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Random Quote: I may not be as good as I once was, but I'll be as good once as I ever was !
Anyone have any info on this boat or can tell me which boat is better a 24' seapro bay boat or the hydrasport 23' bay boat. I would really like to know the diff. between the hieght of the freeboard, what is it on the hydrasport?
I haven't spent a lot of time on a Sea Pro, But I did spend a lot of time on the Hydrasport with a 200hp E-TEC. It would run about 50-51mph and was very quiet. It was an awesome boat with a great hull and it has lots of storage and a good layout. It runs great in chop and will even handle offshore runs on small days.
I have a 2300 BayBolt and good freind has a 23 Sea Pro the Sea Pro is a good boat inshore but offshore I dont think it would hold up over time. The BayBolt is heavy and built strong and will float loaded in a foot in a half of water. I took mine to Marathoon in June and fished in 2-4's and one day of 3-5's up to 33 miles offshore (yes it was wet but I never felt unsafe) most of the time the boat is used for inshore and beach front fishing. I run a Z250 with jackplate and 4deg of wedges to give me more negitive trimm. I get great MPG and can run near 55mph with normal load. I cant say anything but good things on this setup
but everyone is different. If you want give me a call 912-658-8038 Capt James Moore
I like BB alot, have a 23'.
Possible downsides:
The conslole is on the small side, some may like that, others want something to stand behind. If your planning on flats fishing, the hull can be a bit noisey. When it comes to a sea as mentioned above, its alittle wet.
Positives:
Great ride in a chop. Plenty of overboard drains that work well. Storage is super. Fly rod storage great. The larger livewell option is worth looking into.
All in all, the BB has exeeded any limitations I thought she would have.
Pete
The only time I get wet is over 2' and wind is over 15mph but in most boats you will find that the wind will be getting you wet not the boat. The only way to pick the right boat for you is test ride everthing you can and you can tell what works the best for your needs. I tested Pathfinders,Tritons,Scout,Skeeter,Rinnali,Action Craft,Everglades,Ranger but for me the Bay Bolt had all of the qualities I was looking for. I did keep my list to the upper level of boats that fell in my price range.
Not to discount other boats but I wanted a better quality boat then say Sea Hunt or Sea Pro. I do believe that it is true you get what you pay for my short list came down to the 24 Pathfinder and the 2300 Bay Bolt and I am happy with my choice.
I recently ordered the 23 with the Yami 250 4 stroke and the jackplate. I found the 200 4 stroke to be very sluggish out of the hole, although w.o.t. was 43mph with a t-top. Not bad for a 4k+ lbs setup. I'm hoping the variable timing on the 250 and the jackplate will be ticket.
Out of the bayboats that I tested, the Baybolt was far better than the others. I never tested the seapro so cannot comment on it, but out the the ones that I did seatrial, the Bolt stood out compared to the rest. It is a very heavy bayboat (3435) ,so you need the most HP that you can put on it (rated for 300 hp for the 05 models) Mine seemed a little sluggish with the f225, but putting a 10" Bobs plate helped a good deal with overall performance. I see 48 to 49 mph wot now compared to 46 to 47 before with the ability to get up in MUCH shallower water. The freeboard from the deck is 19" in the rear and 23" up front. This big boy floats in very shallow water (10" advertised) but more like 14" to 16" loaded. Tabs are a must to get the best performance in different conditions. Like previously stated, the console is small, so there is little room for mounting electronics. Overall, this is a very nice boat with the ability to go shallow along with going offshore on decent days. For bayboats in this price range, it is the ultimate.
Drue, when are you taking delivery of yours. I'm curious to see how the 250 performs
Russ
Russ,
I was told that it would hit the mold in mid January, which would have it in N.O. the second week of Feb. We'll see. I've ordered boats in the past and they never arrived on time. As long as I have it before the big trout hit the beach, I'll be fine.
This boat is great for me, i have the 200 saltwater yamaha, trim tabs, and the factory t-top. 4' seas or less are great for this boat, but lets be for real here, 2' is ideal.
I spent a full year looking at bay boats, from the bottom to the top. they all have there up and down.
The bay bolt is as close as it get to a all round boat of it size, run shallow, runs deep, alot of room every were, plenty of room for a family.
mtpockets, what kind of #'s are you getting with that motor ? I'm looking at an 04 model with that same motor, but sounds like everyone is saying thats not enough motor. Did they change that boat at all in 05 from the 04?
The 200 SW Series has been more than enough. Can't comment too much on the 4 strokes. Tested a F225, had it up to 50mph. I felt it was fine. Liked the 2 stroke out of the hole, been on the market for a while w/o issues.
Tabs are a good idea.
how fast is fast enough, with my boat full of gas, 2 people, and full of food, drinks ,ice, and every spot with a rod in it .
45 mph, that is plenty fast for anyone.
empty it will run 50+.
all this with the t-top.
mine is a 04, the 05 is the same.
Hydrasport 23 Baybolt 
