Buying Bay Fishing Boats: What to Look For

Bay Boats

Bay fishing boats like the Scout 251 XS and 231 XS are highly-functional vessels that allow you to cruise through deeper water while fishing in shallow, tighter areas. In most cases, a bay boat will have a relatively deep hull and provide a smooth, consistent ride across the water. They have a dry ride yet allow anglers to easily access the water and usually have a casting deck for more convenient, accessible fishing. So what should you look for when buying bay fishing boats? You can start by keeping an eye out for these important features…

PLENTY OF ROD STORAGE

When buying bay fishing boats, you’ll want to ensure you have enough storage for all of your rods and reels, as well as your fishing tackle. Fortunately, a Scout bay boat will have all the equipment storage you need. The 231 XS bay boat, for example, has vertical console rod storage, lockable storage boxes, and a total of six flush mount rod holders. These features allow you to do more fishing with the perfect equipment for the fish of your choice.

CAPABLE OF DEEP AND SHALLOW WATER

Bay boats may not be designed for lengthy offshore adventures, but they should be able to handle occasional chop and waves. If you’re considering buying a bay boat, you’ll need to be aware of how it will handle a range of conditions. Bays can have some intense weather, so your boat needs to be able to handle this with smooth, reliable safety. At Scout, all of our hulls are designed specifically to fit the size of your boat, allowing you to maintain a quality ride even in rougher waters. Thanks to a shallow depth, our bay boats can also reach remote fishing areas that are unavailable to larger vessels.

PASSENGER CAPACITY

How many people will be joining you on your bay fishing boat? Is it a large group or one fishing buddy? When buying bay fishing boats, look for one that has the right capacity for your needs. You’ll be much happier with your purchase.

PLANING AND RIDE QUALITY

When a boat accelerates, the front automatically goes upward, limiting visibility while reducing speed and efficiency. A quality bay fishing boat will quickly get to plane, meaning it will level out right away and move forward smoothly. When cruising at higher speeds, you also want a boat that cuts through the water and doesn’t bounce and bump with every wave.

A QUALITY ENGINE

The best hull design in the world won’t matter if you don’t have a quality engine backing it up. Scout bay fishing boats use powerful and reliable Yamaha engines to ensure you have the finest boating experience possible. These engines deliver speed and efficiency, and they are the perfect choice when buying bay fishing boats.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMFORT FEATURES

When you are looking to buy a top-quality bay boat, you’re likely going to want something that has plenty of family-friendly features. Features like a swim platform, wave gate, stain-resistant vinyls, and cell phone chargers make the boat more enjoyable for the entire group.

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