See full version: August 2004
Between 18 and 25 feet long, the “hybrid” bay rig is a dual-purpose product of modern technology. By combining the features of V-hulls and flare hulls, boat manufacturers are making hybrid hulls that can perform in vastly different environments. Some hybrids sport broad-swept bows for better shallow-water entry; others emphasize the V-hull design for slicing through surface chop. more
Will you fish at anchor, drift-fish or wade-fish? Low-profile hulls are far more efficient for slow drifting. Low sterns and hull sides also make it much easier for waders to get in and out.
A hybrid bay boat is also the toughest to choose. There are a dozen-plus favorite makes, and several times that many more alternatives. here
Does the boat come with a Bimini-style canvas shade or an aluminum/fiberglass “T-Top?” Biminis are great for stopping the sun, but they tend to get in the way of anglers who fish from their boats. T-Tops allow for the mounting of VHF radios, depth finders and other electronic accessories, but can impede access beneath bridges and inside low-roofed storage areas.
I am also researching this site and other sites like the hull truth (see link below) and finding lots of crazy stuff posted but for some reason I am still considering Tidewater. There is a new dealer that just took on the line close to where I boat. After all the bad post I have read I wanted to meet with the dealer to see if I felt they would stand behind the product. Not getting a good feeling there. They sell used cars and trucks and have an auto service garage. Not saying anything bad but they do not know the boats very well and my worry is if I would buy a new Tidewater Boat and warranty problems pop up like cracks, fuel leaks or any of the many problems I have read about here, would they be able and skilled enough to fix my problems.
https://www.thehulltruth.com/carolinas/ . aw-nc.html more
Tidewater had a very bad batch of Gel coat (or resin or hardener or whatever) several years ago which resulted in cracks. I have used my 1910 Bay Max, A LOT, and I have not had any structural or serious issues in any way!
DantheFishingMan wrote: houla7033 here
Now, if you do a search of any of these "budget" brands you will find just as many issues. Nauticstar boats have been known to have transom issues, SeaHunt (probably the most popular boat you will see on the coast) have had issues with the entire center console just popping off, Robalo apparently doesn't drain well, etc etc etc.
2016 Cobia 296CC 2016 Cobia Boats 296CC Style, comfort, performance and unmatched fishability. The Cobia 296 CC is designed big to handle any conditions Mother Nature throws its way. It also fishes big with twin 28 gallon livewells and a cavernous cockpit with flip down aft seating and two in-deck 64? macerated fishboxes. All the lures, leaders and terminal gear you own will fit neatly into the tackle organizers in the leaning post and console and your dead baits will be kept fresh and ready for rigging in the two insulated boxes in the tackle station. All deck hardware and the bow rail are recessed and the deck is level from stem to stern for 360 degree fish fighting maneuverability. Integrated into the console and leaning post, the metalwork of the optional hard top carries the clean lines and stylish looks of the deck upward to a two-tone top with molded-in pods for speakers, three-hued LED lighting and spreader lights. Comfort features include soft and elegantly appointed upholstery on seating for 11 and a full step-down console with forward access. Key Features May Include: Steering and Handling Hydraulic tilt steering Power assist steering Prop SS steering wheel, bow/stern eyes & fasteners Trim tabs Yamaha fuel/water separator & control cables (w/ engine option) Quality Finish and Construction Premium fade-resistant gelcoat Stainless steel rub rail Stainless steel thru-hulls w/ seacocks below water line Family Features All white cushion color Boarding ladder (covered) Cockpit bolsters (aft) Electric head w/ macerator Forward console access door Fresh water at transom Fresh water sink in console Insulated cooler in console (72 qt) Opening port window(s) Raw water wash down Fishing Features Cockpit insulated fish boxes w/ macerated overboard drains (2, 80 gal) Fish box pump-out w/ macerator (2) Livewell (2, 28 gal) SS gunnel rod holders (8) Under-gunnel rod storage Cockpit and Storage Anchor locker (oversized for anchor ball) Leaning post tackle station Self-bailing cockpit Safety, Comfort and Convenience Bow rail (fully recessed) Cabin or cockpit lights, compass & helm footrest Convertible, double-bolstered helm seats Large gas shock assisted bilge and rigging access hatch Rear seating w/ backrest SS flush mount pull-up cleats (5) Lights and Electric S here
2018 Cobia 301CC 2018 Cobia Boats 301CC Raising the bar in the 30 foot category once again. The new Cobia 301 CC has everything that made its predecessor the 296 CC the top selling 30 footer in the country, but so much more. Take for instance an inward opening side door for hauling aboard the big ones, easy entering and exiting while diving, and dockside boarding. In addition, theres added space in the cockpit, and the tackle station now has a freshwater sink and rigging station. A new console situates all operational controls and screens perfectly to maximize form and function, and the dash can be stylishly color-matched to the hull. Combine all this with popular features like the electric bow table and the hulls silky smooth ride and the 301 CC is sure to be the next Cobia that stands atop its class. Features may include: Steering and Handling Hydraulic tilt steering Power assist steering Prop Trim tabs Yamaha 6YC Information Station Quality Finish and Construction Premium fade-resistant gelcoat Stainless steel rub rail Stainless steel thru-hulls w/ seacocks below water line Family Features All white cushion color Boarding ladder (covered) Cockpit bolsters (aft) Electric head w/ macerator Electronically adjusted forward table/sun lounge (flushes into floor) Forward console access door Forward-facing bow backrests (port & stbd) Fresh water at transom Fresh water sink in console Head comfort appointments (towel bar, tp holder, mirror) Insulated cooler in console (72 qt) Opening port window(s) Raw water wash down Fishing Features Cockpit insulated fish boxes w/ macerated overboard drains (2, 80 gal) Fish box pump-out w/ macerator (2) Livewell (2, 28 gal) SS gunnel rod holders (8) Under-gunnel rod storage Cockpit and Storage Anchor locker (oversized for anchor ball) Self-bailing cockpit Safety, Comfort and Convenience Bow rail (fully recessed) Cockpit lights, compass & helm footrest Over-sized bilge access door w/ electronic lift assist Rear seating w/ backrest Side dive, tuna and dockside boarding door (inwar
The boat is in great shape with very few scratches on the exterior and most of the fabric is in good shape with the exception of a couple of small tears in the combing cushions. Down below the interior cushions have some color fading but are in good condition. Stock #214207 Excellent COBIA 312 SPORT CABIN with very low hours! The Cobia 312 Sport is a great combination of an express cruiser and a walkaround. With a large aft fishing deck and high combing to the bow, you can get around the entire boat while fishing. There is an aerated baitwell as well as large fish boxes to port and starboard. The seller also has several large outriggers so that you are ready to get offshore and start raking the fish in! When in more of a cruising mode, the boat has a ton of comfortable seating areas as well as a comfortable cabin down below. There is a bench on the transom as well as the seating at the helm station. Forward there is a protected seating area in front of the console and a bench on the foredeck! In total, you could comfortably seat 10 on deck and another 4 to 5 below. The table down below also folds into a V-Berth. Reason for selling is lack of use.
Rocky Mount, North Carolina here
Super Clean! Super Nice! Gel coat is smooth and shiny with no scratches observed. There is a dime-size section that needs repairing due to a highway rock. Pictured. Repairs negotiable! Upholstery is clean, soft, with no visible stains, blisters or mildew noted. There is a minor flaw on the armrest of the captain's seat. Pictured. The trailer appears in excellent condition. Tire date 16/21, mounted and installed July 2021. Stock #252951 2019 Cobia 277 Center Console powered with twin Yamaha 200 HP engines, ready to go! If you are in the market for a center console, look no further than this 2019 Cobia 277, priced right at $169,900 (offers encouraged). This boat is located in Lexington, North Carolina and is in great condition. She is also equipped with twin Yamaha engines that have only 150 hours. Reason for selling is upgrade to larger boat.
If you’re on the hunt for a capable, solid, offshore fishing boat in the 29-foot range, the Everglades 295cc should be on the top of your list. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go write five years’ worth of articles to pay for one.
You can tell the Everglades 295cc is all about fishing by glancing at the transom. Note the livewell, rod holders, port-side gunwale door, and under-gunwale rod stowage. Photo by Gary Reich here
There's a ton of comfy seating for family and friends on the Everglades 295cc, including these twin seats ahead of the center console. Photo by Gary Reich more
So, that’s great, right? Well sure it is, and it speaks to how well this boat will track, but you’re not going to be spinning loop-de-loops at 40 mph while you’re trying to make good time out to the bluewater canyons. You’ll be more interested in how well this boat splits waves and handles rough-sea inlets. Unfortunately Mother Nature didn’t cooperate with George’s request for stinky weather on the day of our test, but just as we were about to head back to Wells Cove he said, “Uh, do you see what I see?” He pointed south at the profile of a large boat pushing a heck of a lot of water. George said, “Go for it. And if you don’t hit those waves at full speed, we can’t be friends anymore.” I complied, we hit the steep set of three-foot wakes at full speed—and nothing happened. I didn’t even feel so much as a bump. So I went back and did it again, and then again, again, and. OK, you get the idea.
The Everglades 295cc, like its brothers and sisters, has an aggressive look.
The Everglades 295cc, in her element.