re: Xpress bay boats-worth the $$$$

We have a 2000 model X21B with a 4 stroke 200 that we have been running since 2004. We fish the marsh in Venice, freshwater (Lakes and the basin) and nearshore rigs in venice (up to 12 miles) with it. Obviously, you are only rig fishing in 2' seas at most. We also duck hunt out of it. Have beat it to hell and back with no problems other than normal wear and tear. The compartments will get wet if you spray them with a pressure washer or hose. Rain and normal spray does not get them wet, at least not ours. Buddy just got an '05 model of the same boat and have fished in it a few times. Performance is the same as ours.

The older models will get you wet as passengers in windy rough conditions. Newer models have supposedly solved that problem but have no experience there. We load it down since we have a camp downriver. Have always had plenty of room for 3-4 days worth of crap for 4-5 people. Use it to pull the go-devil boat down also at beginning and end of season. Bottom line is we abuse it and it has always performed. Even at 17 years old, it still performs as needed.

I wouldn't pay $33k for a new one, but I'm cheap. Paid $18k for ours in 2004. We have definitely gotten that value and plenty more out of it.