Bay Powerboat Values

When it comes to saltwater fishing boats, center console boats dominate the scene. Within the world of center consoles, there’s one specific design that's tailored for coastal anglers: the bay boat. Whether you're fishing the flats, shallow bays, or inshore waters, bay boats offer the perfect blend of performance, shallow draft, and fishability.

Bay boats are specialized center consoles designed for inshore and nearshore fishing. Ranging between 18 to 24 feet in length, bay boats feature lower gunwales and shallow hulls with moderate deadrise (typically 14 to 18 degrees). This design allows them to access shallow waters while maintaining enough capability to handle moderate offshore conditions.

Most bay boats are equipped with essential fishing features such as livewells, rod holders, rod racks, fishboxes, and casting decks—making them a top choice for serious saltwater anglers.

Top bay boats today often include Power Pole shallow water anchors, allowing you to quickly stake out in up to 10 to 12 feet of water with the push of a button. Traditional bow anchor lockers are still common, but newer models prioritize accessibility even when electric trolling motors are installed. Look for designs with recessed cleats and secure tie-offs to keep the deck snag-free.

Elevated casting decks at the bow and stern are essential. They should offer enough space for two anglers to fish comfortably. Flush-mounted hatches and hardware prevent stubbed toes, and a raised toe-kick around the deck edge helps with balance and stability. Minimize snags by choosing boats with pop-up cleats and low-profile deck lights.

Depending on your fishing style, you may prefer wide gunwales you can stand on for extra casting height, or narrow gunwales that maximize cockpit space. Choose the design that best suits your fishing priorities.

The majority of bay boats have semi-V hulls for a good balance of stability and performance. Some anglers prefer tunnel hull bay boats for ultra-shallow running, though poorly designed tunnel hulls can cause ventilation issues. Power catamaran bay boats are also available, offering a smoother ride but different handling characteristics. Flat-bottom bay boats are budget-friendly and extremely stable but tend to deliver a wetter, bumpier ride in choppy conditions.

A quality bay boat should have at least two independent livewells—one forward and one aft—with rounded interiors to prevent bait stress. Livewells should each hold at least 20 gallons, and a blue interior color helps keep baitfish calm. Avoid systems that share pumps with the washdown system to ensure strong, consistent flow.

When buying a bay boat, bigger engines mean better speed, range, and resale value. Look for boats equipped with a jack plate for shallow-water performance and an electric trolling motor for stealth fishing in skinny waters.

Top-rated bay boats feature vertical rod racks along the console, additional rod storage at the bow and stern, and at least four gunwale-mounted rod holders for trolling or drift fishing. Flip-up jump seats in the aft casting deck provide extra comfort without sacrificing deck space. Pedestal fishing seats are excellent for stationary fishing but are not ideal for high-speed runs. A T-top provides much-needed sun protection and can extend your fishing endurance on hot days. T-tops should be strong, feature integrated rocket launchers for rods, and include options like spreader lights and electronics boxes. Bimini tops are less ideal because their frames can obstruct casting.

If you’re serious about inshore saltwater fishing, a bay boat offers the perfect combination of shallow-water access, open casting space, and dependable performance. Whether you’re stalking redfish on the flats, chasing tarpon along coastal edges, or fishing the back bays, a well-chosen bay boat will take your angling adventures to the next level.

3ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ