Top 10 Boats for Inshore Fishing 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall inshore fishing boat for 2027 is the Pathfinder 2400 TRS, starting around $78,995, a 24-foot bay boat that combines a 9-inch hull draft, a serious poling platform, and the dry, soft ride that lets you chase redfish on a flat at dawn and run open bays in a chop by afternoon.

The Best Value pick is the Sea Pro 248 Bay, starting near $59,995, which delivers big-water bay capability, a roomy casting deck, and twin livewells for thousands less than the premium brands. This list is built for inshore anglers who fish skinny flats and bays for redfish, speckled trout, and snook — buyers who want shallow draft, quiet poling, and clean casting decks, whether the budget sits under $45,000 or stretches toward a rigged-out $90,000 flagship.

Every pick below uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs and MSRPs.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each boat against what inshore anglers actually fish for, leaning on published data from Boating Magazine, BoatTEST, Discover Boating, boats.com, Florida Sportsman, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Build quality and reliability — 25%
• Shallow-water and poling performance — 20%
• Value and price — 15%
• Fishability and layout — 15%
• Features and rigging — 15%
• Resale — 10%

A boat that poles like a dream but pounds in open water, or floors the fishability scores but bleeds money at trade-in, drops fast. The winners balance skinny-water stealth with the ride and toughness to cross a bay safely.

1. Pathfinder 2400 TRS 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $78,995 | Best for: Anglers who want one boat for skinny flats and open bays

The Pathfinder 2400 TRS is the most complete inshore hybrid in the class. It measures 24 ft 4 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, drafts roughly 9 inches at rest, and carries a max rated 300 hp (most rig a Yamaha F250). The variable-deadrise hull runs dry across a wind-blown bay yet floats shallow enough to pole a flat for tailing reds.

It holds 84 gallons of fuel, seats up to eight, and comes loaded with a standout poling platform, twin insulated fish boxes, a 30-gallon pressurized livewell, and a console wide enough for a flush-mounted Garmin or Simrad multifunction display. Hydraulic steering and a smartly elevated bow casting deck round out a layout built for two anglers to fish all day without tangling.

Pros:

• 9-inch draft with a true poling platform for skinny flats
• Variable-deadrise hull stays dry in open-bay chop
• 30-gallon pressurized livewell plus twin fish boxes
• Strong Maverick Boat Group resale and reliability

Cons:

• Premium pricing climbs past $90,000 when fully rigged
• Heavier than dedicated flats skiffs in inches of water

Verdict: The 2400 TRS wins on balance — it poles shallow, rides dry, and fishes hard with no real weak spot.

2. Sportsman Masters 247

Starting MSRP: $72,295 | Best for: Anglers who want premium fit-and-finish at a fair price

The Sportsman Masters 247 punches well above its sticker. At 24 ft 7 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, it drafts about 12 inches and accepts up to 300 hp, with the Yamaha F250 the popular choice. It carries 90 gallons of fuel, runs a smooth deep-V-forward bay hull, and seats up to seven.

Standard rigging is generous: a recessed trolling-motor plug, a 31-gallon livewell, dual fish boxes, premium upholstery, and an available hardtop with rocket launchers. The fit-and-finish rivals boats costing far more, and the elevated forward casting deck gives a clean 360-degree presentation.

Pros:

• Premium standard features and upholstery for the money
• Smooth deep-forward hull handles a building chop
• 31-gallon livewell and dual fish boxes standard
• Available hardtop for shade and rod storage

Cons:

• 12-inch draft is shallower than flats boats but not skiff-skinny
• Top trims approach the price of premium rivals

Verdict: A polished, well-equipped bay boat — the value-luxury pick of the group.

3. Skeeter SX240

Starting MSRP: $74,500 | Best for: Anglers who prize a fast, dry, fuel-efficient ride

The Skeeter SX240 is built for anglers who run long and want to arrive dry. It spans 24 ft LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, drafts around 13 inches, and is rated to 300 hp with most owners hanging a Yamaha F250 or F300. Skeeter's reputation for rough-water-capable bay hulls shows in a sharp entry that knifes through a beam chop.

It holds 76 gallons of fuel, seats up to seven, and packs a 35-gallon livewell, lighted rod storage, and a clean console for big-screen electronics. The hull is famously efficient, stretching range on those long runs to far-flung flats.

Pros:

• Sharp entry cuts through beam chop and stays dry
• Fuel-efficient hull extends range on long runs
• 35-gallon livewell with strong recirculation
• Excellent factory rigging and fit-and-finish

Cons:

• Deeper draft trades some skinny-water access
• Limited dealer network in some coastal regions

Verdict: The long-run specialist — buy it when you run far and want a dry, efficient ride.

4. Sea Hunt BX22

Starting MSRP: $54,995 | Best for: Buyers who want big-brand quality at a mid-tier price

The Sea Hunt BX22 is a popular, well-built crossover bay boat at a friendly price. It measures 22 ft 1 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, drafts about 13 inches, and is rated to 250 hp (a Yamaha F250 is a common pick). It carries 65 gallons of fuel, seats up to seven, and brings a 27-gallon livewell, in-deck fish boxes, and a comfortable layout with forward and aft casting decks.

Sea Hunt's combination of a dry-riding hull and a strong dealer footprint makes it one of the easiest boats here to own and resell.

Pros:

• Strong build quality from a respected brand at a fair price
• Comfortable dry ride across open bays
• 27-gallon livewell plus in-deck fish storage
• Wide dealer network and solid resale value

Cons:

• Smaller fuel capacity limits all-day long-range runs
• Fewer premium standard features than pricier rivals

Verdict: A dependable, value-minded crossover — ideal for a first serious bay boat.

5. Robalo 246 Cayman

Starting MSRP: $69,900 | Best for: Anglers who want offshore-grade toughness inshore

The Robalo 246 Cayman brings Robalo's heavy, offshore-bred build to the bay. It spans 24 ft 3 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, drafts about 15 inches, and is rated to 300 hp, typically a Yamaha F250. The hand-laid hull and Hydro Lift hull design deliver a stable, planted feel that shines when the wind kicks up.

It holds 97 gallons of fuel, seats up to eight, and includes a 31-gallon aerated livewell, gunwale rod holders, and a console ready for a large multifunction display. This is the bay boat that doubles as a near-shore platform on calm days.

Pros:

• Heavy offshore-grade hull feels planted in rough water
• Large 97-gallon fuel tank for extended range
• 31-gallon aerated livewell and ample rod storage
• Doubles as a calm-day near-shore fishing platform

Cons:

• Deeper 15-inch draft limits skinny-water access
• Heavier hull poles less easily than lighter rivals

Verdict: The toughest pick here — choose it when you fish open, exposed water as often as flats.

6. Blue Wave 2400 Pure Bay

Starting MSRP: $66,995 | Best for: Texas and Gulf anglers who want a proven big-bay hull

The Blue Wave 2400 Pure Bay is a Gulf Coast favorite engineered for big, shallow bays. At 24 ft LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, it drafts about 12 inches and is rated to 300 hp, often a Yamaha F250. The signature stepped-pad hull runs fast and dry, and the wide beam adds stability for two anglers working the deck.

It carries 72 gallons of fuel, seats up to seven, and brings dual 30-gallon livewells, a forward trolling-motor mount, and abundant dry storage. It is purpose-built for the wide, wind-swept bays of Texas and Louisiana.

Pros:

• Stepped-pad hull runs fast and stays dry in chop
• Dual 30-gallon livewells for tournament-ready bait
• Wide, stable casting platform for two anglers
• Purpose-built for big, shallow Gulf bays

Cons:

• Available mainly through Gulf-region dealers
• Aggressive hull rewards experienced throttle hands

Verdict: The big-bay specialist — a Gulf Coast standout for anglers who run wide, windy water.

7. ShearWater 25

Starting MSRP: $76,500 | Best for: Anglers who want a stable, fishy deck on a comfortable hull

The ShearWater 25 blends a roomy deck with a comfortable, stable ride. It measures 24 ft 7 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, drafts about 13 inches, and is rated to 300 hp, with the Yamaha F250 a frequent rig. Its flared bow and moderate deadrise keep spray down and footing sure when a chop builds.

It holds 80 gallons of fuel, seats up to seven, and packs a 30-gallon livewell, recessed trolling-motor plug, a poling platform option, and a clean console for electronics. The wide, flat casting decks make it one of the more comfortable boats here to fish all day.

Pros:

• Roomy, stable casting decks for all-day fishing
• Flared bow knocks down spray in a chop
• 30-gallon livewell with optional poling platform
• Comfortable, dry ride from a respected builder

Cons:

• Premium pricing for a mid-size bay boat
• Smaller dealer network than the volume brands

Verdict: The comfort-and-stability pick — best for anglers who fish long days on their feet.

8. Sea Pro 248 Bay 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $59,995 | Best for: Shoppers who want maximum bay boat per dollar

The Sea Pro 248 Bay is the smartest value play in the segment, delivering big-boat capability at a mid-tier price. It spans 24 ft 3 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, drafts about 13 inches, and is rated to 300 hp, with the Yamaha F250 a popular choice. It carries 80 gallons of fuel, seats up to eight, and comes well-rigged with twin livewells, in-deck fish boxes, a forward trolling-motor mount, and a console sized for a large display.

Sea Pro's lifetime structural hull warranty and rapidly growing dealer base make the 248 Bay easy to buy with confidence.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price among the 24-footers here at $59,995
• Twin livewells and generous rigging standard
• Lifetime structural hull warranty for peace of mind
• Big, stable deck rivals boats costing far more

Cons:

• Interior finish is a notch below the premium brands
• Newer model line has a shorter resale track record

Verdict: The value champion — nearly everything a premium 24-footer offers for thousands less.

9. Yellowfin 24 Bay

Starting MSRP: $89,500 | Best for: Serious tournament anglers who want the ultimate fishing machine

The Yellowfin 24 Bay is the premium performance benchmark of the class. It measures 24 ft 2 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, drafts about 12 inches, and is rated to 300 hp, with the Yamaha F300 a common rig for blistering speed. The hand-laid, lightweight hull is famous for a fast, exceptionally dry ride and razor-sharp handling.

It carries 84 gallons of fuel, seats up to six, and is built for fishing first: a massive pressurized livewell, recessed trolling-motor mount, generous rod storage, and a minimalist console that keeps the decks clear for casting.

Pros:

• Reference-grade dry, fast ride and sharp handling
• Massive pressurized livewell built for tournaments
• Lightweight hand-laid hull holds resale value strongly
• Clean, fishing-first deck layout

Cons:

• Highest entry price in the group at $89,500
• Spartan creature comforts versus crossover rivals

Verdict: The tournament-grade pick — the best pure fishing machine here, at a premium price.

10. NauticStar 22 XS

Starting MSRP: $44,995 | Best for: Budget-focused anglers who want a capable, no-fuss bay boat

The NauticStar 22 XS rounds out the list as the most affordable serious bay boat here. It spans 22 ft 4 in LOA with an 8 ft 6 in beam, drafts about 13 inches, and is rated to 250 hp, with a Yamaha F200 or F250 common. It holds 68 gallons of fuel, seats up to seven, and brings a 24-gallon recirculating livewell, fore-and-aft casting decks, a recessed trolling-motor plug, and ample dry storage.

It is a practical, easy-to-tow package that gets newer anglers onto redfish and trout flats without a premium payment.

Pros:

• Lowest sticker in the group at $44,995
• Practical, easy-to-tow package for newer anglers
• 24-gallon recirculating livewell and casting decks
• Capable, dry ride for the price point

Cons:

• Smaller hull is less stable than the 24-footers
• Lower max horsepower limits top-end speed

Verdict: The budget entry point — a genuine bay boat that gets you fishing without overspending.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Bay Boat

• Draft and poling ability — The shallower the draft, the more flats you can reach. Look for 9–13 inches of hull draft and a usable poling platform if you sight-fish for tailing reds.
• Hull design and ride — A variable-deadrise or stepped-pad hull runs drier in a chop than a flat-bottom skiff. Match the hull to how rough your home bay gets.
• Livewell capacity and pumps — A pressurized or recirculating livewell of 27 gallons or more keeps shrimp and croakers lively all day. Check pump quality, not just tank size.
• Casting deck layout — Confirm two anglers can work bow and stern without snagging. Clean, elevated decks and recessed trolling-motor plugs make a real difference.
• Fuel capacity and range — If you run far to distant flats, prioritize 76 gallons or more; for tight home bays, a smaller tank saves weight and draft.
• Build warranty and dealer support — A lifetime structural hull warranty and a nearby dealer lower long-term ownership risk and protect resale.

What matters less than marketing implies: peak horsepower numbers, flashy gel-coat colors, and oversized speaker systems. Hull draft, livewell quality, dry ride, and resale value affect your fishing far more than a 20-hp spec difference.

FAQ

Which boat is best overall for inshore fishing in 2027? The Pathfinder 2400 TRS earns our top spot for balancing a 9-inch draft and poling platform for skinny flats with a dry hull that handles open-bay chop, plus strong rigging and resale.

What is the best value inshore fishing boat? The Sea Pro 248 Bay, starting near $59,995, offers a big stable deck, twin livewells, and a lifetime structural hull warranty for thousands less than premium rivals.

What is the shallowest-drafting boat on this list? The Pathfinder 2400 TRS drafts roughly 9 inches at rest, the skinniest here, making it the best choice for poling flats for tailing redfish.

Which inshore boat handles rough open water best? The Robalo 246 Cayman, with its heavy offshore-bred hull and 97-gallon fuel tank, feels most planted when the wind kicks up, doubling as a calm-day near-shore platform.

How much should I budget for an inshore bay boat? Capable boats start near $44,995 for the NauticStar 22 XS; premium tournament-grade rigs like the Yellowfin 24 Bay reach about $89,500 before electronics and a trolling motor.

Do I need a poling platform for inshore fishing? If you sight-fish skinny flats for tailing redfish, trout, or snook, a poling platform is worth it for quiet stalking; anglers who mostly drift or troll open bays can skip it.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Pathfinder 2400 TRS is our Best Overall inshore fishing boat — starting around $78,995, it poles a 9-inch flat, rides dry across an open bay, and fishes hard with twin fish boxes and a big pressurized livewell. The Sea Pro 248 Bay, from about $59,995, is our Best Value, delivering a big stable deck and twin livewells for thousands less.

If your needs lean toward poling the skinniest flats, the toughest open-water ride, or a tournament-grade machine, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Pathfinder, Robalo, or Yellowfin instead. Buy on draft, hull ride, livewell quality, and resale — not headline horsepower — and you will fish happy for years.

Sources

• Boating Magazine — bay boat reviews and tests
• BoatTEST — certified boat tests and specs
• Discover Boating — boat buying guides
• boats.com — listings, reviews, and pricing
• Florida Sportsman — inshore boat reviews
• Pathfinder Boats — 2400 TRS specs
• Sportsman Boats — Masters 247 specs
• Robalo — 246 Cayman specs
• Yellowfin Yachts — 24 Bay specs
• Sea Pro Boats — 248 Bay specs

*Inshore fishing boat review — best bay boats 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top inshore fishing boat picks for buyers.*