Bay boats are a popular choice for fishing and other activities on the water. Perfect for bay anglers and offshore fishing, they come in different shapes and sizes depending on the waters they will be used in. These boats are a perfect middle-ground choice for those who want something bigger than a flats boat but not as big or expensive as a center console.
Size is an important factor to consider when selecting a budget bay boat. You want to make sure that the boat you choose is the right size
Budget-minded buyers can find good quality bay boats without spending a lot of money. It’s important to be choosy and look for boats that are well-constructed and have all the features you need.
Going with a gadget-heavy boat is sure to make its price go up, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality just because you’re working with a budget.
When it comes to finding a good budget bay boat, it’s important to consider your needs and find the right model for your budget. With the many different options available, there’s sure to be a boat that fits your needs and your budget.
We will try to evaluate some small bay boats based on their price and how good they are for fishing in various conditions. Based on your liking you can select between a fiberglass or aluminum boat. A good brand doesn’t guarantee a good boat the converse is also true. With that in mind, we will try to look at various options available within your budget.
Let us now look at some of the best affordable bay boats that are good for fishing:
Blue Wave 2600 PUREBAY
2600 PUREBAY boats utilize four stringers, while most boat builders use only two. This helps to create a stronger and more durable hull. The Marine grade HD gel coat used on the 2600 PUREBAY boats is also something special.
It is incredibly resilient and can withstand even the harshest environments. So if you’re looking for an affordable Bay Boat that can handle anything, the 2600 PUREBAY is definitely the right choice.
With Livewells and rod lockers, the 2600 PUREBAY has everything you need for a great day of bay fishing. The boat also comes with a stainless steel package that includes a trolling motor mount and grab rail. Under ideal weather conditions, you can also venture out for offshore fishing.
G3 BAY 18 GX
An all-welded .100 gauge aluminum hull and GX2 package make this one of the most durable and economical bay boats on the market. The Bay 18 GX is rated for up to 90 horsepower, giving you plenty of power to get where you need to go.
The Bay 18 GX comes standard with a trolling motor mount, fish finder, and rod holders. Optional Jackplates and a ski tow bar make this boat even more versatile.
Whether you’re fishing for trout in the backwaters or cruising around the bay, the G3 Bay 18 GX is a great choice for those looking for a value-priced bay boat.
Key Largo 2260WI
With an aerated Livewell and walkaround enclosure, this boat won’t fail to provide you with a great fishing experience. The Key Largo 2260WI also comes with an integrated swim platform which makes it easy to get in and out of the water.
Trolling motors are provided with mounts and the boat has a nice sized cockpit. It can accommodate up to 6people so you can easily take your friends or family out for a day of fishing.
Overall, the Key Largo 2260WI is a great choice for those looking for an affordable Bay Boat that is perfect for both bay and offshore fishing.
Maverick 18 HPX-V
With an 18-ft LOA and a 6-ft beam, the Maverick 18 HPX-V is a great choice for those looking for an affordable bay boat. Powered with hydraulic tilt steering and a bow casting platform, bay anglers will find this a pretty interesting option. It also has a large Livewell and plenty of storage for all your fishing gear.
Console rod rack port and starboard, 2 leaning posts with 4-rod holders each, and a trolling motor wiring are some of the other features that make this an attractive option for budget-minded bay anglers.
Mako 18 LTS
Perfect for shallow water angling and bay fishing this 100% composite bay boat is built to last with a limited lifetime warranty on the hull and an 8-year warranty on major components. This entry-level boat offers features and fishability usually only found on more expensive boats.
Affordable pricing isn’t the only thing that makes the Mako 18 LTS such a great value. This boat comes standard with a long list of features and options that are usually optional on other boats.
For example, the Livewell is aerated and recirculated to keep your bait (and catch) alive and healthy. And the fishing seats are mounted on 360-degree swivel bases so you can always be in the perfect position to set the hook.
If you’re looking for a boat that’s easy to trailer and simple to maintain, the Mako 18 LTS is a perfect choice. It’s also a great choice if you’re new to boating or if you’re downsizing from a larger boat.
Contender 25 Bay
Vaccum-infused hull and deck make these bay boats incredibly strong, stiff, and lightweight. A wide variety of fishing and seating options allow you to fish and entertain your way. The Contender 25 Bay takes advantage of its proven hull designs that have made Contender a reliable and durable name in the industry.
A 12 Gal. bait well, 2 large fish boxes, and a 340 Qt. Dry Storage, a heavy-duty Jackplate and custom electronic packages make these boats affordable and able to meet the demands of any serious fisherman.
Pathfinder 2200 TRS
A very successful model since 2015 the newly launched 2023 edition is an update that was much needed. The big selling point of the 2200 TRS is its impressive spacious interior, perfect for longer trips. With a 7-person seating capacity and a length of 21’ 9”, it is one of the larger models in its class.
Easy on pockets these boats are sure to make your bay fishing trips a lot more fun, comfortable and memorable. An automatic bilge pump and 28 Gallon Livewell facility are some of the features that make this model a favorite among its users.
Tidewater 1910 Bay Max
Known for their affordability and reliability these bay boats are perfect for saltwater fishing and offshore fishing. Powered with a Yamaha -115 HP outboard motor, the Tidewater 1910 Bay Max is able to reach speeds up to 45 MPH. This boat also features a live well, fish finder, bait station, and rod holders to make your fishing experience that much better.
An optional leaning post with cushions and a removable backrest can also be added to this boat for your convenience. If you are looking for a saltwater fishing boat that won’t break the bank, the Tidewater 1910 Bay Max is the perfect choice for you.
YELLOWFIN 24 BAY
Known for its fuel efficiency and dry ride, the Yellowfin 24 Bay is a great choice for serious anglers and families alike. With plenty of fishing features and storage, the 24 Bay will get you to your favorite spot and keep you comfortable while you’re there.
A 400 HP Verado will power this powerhouse to a top speed of 60 MPH, and with a fuel tank capacity of 72 gallons, you can stay out all day long. Affordable when compared with other bay boats on the market, the Yellowfin 24 Bay is a great value for those looking for a high-quality boat.
Whether you’re fishing for redfish in the marsh or chasing pelagics offshore, the Yellowfin 24 Bay is a versatile boat that can do it all.
Ranger 2360 BAY
Front casting decks, Livewells, storage, and the smooth ride that only a Ranger can provide…the 2360 Bay is everything you need in a bay boat and more.
With a 300 HP outboard, the 2360 Bay will get you where you need to go quickly and efficiently. And with a hull design that provides a dry ride, you can be sure that you and your gear will stay dry no matter what the conditions are like. Leaning post rod holders, a flip-flop cooler seat, and an integrated bait station are just a few of the features that make this boat perfect for serious anglers.
Robalo 266 CAYMAN
Yacht-certified and built on a hull that is designed for offshore fishing, the Robalo 266 Cayman is a versatile boat that can do it all. With plenty of seating and storage, the 266 Cayman is perfect for families or anglers who want to spend a day on the water.
Known for its offshore capabilities they won’t disappoint you for your bay fishing needs as well.
Powered with a single outboard, the 266 Cayman will get you to your favorite fishing spot quickly and efficiently. And with a fuel tank capacity of 110 gallons, you can stay out all day long.
Whether you’re fishing for snapper in the gulf or chasing sailfish offshore, the Robalo 266 Cayman is a versatile boat that can do it all.
Sportsman 207 BAY
Known for their performance and shallow draft these bay boats are sure to provide you with a great day of fishing or cruising around. 207 Bay is equipped with a Yamaha F150 four-stroke and aluminum trailer.
The boat also has a swim platform with a ladder, a leaning post with a Livewell, a fish box, rod holders, and storage compartments. Competitively priced, 207 Bay is a great value for the money.
Barker 26 CALIBOGUE BAY
The Barker 26 Calibogue Bay is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and affordable bay boat. With plenty of fishing features and storage, the 26 Calibogue Bay will get you to your favorite spot and keep you comfortable while you’re there.
With a 90 Gallon fuel capacity and a 25 Gallon transom cooler, 26 Calibogue Bay has everything you need to stay out on the water all day long. The 9”3″ beam provides a stable platform for fishing or cruising, and the hull design gives you a smooth, dry ride in even the choppiest conditions.
Xpress HYPER-LIFT 190 BAY
Economically priced and loaded with features, the Xpress Hyper-Lift 190 Bay is the perfect choice for those looking for great value in a bay boat. Injected foam construction design provides a hull that is lighter and stronger than traditional bay boats, and the Hyper-Lift hull design gives you a smooth, dry ride in even the choppiest conditions.
The Xpress Hyper-Lift 190 Bay is powered by a Yamaha F115 four-stroke outboard and comes with an aluminum trailer. Aerated Livewells, fish boxes, storage compartments, and a leaning post with rod holders are just a few of the features that make this boat perfect for serious anglers.
Bayliner T21Bay
With an M-hull design that provides a stable and comfortable ride, the Bayliner T21 is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive bay boat. The spacious layout and casting decks make this boat perfect for fishing, and the large bow area is great for relaxing or entertaining.
The Bayliner T21 is powered by a Mercruiser 3.0L engine and comes with an aluminum trailer. Fish boxes, storage compartments, and a Livewell are just a few of the features that make this boat perfect for serious anglers.
SKEETER SX210 BAY
Comfortable rides and top-of-the-line fishing features make the Skeeter SX210 Bay a great choice for those who want the best of both worlds. With plenty of seating and storage, the SX210 Bay is perfect for families or anglers who want to spend a day on the water.
Removable windshields, an integrated swim platform, and a leaning post with Livewell make this boat perfect for fishing. And with a fuel capacity of 46 gallons, you can stay out all day long.
Transducers are included to make this boat ready for serious fishing.
Conclude
With minimum gears on board, you can get started with bay fishing. With boat prices increasing there are plenty of budget-friendly options to get you started. fuel tank capacities, console sizes, and the addition of a live well are important factors to look for when choosing your first bay boat. All these boats have something unique to offer so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. Thanks for reading!
Clifford Slater is a seasoned writer with over 25 years of experience in boats and fishing trips. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in boats and fishing, he has become a recognized authority in the industry. Clifford has made it a point to regularly visit popular fishing destinations such as Florida and other places in the USA to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the field.
Over the years, Clifford has acquired a wealth of knowledge about boats and fishing, which he has shared through his writing. His articles and books are widely read by fishing enthusiasts and professionals alike, and his insights are highly valued by those seeking to improve their skills in the field. Clifford’s passion for boats and fishing is evident in his writing, and his readers appreciate the depth of his expertise and his ability to communicate complex topics in an engaging and accessible way.
Clifford Slater’s impressive credentials and dedication to his craft make him a trusted authority in the world of boats and fishing. His commitment to staying up to date with the latest developments in the industry, combined with his deep knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, ensures that his writing is always informative and valuable. For those seeking to improve their skills or simply enjoy the beauty of the sea, Clifford’s writing is a must-read.
