Boat Review - Dusky 24 Bay

What most people expect from a “Bay Boat” is a platform set up to fish in relatively shallow water that features lowered freeboard, allowing easy access to the water within arm's reach and also offers less wind resistance while drifting over a flat. The boat should not only get you into quiet backwater environments, but also offer a more comfortable ride when crossing bigger open bodies of water. You'll probably be taking a boat like this offshore to run the beach or sneak off into the blue water on ideal days. An open, elevated deck with plenty of room for multiple anglers to move around is also a plus, providing a sight fishing advantage as well as a stable platform to throw a cast net from.

Imagine if you could build a boat like this that was also an able “Offshore” boat that got you into the big blue water more days, while still offering the benefits of the previously described boat. You'd be describing the Dusky 242 Bay to a tee. Dusky tackled this project by starting with their most popular offshore 25-foot model. Built on virtually the identical running surface as her big sister, the 242 Bay takes an offshore running surface down in height, reducing the freeboard to Bay Boat dimensions while maintaining the inherent toughness and sea worthiness of the classic 25.

This is no technical skiff in fact it's the polar opposite. Their mission to bring a bay boat into 1-2 feet of water was accomplished despite her considerable 3700-pound dry weight. What some may consider a disadvantage in a shallow water boat quickly becomes an asset when you're running headlong into a stiff bay chop or for the 242, into a brisk offshore head sea returning from a Gulfstream outing. The Dusky 242 Bay features the traditional forward casting deck which may be rigged with a trolling motor. The elevated platform features seating to port and starboard with an extended, snag free forward deck offering a toe edge to keep you mindful of when you're about to step out of the boat. An insulated 240-quart fish box to port and similar storage compartment to starboard hide beneath the seats. The forward anchor locker is exceptionally roomy and can easily accommodate your ground tackle along with a couple of large cast nets.

A full sized center console and T-top are more in line with what you might expect on an offshore boat. Inside of the console you'll find room enough to store lots of bulky gear and tackle items and easily enough room to add an optional marine head. The benefit of the oversized shade top cannot be overlooked if you fish in a tropical environment. A forward seat on the console also is the home of a large 40-gallon live well. For the helmsman, Dusky rigs this model with the traditional Rocket launcher/Leaning post. A four position rod rack sits above the space below to house a large drink cooler. The aft cockpit is roomy enough for two inshore anglers to work around and is somewhat more similar in style to an offshore boat with a full transom and fold down bench seat. The Dusky Drive integrated bracket offers additional space to stand. Our test boat was rigged with a large PowerPole Blade that seems to be a must have item these days for inshore boats for good reason.

If you're looking for a tough as nails work horse of a boat to split your time between inshore and offshore fishing, do it comfortably on, and not be as wary of the weather forecast as your friends with a technical skiff might be, this boat deserves a serious going over.

Dusky 242 Bay specifications:

Length: 24 feet 2 inches

Beam: 7 feet 8 inches

Draft: 12 inches (hull)

Deadrise: 20 degrees

Hull weight: 3700 pounds 4600 equipped

Max horsepower: 350

Fuel: 100 gallons

Base MSRP: $65,000.00