Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

[jdlough]

OK, so a Dual Console (DC) is kinda like a Bow Rider, except a DC usually has a fiberglass, self-bailing deck, higher free board, less cushions, and is in general a more seaworthy boat.

So, what's the deal with describing a boat as a "Bay Boat"? Does it mean lesser than an Ocean Boat? Does it mean that it has a lower draft? Or the bow doesn't flair out as much? Or the "V" isn't quite as sharp"?

Take Sea Hunt for example. They have the Edge, Ultra, and BX series. They come right out and say that the BX is a Bay Boat, but what about the other ones? And what's the diff? Am I missing some marketer's code words?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

So, what's the deal with describing a boat as a "Bay Boat"? Does it mean lesser than an Ocean Boat? Does it mean that it has a lower draft? Or the bow doesn't flair out as much? Or the "V" isn't quite as sharp"?

I think that's pretty much it. A bay boat is just a bit less 'capable' than an ocean runner in most respects. Might have a narrower beam, less weight, etc.

- My 27' Four Winns (17 deg deadrise and 9' 4" bem) is a bay boat. Friend's 26' Blackfin (24 deg deadrise and 12' beam) is ocean capable.
- Friends' 32' Carver Mariner and 34' Silverton Convertible (shallow deadrise, moderate beam and weight) are bay boats. Other friends' 34' and 38' Trojan 'battlewagons' are ocean capable.

What does a comparison of the specs on those Sea Hunt boats tell you?

 

[emoney]

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

I've always tho't of a Bay Boat as having less draft and a shorter freeboard. More closely related to a Bass Boat, but
not as "thin".

 

[Thales14]

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

I'm interested in the same thing.
Had thought it was the degree of dead rise/angle of the "v", (which I now have learned that the sharper angle helps maneuver and cut through the waves, but if it's too sharp, especiallly with a narrow beam, the boat gets tippy from side to side).
I'm lookIng to buy a bow rider, but would want one that can do some ocean cruising as we have both bays and open water in our area.
Any information on this useful topic is much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

A "Bay" boat is a ?saltwater? bass boat. They feature a shallow draft, low freeboard, low deadrise,(no rocking) high HP boat built primarily for fishing. Often referred to as a "flats" boat.

http://www.pathfinderboats.com/

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

Re: Bigger boat. Bay Boat vs Ocean Boat distinctions?

A "Bay" boat is a “saltwater” bass boat. They feature a shallow draft, low freeboard, low deadrise,(no rocking) high HP boat built primarily for fishing. Often referred to as a "flats" boat.

http://www.pathfinderboats.com/

That sums it up well (and pathfinder is a good one) except that many bass boats have the cathedral hull (like a whaler) where bay boat have a V. Sometimes the interior of "bay" and "ocean" hulls are the same (ex. Center console) but it's hull design that matters.

I think "flats" is a better description b/c bay boats don't do so well in the bay; they are best inshore. A skilled operator can take one anywhere but it takes work and you get wet, so they are not as versitile and you are more limited by weather; less limited by depth.

because they are flatter and generally lighter, they can run a smaller engine, which saves $$ on purchase and operation, and ride on a smaller trailer. They are also rougher in chop, being flatter (I sometimes hear them called semi-V or modified V as opposed to deep v).

I have one of each. A friend has a 21' pathfinder and by picking his days can go offshore (ocean and bay). His is also good for general family recreation, and great for inshore use (flats, marsh and beaches). I use my bay boat now just in the marshes but have had it out in big water. I use the deep V in the bay and harbor but have been able to sneak around in right shallow water--as long as it has a soft bottom!