I had a 24ft Sea Pro. One of the best riding boats I have ever been in.

I've got a 241 Sportsman I've owned almost a year now. Came out of a 20' bay boat I owned for several years. I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to fish the same areas that I used to but that hasn't been the case with only a 16" draft. I fish Ouchita and DeGray in Arkansas and Tawakoni, Cooper, Palestine and LOP in Texas. As a matter of fact I just ran the poles up to 155 with no issues at all. I've got a trip to Port O'Connor coming up and I plan to go to Venice LA early next year. True bay boats are great if you run really skinny water most of the time but I prefer the versatility of my style of CC.

Yes sir, sounds like you're seeking a regular production type center console. Any of those and plenty more will do the trick. I don't know anything about Nautic Star, but I will say the other 4 manufacturers you have listed have been making boats for decades. Find one with your motor brand of choice and get out on the water!!

I would look hard at a Texas builder.
Tran
Haynie
Majek

Especially the Haynie magnum.

I agree, the Haynie Magnum is a beast in open water and totally customizable. But he's looking at $50K or less, I highly doubt he'll find one. A 6 to 10 year old production boat will be in that price range from what I have seen.

A 2200 Blue Wave Pure Bay and be done with it. It's like the F150 of bay boats. If you just want a simple and functional bay boat for the family, that should be just fine. Bay boats are like a worm hole, just keep it simple to avoid getting overwhelmed.

If it's like a Ford, I would definitely avoid it. You'd be broken down all the time.

I have one also...deep V hull....CC.....Merc 150.....GREAT TOUGH HULL....20'......had it for many years now.

Bay boats are great. 22’ is the minimum I would go 24’ would be good too. Don’t go with anything less than a 225 on a 22’ and a 250 on a 24’. The possibilities are endless if you’re gonna spend $50k. Blazer is a great brand, as is pathfinder for fishing lakes. Just keep in mind you’ll want two starting batteries and three trolling motor batteries with a 100+lb thrust trolling motor for a boat that size. You may look in to a t-top. All these rigs will tow behind a half ton truck with no issues.

Bay Cat

https://brobible.com/culture/article/epic-center-console-boat-journey-florida-to-pacific-costa-rica/

This one seems reliable.

I have a Proline 22 Sport with a Yamaha 150 Saltwater Series II. The Good: no wood construction, rides smooth in the rough. I've had it out of the water (prop too) and it was just a push when it landed. Bullet proof. 22 years old and still going. The Bad: Heavy to tow.

I spent a month looking when I bought mine and I only saw 1 22' with the max motor on it. I would like to have a 250 on mine but not sure if the gain would be worth the investment. I can push 50 with a load. I saw quite a few 20s that had the max HP motor on them.

Just bought a 2000 model Blue Wave 2200 Classic with a Yamaha Saltwater Series II 150 hp (it'll run 40 plus with myself,the wife and two grandsons,plenty fast for the lakes I frequent) and we love it.Not sure of other CC's but this boat,motor and trailer (Coastline aluminum) combo is only 150 lbs heavier than my 18' Ranger with a Johnson 150 and a steel trailer. I'll never own anything but a fiberglass CC again..............and I'll most likely stick with Blue Wave boats as well from here on out.BTW I spent much less than 50k on this rig.......about 25% of that.

22 Majek Extreme. Great boat. Suzuki 200. Solid trouble free motor.