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
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Stott Craft 2160
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Key West 210 Bay Reef
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Pathfinder 2200 TRS
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Bulls Bay 2200
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Sportsman Tournament 214
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Yellowfin 21
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Bay Blue Wave 2200 PureBay
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Canyon Bay 22B
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Dusky 218 RL
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Action Craft 2110 Bay
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Robalo 226 Cayman
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Sea Born FX 22
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Frontier 2104
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Sea Hunt BX 22
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Skeeter SX 210
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Sea Pro 228
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Tidewater 2110 Bay Max
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Hill Tide 22
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Carolina Skiff 21 LS
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Sea Chaser 21 LX
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NauticStar 215 Bay
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Wellcraft 221 Bay
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Blackjack 224
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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
Skeeter SX 210 bay boat

Skeeter is another well known freshwater brand that has entered the saltwater market. They sell a nice model in the 22 foot bay boat range with their Skeeter SX 210 bay boat. It is a quality boat at a mid range price with a lot of storage, bait wells, and comfortable seating. A couple guide buddies of mine have them and they really like them.
Specifications
Length on Trailer (Towing Length) |
29′ 5″ |
Length on Trailer (with Motor in Towing Position and Swing-Away Tongue Folded) |
26′ 7″ |
Length on Trailer w/Motor Trimmed Vertical w/Swing-Away Tongue Folded (shortest length) |
25′ 8″ |
Width on Trailer |
102″ |
Boat Length |
21′ 6″ |
Beam |
98″ |
Engine Shaft Length |
25″ |
Max. Height on Trailer (Console Rail Folded) |
85″ |
Max. Height on Trailer (Console Rail Up) |
104″ |
Interior Depth (at console) |
18″ |
Draft |
10″ |
Standard Boat Weight |
2300 lbs. |
Max. H.P. |
200 h.p |
Sea Pro 228 Bay Series
The Sea Pro 228 Bay Series is a nice, mid sized bay boat that is versatile and has a price range in the middle of the market. It is a tad big, but they also offer a smaller 20 foot model. It is a decent boat at a reasonable price for anglers who do a nice mix of inshore, nearshore, and family fishing.
Specifications
Length 22’ 8”
Beam 8’ 4”
Fuel 61 gal.
Max h.p. 250 h.p.
Live well (2ea.) 16 gal.
Deadrise @ Transom 15°
Draft 12”
Fish Box 150 qt.
Cooler 40 qt.
Dry Weight (w/o motor) 2,325 lbs.
Tidewater 2110 Bay Max

The Tidewater 2110 Bay Max is an entry level bay boat that gets anglers out on the water at a very affordable price. The boat is pretty bare bones, but there are a lot of options available at additional costs.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Centerline
21′ 6″
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Beam
8′ 2″
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Weight
2100 lbs.
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Fuel Capacity
56 gal.
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Max Hp
200 HP
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Deadrise At Transom
21°
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Livewell Capacities
AFT: 20 gal.
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Fishbox Capacities
Forward 52 gal
Draft 12”
Fish Box 150 qt.
Cooler 40 qt.
Dry Weight (w/o motor) 2,325 lbs.
Hill Tide 22

The Hill Tide 22 is a very high end bay boat offered by Bonefish Boatworks. It is almost a very large flats boat and is a perfect boat for the shallow waters of Florida and the Gulf Coast. It has large decks, tons of storage and wells, and offers a nice, dry ride for a boat of this size. It is priced on the high side, but holds it’s value well.
Specifications
Length 22’
Beam 8’7″
Transom Height 25”
Max Horsepower 300hp
Max Persons 6
Draft 9”
Fuel Capacity Standard 44 gallons
Fuel Capacity Optional 63 gallons
Weight 2,200 pounds
Baitwell 1 Standard 20 gallons
Baitwell 1 Optional 35 gallons
Baitwell 2 25 gallons
Anchor Stock Width 22″
Gunnel Height 17″
Width on Trailer 10′
Length on Trailer 32′
Height on Trailer 7’6″
Carolina Skiff 21 LS
Carolina Skiff has been providing anglers with an affordable boating option for a long time. Their entry in the 22 bay boat category is the Carolina Skiff 21 LS. Like all of their boats, this is a practical, affordable, no frills boat that is easy to maintain and clean and gets the job done. It is a good all round family boat as well.
- Length Over All:
21’ft 1″in
- Beam:
96″in
- Gunnel Height:
23″in
- Boat Weight:
2100Lbs
- Fuel Capacity:
30Gal
- Transom Size:
25″in
- Draft (approx):
7″in
- Maximum Weight:
2695Lbs
- Maximum Person:
10
- Maximum HP:
175HP
Sea Chaser 21 LX

The Sea Chaser 21 LX is a boat in the Carolina Skiff family. It is a reasonably priced boat at an entry level price. It does not have the fit and finish of other boats, but it does not have the price, either.
- Length Over All:
20’ft 7″in
- Beam:
103″in
- Boat Weight:
1872Lbs
- Fuel Capacity:
52Gal
- Transom Size:
25″in
- Maximum HP:
200HP
NauticStar 215 Bay

The NauticStar 215 Bay is a versatile boat for anglers who put some emphasis on comfort and who do more than just fish. It is a versatile and comfortable boat in the mid price range. They also offer a tunnel version for more serious flats fishing.
Standard HP (with BayStar Pro Hydraulic Steering)
Maximum HP (with SeaStar Pro Hydraulic Steering)
Approximate Boat Weight (Dry weight without motor or t-top)
In-Console Livewell/Baitwell
Wellcraft 221Bay

The Wellcraft 221 Bay is a bay boat, but is quite heavy with a deep draft. It is a good all-round boat for a variety of inshore fishing, but not the best choice for shallow water anglers. This is a very good family boat as it is dry and comfortable with a lot of available options.
Blackjack 224

The Blackjack 224 is a high quality bay boat that is priced accordingly. It offers a lot of space and a smooth dry ride, despite being fairly light for it’s size. It is an excellent all-round inshore and nearshore bay boat. Quite a few premium features are standard.
BlackJack 224 Specs
- Center-Line Length: 22″ 4″
- Overall Length: 23″ 1″
- Beam: 8′ 3″
- Draft: 12-14″ est
- Engine Rating: 300 HP
- Fuel Capacity: 70 gal
- Hull Weight: 1950 lbs
Blazer Bay 2200

The Blazer Bay 2200 is a nice bay boat with a lot of standard features. It is moderately priced considering the quality and rigging. A ton of additional options are available. This is a nice boat from a family owned business.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length: 21 Feet 10 Inches
LOA W/ Trailer & Motor: 25 Feet 4 Inches
Beam (approx): 7 Feet 8 Inches
Draft Fully Loaded: 12 Inches
Dry Weight (approx): 1750 Pounds Boat Only
Maximum Capacity: 1250 Pounds
Persons Capacity: 8 (eight)
Maximum HP: 200
Recommended HP: 150
Minimum HP: 115
Transom Height: 25 Inches
Fuel Capacity: 49 Gallons
Dead rise At Transom: 17 Degrees
Interior Freeboard: 20 Inches
In conclusion, this 22 foot bay boat comparison article should help perspective anglers understand the options available to them.