xpress bay boats

[Marque]

I have a buddy that just got a 24' express. He's running a 225 SHO Yammi and IMO its enough for that boat. I was highly skeptical when he bought it. Having fished a number of 22' Express bay boats, I was not impressed with the ride or the draft. I will say that his 24' handles the chop better than I thought it would. The hull seems well designed with having enough deadrise to handle the rougher stuff and still being able to not draft a whole lot of water. We had it back in some shallow marsh and it did not draft a whole lot of water. Its light enough for a 70 lb thrust Minn Kota, which moves the boat alright, but I would go with a 80. I like the two jump seats in the back as well. He's had it about six months and no problems as of yet. He is happy with it. I will say that after fishing in the boat a few times, I was impressed with the way it handled and rode. It definitely improved my opinion of Express boats. That being said, I don't think I would get one. But I fish everyday I'm off. He uses the boat 3 or 4 times a month. IMO factory built Aluminum boats don't last. I have had a few and don't plan on owning another aluminum boat unless its a custom built boat like a Scully or Hanko's. I like his boat but I don't think it would be able to take the abuse I put a boat through. I am boat shopping at the moment and haven't even considered them. This is a great boat for someone who has a family or doesn't put a lot of wear and tear on a boat. I am not that kind of person so I guess its all in what you are going to use it for.