Bay boats have become some of the most versatile vessels on the water, blending the shallow-draft capability needed for inshore fishing with the stability and comfort to handle open bays and nearshore runs. They’re designed for anglers who want to chase redfish on the flats one day and head offshore for snapper the next, but they’ve also evolved into family-friendly platforms with plenty of seating, storage, and smart layouts. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get one. With a budget of under $100,000, there are a number of high-quality options that deliver strong performance, modern features, and lasting value. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 bay boats that prove you can enjoy the best of both fishing and family boating without breaking six figures.

---

Sportsman Masters 227

Base Price: $90,725

The Sportsman Masters 227 sits at the higher end of the under-$100K range, but it earns its place with the sheer amount of value packed in. Unlike many competitors at this price point, Sportsman outfits the boat with premium features right out of the gate — a Garmin display at the helm, a JL Audio system, and even a three-sided windshield built into the fiberglass hardtop. On deck, the layout leans heavily toward fishing versatility. There’s a spacious forward casting deck, a full rear casting platform, and no shortage of storage boxes tucked into the bow. Perhaps the most eye-catching detail is the pair of aquarium-style livewells at the stern, a design that’s as functional as it is fun to look at. For boaters who want a loaded package without piling on upgrade costs, the Masters 227 offers an impressive mix of performance and practicality.

---

Ranger 2360 Bay

Base Price: $89,995

Ranger may be best known for its bass boats, but the 2360 Bay shows the company can build a competitive bay boat too. It keeps a strong focus on fishing, with a well-sized leaning post baitwell, a wide forward casting deck, and plenty of built-in storage compartments to keep gear organized. What sets the 2360 apart is the flexibility it offers buyers — factory options range from electronics packages to trolling motors and shallow-water anchors, making it easy to rig the boat exactly the way you want. And since Ranger falls under the Bass Pro Shops White River Marine Group, ordering one can be as simple as walking into your local Bass Pro Shops and starting the process. For anglers who want quality, practicality, and an easy buying experience, the Ranger 2360 Bay is a solid choice.

---

Sea Pro 250 Bay

Base Price: $93,478

If you’re looking for size and value, the Sea Pro 250 Bay delivers both. Stretching to just under 25 feet, it’s one of the largest bay boats available for under $100,000 — and it comes with more than just the basics. The design checks all the right boxes for serious inshore anglers: a shallow draft, expansive casting decks at both bow and stern, and multiple livewells to keep your baits healthy all day. It’s a boat built with fishing at the forefront, whether that means working the marsh for redfish or pushing out to the jetties on calmer days. While the helm seating is comfortable, overall passenger seating is more limited compared to some family-oriented models, a tradeoff that reflects its focus on angling efficiency. For those who want maximum water coverage and fishability in a big bay boat without breaking six figures, the 250 Bay makes a strong case.

---

Robalo 226 Cayman

Base Price: $69,895

The Robalo 226 Cayman blurs the line between a traditional bay boat and a hybrid, thanks to its blend of forward seating and a raised forward casting deck. True to Robalo’s reputation, the boat is built with heft and durability in mind — it’s a bit heavier and draws slightly more water than some competitors, but that tradeoff comes with the confidence of a solid ride. The layout leans more family-friendly than some other bay boats, with recessed bow seating that keeps passengers off the deck while still leaving plenty of room to fish. And when it comes to live bait, the 226 Cayman is unmatched, boasting an impressive 80 gallons of capacity spread across three separate livewells. That mix of comfort and fishing functionality makes it a versatile pick for boaters who want a platform that can handle both cruising days and serious fishing trips.

---

Sea Hunt BX22BR

Base Price: $62,030

As the top-selling saltwater center console brand, it’s no surprise that Sea Hunt also makes a strong showing in the bay boat market. The BX22BR is not only one of the more affordable models on this list, but it also comes equipped with features that many builders would consider upgrades. Standard equipment includes a 9-inch Garmin display, Bennett trim tabs, and a JL Audio sound system so enough to get you on the water without having to add a pile of extras. The BX22BR is aimed at the weekend warrior angler, offering the confidence to fish shallow marshes one day and head into a little more open water in the harbor the next. Seating is kept modest, with three transom bench seats in addition to the helm, but this boat isn’t built for carrying a crowd. It’s built for fishing, and it does that well.

---

Pathfinder 2200 TRS

Base Price: $79,905

Pathfinder has built its reputation on high-quality bay boats, and the 2200 TRS shows why. Designed to slip into shallow waters that larger hulls can’t reach, it’s a serious fishing platform built with inshore performance in mind. Anglers will appreciate the wide casting decks, generous storage, and the overall layout that keeps everything within easy reach when the bite is on. Yet the TRS in its name, which stands for “Third Row Seating”, hints at its family-friendly side. With cushions for the forward casting deck that convert it into a sunpad, plus additional seating options aft, the 2200 TRS manages to strike a balance between a dedicated fishing machine and a boat that can still keep the crew comfortable. For boaters who want shallow-water access without giving up versatility, this model sits right in the sweet spot.

---

Skeeter SX230

Base Price: $83,520

Best known for its bass boats, Skeeter has also stepped into the saltwater market with a bay boat lineup that carries over much of the brand’s fishing DNA. The SX230 is a prime example, taking a more minimalistic approach than some of its competitors but focusing squarely on what serious anglers want most: space and fishability. The wide, uncluttered casting decks at the bow and stern give anglers room to work lines from multiple positions, while the clean layout keeps distractions to a minimum. Though the design is pared down compared to some feature-heavy models, the SX230 maintains a sleek, modern profile that turns heads at the dock. This is a bay boat built for anglers who value simplicity, open space, and a platform designed first and foremost for fishing.

---

Avid 23 Fusion

Base Price: $53,429

The Avid 23 Fusion stands out on this list as the only aluminum bay boat, and that comes with some distinct advantages. Aluminum hulls are known for their toughness — they can handle the occasional scrape against an oyster bar or a bump on a shallow flat without the worry that comes with fiberglass. At 23 feet, the Fusion provides plenty of room to fish, with expansive casting decks, generous storage, and livewells sized to keep bait and catch ready for a full day on the water. The lighter weight of aluminum also means easier trailering and, in many cases, better fuel efficiency. While it may not have the same sleek finish as a fiberglass bay boat, the Avid 23 Fusion makes up for it with rugged durability and practical fishability. For anglers who fish hard and want a bay boat that can take a few knocks along the way, the Fusion is an appealing option.

---

NauticStar 224 Bay

Base Price:  $67,144

The NauticStar 224 Bay delivers the classic bay boat experience in a package that balances affordability with function. At 22 feet, it feels right at home whether you’re poling along grass flats or working oyster points, offering a shallow draft and open casting space that give it a true inshore feel. While it doesn’t come with as many factory-installed extras as some competitors, the 224 Bay still provides a strong foundation with features like multiple livewells, plenty of rod storage, and a layout designed around fishing efficiency. The value factor is where it shines, buyers can step into a capable bay boat without stretching the budget, then add on the upgrades and accessories that best fit their style of boating. For anglers who want a dependable and affordable entry into bay boat ownership, the NauticStar 224 Bay is a practical choice.

---

Pioneer Bay Sport 220

Base Price: $60,438

The Pioneer 220 Bay Sport is built to be a true crossover, offering a balance of fishing utility and family comfort in a 22-foot package. On the fishing side, it has the shallow draft and wide casting decks you’d expect from a bay boat, along with multiple livewells and rod storage that make it easy to stay organized on the water. Pioneer also gives the 220 Bay Sport a versatile layout, with forward seating that’s recessed a bit deeper than most, making it a safer, more comfortable spot to ride, and a rear bench that adds extra space without interfering with casting. The build quality is solid, and the fit-and-finish details are a step above what you’ll see on many entry-level bay boats. For boaters who want a platform that can chase redfish on Saturday and cruise with the family on Sunday, the 220 Bay Sport makes a compelling case.

---

Final Thoughts

The bay boat market has grown to offer something for just about every type of boater, and staying under $100,000 doesn’t mean limiting your options. From rugged aluminum builds to sleek fiberglass designs, from stripped-down fishing platforms to versatile family-friendly layouts, each of these boats brings its own strengths to the table. The key is figuring out whether your priority is pure fishability, comfort for the crew, or a balance of both, because no matter what you’re after, there’s a bay boat in this price range that fits the bill.

---

Follow us on social media!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn