The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is a market leader in the Cuddy Cabin Bay Boats segment thanks to its unsinkable hull design, exceptional safety reputation, and strong resale value. While it typically commands a higher retail price than the Grady-White Canyon 271, Pursuit S 268, Robalo R272, and Sea Ray SPX 230 OB, owners gain unmatched floatation, corrosion resistance, and dealer support that reduce long-term ownership risk and protect resale.
Unsinkable confidence
Command-center helm
Unsinkable confidence
Command-center helm
Review Summary
"Buyers love the 280 Outrage for its legendary unsinkable hull, reliable performance, and premium fit and finish, making it a top choice for serious anglers; criticisms are mainly its high cost and optional equipment add-ons. Long-term ownership reviews highlight durability and strong dealer support where available."
Chop-crushing ride
Iconic unsinkable construction and premium fit-and-finish for long-term value.
Chop-crushing ride
Iconic unsinkable construction and premium fit-and-finish for long-term value.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is a market leader in the Cuddy Cabin Bay Boats segment thanks to its unsinkable hull design, exceptional safety reputation, and strong resale value. While it typically commands a higher retail price than the Grady-White Canyon 271, Pursuit S 268, Robalo R272, and Sea Ray SPX 230 OB, owners gain unmatched floatation, corrosion resistance, and dealer support that reduce long-term ownership risk and protect resale.
Unsinkable confidence
Command-center helm
Chop-crushing ride
Iconic unsinkable construction and premium fit-and-finish for long-term value.
Large cockpit and stable hull suited to both family cruising and serious fishing.
Unsinkable confidence
Command-center helm
Chop-crushing ride
Iconic unsinkable construction and premium fit-and-finish for long-term value.
Large cockpit and stable hull suited to both family cruising and serious fishing.
$260,000-340,000 USD
Grady-White is the benchmark for premium walkaround bay boats; the Fisherman 236 combines renowned, heavy-duty construction and a sea-kindly hull that inspires confidence in bay and nearshore conditions. Compared to the other boats on this list it typically commands a higher price but delivers superior fit-and-finish, long-term resale value and offshore-capable comfort that justify the premium for buyers prioritizing build quality.
Legendary seakeeping
Angler-focused deck
Legendary seakeeping
Angler-focused deck
Review Summary
"Owners consistently praise the Fisherman 236 for its solid build, exceptional ride and fishing-focused layout; users note premium fit-and-finish and reliability, though it carries a higher price and ownership costs. "
Quiet-ride confidence
Rugged deep-V hull and solid construction for confident rough-water performance
Quiet-ride confidence
Rugged deep-V hull and solid construction for confident rough-water performance
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Grady-White is the benchmark for premium walkaround bay boats; the Fisherman 236 combines renowned, heavy-duty construction and a sea-kindly hull that inspires confidence in bay and nearshore conditions. Compared to the other boats on this list it typically commands a higher price but delivers superior fit-and-finish, long-term resale value and offshore-capable comfort that justify the premium for buyers prioritizing build quality.
Legendary seakeeping
Angler-focused deck
Quiet-ride confidence
Rugged deep-V hull and solid construction for confident rough-water performance
Protected walkaround decks and roomy cockpit designed for serious anglers
Legendary seakeeping
Angler-focused deck
Quiet-ride confidence
Rugged deep-V hull and solid construction for confident rough-water performance
Protected walkaround decks and roomy cockpit designed for serious anglers
$140,000-180,000 USD
The Sea Fox 248 Commander earns its place as the budget-conscious, no-nonsense T-top bay boat with a proven fishing layout and rugged simplicity that maximizes bang for buck. Compared to the more refined Robalo and the premium Sportsman, the Sea Fox typically undercuts on price while still delivering a functional deck and reliable performance, making it attractive for anglers prioritizing upfront cost and utility. Its lower acquisition cost and straightforward systems can mean lower upkeep expense out of the gate for buyers focused on immediate fishability over luxury finishes.
Bulletproof value
Shallow-water nimble
Bulletproof value
Shallow-water nimble
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the Sea Fox 248 Commander for strong value, shallow-draft performance and practical fishing features, though some report the fit-and-finish and long-term refinement lag behind higher-end rivals."
Tough work deck
Proven Carolina-style hull that combines rough-water capability with shallow draft.
Tough work deck
Proven Carolina-style hull that combines rough-water capability with shallow draft.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Sea Fox 248 Commander earns its place as the budget-conscious, no-nonsense T-top bay boat with a proven fishing layout and rugged simplicity that maximizes bang for buck. Compared to the more refined Robalo and the premium Sportsman, the Sea Fox typically undercuts on price while still delivering a functional deck and reliable performance, making it attractive for anglers prioritizing upfront cost and utility. Its lower acquisition cost and straightforward systems can mean lower upkeep expense out of the gate for buyers focused on immediate fishability over luxury finishes.
Bulletproof value
Shallow-water nimble
Tough work deck
Proven Carolina-style hull that combines rough-water capability with shallow draft.
Integrated T-top with rod storage and electronics console optimized for anglers.
Bulletproof value
Shallow-water nimble
Tough work deck
Proven Carolina-style hull that combines rough-water capability with shallow draft.
Integrated T-top with rod storage and electronics console optimized for anglers.
$85,000-115,000 USD
Grady-White Freedom 235 earns a top position for dual-console bay boating thanks to its premium build quality, legendary SeaV2 hull that delivers a confident, dry ride and long-term resale value—advantages that justify its higher upfront cost compared with the other models. For anglers and families who prioritize offshore-capable handling, corrosion-resistant fittings and refined finishes, it outpaces more value-oriented competitors by offering a more robust specification and lower expected maintenance over time. Compared with the Boston Whaler and Robalo, Grady-White leans heavier toward comfort and durability rather than minimalistic price competition.
Smooth-sea ride
Refined craftsmanship
Smooth-sea ride
Refined craftsmanship
Review Summary
"Owners praise the Grady-White Freedom 235 for its solid build, exceptional sea handling, and comfortable dual-console layout that works well for both fishing and family days; reviewers note the premium price but say the long-term durability justifies it. After extended use many cite minimal maintenance issues and strong resale value."
Hook-happy layout
Solid offshore-ready hull and exceptionally smooth ride for bay and nearshore conditions.
Hook-happy layout
Solid offshore-ready hull and exceptionally smooth ride for bay and nearshore conditions.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Grady-White Freedom 235 earns a top position for dual-console bay boating thanks to its premium build quality, legendary SeaV2 hull that delivers a confident, dry ride and long-term resale value—advantages that justify its higher upfront cost compared with the other models. For anglers and families who prioritize offshore-capable handling, corrosion-resistant fittings and refined finishes, it outpaces more value-oriented competitors by offering a more robust specification and lower expected maintenance over time. Compared with the Boston Whaler and Robalo, Grady-White leans heavier toward comfort and durability rather than minimalistic price competition.
Smooth-sea ride
Refined craftsmanship
Hook-happy layout
Solid offshore-ready hull and exceptionally smooth ride for bay and nearshore conditions.
Well-appointed dual-console layout with comfortable seating, dedicated head, and storage.
Smooth-sea ride
Refined craftsmanship
Hook-happy layout
Solid offshore-ready hull and exceptionally smooth ride for bay and nearshore conditions.
Well-appointed dual-console layout with comfortable seating, dedicated head, and storage.
$160,000-210,000 USD
The Sea Ray SPX 190 is a sportier, better-finished runabout that serves families who want refined styling and confident handling in bay conditions; its upgraded upholstery, fit-and-finish and dealer support justify a mid-to-premium price. Against the Element E18 and the Glastron GTD 205 it trades higher cost for superior on-water comfort and resale strength, making it a strong choice when comfort and brand support matter more than absolute purchase price.
Sporty handling thrill
Premium comfort feel
Sporty handling thrill
Premium comfort feel
Review Summary
"Buyers consistently highlight the SPX 190's refined ride, comfortable seating, and solid build for family outings, with the main complaints being the added cost of popular options and extras."
Watersports-ready spark
Well-appointed seating and ergonomic layout for family comfort.
Watersports-ready spark
Well-appointed seating and ergonomic layout for family comfort.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Sea Ray SPX 190 is a sportier, better-finished runabout that serves families who want refined styling and confident handling in bay conditions; its upgraded upholstery, fit-and-finish and dealer support justify a mid-to-premium price. Against the Element E18 and the Glastron GTD 205 it trades higher cost for superior on-water comfort and resale strength, making it a strong choice when comfort and brand support matter more than absolute purchase price.
Sporty handling thrill
Premium comfort feel
Watersports-ready spark
Well-appointed seating and ergonomic layout for family comfort.
Stable fiberglass hull that delivers predictable handling in bay conditions.
Sporty handling thrill
Premium comfort feel
Watersports-ready spark
Well-appointed seating and ergonomic layout for family comfort.
Stable fiberglass hull that delivers predictable handling in bay conditions.
$35,000-45,000 USD