Here is a boat roundup from our friends at SaltWater Sportsman – it’s meant to give you a sneak peak of what to look for, so if you find one you like, find your closest dealer and take a ride for yourself…

Boat-show season has arrived, so potential boat buyers and enthusiasts, get ready — a new breed of boats awaits you. Whether you are an angler who prefers to spend your time fishing the shallows for snook, redfish or striped bass or someone who’d rather make the long run into blue water for big pelagics, there’s a new boat out there for you. You will notice a few models with subtle but notable updates, some that have undergone massive face-lifts and, finally, a few that are brand-new from the hull up. This roundup is meant to give you a sneak peak of what to look for, so if you find one you like, find your closest dealer and take a ride for yourself.

Ranger Boats 220 Bahia

It’s always nice to step on a boat that allows you to keep your fishing options open, just in case you have a midday
changeof plans. The new Ranger Boats220 Bahia offers versatility, performance and fishing features to suit any inshore situation. The boat measures 21 feet 5 inches in length and is rated for 150 hp. On the port side, there’s a 7-foot-6-inch rod locker and eight stand-up rocket-launcher-style rod tubes mounted along the console. In the bow and stern, there’s plenty of storage, as well as passenger seating on top of the livewells. It’s also easy to get access to the batteries and breakers thanks to an access hatch located near the transom. The Bahia comes paired with a custom-built RangerTrail trailer.

Ranger Boats • www.rangerboats.com

Boston Whaler 345 Conquest Open

The 345 Conquest Open is an offshore fishing machine,
as well as a cabin cruiser sporting a new open-cockpit design. The windshield design is similar to the original 345 Conquest, but instead of being fully enclosed, the Open has low-profile glass on the port and starboard sides. When the weather turns, the Open has a full weather-curtain enclosure to keep you out of the elements. This model also has the option of a marlin tower on the hardtop for a huge spotting advantage.

Boston Whaler • www.whaler.com

Regulator Marine 28 FS

Regulator Marine has introduced its new 28 FS, a completely new boat that combines the classic fishability of
the Regulator 26 with modern fishing innovations. This boat has a traditional transom bracket set on a hull that measures 27 feet 71/2 inches in length, with a 9-foot-5-inch beam. This makes the boat one of the largest in its class. The deck is flush, so when you’re fighting a fish, you are completely unobstructed, and there’s plenty of storage in the large in-deck lighted fish box that doubles as a lockable rod-storage area.

Regulator Marine • www.regulatormarine.com

Pathfinder 2300 HPS

With distinctive styling, the Pathfinder 2300 High Performance Step features a single-stepped hull, as well as
a bustle transom - both of which are new to Pathfinder boats. Other new features include a raised console with a toe kick, which creates a larger cockpit, and there are also two storage lockers, plus walk-around gunwales complete with rear-facing rod racks and tubes underneath. In addition, the forward and aft casting decks have been made larger than in previous models. Below deck, the boat is built with custom-fitted in-house wiring harnesses, all-composite construction and top-quality components to meet ABYC standards.

Pathfinder • www.pathfinderboats.com

Sundance Boats NX 19

At first glance, you might think that the cockpit of the new NX19 from Sundance Boats is abnormally large, and
you would be correct. This is due to a new console and the strategic placement of the front deck and rear wall. Because of the deep-V bow entry, the NX19 is able to handle a good amount of chop and still maintain a smooth, dry ride. A forward console seat covers a spacious 32-quart cooler, which can be plumbed to function as a secondary livewell. A leaning post with four rocket launchers and an Igloo cooler are available as options.

Sundance Boats • www.sundanceboats.com

Cabo Yachts 44 Express Hardtop

Utilizing a three-sided enclosure, the Cabo Yachts 44 Express Hardtop offers better protection from the
elements, improved visibility and greater comfort. Below deck, the living space is equal in size to the Cabo Yachts 45 Express’, but you have the option of a second stateroom or an angler’s room. Outside, there is mezzanine seating, providing a comfortable spot to watch the spread. Traditional Cabo features such as fish boxes, a tackle center and a transom livewell are all standard.

Cabo Yachts • www.caboyachts.com