The best shad tank setup I've seen was on a 22 foot Champion center console that had the leaning post removed. In it's place was a large aftermarket shad tank that not only was used for bait but was also the leaning post/seat. The guy did an excellent job with his project as he had built in some storage. I've considered this several times as a project since I own a 22 foot Champion Bay but I've gotten too old to chase live shad and now I fish with perch almost exclusively. Perch will survive just about anything including grandkids attempting perch-murder. Also, I think the cost of brand new boats are ridiculous so I would advise shopping the used market.

I researched them all. Ended up with the Blue Wave PB2200 (only because the 2400 wouldn�t fit in my slip). I�m extremely happy with it.

You can also stop by a BassPro store and look at their Mako 21LTS. They have the best warranty out there - 5 years 100% bow to stern with no pro-rating. 3 years on the gel coat vs cracks or fading and a limited lifetime warranty on the hull. Through March 31st Mercury is adding two years of gold coverage on top of their standard 3 years.

That 24' Skeeter bay is one sweet boat. My friend has one down on the coast in Louisiana. I drove it in some rough water. Just drop those trim tabs and let her eat.

Does anyone know of a t top fabricator in the metroplex?

You can get more info on blazer bay on the pensacola fishing forum. They are built there. They are not a top of the line boat, so not as expensive. One of my good friends owns a 24 and is a guide in orange beach. He likes his a lot. There were a lot of issues with them in years past. I believe ownership changed a few times too, but like I said you can goto PFF and see reviews of recent years and also folks around Texoma. Also note that people in pensacola are going to abuse the boats more pounding them in anywhere from 2 to 5 foot seas, etc... Quality brands IMO are Ranger, tidewater, skeeter, and nauticstar. Top end bay boats are going to be cape horn, yellowfin, contender, but only if you don't mind your mortgage payment being lower than your boat payment

VERY nice!
thanks for the post guys very helpful.

Tell us a little more about what you are looking for. I've run five Skeeter Bay Boats - four of the SX220s and one SX240. I loved all of them. The 220s were like the sports car of a bay boats. Paired with a 250, they wouldn't be a huge transition from a bass boat. If you are primarily fishing lakes and bays, it's an excellent fit (unfortunately they discontinued the 220, so you would have to buy a used one). The 240 paired with a 300 is like a Cadillac on the water. It can handle bigger waves, is smoother than the 220 and has a lot more room. Both are excellent boats with the 240 giving you a little more versatility.

If you are looking for something that has offshore capabilities, or than can handle bigger water, go with a boat that has a Carolina type flare.

Examples:

http://www.seahuntboats.com/bx-25-br.html





https://www.tidewaterboats.com/2500-carolina-bay.html





http://www.seabornboats.com/bay-boats/fx25-bay




My personal choice would be something like one of the 3 listed above in the 24-25 foot range. I do a lot of fishing in Florida and this style boat suits me best. I loved my Skeeters, but they are just not ideal for how and where I fish now.

I figured the Ranger would weigh more that my 22' Champ. I weighed the Champ before I loaded it up with gear and it scaled just short of 4700. It did have about 45 gallons of fuel.

If you haven't yet, go look at an Xpress bay boat. I love mine. Smooth ride and plenty of room and storage. And, they are reasonably priced.

I am fond of my 27" Blackwood for offshore and coastal expeditions. Hard to find a better finished boat comparable https://www.americanmarinesports.com/

If price is no object.

Thanks J.P.
I only make my way down to Port A Twice a year for now.
so I do not need something for the big blue water.
I'm hooked on it but not ready to make a full commitment to saltwater.
I'm mainly going to stick to fresh water fishing for now.

I would think so as well? 2985lbs with no power. 4800 was with a half tank of fuel (holds 80 gallons)

That number isn't including trailer weight, just boat, motor, fuel, gear, and driver(and I'm no feather).