Why should you use a bay boat?

Most bay boat owners use the vessels for their versatility. While the primary function of the bay boat is to cut across the calm water, it has been noted that many charter captains prefer the bay boat as it can be used in both the shoals and shallows as well as up to 10 miles offshore, depending on the brand.

Generally, when using the bay boat, the operator will wish to ensure that the model has a power pole. The power pole is quintessential for the shallow water where the standard anchoring and stabilization is less effective. Additionally, the bay boat should have a secondary anchor if fishing in the Keys to prevent unnecessary drifting.

When properly equipped, a bay boat is an economical solution to year-round fishing. During peak months, the boat can be used for Charter fishing or to for deep sea angler purposes. It is not uncommon to see bay boats trolling behind shrimp and other commercial vessels in Florida. On the other hand, when the saltwater fishing is out of season, the bay boat can serve as a bass boat/freshwater boat.

Bay boat designs

Construction of the bay boats for sale have a V hull design. However, unlike other angler vessels, the waterline on the boats does not press close to the top of the gunwale. The boats are specifically designed to have a low draft. Additionally, you will find that the freeboard on the bay boats is closer to the waterline than on other angler vessels.

Though it may be true that the bay boats for sale showcase a V hull design, it is also true that the hulls are wider and that many have the stepped or ribbed design. This helps to further lift the boat from the water, making the boat even more apt to access the shallows.

Decks of the bay boats tend to focus more on the functionality than on the aesthetics. Seating is kept in the stern and at the center console (as many of the offered bay boats are such) while at the bow, a casting deck is the most common feature. As the bay boat is for fishing purposes, rod holders, live wells, and tackle storage may be part of the design. When hardtops are part of the design, rocket rod holders may be used.

It should be noted that although there are several bay boats which offer a hard-top to the console, it may not be appropriate for some freshwater, as overgrowth could be a factor.

Brands of bay boats

If you are a fisherman looking to buy a saltwater fishing boat that can handle rough seas, but go into the shallows for challenging fish, searching for a bay boat for sale is your best option. Some of the best bay boat brands on the market are:

• 33rd Strike Group
• Bass Cat
• Bluewater Sportsfishing Boats
• Carolina Skiff
• Concept Boats
• Crevalle Boats
• EdgeWater Power Boats
• Grady-White Boats
• Hewes Boats
• MAKO
• Maverick Boat Company, Inc.
• Ranger Boats
• Robalo Boats
• Sailfish Boats
• Scout Boats
• Skeeter Boats
• Sportsman
• Triton Boats
• Triumph Boats
• Wellcraft
• Xpress Boats – Aluma – Weld

Because bay boats are offered in a variety of lengths with an abundance of features, the base price of the boats can differ substantially. Base models for pre-owned bay boats can start as low as 16k for a 1990 model and go as far as 100k base MSRP for a 2018 bay boat for sale.

Find a bay boat for sale

Purchasing a pre-owned bay boat is the best way to ensure a smart investment. Vessel Vendor offers a large assortment of bay boats for sale from the manufactures listed above as well as a few other brands known along the Florida fishing community. To find out more about the manufactures, brand, or models, please see our boat review pages, manufacturer summary pages, or model specification pages.

Are you looking to sell your bay boat? Listing your bay boat for sale with Vessel Vendor is simple when using our intuitive platform. Our platform provides step by step instructions, allowing you to input the specs on your boat, upload photographs, and chose the ad option best suited to your listing needs.

Should you require any additional information on bay boats not found on our site, need help in listing or selling your bay boat, or if you wish to know more about Vessel Vendor, please fill out the appropriate online form and we will get back in touch with you shortly. The waters await you. Thank you for choosing Vessel Vendor.

Use our dream boat finder to shop our online inventory of boats for sale. Read boat reviews, about boat manufacturers or keep up with the latest news in the marine industry online here. Have a bay boat you want to sell? List your boat online for sale for only $29! Use the add a listing option to get started.

List Your Boat for Sale   Shop Boats for Sale