I am seriously contemplating getting rid of our saltwater boat and getting a cat boat. Our family has been quite blessed and we brought our 27' twin engine center console with us when we moved to DFW from Florida a few years ago. The only reason I dont want to get rid of it is because it takes water like a champion and has high sides as we are docked on Hubbard and it always seems windy.

I recently saw Salsa's Weldcraft and flipped out. What other manufacturers do people use out there for catting? It doesnt need to go fast. Ours right now is overkill.

The most important things for us are taking water well and not too deep of a draft so we can go skinny at times. Much Thanks!!

sea fox, fishmaster, mako, express are a few that you can look at.

Ol school boston whaler!
Keep ur 27 footer and spend some chump change on an older boat. My opinion.

Any pics of your boat??

Few of these guys use pontoon boats, they seem to work good for catfishing

I wouldnt get rid of yours. None of the smaller boats will ride like the big cc does. Especially if you get into an aluminum or bay boat. 27 is not too big at all unless you got to cooper or fork and get out of the boat lanes and start navigating the stumps then you might wish for a smaller boat. You hardly ever see anybody "upgrade" to a smaller boat, theres a reason for that.

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This isnt mine, but exact same model. I feel like the engines are unnecessary.

Also, I feel like the fiberglass decking is not very functional for this kind of fishing. I would much rather forego cosmetics for functionality.

Brent, you make a good point. This is what I am afraid of. I sure would like a double powerpole setup and something with duel transom mounted trolling motors however, as right now I dont have either. We also have a little one now with not much place for her and mom to go. I could easily get rid of an engine and go down in boat size in order to accomodate?

Still havent found anything affordable and newer though that fits all our needs that could swap straight out........

Maybe you should get a used Champion, if your looking for a smooth ride. You could customize it to meet your needs.

If your lookin for a boat that fits ALL your needs mite as well quit waistin your time there is no boat that fits. Sounds like your lookin for a paddle boat if engine is unnecessary.

Someone else recommended Champions. It's weird, their website www.championboats.com takes you to some foreign site. I either have the wrong site or they dont have one. I will check boattrader I suppose.

I know you will get a lot of opinions (mostly all good). I have fished in most all of boats out there--my opinion is do not waste time--find a Falcon---23' with outboard if you can. I finally have the boat that fits me---Good luck!

Courious cowboy why outboard whats wrong with inboard

Just my preference--had both and enjoy the extra space the outboard offers. The inboard is a pain to winterize sometimes. It is just easier to find service for an outboard in my part of the country. I love the 4-stroke Yamahas---I know there are a lot of inboard Falcons out there and they are still great boats, and probably easier to find, but I just like the room.

If you are going to look at metal boats, look at the Crestliner before you make a final decision, I love mine

Stratos bought Champion, you will have to go to Stratos website or the BBC forum has a Champion section. This forum has a few pre owned Champions for sale.