break or wear out. Cobia's 320 CC combines a big-water hull capable of long-range offshore trips and tournament-ready fishing layout with a spacious interior, and the elegance, comfort and style of a family boat. The captain sits up high and can easily stand while at the helm. With nearly 700 gallons of fuel capacity, two rows of air-conditioned seating, and a pair of 50-gallon livewells, the big Valhalla has the range, bait capacity and comfort for long trips to the canyons or extended cruising in the islands. For going out from shore and fishing larger fish species (both in the ocean and on big lakes), these boast will instill confidence. The 21 Bay from Yellowfin shares the stepped-hull the 21 Hybrid, but with a forward-positioned center console and rocket launcher seating, the 21 Bay more resembles a traditional bay boat. The 360-degree fishability allows me to put a couple anglers with popping setups on the bow as we pull up to the fish and get that quick cast in before the fish sound.
With Sea Vee's twin-step, cross-ventilated Z-hull, the 270Z is a platform designed for large bays and coastal areas, as well as the occasional offshore excursion. Countering these concerns are some interesting positives. Bolster pads the length of the cockpit are built for fish fights. A half tower with a second station is also available. A number of models have transitioned from dedicated angling platforms to softer versions that are more about socializing and comfort. They are the best choice for shallow water fishing or fishing near shore. The Cape Horn 34xs ("xs" stands for extra seating and extra storage) offers a towable center console fishing package that makes a big impression. Contender 25 Bay Specifications. The difference between the two boats lies in the hull and the deck. Blue Wave 2800 Makaira. A 30-gallon livewell resides under the aft deck, and 20-gallon livewell sits beneath the is forward deck. Yellowfin 21 Bay Specifications. If you are interested in getting a center console boat, one great option is the Carolina Skiff and other similar boats! Their semi-custom boats are built with a focus on performance and durability.
Back on deck, the low-profile, powder-coated bow rails and pop-up cleats combine with the casting platform/bow seating to make cast-netting live bait a breeze. If this sounds appealing to you, explore this option. A base model bay boat may start at around 18K, but a larger selection is available once you are in the 25K+ range. The design provides improved performance at speed and added stealth inshore. The center console vs bay boat provides more space to move about onboard. The massive cockpit, oversized tackle center, fish box, livewell, optional Taco Grand Slam 390 outriggers with 20-foot carbon fiber telescoping poles, and transom rod holders keep you well equipped for a serious day of fishing. The custom-ordered 270Z can be powered by a single or twin outboards. And neither a bay boat nor a center console is ideal for loading up with large gatherings on board. While some niche DCs existed prior, the design has really taken off in the last few years. Twin helm seats and a forward-console lounger ramp up the comfort level. In addition, more boat space also allows for more passengers, and it means better protection from larger waves that are found in the open ocean—waves that might create trouble for other crafts. The 21 Bay comes loaded with fishing features, including a forward fish box in the bow step with a molded-in recess to accommodate a 5-gallon bucket. Also available with twin Yamaha F300s, this center console is available with the Yamaha Helm Master EX option for the flexibility to handle in any waters. Sales of these fishing machines have boomed, and waiting lists have grown to a year or more among the most popular brands.
To help you decide which style might be the best choice, let's look at seven points of comparison, using two outstanding models from Pursuit Boats — the C 260 Center Console and the DC 265 Dual Console, both based on the same 25-foot-10-inch offshore-capable hull. Fishing amenities include a large, unobstructed cockpit, tackle center with sink and bait-prep area, and twin livewells with a combined 70-gallon capacity. For one, the aerated water can interfere with sonar signals, so transducers need to be installed in front of the steps. If you're looking for a great bay boat, contact Scout Boats for more information on out top-quality models. The bottom of the boat is much flatter. Power upgrades include quad Mercury 450R V-8 or quad Verado 600 V-12 outboards. As is always the case when you're choosing a new boat, which design will suit you best is a matter of personal preference.
Many CC owners these days also cruise, entertain and enjoy water sports, as well as fish. And always with the protection of the gunnel that is at least knee-high between you and the water. Chasing these constantly moving schools of tuna down and presenting a popper in the middle of the frenzy is something you just can't do effectively on a sport fish. The basic concept emerged decades ago, providing 360 degrees of access to the rail, making the timeless design a natural for fishing. In fact there is a really popular Instagram page dedicated to the style "center consoles only" and they do a great job showcasing the many different brands. Boasting a protective full-height windshield in the T-top, and a ventilated stand-up head, the 271 is perfect for fishing, snorkeling, towing water toys, or just cruising. As with any boat, our most popular range of center consoles have some drawbacks. With a maximum power rating of 2000 hp, the 44CB will get you to the grounds quickly and comfortably. Bay boats are designed to get into shallow rivers, mangrove marshes, and tidal planes. The models below are in no particular order, and it's safe to say we like them all. A jackplate, trim tabs and an aluminum trailer are all standard. Every boater will have slightly different opinions, but the correct answer for your circumstances can simply evolve by picturing yourself in the following scenario: You like fishing and you like day cruising with friends or family. Scout 251 XSS Specifications.
Bay Boats, on the other hand, provide wide-open lounging spots on the raised decks. Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid. The low gunnels can be overwhelmed by large waves that can swamp the boat. Center-consoles have deep-V hulls for a smooth ride when chasing offshore targets and multiple engines for getting out there and back quickly, and the relatively open decks let you move and fish virtually anywhere along the rail. The flats boat is a more stable craft that allows you to get to your flats area through slightly bigger water. Draft: 1′10″ (motors up). For all the reasons above, they generally aren't as fast as a true performance boat. In the past 30 days, the top, most-viewed bay boats brands on Boat Trader were Pathfinder, Robalo, Sportsman, Tidewater and Xpress. Undergunwale rod racks stow rods horizontally but are usually limited to three or four rods on each side. Casting is unobstructed with the standard T-top in place of a bimini, yet provides the shade missing from a bay boat.
That, in turn, calls for the fuel capacity to make it out there, perhaps troll all day, and when done fishing, safely return to port. The protective fiberglass hardtop with powder-coated supports is standard, as are the anchor windlass and built-in, 94-quart cooler. This big center console is built on Scout's fuel efficient, epoxy-infused, double-stepped hull using the company's carbon and E-glass building process, a technique frequently employed in the aerospace industry, to reduce the boat's overall weight, countering the long-held premise that a larger boat must be heavy to perform. This model includes a large bow casting platform, a stern casting deck, lockable rod storage, a 10-inch jack plate, recessed bow seating, and a rear pop up jump seat. Versatility leads the way in the best center console fishing boats under 30 feet. The high freeboard also keeps the water out. The Masters 267OE from Sportsman Boats is designed to maximize open cockpit space and open water capabilities, placing it in the hybrid bayboat class. Top features include two rows of helm seats to accommodate a crew of six, lounge seating on the forward console, vertical rod stowage on both sides of the console, a massive transom livewell, plus two in-deck wells below the cockpit sole. Although some of these "performance" CCs are marketed as performance boats, the CC design is pretty bad for high performance offshore. Both from being knocked down by a wave and for support while fighting a large catch. The pilothouse with double-row seating provides for all-weather boating.
Sliding doors protect the pilothouse, which is air-conditioned. With the simple floorplan of CC boats, if you can clean a bathtub, you can clean a center console.
With the patented Stepped-V ventilated hull, the V-33 easily hits 70 miles per hour. Chris Caswell is an award-winning writer and the former editor of several yachting magazines. There's also an insulated 220-quart compartment and lockable rod stowage under the large forward casting deck. Nor-Tech, Cigarette, MTI are just some of the builders that make most of their money now building family haulers and not high performance boats. An upper helm station on the fiberglass hardtop overlooks the fishing action, with full controls and electronics. The sharp bow entry and Carolina flare is designed to provide a smooth and dry ride.