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

[@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....

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@2200pathfinder]

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

[@tonyarsenault4256]

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

[@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]

😅😂

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@steveross2908]

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

[@jaycoleman1862]

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!!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@banshee8120]

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

[@s.t.phillips5404]

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

[@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…

[@williamtrujillo8469]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@FishcastAngling]

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

[@hectordiaz6951]

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

[@larou14]

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

[@LifeByTheBow]

👍😎

[@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.

[@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. 🙏

[@katherinepoindexter4380]

purpose of windshields: prevents involuntary bug eating.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Haha true!

[@rydertipton2356]

Great for tucking in behind on rainy days too

[@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. 🤙🏼

[@adnanbegic7754]

After owning a 23 hps... how far out would you be comfortable taking a 26 hps, with all common knowledge and knowing your weather ofcourse, in the gulf. Ive taken a 24 blazer 60 miles offshore but the PF seems to have less freeboard. Thanks!

[@LifeByTheBow]

The furthest I’ve been in the 23 is 30 miles 👍🏼

[@adnanbegic7754]

@@LifeByTheBow wow real fast response, thanks! They just seem like they have really low freeboard and id be scared to scoop a 4 footer over the bow

[@ShawnBeFishin]

How much was that boat. So I can get a number in my head

[@olblu8746]

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

[@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.

[@paratrooper8916]

Thats a water Cadillac right there. Beautiful.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Oh yeah!

[@jward9637]

Clay you have both of my favorite boats!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate that my friend!

[@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

[@SwissBladeX718]

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

[@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!

[@gopalbijarniyan1821]

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

[@LifeByTheBow]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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!

[@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!

[@kylemolletfishing9123]

Exceptional job on the walk through man.

[@ROLYATBLUE]

Could this boat be used for bass fishing? Like in louisiana not very deep water meaning 2ft of water?

[@RicFlair3333]

Went and looked at Pathfinder today at a local dealership. Also looked at the MAKO over at Bass Pro. Here is the issue for me: I looked at the Pathfinder first...everything else I looked at just did not look as good (to me) I am a very experienced boat owner here on the Coast of Florida..every boat is always compared to a Pathfinder. I am trying to pull the trigger.

[@whuffman111]

I did the same 3 months ago, I slept on it a few days and ended up going with the Pathfinder 2500, should have it in about 2 weeks can't wait..

[@johnbankston72]

@@whuffman111How do you like it? Any dislikes?

[@PlugNuster]

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

[@LifeByTheBow]

You’re welcome!

[@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 👍🏼

[@freespirit6790]

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

[@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

[@erp7625]

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

[@kabangka]

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

[@tomm6789]

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

[@paulgordon7020]

Greetings Clay, I'm new to the boating and fishing world and I am trying to find me a boat that is not too large not too small, so that I can just do me a little bit of fishing I'm not trying to spend a lot of money and I'm just not for sure which route to take... Do you have any suggestions cuz I am kind of stuck right now and haven't come to a conclusion on which boat to get. What is the starting price on the boat that you have? I'm really almost just looking for a boat like yours just the motor and a Bentley top and that's it it's so complicated...

[@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!

[@wkutte7359]

What kind of skiff was the favorite one you had

[@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.

[@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

[@spiderdavis3296]

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

[@dr.paulgreenberg2254]

Why you have this orange or red life bests tugged between the bilge pumps?

[@LifeByTheBow]

Because if your boat sinking that’s more than likely the first place you’re which is in the bildge.

[@sanjaybaccas85]

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

[@hcc9587]

Did the (4) JL 8” need modification to fit? I currently have the JL 7” and 6” combo but want to upgrade to your setup. Mine is a 2016 HPS

[@skiff227]

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

[@olblu8746]

Can a top be put on the 23 footer? For shade.

[@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...

[@malkhalifa3D]

How much would a used Pathfinder 2300 like this set me back?

[@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 👍🏼

[@DryRoofs]

You're killing it man

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Nick more to come!

[@hlhl2691]

What do you think of the sportsman 207? Good starter boat or nah?

[@LifeByTheBow]

Haven’t spent to much time on one!

[@Texasbroski512]

Looking at a mako 21LTS with a merc 150 any opinions? Or reasons it’s an inferior boat

[@LifeByTheBow]

Hey Dakota to each his own there’s so many different boat manufacturers out there to choose from you just need to figure out what fits you best!

[@Broletariatt96]

7:10 is why u need this boat lol

[@Areelone]

Hi Clay! What is the price range on a boat like this. Also, I have 0 boating experience and I am highly considering getting into boating (mainly thanks to this channel’s inspiration) and I am in between getting a boat like this or joining a boat club membership which includes training. Any thoughts or opinions?

[@Rynoheonlydoesawsome]

New you're probably looking at $70k on the low end considering all the extras you will probably need to add.

[@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!

[@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.

[@MrCaptainDietrich]

is this claas boats in south africa as well plus how fast can it go

[@victorperez4990]

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

[@DArynBDeMoss]

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

[@LifeByTheBow]

Much appreciated my friend!

[@K9388-n3z]

Good review brother. Thank you

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend!

[@delawareteacher1182]

Congratulations, you have a great channel.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you very much!

[@sgribhinn]

I appreciate the transfer of knowledge but by your own advice I need to seek information from someone like me that has decided I will only own 1 boat at a time. It's not cause I am so new to saltwater that I do not know what I will like to fish, inshore vs offshore, its more that I NEED to have a boat that can do adequate work for both, if that means a HYBRID BAY that is close in size to most CC's then so be it as long as I can get a trolling motor on and draft around 12-14inches I will be happy, looking at older Everglades 24 at present cause I am not able to purchase one new (maybe I could afford it but my Scottish soul won't let me spend that much on something I will use only on weekends until retirement! LOL!

[@cwgoforth]

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

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Carl!