Best "Bang for your Buck" boats
 

The reason for this thread is to see some different opinions on what other things people think about before purchasing a boat. I will be buying very very soon and I want to make sure I make a good purchase that I wont regret later on.

First off, This is kinda what I'm looking for in a bay boat. I want a 22' boat (fiberglass), that handles well in chop and has a pretty dry ride. I would love to get the new VMAX SHO, but will probably end up with a yamaha 4 stroke 225-250 range. I have my eye on a few types of boat, but this is where it gets tricky for me. I definitely want to get the most boat for the money I spend. I am looking at a few Shearwater and Pathfinder boats, but I have seen a few Blazer bays and Nautic stars where I could get "more boat" for less money. Obviously since the Shearwaters and Pathfinders are more expensive boat. Is this more of a status symbol thing or are these boats really that much of a better boat? What do you guys think are the best bang for your buck boats out there?

I am more interested in what you guys think in the boat and motor aspect. I will add on accessories as need if the boat I buy doesnt have it. Hope to get alot of imput, so I make sure I make the most informative purchase as I can. I havent ridden in every brand of boat out there, so I figure I can get some good input from guys that have. I also will not purchase anything till after the Boat show in New Orleans in March.

Pathfinder is wet.... Not worth the money.
Shearwater is nice.... Like u said " status symbol"
Blackjack is great!! Highly recommend riding n one!

what are you going to be doing with the boat 80% of the time? budget in mind?

shallow? gulf?

I really like my Blue Wave I have yet to get wet in it and been in some pretty ruff water and it handles nicely in the chop. I haven't had the privilege to ride in many boats but the Blackjacks look super nice as well as the shearwaters, if I had the money I would have a blackjack.

Also just a piece of advice the Yamaha shop here stopped their line of Blazer Bay boats and they are looking into getting another fiberglass boat to carry in the near future, that in my opinion can't say much good about them but who knows

Mostly fishing bays and shallow water, occasionally I would like to be able to go a few miles offshore on calm days. Budget is between 25-30k, but may go over if the I need. I know its kinda broad, but hopefully not out of reason.

80% chasing specs and reds in the bays, but I would like versatility to fish on both sides of the state.

Also I forgot to mention I will most likely buy used, but not very used.

I wonder what the reason is??? I've fished out of a Blazer Bay and it seemed to be a nice boat. Fish-ablity was great! I will see if I can find something on this.

Boy do I have a deal for you!!!! I had an offer of 20,700 earlier......but cause I like you, ill give it to you for 20 even!!!!

:shaking:

I have been out in a 22' Pathfinder many times.......and don't remember getting wet.

Maybe if there was a strong wind from the side......but that is true for most boats.

Haynie is one of the Best boats for your money.... You can find other 22ft or 21ft boats cheaper but with less motor...

You should look into them........ Also a lifetime warranty on hull. so you never have to worry about it....

new you will be in the mid 30;s

A few thoughts:

The Blackjack is a fine ride and Metro Boating is the largest dealer in the country for them. Check with George Haydel - good people there. Yamaha /Merc dealership.

Also, the old SeaPro design, now Triton Bay Explorer line, is an excellent performer http://www.tritonboats.com/boat/336.aspx

Call the guys at LMC in Houston - they are the largest Triton dealer in the country and also a Haynie dealer. David and Jeff and the LMC team are very good to deal with too - Yamaha / Merc dealer. http://www.lmcboats.com/

The motor technology is very good today and hard to go wrong. I ran V6 Mercs with nearly zero issues (one motor had coil issues) from 1979 through 2010 - my last two motors have been the 250 SHO and flawless so far.

Houston boat show is coming up, right?? Go put your hands on all of em....

lots of good boats on the market for what you want....levels more by pricing than anything.......

First Level:
Blazer Bay
Frontier
Nautic Star
Blue Wave
Mako (old Kenners)

Second Tier:
Haynie
Champion
Triton
Pathfinder

Third Tier:
Now if you want to step it up a notch.....
Blackjack or
Yellowfin or
Shearwater

here ya go

How much does a Blackjack cost to be in the same catagory with Yellowfin and Shearwater? And above the Pathfinder and Triton

Seems to me the blackjack and triton are very close to the same ride, speeds, and price.

haynie has been raising their prices lately, but if fuel goes much higher that will fix that.

Get ready for a $200+ fill up for you sixty gallon folks...:help:

A new Haynie will be in the mid 30's??

I got a price on a Haynie Z21 with a Merc 225 Pro Xs loaded with everything. $45,000.

Dog on they're proud of their stuff.

Not really,just about all of the package rigs 21 foot and bigger with a 200+ motor are in that price range. IMO that is insane,look for a used rig with low hours....let the first buyer take that big blow to the bank account.

Here ya go....http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...ition-88104879

Blackjack is def. the best bay boat other than a yellow fin 24' but that $60,000 at the very least!...you can get a new blackjack with a 225 or 250 yami sho for no more than $45,000. I promise you shearwater and pathfinders are more expensive than blackjacks and not nearly nice as them. at least ride in one before buying anything else, you wont be sorry! And if 45,00 is too much...K2 Marine, the guys who make the blackjacks, also make Frontier bay boats which are more affordable but still has a bad a$$ ride and built like a tank!! Im no blackjack owner or affiliated with them at all, just in love with them! If you think you would be interested in a hybrid flats/bay boat then try looking @ EGRET BOATS, they are custom made to order out of north carolina and will be the last boat you will ever buy!...I have the 18.9' which rides like a 21' but Frank Afshari( Owner of EGRET BOATS) just designed a 21' that will be released at the Miami boat show in a couple weeks and this will set the bar for all other hybrid boats. you can put a 250 sho on the back and go 75mph, still float in 10-11" of water, and handle a chop like a 24'bay boat guarantee! Heres 3 pics of the new 21'(dark green) and a pic of my 18.9' bird(grey and black)
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1296587162
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1296587162
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1296587162
my baby...hits 60mph, floats is 9" of water, and handles 2' chop with EASE!!
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1296587163
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1296587164
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1296587403

I was recently in your situation. New bay boats longer than 21feet run in excess of $40,000.00 I bought a lightly used Blazer Bay. If I was to buy new I would have bought a Blackjack. This is my first Bay boat and I wanted to ensure it was something I would stick with long term. by buying this boat I saved over $20,000.00! I am very happy with the decision to buy used so far and would definatly do things the same way again. No buyers remorse here. Good luck with your decision.

I have never ridden in a Blackjack, but I do want to before I buy........I think this would be the boat I would spend the extra money on if I decided to go with a Blackjack. Anybody around here own one that would be willing to take me for a ride??

where are these on the price scale??

"boat show" price of new blackjack with 250 vmax SHO was $48k, without trolling motor or electronics.

Those egret boats are amazing,my dream boat is that new 20 footer.

boat show special for a 22' Tran XLR8 w/225 SHO is right at 40K

I haven't been in one but I have looked at them up close, nice solid boat like haynie.

Champion = no mo. would be a good used one to find.

i recommend going to thehulltruth.com and reading on there because most people here are bias because of what they own. like others said dont hesitate to buy used. you can find a practically brand new boat for 10k off.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...-18-9-97729881

I guess this answers my question on the egret boat price...Geezzz...

never said they were cheap... worth every penny though.

Egret info
 

Some more good info on Egret boats and the 20 http://www.floridasportsman.com/xtra...010/index.html

As SS says, they are VERY fine rides. The Florida Sportman forum has several owners posting about them there.

Ive got a 22' 2002 pathfinder. Been running it 8 yrs now. It is a very dry boat,except if you running in a 15-20mph cross wind,which most boats are gonna give you a few sprays from the side.very wide 8'6" and stable, lots of fishing room, 11" draft and only about 1300 lb. hull wt. There are several really nice boat makers out there, and I believe pathfinder is among the best. They are one of the few boat makers that have their own forum for boat owners to give their opinions and feedback,so they can continually make improvements for different fishing needs. I have a 200 hpdi yami on the back and havent had any problems with boat or motor. As stated earlier though, If you want to save some money, there are a lot of very nice used boats out there that will make you very happy. I bought mine from a guid that gets a new one every year,and doesnt title them,so when you get it,you get the full warranties on motor and boat.

What is top speed on your Boat? I forgot to add that speed will be a part of my boat buying decision. Not necessarily a deal breaker but a consideration, none the less.

When I first got it(before I added all my trolling motor,batteries,seats,junk etc.) I gpsed it in the bayou with 17 gal. of gas,It got up to 63. Now after 8 yrs. with me and a guy or two,it will do about 54-57. Check out the pathfinder forum though. Lots of good guys and good info on there. can get a feel for what all configurations are out there. Its a wealth of info too for when you decide to start adding electronics or practically anything you want to your boat,cuz lots of guys have already done it with the exact same setup as what you have and can guide you through it.

here's another good 70mph model of MBC

http://www.mbcboats.com/fusionbb/sho...php?tid/44316/

mine was around 38k..(No Power Pole & Just Opt Max not the Pro X)

I have a 22' Pathfinder and it isn't a "wet" boat, but it is for sale...

Thanks,
Hydro

I might have to call and get another price.
I really like Nicks 24 ft HO. Need to sell
my boat first.

get W to hook you up w/ chris.

Not a bad idea Angler. I'll get in touch with him when its time.

Not trying to change the subject but if you could afford any bay boat, what would you buy and why?

24 ft Yellowfin with a Yamaha 350 4 stroke.

20 egret with 250 sho...not a bay boat but rides like one

I agree with montauk but if it had to be a bay boat it would be a blackjack hands down for me

fully rigged out triumph...:cool:

Is that your ranger parked on albertsons parkway?