Just wanted to get the experts out there to provide any opinions on these boats. I am currently looking for a boat and after all the research and talking to friends and guides, I have narrowed the list down to these 2 boats. Preferably with a 250 HP motor.

I will primarily be fishing out of Port Mansfield and Baffin Bay on occasion. I am wanting a boat that can go shallow for the reds and can also take choppy waters comfortably. I have fished on an X3 but that is way out of my price range.

Was also hoping to possibly go off-shore (20 miles or so) if the conditions were optimum.

Any opinions from the boat experts out there?

Thanks in advance.

Its really simple. Go for a demo ride on a rough day in the Shoalwater Cat and the Shall Sport. You will know which to buy after that.

Are you going to order or buy used?

ShoalCat was at the top of my list when I went search for a boat and ended up 4th out of 4 after my test drives. I went with the JH Outlaw 230x which was the last boat I thought i'd buy. It rides better than the Shoal, handles better, built better, and IMO has a better layout.

#2 Was the Dargel 230hdx (may be your best choice if you want to go offshore), #3 Tran Cat 220/240SVT. I've got a good buddy with a Haynie 23 Cat which I'd also take over the Shoalwater. I've never been a huge fan on the Shallow Sport styling so it wasn't on my list, but, they have a great reputation and build a heck of a boat.

That said, there are now 3 boats which didn't exist when I bought that are worth considering as well. Gulf Coast Sabre Cat - My neighbor has one and I can say without a doubt it's the best boat i've ever been on. It runs 60+ mph with a raised console and 250sho, rides like a dream, runs shallow, and still handles like a car. I've never been on them, but, would also look at the El Pescador Cat and the new Catalyst Boatworks 260. If I were buying today, there is a 95% chance I would have bought one of these 3.

Its easy to see in the shallow boat industry that it trends to the CAT style of hull. Companies that did not build a CAT hull five years ago are now building one due to market needs and wants. CAT hulls ride better than the others....hence the trend of everybody building one now. I would not spend that kind of money without 1,) Go to the factory and see how they are built...I.E. wood used in construction or all composite? 2.) Go for a ride on a windy day in all brands considered. They all ride good in calm seas. Examine the warranty and read the small print in it. Check the resale value of the rig on bluebook or nada.

FIDO*98* said:

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Dargel 230hdx (may be your best choice if you want to go offshore).

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I concur with Fido. If you're hoping to make snapper runs out of Mansfield, I'd throw the Dargel kats in the ring as well. The Dargel factory is closer than shoalwater too.

Shoal for mixed use. Shallow for shallow.
As mentioned, Dargel is a good compromise like the shoal.
Agree with test drive recommendation.

No love for the 24' El Pescador Cat?

I cannot stand the plastic hatches on the shoal water. When I look at boats in looks for craftsmanship above all and name recognition second. You may keep the boat until you die but your heirs may want to liquidate, or you may want to at some point, and boats that are built well with a strong brand following resale better.

Book a day with Scott Null in POC on his Dargel cat. I think it's a 25' though.

Love my Dargel 230 Kat. Floats on spit and good for offshore runs. Ran 20 mile South East of Prt A jetties last week in 1-2 with 4s period no prob. Best mix of inshore and nearshore that I've seen.

You can get flush mounted hatches on the shoalwater. IMO shallowsport has a terrible rough water ride. I'd go shoalwater cat any day. Haynie cat or JH would be others to look at.

Thanks Fido. That's some great insight. Buddy of mine just bought a saber cat. Haven't been on it yet though. Haven't even heard of some of those others boats. Will start doing research.

A lot of good things to think about. Was pretty much dead set on a shoalwater but now may reconsider. I guess maybe there is a reason there are more for resale.