Going from Bass Boat to Bay Boat & Need Advice.

[WestTexasRanger]

The family has grown to a point that it's time to give-up my bass boat and get something larger that will work with 2 sons-in-law and 3 grandsons. Got to start those youngsters fishing early in their lives, before they get lost in the TV and Video Games.

I've decided on a 22 ft. bay boat and I'm considering a Ranger, Skeeter or Bay Stealth. I'd like 50+ MPH performance, a dry ride, full interior liner (gelcoat), low profile (something that sits in the water like a bass boat) and enough seating/leaning post area, to accommodate all of us.

Does anyone have any advice on these three manufacturers and/or would like to throw another suggestion into the mix?

What horsepower motor will I need to achieve my goal of 50+ with all hands on deck?

Does anyone have or know someone who has a very, very nice bay boat that they'd like to trade for a high end Ranger? Specifically:

2010 Ranger Z520 Comanche Dual Console
2009 Evinrude 250 Etec H.O. (less than 20 hours) - Warranty until 2013
2010 Ranger Trail tandem axle trailer
Hummingbird HDS5s @ console & bow
Minn Kota Fortrex 36 volt trolling motor with recessed pedal
Atlas hydraulic jack plate
Bucket seats with center console
Etc., Etc.

I only fish recreational, so no tournament use or abuse.

If I don't get some "bites" on a trade, I'll more than likely list my boat for sale here on the Forum in the next few weeks.

Thanks in advance for your help & advice!

[Neilslure]

A buddy of mine got a bay boat (Bass Cat) to be more family friendly, he kind of regrets it. I am not sure of the length but his has a 250 Pro XS it will run 60.

Another buddy has a Triton bay boat, he likes inshore fishing in the sound and striper fishing so it suits him pretty good, he has said in some situations, it hinders him compared to a bass boat, boat control is a little tricky too.

You might consider selling the ranger and buying an older bass boat and older bay boat.

[Groman]

When going from bass to bay boat there will be some adjustment. They just fish differently. A bay boat will sit up a little higher in the water and thus the wind has a little more affect on it. Throw in the switch from foot to hand control trolling motor and you have instant frustration when trying to control the boat in a wind. So you have to go in with the mindset that you will have to learn boat control from the ground up here.

On thing I did was install the bump switch on the deck of the boat, which I found makes it a little easier and a handle extension. (I can get some pics up of my setup if interested).

The only thing I miss about my bass boat is the SPEED! The wife doesn't, but I do

[WestTexasRanger]

Minn-Kota makes a Rip Tide Saltwater trolling motor with a foot control.

I've had a hand controlled troller before and hated it.

[David Chester]

I agree with Groman on all points, there is a big adjustment to go through for your fishing and you will miss some speed but, the added room and practicality will more than make up for all of that.

I suggest you add Pathfinder to you list of possibilities. They have models with some very neat features and they are the guys that started bay boats.

Also, I would suggest considering the 24 over the 22, its not that much more costwise but much more room and a bit better ride. The only drawback is a possibility of towing and/or tight quarters issues the extra 2 feet. The 24 Yellowfin is suppose to be the THE bayboat to own but, you gotta own the the bank first.

[jjtriton]

Look for a Triton 240LTS, none better.

[skeeterZX22v]

I have already made the exact change you are thinking about. I moved to a Skeeter ZX22v with the Yamaha F250B engine. Great boat! Takes rough water very well (I fish on Barkley and Ky Lakes). Very stable to fish out of, and easier to fish out of than a bass boat. Besides Skeeter, Ranger also makes a very good bay boat, as does Pathfinder. BassCat also has a nice 21' bay boat as well.

My boat runs 55 mph with 3 people, 60 gallons fuel, 4 batteries, and livewells full. I have seen 58 mph by myself and low on fuel. I run a Merc Rev4 21" prop which does a very good job.

I would recommend a 101lb thrust MK with iPilot for the TM. I have a hand-operated MK TM and I am switching to the iPilot. You definitely want at least a 250hp engine. Rangers are very heavy and not as fast as the Skeeters or Pathfinders. For example, the Ranger 2310 is a fantastic bay boat, but it will only run (according to Ranger) in the low 50's with a 300 Verado. 24' Skeeter with 300 Yamaha (4.2) will approach 60.

Sorry, not interested in your boat. But I do encourage you to make the switch. I love my Skeeter, as does my family. Yours will too.

[baypro]

You should also look at the skeeter ZX22bay. My uncle has is set up with a 225 Vmax and with the 2 of us in the boat it easy to see low 60's. A jackplate is a must have trim tabs are not, but are nice. This model will run in about a foot or water and can get up on plane in a little less than 2 feet and rides great. It is faster than the ZX22V model and rides just as good and gets in skinnier water. IMO a 24ft bay boat is way too big if you want to bass fish alot. The ZX22Bay Should suit you perfectly for your needs.

[tiddletx1533]

baycat is the only bayboat w a fold down console , fits in garage/carport

[ZeroHour]

shearwater