22 Foot Bay Boat Comparison for 2021

This article will be a 22 foot bay boat comparison. There are a lot of choices in larger bay boats, in the 24-25 foot range, as they are quite popular of late. However, when I was shopping for a boat, I found that there were less options for slightly smaller boats. Some very well known brands no longer offer a model in the 22 foot size range. Therefore, I thought I would write a post listing these options.

Bay boats have similar qualities, including decks fore and aft, plenty of storage, big live wells, run fairly shallow but are still safe to run offshore or nearshore on a good day. They also have lower gunnels so that anglers can use a bow mount trolling motor. For the most part, the layouts are very similar. Specifications will be included where possible. Each boat has a link to the manufacturers website for more information.

My name is Capt Jim Klopfer and I run fishing charters in Sarasota, Florida. As any experienced boater realizes, every boat is a compromise. I wanted a bay boat in the 21-22 foot range, light enough to run on a 150 and light enough that a single axle trailer would be adequate. I mostly fish inshore, so room, draft, and stability were more important than a great ride in rough water.

The best 22 foot bay boat (for me) is the Stott Craft 2160

After much research, I settled on the Stott Craft 2160 bay boat. Stott Craft is a small company near Ocala, Florida. They build to suit and sell directly to the customer, which results in significant savings. It is light, very stable and roomy, runs fine with a 150 Yamaha, has plenty of cushioned seating, has plenty of storage, and is very easy to clean and maintain. It is a simple, functional fishing boat, which is exactly what I needed.

This boat solves a couple of problems that I see in bay boats; too much deck and too large a console. One thing that I really like is the small console. In my opinion, too many bay boats have these huge consoles, which waste space. Also, the boat has roomy fore and aft casting decks, yet still a ton of space in the floor of the boat. Many of my clients are not comfortable standing up higher. The downside is the ride, it is flat and pounds a bit in a stiff chop. However, for what I do stability and room are more important.

Specifications

• O/A Length …… 21’6″
• Beam …………. 7’9″
• Draft ………….. 10″
• Dry Weight …… 1650lbs
• Transom Height . 25″
• Maximum Load . 1900lbs
• Persons ……….. 7
• HP Rating …….. 115-200
• Fuel Capacity … 59gal

Cost with a boat, 150 hp motor, and trailer is $35,000

22 foot bay boat comparison

While shopping for my boat, I ran across many other options. Full disclosure, I have not owner them and have only been in a couple. Therefore, this list is based on research, not practical experience. However, hopefully it will save other anglers a little time in their boat shopping process. Prices vary so much and most dealers do not list them. Therefore, unless easily obtained, anglers will have to get their own prices.

The list of 22′ bay boats is

• Stott Craft 2160

• Key West 210 Bay Reef

• Pathfinder 2200 TRS

• Bulls Bay 2200

• Sportsman Tournament 214

• Yellowfin 21

• Bay Blue Wave 2200 PureBay

• Canyon Bay 22B

• Dusky 218 RL

• Action Craft 2110 Bay

• Robalo 226 Cayman

• Sea Born FX 22

• Frontier 2104

• Sea Hunt BX 22

• Skeeter SX 210

• Sea Pro 228

• Tidewater 2110 Bay Max

• Hill Tide 22

• Carolina Skiff 21 LS

• Sea Chaser 21 LX

• NauticStar 215 Bay

• Wellcraft 221 Bay

• Blackjack 224

• Blazer Bay 2200

Key West 210 Bay Reef

I am listing the Key West 210 Bay Reef next since I am familiar with the line. I owned two 196 Bay Reef boats, and liked them a lot. It is a quality boat with a lot of extras. It does have a lot of decking along with good storage. It is heavier, which requires a larger engine and trailer. The cost is higher as well. It rides very well but not as shallow. This is a great boat for anglers mixing up inshore and nearshore fishing.

Specifications

• Length: 21’1″
• Weight: 1900 lbs
• Boat Capacity: 7 ppl
• Fuel Capacity: 50 gal
• Maximum HP: 250 HP
• Recommended HP: 150-200 HP
• Dead Rise: 19°
• Draft: 12″
• Beam: 8′
• Transom: 25″

Pathfinder 2200 TRS

Pathfinder boats are very popular in Florida and all along the coast. They are a highly desired brand with excellent resale value. The 2200 TRS is their entry in the 22 foot range. It is a bit heavy, but is wide and still floats fairly shallow for a boat of it’s size. It is an excellent all round boat.

2200 TRS Specifications