The Boating Forum - Nauticstar Bay boat

I am looking at the 22 foot nauticstar bay boat for the dual purpose of fishing and family skiing. Any advice?

What type of fishing? The sides are a little low for inlets, aren't they?

It looks like a nice boat for what you described. I do not think it will handle the occasional 3 to 4 foot seas off shore adventures as well as some other bay boats. The fit and finish is nice for the price range.

If they were the same color and sitting beside one another unmarked, most would see a FishMaster. Same boat different name. Not that anything is wrong with either one. I have looked at both on the same lot and there isn't a dimes difference in hull design. Was told a 22 with a 200 HPDI ran in the 60's though, pretty fast if that was true and if that's what you like. As far as price range that boat loaded out with the Yam 200HPDI fighting lady yellow was asking price around $34,000. I didn't consider that a good enough price range for me for that boat..

I will mostly be fishing in the marshes so the lighter weight shouldn't be a problem. At the boat show they were in the mid $20's bare but I thought I could take it home loaded for anround 30. Is there a better boat for the money? Blazer Bay, Fishmaster ???

September 2003 a 2220 Blazer Bay with a 200 HPDI, standard equip, Alum tandem axle trailer with Riptide bow mount, Lenco trim tabs, 3-bank charger, 3 batteries, and full tank of Gas/Oil out the door was $33,920. A blazer 2200 same set up was 300 less. You have not said what HP motor you looked at on the Nautic Star so if you are looking at smaller HP motors than a 200 HP naturally the costs will be lower.

In the 21’ class, 20-30k, range well equipped and sufficiently powered, Sea Pro and Key West comes to my mind.

My bay boat needs are similar to BKJ's. I fish lakes 99% of the time w/ only occasional trips to the coast.

I've looked long and hard at the Nautic Star, even traveling to their plant in Mississippi for a tour and test ride. The boat is really nice, far better than a Fishmaster. Look under the deck and you'll see why.

I hope to buy a new boat this year in the 22 foot class. Boats on my short list are the Nautic Star, Key West, and the new Sea Pro. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these brands.

I've had my NauticStar for a few months now. Fantastic Boat... no major problems... two small problems both immediately remedied under warranty by the dealer. So far, I couldn't be happier. There's SO much storage, and the finish, fittings, and design are excellent (IMHO).

Luis

ps... almost totally loaded my 2200 was under 29K OUT THE DOOR... BMT (ALL aluminum Trailer) with Garmin 240 Blue DepthFinder, 24V Trolling Motor, SS Prop, Bimini Top... and a few other options... runs 45 WOT with full fishing gear, 4-5 people. Takes 2' seas well.. haven't been out in worse yet.