We're psyched for our favorite regional festival of fiberglass fun, the Bay Bridge Boat Show (April 12 to 14 in Stevensville, MD). As we head for the docks we’ve received word of a slew of hot new fishing machines that are heading our way this year, which we’re sure FishTalk readers will want to know about. We’ll bring you more detailed, in-depth reviews on these boats as we learn more but meanwhile keep your eyes peeled for:
Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition
Want to be the king of the ocean? The result of a partnership between Albemarle and Spencer, this convertible has a vacuum-infused hull boasting uber-rugged Albemarle construction and Spencer design and style.
LOA: 53’ Beam: 16’6” Draft: 5’ Displacement: 48,000 lbs. Area Dealers: Legasea Marine, Yorktown, VA (757) 898-3000.
Bayliner Trophy Pilothouse
Bayliner dives back into the cabin boat market after a long hiatus with the T23 and T25 Pilothouse models. These feature an open aft cockpit for fishing, deep walkarounds to the bow, fully enclosed pilothouses, and a lower cabin with V-berth and head. Bonus features include a door to the walkaround at the helm and a forward seat atop the bow.
Specifications: TBD. Area Dealers: Riverside Marine, Essex, MD (410) 686-1500.
Check out our video of the Bayliner Trophy Pilothouse, which we filmed upon the first peek at this boat during the Chesapeake Bay Boat Show:
Boston Whaler 210 Vantage
Expanding the dual-console Vantage line to include this smaller model means you can have a Boston Whaler that’s easier to run, easier to afford, and easier to maintain, but still offers your family that epic unsinkable Boston Whaler quality.
LOA: 21’3” Beam: 8’6” Draft: 1’6” Displacement: 3810 lbs. Area Dealers: Chesapeake Whalertowne, Grasonville and Annapolis, MD (410) 827-8080/(410) 267-9731; Taylor Marine Center, Milford DE and Ocean City, MD, (302) 251-2506/(443) 647-8265.
Carolina Skiff E-Series
The classic old-school Carolina Skiffs are back with the new E series. This includes seven options from 18 to 24 feet including fully rigged, kit, and tiller-steer models. Their ease of use, ease of maintenance, and ease of affordability can’t be beat.
LOA: 17’11” – 24’1” Beam: 6’6” – 7’9” Draft: TBD Displacement: 1650 – 2040 lbs. Area Dealers: Norfolk Marine, Norfolk, VA (757) 461-3391.
Caymas 30 CT
After shocking cat-loving anglers with the introduction of the 34 CT last year, Caymas follows it up with the 30 CT. This potent fishing machine punches well above its weight with twin steps in the twin hulls, a 65-gallon transom livewell, 1040 quarts of integrated and insulated stowage, and 300 gallons of canyon-running fuel capacity.
LOA: 30’6” Beam: 10’8” Draft: TBD Displacement: 10,275 lbs. Area Dealers: North Point Yacht Sales, Annapolis, MD and Gloucester Point, VA (410) 280-2038/(804) 885-4090.
Excel Bay Pro Elite Series
The 183, 203, 220, and 230 Bay Pro Elite models take Excel’s line of aluminum bay boats to the next level, with huge fore and aft casting decks, folding jump seats, and hefty livewells. The real eyebrow-raiser, however, is construction — the Bay Pro Elites have the thickest aluminum hulls in the industry at 0.160”, while most are 0.125” or less.
LOA: 18’3” – 23’0” Beam: 7’10” – 8’6” Draft: TBD Displacement: 1532 – 3041 lbs. Area Dealers: Scott’s Cove Marina, Chance, MD (410) 784-7624.
Check out part II of Hot New Fishing Boats for 2024.