It gets the name from the fact that the decks are flush with the casting platform or "flat" and it is often said you fish "on" a flats boat (vs. "in"). Bob brought his expertise developing the unsinkable Boston Whaler hull and his Rapid Molded Core Assembly Process (RAMCAP) with him when he started Everglades. Most CC boats look the same, which is part of their charm, they are like pickup trucks. Enjoy boating all day, hose it off, and walk away. It is also available in an SD model that features a half-tower with a second station that Robalo calls a "Sky Deck. The wind is pretty tiring in an open boat as well. Their luxurious layouts are "packed with timeless innovations, technology and trendsetting features. " Center console boats can be divided into two major categories. Oval or round livewell interiors have proved to be gentle on liveys, and light-blue interior walls are believed to help comfort bait. Bay Boats, on the other hand, provide wide-open lounging spots on the raised decks. At first glance, bay boats look like center consoles—because almost all of them have a center console.
But there's another key advantage, bay boats are perfectly suited for mounting trolling motors. Essentially, you can reach over low gunnels and lift your catch right out of the water. Using innovations and characteristics of many boat styles, bay boats have a shallower draft than offshore boats but can give you a smoother ride. Scout's classic styling and flaring bow garner admiring looks, while the deep-V hull helps cleave mean offshore seas for a smooth ride. Fuel burn and efficiency aren't necessarily a financial consideration for everyone, but they can greatly increase your range and provide the ability to make long runs. Length: 36′5″ (w/ bracket and engines). One of my favorite things to do in the summer here in the Northern Gulf is target yellowfin tuna when they are up on top busting baits. For one, the aerated water can interfere with sonar signals, so transducers need to be installed in front of the steps. For all the reasons above, they generally aren't as fast as a true performance boat. An innovative terrace folds down from the cockpit side to increase space and add to the watersports fun. Available with triple or twin outboards, this center console offers a 365-gallon fuel capacity, twin 100-gallon fish boxes, a pair of 30-gallon stern livewells, an integral hardtop with three-side tempered-glass windshield, three-across helm seating, aft-facing seating, fold-up transom bench, two boarding side doors, bow seating, lounge on the forward console, and in-console cabin. When buyers are limited by budget, the bay boat most often comes at a lower cost. Whatever your chosen mission, the 26 Hybrid has you covered.
No single boat design, except perhaps the center console, has had as much impact on our fishing as the bay boat. Transom Deadrise: 15 deg. 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. What are the best bay boats?
Center consoles often have a larger seating area behind the helm—usually wide enough for two people. This center console features a leaning post with rocket-launcher rod holders and a 30-gallon livewell, hydraulic steering, stern jump seats, transom platform with boarding ladder, self-bailing cockpit, and all stainless-steel hardware. This allows me and my anglers more time with lines in the water. On twin powered center console boats, you can see fuel efficiency approaching and exceeding 2mpg on midsized and smaller hulls. The seats themselves are generally not built for comfort. Even padded combing is often standard. A step-hull is a modification of a deep-V, with cross-longitudinal steps, or notches, molded into the hull. Generally, most CCs have really good drainage, so it's not the end of the world but when you have people upfront it's a potentially dangerous situation. Brands like SeaRay and Bayliner made lines of CC boats with moderate success. You soon learn that your CC boat is not ideal for socializing and close to shore operation, so you begin to weigh the importance and frequency of your offshore fishing hobby. Casting is unobstructed with the standard T-top in place of a bimini, yet provides the shade missing from a bay boat.
These steps introduce a thin layer of aerated water under the hull to reduce friction, and increase lift, speed and fuel efficiency on plane. Scout's bay boat lineup includes a classic inshore/bay configuration as well as a hybrid. Because of this placement, the wheel and other controls are within easy reach of both port and starboard sides, and docking can be easier because of that. These same features can be what a boater is looking for when buying a family boat as a fun day cruiser or transportation to local destinations. All bay boats offer basic fishing features like rodholders, fishboxes, raw water washdowns, and tackle stowage. Seat covers are removable and storable in lockers so they do not get damaged by sun or salt. A folding rear bench seat offers comfort while underway.
Disadvantages of Center Console Boats. Much like SUVs, the prevailing feature of a center console is the practicality. Draft: 1′10″ (motors up). The 240 Dauntless Pro from Boston Whaler is designed for serious inshore fishing with a large single-level aft casting deck with stowage and a livewell underneath. The 21 fishes super-shallow, and the stepped hull and wide beam provide a fast, efficient and dry ride. The 44CB (Canyon Berth) from Contender combines the unparalleled fishability of the 44ST with cabin accommodations to escape the elements. Not only are they popular in coastal areas but also in lakes and rivers. Why Fishermen Love Center Console Boats? For boaters of a certain age, their first introduction to a center console powerboat was probably the 16-foot Boston Whaler in the '60s.
These builders construct bay boats models with outboard, outboard-4S, outboard-2S, inboard and inboard/outboard propulsion systems, available in gas, diesel, electric and other fuel systems. A 20-gallon transom livewell resides in the port quarter. Deep-V monohulls with transom deadrise angles of anywhere from 20 to 25 degrees represent the most traditional design, adhered to by highly respected brands such as Grady-White, Regulator Marine Scout and Yellowfin A sharp entry, crisp keel and careful placement of chines deliver a running surface in a planing hull that knifes through rough seas to produce a smooth ride and stability when running or trolling. The purpose of a bay boat is to allow access to shallow waters. What makes them great (wide, dual hull), also limits where you can dock and tow them.
With a draft of 13 inches, it offers shallow-water angling capabilities, while the proud bow, hull design and extra interior freeboard provides seakeeping, comfort, dryness and security needed when venturing offshore. Designed for twin outboards, this center console fishing boat can be equipped with an extensive list of fishing features, including multiple baitwells (two 40-gallon corner wells are standard) and fish boxes, a tackle station, tower, and much more. It's not the greatest design for performance or recreation but it's great for fishing and has been adopted by the general market. You sit up high, they're sturdy, utilitarian, and a blast to drive.
Start by clicking here to view our current bay boat inventory. The boats are generally set up for fishing with live wells, sink, cooler spaces, rod holders, and plenty of storage. Here's what you can expect from each type of offshore hull. They come with many luxury features, although certainly less than a large offshore boat.
Not only does the boat get into skinnier water, but it allows anglers easier access to the water. They are also maneuverable, as they need to navigate tighter spaces. Scout Boats is synonymous with boating in style. Other big boat features, including a T-top with integrated wraparound windshield for added protection at the helm, and the factory-installed Garmin marine electronics also come standard. For enjoying time at a sandbar, a sun shade protects the forward deck, supported by carbon-fiber rods.
Check out the World Cat 295CC to see what this style is like. Under the lounger is a 104-quart macerated fish box. Offering massive beams, stability and a smooth ride make a large CC Cat a pretty solid offering. Breaking the rules, the Boston Whaler placed the controls on a large box in the middle of the boat, leaving not only space both in front and in back, but ample walk-around room on each side. Freeman, World Cat, Tideline and many others are expanding the CAT offerings, although because of the need for a deep tunnel offshore, these boats are not easy on the eyes like a performance cat is. The Masters 267OE from Sportsman Boats is designed to maximize open cockpit space and open water capabilities, placing it in the hybrid bayboat class. U-shaped bow seating/loungers, and forward console seating come standard.