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PapaPogey
LSU Fan
Dulac, LA
Member since Apr 2008
37572 posts

quote:
Where would you throw Key West in that group?

Don't know much about them TBH. Great looking boats though.

DonChowder
LSU Fan
Sonoma County
Member since Dec 2012
9249 posts

I'm with the fellas saying that there are lots of great boats out there. I've got a Polar 181v. It's not the best boat but its about nine ax handles wide, barely sips fuel, catches fish, tows easily and can tow skiers. It's not gonna attract young tramps but it does the job. Just find a boat that fits most of your needs and you'll be happy...just ask JAB about the versatility of the almighty van.

LouisianaChessie
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since May 2010
2580 posts

If we are going on fit and finish and all around boats then this is where I'm going
Top tier: yellowfin
Second tier: Shearwater, pathfinder, blackjack
Third tier: Champion, ranger, triton
Fourth tier: frontier, nautica star, blue wave, blazer bay
Obviously I left some out and it doesn't mean that I think they are inferior these are just the really popular ones. For instance I also really like the majek and haynie boats but they are almost a breed all alone. Fwiw I have a 22' pathfinder and I really enjoy it. Not a great boat for breaking waves but it handles chop fine. They are all geared for different scenarios.

mack the knife
LSU Fan
EBR
Member since Oct 2012
3897 posts

i've had a Key West for 14 years now and have zero trouble with it other than routine maint.

OhFace55
Houston Astros Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2007
6982 posts

It's weird to see some people's preferences, but here's my 2 cents. These are my thoughts on boats I have ridden in.
Blue waves are good boats but I think they are starting to mass produce thek and raise the prices at the same time which can be a disaster.
Pathfinders and Blazer Bays are good riding boats for how much water they draw.
If you have the money a shearwater is a sweet riding boar and they can get in pretty skinny water.
I owned a blackjack and it is the best riding bay boat in chop that I have ever been in. Better than all boats previouslg mentioned and it isn'tt close.
The newer Tritons are good in chop as well. Still not as good as a blackjack but better than all the others.

Capt ST
Army Fan
Middle of the Mall
Member since Aug 2011
8937 posts

Company had a blackjack, I wasn't really impressed with it running out to the rigs. Handled very well running the marsh.
I think shearwater is fine, but I've heard some people grumbling about problems. I hear the YF is a bad mofo, but haven't been in their bayboat. Everglades I thought were well built until a buddy's livewell fell into the hull. I'm partial to Ranger, but it saved me and my wife's life so there's that. Pathfinder almost blew me up and others also. When they first came out they had an issue with fuel tank and it would leak back into bilge. They've obviously corrected the problem. Not sure if they are making them again, but that Avenger is a beast also. The Majek is bad arse also, can get up on plane in a heavy dew.

OhFace55
Houston Astros Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2007
6982 posts

I snapper fished at south timb 181 in my blackjack without any issues. A buddy of mine captains, had a blackjack and switched to a shearwater. Went back to blackjacks a year later. Everyone's entitled to their opinions though.

I have a blazer bay 2200 and love it. Not as fancy as shearwater, skeeter, etc. However it is a very dry boat and takes chop well and layout is designed for fishing!

bayoudude
LSU Fan
Houma
Member since Dec 2007
19911 posts

In the top tier i would put
Yellowfin, Black Jack, Shearwater, Edgewater,
Then
Triton, Skeeter, Ranger, Champion
Then
Everything else
A 20k bay boat will catch the same fish as a 80K just saying.

Topwater Trout
LSU Fan
Red Stick
Member since Oct 2010
61529 posts

Capt ST
Army Fan
Middle of the Mall
Member since Aug 2011
8937 posts

I'm going to have to assume it was slick as owl shite for you to even attempt that run in a 22' boat. Almost all handle well in calm seas. Your buddy go back to BJ because of the way they handled or the deal they made him?

specchaser
LSU Fan
lafayette
Member since Feb 2008
1999 posts

your best bet is to figure out 1)budget, 2)where you'll be fishing, and 3)type of fishing. Once you do that, you can narrow down your choices.

All of the boats listed are great boats... but I would strongly advise you to get shop in the +21 ft. range if you plan on running the outer bays/gulf. You get a much better ride once you get above 20 foot.

Motorboat
LSU Fan
At the camp
Member since Oct 2007
19622 posts

quote:
your best bet is to figure out 1)budget, 2)where you'll be fishing, and 3)type of fishing. Once you do that, you can narrow down your choices.

Yep. I agree. Tell us this OP

Bullredbf
LSU Fan
thibodaux
Member since Feb 2013
899 posts

top tier doesnt always mean its that much better of a boat. but the price tag will be substantially higher. Recently looked at shearwater 26, was 90K. having said that
top: shearwater, yellowfin, contender, blackjack
high quality: ranger, blazer bay, champion
good boats for the money: pathfinder, blue wave, nautic star
thats my 2 cents

jimbeam
USA Fan
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
58244 posts
Online

i like our xpress.
but have been in a 24 foot skeeter and that sucka was niccce.

Topwater Trout
LSU Fan
Red Stick
Member since Oct 2010
61529 posts

quote:
shearwater 26

26' bay boat? I hope it had twins?

ctiger69
New Orleans Saints Fan
New Orleans Saints/Pelicans Fan
Member since May 2005
28498 posts

quote:
Yellowfin, Black Jack, Shearwater, Edgewater,

I would definitely put Young Bay boats in the top tier. They are so expense is the reason you don't see them often. But if you can afford it you got a great boat.

yellowfin
Chicago Cubs Fan
Coastal Bar
Member since May 2006
93019 posts

quote:
Yellowfin,Shearwater>>>>>>>>>>>>>the rest.

I could name 10 bay boats I'd buy before a Shearwater....they're pretty but that's about it

quote:
top: shearwater, yellowfin, contender, blackjack
high quality: ranger, blazer bay, champion
good boats for the money: pathfinder, blue wave, nautic star

you have ranger and blazer bay above pathfinder?

DownshiftAndFloorIt
LSU Fan
Here
Member since Jan 2011
52915 posts

Page 123456

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Bedhog
LSU Fan
Denham Springs
Member since Apr 2019
3462 posts
Online

Image: https://d2qh54gyqi6t5f.cloudfront.net/boat_images/5/5147/5147025/blackjack-256-2017-for-sale-georgetown-south-carolina-united-states-of-america-001.jpg
I saw one over the weekend. It was the 256 and had the new Mercury 400R motor on it.
I was blown away at how beautiful the boat was. T top, dual 12' Simrads flush mounted to the console. All decking and rubbpoints inside had grey matting.
I'm pretty sure it's the most beautiful bay boat I've ever seen personally.
What manufacturers make better boats than this one?
Does Yellowfin still rank as the best?
Boat looked like this except the sea decking

CP3
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2009
6596 posts

If I was spending $120k on a boat, it would not be a bay boat
That being said they are pretty awesome

DownshiftAndFloorIt
LSU Fan
Here
Member since Jan 2011
52915 posts

Agreed. They are fine arse boats and have incredible lines. For what they cost, you can get a used very very nice over 30' center console. I cant spend 34 venture money on a 24 foot bay boat

Saskwatch
Ole Miss Fan
Member since Feb 2016
7147 posts
Online

Blackjack is a great boat. 'Best' is highly subjective. The 'nice' factor has been ramped up across the board in the bay boat sector. Take a trip to the next big boat show nearby and take a look at all the brands. Most have the dual electronic screens flush mounted with the T-tops that have molded in speakers and LEDs built in.
'Best' bay boat in my opinion would be Hells Bay Estero

Bedhog
LSU Fan
Denham Springs
Member since Apr 2019
3462 posts
Online

That's understandable but are they the best bay boats?

Motorboat
LSU Fan
At the camp
Member since Oct 2007
19622 posts

they are nice arse boats. 'best' is obviously subjective.
That said, if money were no object to me, I'd buy a brand new blackjack 24 for my inshore and mangrove needs.

DownshiftAndFloorIt
LSU Fan
Here
Member since Jan 2011
52915 posts

IMO, yes. They ride great. I'm still not a fan of the new liner hull boats and I'd love to see that hull with a rolled gunnel but given my choice for free of a 256 blackjack and other comparable boats out there, I'd take the blackjack

Bedhog
LSU Fan
Denham Springs
Member since Apr 2019
3462 posts
Online

Funny thing is I saw it tied up at the Prop Stop with a couple of Instagram looking girls taking pictures of themselves on the front of it with thongs on.

WHODAT514
New Orleans Saints Fan
Livingston
Member since Mar 2012
1760 posts

that's my next boat, ive been keeping an eye out on the used market of these. they are hard to find. I would for sure not buy a new one and rig it out for over 100k. I priced one a while back with no t top and a 300 yammy and it was right at 70-72k with no electronics or trolling motor. that being said im upgrading to one in a few years and selling my frontier.
my experience with K2 has been great anytime I needed something. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a blackjack over other boats in its class.

Bedhog
LSU Fan
Denham Springs
Member since Apr 2019
3462 posts
Online

I want to ride in an Everglades one day. I've heard they are very heavy but ride the best.

WHODAT514
New Orleans Saints Fan
Livingston
Member since Mar 2012
1760 posts

those are $$$$
but as far as the blackjack 256 ride, its hard to beat. it rides very well. a friend of mines dad has one and loves it. also a lot of guides are starting to use them now in cocodrie and port Sulphur

Bedhog
LSU Fan
Denham Springs
Member since Apr 2019
3462 posts
Online

Same with Yellowfin right? I was just amazed by the thoughtful layout of the hull, easy access side rod holder compartments, slight deadrise of the bow. And that 400R. I've never seen a 24' boat with a 400 racing motor on it

34venture
LSU Fan
Buffer Zone
Member since Mar 2010
11303 posts

quote:
I cant spend 34 venture money

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

reds on reds on reds
Mandeville
Member since Sep 2013
2597 posts

quote:
'Best' bay boat in my opinion would be Hells Bay Estero

Hell yes. Those things are gorgeous.
Grassy1 has a 256 Blakcjack. I'm sure he will be in here soon.

Tigah D
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2008
1077 posts

Beautiful lines, gaining popularity especially in the 25 ft realm. Fit and finish is strong from what I've seen first hand but limited to boat show kicking tires, haven't ridden in one.
Their new 'coastal' 25 footer is a concept I really like as well, with the open rear end like an offshore CC. Camp neighbor had one, loaded out, $120K. Can get a whole lot of other brand of boat for 120K, though.

DirtyMikeandtheBoys
LSU Fan
Member since May 2011
18369 posts

Scout 251 XSS
Image: https://www.scoutboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/251xss-running-1118_DM3A7577-683x1024.jpg
Image: https://www.scoutboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/251-xss-running-001-1024x731.jpg
Image: https://www.scoutboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/251-xss-lifestyle-001-1024x679.jpg
Image: https://www.scoutboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/251-xss-details-005-1024x684.jpg
Image: https://www.scoutboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/251-xss-details-009-1024x680.jpg
Image: https://www.scoutboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/251-xss-details-008-1024x680.jpg
Image: https://www.scoutboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/251-xss-details-003-1024x681.jpg
Image: https://www.scoutboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/251-xss-details-001-1024x681.jpg

'IMO, yes. They ride great. I'm still not a fan of the new liner hull boats and I'd love to see that hull with a rolled gunnel but given my choice for free of a 256 blackjack and other comparable boats out there, I'd take the blackjack'
You have to stop, it's infatuation and dangerous
Same with Yellowfin right? I was just amazed by the thoughtful layout of the hull, easy access side rod holder compartments, slight deadrise of the bow. And that 400R. I've never seen a 24' boat with a 400 racing motor on it
You need to get out more, Majek, Haynie have been hanging them since they came out.
If money were no object; Morada, Billfish, Dorado,YF

DownshiftAndFloorIt
LSU Fan
Here
Member since Jan 2011
52915 posts

I've never been on any of those other ones. Out of what I've fished blackjack has been the nicest. Yellowfin is the only one you've listed that I recall seeing in person. Theres not much of that stuff running around here. I think I've seen a few majeks but they look like strictly shallow water boats from what I remember

Marlo Stanfield
Houston Astros Fan
Member since Aug 2008
1226 posts

Barker is probably the overall best.
I have a buddy with a 24 Everglades and it is nice.
Another buddy just bought a 26 Crevelle and that’s a sweet rig. I know they had one a year or so back with a transom issue but I think they worked that out. They are really nice and can be rigged with a 400R also.

Barker filed for bankruptcy a couple weeks ago so whatever he has in the shop is probably the last of them. Mirrors and Lights shite and such.

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