WATCH this video before you BUY a BAY BOAT.. Bigger isn't always Better! - Pathfinder 2300HPS

First things first we would like to mention that the opinions expressed in this video are solely based off of our preferences. Our viewers may disagree and that's okay. Thats the beauty of boats today, there's so many different manufacturers and models that are tailored, or can be tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Ultimately we hope you enjoy the video as we walk you through our Pathfinder 2300 HPS highlighting key features that make it the perfect boat for us. Enjoy!
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[@frostysnowman5033]

That was a fantastic video! No fluff or awkwardness, just a guy proud of his boat. Well done.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Really appreciate that my friend!

[@cd1538]

This guy knows what he's talking about, referencing bay boats, center consoles, and hybrid bay boats. He just helped me properly classify my boat which I always referred to it as a center console but in all actuality it's a hybrid bay boat. Thanks for the free knowledge.👍🏾

[@davidheitman7004]

wrong! boat has a shit ton of drag! i understand stability when off power. . the hull needs reconfiguration. go look at old allisons or glasstrons! k&k ghost boats....

[@NoName-fw8ts]

Do you sell boats? You've explained this boat with just the perfect pitch of enthusiasm and knowledge of the capabilities without the BS. Awesome job my man!

[@LifeByTheBow]

No I don’t. Thank you!

[@MikeHoncho69420]

Didn’t realize “little” boats were so expensive. Jeez. My pops had an 18’ Kenner center console when I was young. He would love something like this.

[@NavaDownSouth]

they all are expensive. kayaks can get easily into thousands. Inflatable boat had to register, taxes, buy the stickering, all the little expenses!

[@jeffk464]

Boat prices are insane.

[@wmp89]

Friend has this boat and is an inshore captain. On a good day he can run it 25 miles offshore in the Atlantic. Awesome boat.

[@patrickproctor3462]

I do think lack of a T-Top is a problem. Even if you don't use it for shade, if you want to take older people out on the water, it's something to hold onto at the dock getting in and out. If a boat's going to be in the family for a long time (they are expensive investments), that's something to keep in mind. Second, you get more rod holders, which gives you more tackle options if you're not sure what'll be biting hard that day. In our boat, we keep 4 light rods armed with 25 pound braid (big spadefish on rusty/barnacled structure--such as the Chesapeake Light Tower--are the big reason, but slot-sized red drum, sheepshead, and the occasional big black drum on a bridge piling), 4 "Medium Weight" Ugly Sticks armed with 35-pound mono for jigging Blues/Spanish and/or running trolling weights, and 4 Heavies armed with 80-pound braid for Cobia, Bull Red Drum, Bonito, Amberjack (if we're so lucky), and Blackfin Tuna (if we get lucky) AS WELL AS being able to safely run #2 and even #3 planers. That's all 8 forward hatch holders and all 4 rocket launchers on the back of the leaning post. Two of the Gunnel holders have the gaffe and boat hook/dock stick. That leaves just two more holders for rods of choice. Depending on T-Top design, you can get anywhere from 4 to 12 additional rocket launchers on a 24' 10" Tidewater Bay Max. And having those additional rocket launchers also lets you safely get more trolling lines in the water without having to do a dedicated setup with boxes. For people who do a big variety of fishing, or for families with older fishermen coming along, I think a T-Top is basically essential.

[@michaelwhitney4196]

I had the first DV 22 Pathfinder sold in my area of Texas in 1998....with 225 Yamaha, radio, depth finder/GPS , Jack plate...brand new $27K.....including trailer...did 66mph .....great boat!

[@LifeByTheBow]

They sure get up and go!

[@darkskater107]

Nice boat. I have a 2004 2200 Pathfinder and love it. I have tested it's abilities from rough water to the shallowest areas back in the creeks and it always passes and gets be back home safe. I let my buddies have the offshore boats haha.

[@moonpiespotlight4759]

I've owned a Pathfinder since 2006. Always stored outside, under a cover, still a great boat and does everything I need a boat to do.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Agreed!

[@Bmg009]

Really well thought out and set up for your own personal likes, that alone is what makes a boat enjoyable. If you can’t be comfortable and know where everything is you won’t enjoy a minute on the water.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Couldn't agree more. You make it your own for sure.

[@paulkersey2179]

As a SoCal boater I could not believe the machines you guys use in South Florida and the Keys, first, the OB power setups, damn, very rarely will you 600Hp hanging on the stern, and small T tops, we try to stay out of the sun (most times) and I love the colors of Florida boats. I like a little more freeboard but from what I saw while in the keys that will work just fine.

[@brandonswitzer6957]

Pathfinder makes an amazing boat, the way they hold their value speaks volumes to the build quality of the boat. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to fish from one semi-frequently in Tampa bay years back and have nothing but positive things to say about them as a fishing machine.

[@LifeByTheBow]

They do Brandon and their performance & inshore capabilities are unmatched. We love ours just because we can do so much of it without killing ourselves just to clean maintain and operate the boat.

[@2200pathfinder]

Just bought my first Pathfinder. Absolutely love it so far.

[@storeman08033]

Awesome job describing this boats assets from start to finish, can’t wait to buy my first bay boat…..58 years old already, yikes! Nice Job.

[@tonyarsenault4256]

I would definitely want some type of hard / Bimini top for some shade and sun protection.

[@enthused7591]

My first 3 boats were 18-20 foot bay boats and I finally got my first bigger Sea Fox 22'6" bay boat and it's a game changer for inshore boating and getting a dry ride in windy conditions while still having only a 13-inch draught. The perfect size boat for most people, but I agree it makes sense to have a second offshore boat for ocean fishing if you can swing the extra cash.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@AsianRedneck239]

I got a 21’6” Stott Craft bay boat. Best decision I’ve made. I’ve taken it offshore and it only drafts about 10” so I can still hit all of my shallow water spots. I upgraded from a 18’ Imemsa Panga. The stability and load capacity of a bay boat is awesome and am getting somewhere around 5 mpg with a 150 Suzuki. I can shoot onto plane in less time than it takes to say one Mississippi. I’ve been out in the sound with 5-6’ waves and never got wet. It was under $45k with fly by wire, hydraulic steering, and tandem trailer. If you’re in Florida and want a new bay boat without taking a second mortgage on your house I highly recommend looking into a Stott Craft.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Great input thanks for watching!

[@mangravy2000]

I absolutely hate the bow step that so many manufacturers put there. I'd rather have another storage bin. I don't need a step and I don't need to decrease the size of the platform because of it. Great video.

[@Colin_Masterson239]

i disagree when im castnetting it really helps out stepping up

[@steveross2908]

That’s one clean boat, bro! Like your style

[@codylockmancl]

Like the video I got my skiff and was looking to get a boat for inshore fishing mainly and like you you said the inlet on a calm day I'm in sebastian fl my dad takes me on his boat: Rock Monster : ( 24ft welcraft twin 150s) regularly with the main off shore seasons

[@andrewrobson7662]

That’s one very cool well thought out boat man. I live in the UK and have a 2006 206cc Sea Pro which is very well engineered and has great lockers. Love your stuff mate. Keep um coming

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Andrew!

[@steveross2908]

That’s a BIG bay boat compared to my 17’ TwinVee with a 60 hp, but it gets me to the sandbar! Will keep an eye out for you guys next time in Islamorada! Great vids!

[@RiverTamGo]

A Pathfinder is definitely the next boat I want to have! Currently running an older Triton 220LTS… and it gets the job done! But I’ve been eyeing that 2300HPS pretty hard. May have to pull the trigger soon!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Great boat won’t be dissatisfied!!

[@hdhall528]

i have to know my man, were those lifejackets in the bilge? love the video

[@hectordiaz6951]

Great video. I have a 24 foot pathfinder tournament edition with no T top. Love it .

[@SurvivalHunterNM]

Wow. Very nicely done. Your narrative style is A+.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much I love doing his boat walk-through videos hopefully more to come in the future!

[@SurvivalHunterNM]

@@LifeByTheBow Well... You got my subscription. And that's saying a lot since I only have 4 or 5. Keep up the good work.

[@tntcichlids8015]

My sons dream boat wish his dream came true one day hes only 10 years old n the passion hes got for fishing is amazing

[@s.t.phillips5404]

Informative. Might want to mention up front the high cost of this boat makes it unaffordable for most buyers.

[@williamtrujillo8469]

Man. Now that’s a beautiful boat. Someday…. Someday…

[@zatoichi101]

Holy cow. That is a nice boat -- but sheesh! Well over $100,000!!! Out of my league for sure.

[@LifeByTheBow]

No sir, didn’t pay anything close to that. Keep an eye out, there’s always a deal somewhere.

[@jeffk464]

One expensive toy.

[@harperblake8955]

@@LifeByTheBow Did you buy used? I see a few different options for the center console access doors depending on the years

[@paulallen3639]

Wait for the next economic crash. Pick one up for half off

[@jamesbankhead117]

@@LifeByTheBow May I ask you how much did pay for? If you wish not to respond I totally understand brother, thx.

[@AutoAgentcoza]

The perfect boat, is your mates boat!

[@slydawwg]

Your mate is the dude who lives it large through good or bad ;)

[@LITTLEBRAT775081]

I am that mate . I am buying a boat to have fun with friends and be able to go out on the water when I want . not when someone else does

[@Bmg009]

Thinking same thing, the one you aren’t making payments on lol.

[@lonewolf30531]

😅😂

[@112223alex]

This is the perfect boat for me, But I have a 30FT Contender LOL!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Alexander leon you’d be surprised lol That contender is a lot of work!

[@112223alex]

@@LifeByTheBow Yeah man I know, I have a 28 Baja and my flats here in Islamorada you always need the best of both worlds. Cheers!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Alexander leon no doubt!

[@spiderdavis3296]

Nice rig.I like that it does not have a t top.Thanks for a great video.

[@olblu8746]

I didn't know l had so many friends until l got me a pathfinder!!!

[@banshee8120]

Perfect review of a perfect boat - good real world use perspective

[@Jackspratcouldeatnofat]

I dont know how a boat gets into a category. I bought a fairly wrecked 1998 Boston Whaler 18 foot Dauntless. By the time I found out that everything was wrong with it I also found out that it was a badass hull in six foot seas. So i fixed the hull, bought a cheap Yamaha F115 from a friend, rewired properly, changed the 200 liter fuel tank and put in a 450 liter tank, put on a Simrad evo 3 with Airmar TM275lhw, built rodholders, put on a new F15 kicker and so on. Anyway for a total of 40 k its an offshore, flats, anything you like boat that handles bad seas with a 350 mile range. I'm always taking 100 mile fishing trips in it with 2 buddies, sometimes up to 200 miles round trip. A boat is what it can do and what you can make of it. For me its never a new boat but a used one with good bones outfitteed with the fewest moving parts needed. I don't need a 35 footer with 2 to 4 engines to go offshore and manage quite well without lights in the lockers and 20 speakers.

[@jward9637]

Clay you have both of my favorite boats!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate that my friend!

[@justinwilliams9489]

We went from a pathfinder to a skeeter and we’ll never go back to pathfinder you should try a skeeter out and your thoughts about them I think that would make an amazing video

[@CodySR96]

What Skeeter you have ?

[@t.essley2427]

Great video with awesome info… thank you.! Looking into buying a boat soon, hopefully my budget will grant me something similar to your bay boat here. Your channel has a perfect mix of info and entertainment. 🤙🏼

[@osceolaassassin3188]

Years ago I would not have thought twice about quality from a Pathfinder. Would have jumped on this in a second being a local SF guy. Today....... Went with Haynie out of Texas.

[@LifeByTheBow]

👍🏼👍🏼 thanks for watching my friend

[@jorgediaz7034]

Love your videos. Amazing footage, editing, and content is on the money!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you Jorge!

[@geoffginer8823]

You nailed Hybrid bay boat term!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate that, thank you. 🙏

[@jasonsquitier2037]

Picked up a 2200 a few months ago with the 250 SHO. Love it and agree it is pretty much the perfect boat. Liking your channel. Stationed up in Tampa so will give scalloping a shot this summer. Someday soon might end up in the middle keys .

[@michaelnunes8163]

What’s top end on the 2200 with the 250

[@jasonsquitier2037]

@@michaelnunes8163 I got it up to around 57 mph with three people in it, trimmed up a little but did not play with raising the jack plate.

[@carloscoronado2190]

Clay, thanks for being down to earth. You’re information helps the newly boat owners. On that note, since I lost my Carolina skiff to a drunk driver I’m back to square one in purchasing a boat. So, I was wondering if you could cover a segment on the importance “draft” for fishing inshore. I live near south padre island/Laguna Madre. And most areas are 2-4 foot of water. Any advice. Looking into one like your pathfinder…

[@SwissBladeX718]

What a cool boat Mann I absolutely loved it! 🙌🙌🙌

[@josephguest9830]

I just want a skiff I can fish bass tournaments out of, run to the sand bar in the summer and go troll the beach for kingfish.

[@garyulmer259]

The boat looks good like you said the boat should be to fit for the person that is going to buy one if you like it buy it

[@freespirit6790]

Thanks for the video, it was very informative. I enjoyed it.

[@LazyLocations]

Great review and advice. A 22/23 center console is the perfect all around boat for FL.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Very true! Only need to get into the 30 foot range unless you plan on fishing on nasty days.

[@perjrgensen8280]

Great video.. Greetings from Denmark.. 👍

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you for watching!

[@caseyculpepper4422]

Great video man. Super informative as always. Love the politics reference! So true haha.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you Casey really appreciate it!

[@wydryfly]

One pet peeve I have about most center consoles is the stupid console windshield. Most manufacturers don't make the windshield big/tall enough. When you're running and standing up, you still have to squat down to keep out of the wind/bugs etc. I don't know why they can't make a decent/practical windshield on any boat especially considering the prices of what you're paying for?

[@tomm6789]

Your boat is set up real nice. Enjoy. 👍👍👍

[@Quality_Guru]

No head so it will hard to get a go ahead from my wife. Great review of this boat and especially for keeping it short.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@kylemolletfishing9123]

Exceptional job on the walk through man.

[@sanjaybaccas85]

This video got me SOLD, what year boat is this by ?

[@paratrooper8916]

Thats a water Cadillac right there. Beautiful.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Oh yeah!

[@kneestothechin]

i bet that beautiful little boat straight up bangs lol. sick boat, sick system. love it bro

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend it’s a fun boat 👍🏼

[@PlugNuster]

VERY good video. Thank you for taking the time and being so thorough.

[@LifeByTheBow]

You’re welcome!

[@larou14]

Wouahhh...quel bateau ! Super et avec des choses très très utiles ! 👍😎

[@LifeByTheBow]

👍😎

[@delawareteacher1182]

Congratulations, you have a great channel.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you very much!

[@Rdebeauvoir1]

I like your boat, but I have no clue how much it cost? can you talk about the cost for the boat/engines, equipment etc... can you also talk about the maintenace that you do on your boat.

[@kennyberger3385]

I must have gotten the lemon. I purchased the 26 hps loved everything except the quality of construction. The gelcoat had to be reapplied on the side, the pumps are super cheap and the lights under gunwale fell down and when wrenching the boat up on the trailer as it snugged up to the roller it crushed and shower air pockets in the hull. It spent more time at the dealer than at my dock. I dumped it

[@LifeByTheBow]

You didn't get a lemon Kenny, what you experienced is very common amongst pathfinder. I went through the same process as you. It's a hard pill to swallow but it's just the ugly truth when purchasing a production boat.

[@Quality_Guru]

Thanks for the intel. There is no better recommendation or detraction than from an owner. Curious what you ended up with.

[@robbiejohnson3698]

What kind of answer is that so what your saying life by the bow is you are going to have problems with a brand new boat because they are production boats HUH WOW

[@LifeByTheBow]

Robbie Johnson That’s right Robbie. Unfortunately a production boat doesn’t receive the TLC as it should. In fact all brand new boats have issue whether they’re a production boat or not.

[@pahanin2480]

I fish from a new bay boat each year. Best of all it comes with an operator and it costs nothing when I don’t use it.

[@vishalbangera7676]

Absolutely love you boat bro .👍👌

[@carlosllama9979]

Awesome boat man…✊✊

[@FishcastAngling]

Great walkthrough! Curious is your trolling motor a 60” or 72” shaft?

[@DArynBDeMoss]

Great video man, subbed solely off of your talking skills and informative nature.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Much appreciated my friend!

[@mitchelleinwechter6340]

Keep it up with the videos guys! Nice truck, stay safe & stay healthy!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Mitchell Einwechter Thanks Mitchell! We are trying this weekend for a Mahi video hopefully we can find them!

[@mitchelleinwechter6340]

@@LifeByTheBow Perfect! I hear that they put up a block-aid going into the keys. Must be a different world down there right know. Catch a big one for me and send it up this way lol, good luck!

[@LifeByTheBow]

@@mitchelleinwechter6340 Yup, you have to show proof of work or residency in order to enter the keys right now. So yeah definitely very quiet, but fishing has been great. Thanks Mitchell!

[@ckmalcokm3699]

Nice video plus boat, hope get one someday..👍👍👍

[@LifeByTheBow]

We hope you can get there my friend 👍🏼

[@kabangka]

great boat...thanks for featuring it...

[@cwgoforth]

Wow great content, pace and chill background music. Thank you, new sub here!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Carl!

[@danielesposito9705]

'relatively inexpensive for it's class" - 9 year old one on boat trader is 50K ;) I do agree with you though, it's tough paying close to 200k for a "hybrid" boat with a 17" draft that can only do offshore "on a clear day."

[@LifeByTheBow]

Buying used is always a great option!

[@1973superdad]

What year is your boat and motor? Nice rig and video. Been enjoying learning more about the salt life from you and your lady. Thanks

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate the support! The boat and motor are both 2018

[@wkutte7359]

What kind of skiff was the favorite one you had

[@smoakallen1992]

Got any information on the light? I love the idea.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Pretty simple design, 22 inch light bar sitting on a a piece of starboard that is screwed onto a trolling motor puck.

[@russnurse2b807]

looks like a great boat. How do you think it would be for running up the rivers to fish also?

[@allencrutchfield5899]

What do you think of the BanksPanga 22'? Finally got the wife to say okay, I am looking at it for my first boat.

[@BryTunesMusic]

Your love to hear you talk about the Yamaha FSH sometime

[@mantarayasurf]

Nice video made on my B day the 23rd!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Nice thanks for watching Tony, glad you enjoyed it!

[@DryRoofs]

You're killing it man

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Nick more to come!

[@victorperez4990]

Hey how do you afford your first boat? This seems like a great start

[@nagazinafireworks7594]

How much is a unit like this I'm just getting into fishing and it's looks like it's a perfect boat to maneuver around

[@LifeByTheBow]

Hey thanks for watching! This should run you around 100K

[@accountingstepbystep2229]

What prop are you running? How is it working out for you on the Pathfinder with the 250?

[@LifeByTheBow]

21 power tech. It was the perfect prop for a heavy load and for getting up on plan quick. Thanks for watching!

[@connordawson5089]

I own one and it is awesome. I am able to snapper fish and bass fish from it

[@LifeByTheBow]

They're awesome Conner, not much you can't do out of them!

[@fishingbear69]

@@LifeByTheBow hey guys I'm glad yous are enjoying your awsome bay boats,, I'm in the process myself of saving up for one, what's the retail cost of such a beauty, exactly like this one if I may ask, thanks.

[@jasonhunt4476]

Nice job on the Pathfinder run down. Love the boat and accessories you picked to deck it out. Is you hull & trim color black?

[@LifeByTheBow]

Hey Jason it’s more of a dark bluish Gray

[@PEZCO]

Nice boat

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend!

[@k4x4map46]

nice very nice presentation! now the most important part--what clothing line ya wearing there pal; looks comfortable; wow clicked on the subscription answer right there lol thanks!

[@keviebabyx5433]

Oh hey J the perfect boat is your friend's boat :)

[@DanielGrows]

Looks similar to a Carolina Skiff. I still prefer my Yamaha AR240 jet boat for day trips and the sandbar with the family.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Hey whatever works, they’re all great boats if they run and float 👍🏼

[@davidgracia3514]

Clay, thanks for the great video man! I am seriously considering this boat, but I don’t like how it looks with a t-top, I feel like it shrinks it. Are there any shade options that you know of?

[@LifeByTheBow]

Hey David you could go with an umbrella or a Bimini top 👍🏼

[@atthebrink74]

Wear a big hat...

[@gopalbijarniyan1821]

Menimum Depth of water required for 20 feet long bot ? thnq

[@LifeByTheBow]

This boat specifically can float in 1 foot of water 👍🏼

[@skiff227]

Great video. Love the boat! Question do use the jack plate a lot or think it’s not needed? Thanks Anthony

[@hectorcoria3650]

Love them pathfinders, but I also love them blue waves. Very good informative video.

[@LifeByTheBow]

They're all great boats, thanks for watching Hector!

[@lostboys2600]

IS boston whaler dauntless better than pathfinder?

[@JE-tz4sh]

Rare to see a more perfect boat than this one. 👍 beautiful boat.

[@LifeByTheBow]

A perfect boat is one that floats.. Thanks JE!

[@katherinepoindexter4380]

purpose of windshields: prevents involuntary bug eating.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Haha true!

[@rydertipton2356]

Great for tucking in behind on rainy days too

[@MrJson1006]

Hello, thanks for the great info and video! I'm thinking about buying the 2020 Mako 17 cc, any piece of advice on those? I live about 45 minutes south of Galveston and would mostly use it in bays/ river areas to fish and the occasional boat cruise with daughter and wife. Will be my 1st boat purchase and not looking to spend a fortune, not sure if there is better makers out there for roughly same price or not. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

[@kyleabbott7527]

Json1006 look at some keywest boats ik they’re a lil pricier but better quality

[@MrJson1006]

@@kyleabbott7527 I'll keep this in mind, thank you kindly!

[@erp7625]

good lord i wish i could clone this setup. this has marco island written all over it.

[@farrukhismail]

Subscribed from 🇵🇰

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much!