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Flexibility and versatility for the serious angler

By TERRY TOMALIN
Published October 6, 2006

Boat watch: Lake & Bay back water 24

FORM: With its classic bay boat design, the Back Water 24 is known as a fast yet dry boat. Quality construction and solid factory backing are two reasons why Lake & Bay boats hold their value. What this boat lacks in creature comforts it makes up for with speed in a variety of conditions.

FUNCTION: A favorite of professional redfish tour anglers, the Back Water 24 is capable of making a 100-mile run to a hotspot in a light chop then still sneak inside to the skinny water where the fish are hiding. The Back Water 24 is a roomy boat, which gives it an A-plus in terms of "fishability." Three anglers can work out of this boat without stepping on each other. But be forewarned: the Back Water 24 is no luxury ride. If you are looking for family comfort, there are better boats on the market.

FEATURES: One word comes to mind when you step on the Back Water 24: quality. The hull is 100 percent hand-laid fiberglass. Standard features include a 30-gallon livewell (a bit small for tournament anglers), locking under gunnel rod storage and a 10-inch Bob's Machine Shop Hydraulic Jackplate. The Back Water 24 also comes with a leaning post seat (with storage) and a 72-quart Igloo cooler. Anglers will find the extra-wide, non-skid gunnels a bonus.

FUN FACTOR: Bay boats are the work horses of the waterfront. You can fish, dive, wakeboard and fill them full of gear and camp on a barrier island all in the same day. With high-gunnels and indestructible decks, you can clean fish and then just hose it down. The Back Water 24 is a do-everything boat. The only limits are your imagination.

PRICE POINT: With a price as tested of $62,300 (including a custom trailer) the Back Water 24 is not an entry-level boat. This bay boat is often the second or third boat and angler buys. Lake & Bays are often an angler's "dream boat," purchased after the buyer has been in the market and appreciates a water craft's finer points. These boats are expensive, but keep in mind, used Lake & Bays hold their value, and a 10-year-old hull may fetch an owner nearly as much money as he paid for it.

Competition: Sterling 2400, Shearwater 220 or Gause Built 23.

LENGTH: 23 feet 11 inches

BEAM: 8 feet 6 inches

DRAFT: 13 inches

FUEL CAPaCITY: 88 gallons

WEIGHT: 2,100 pounds

MAX POWER: 450 horsepower

RECOMMENDED POWER: 225 horsepower

Boat courtesy of Maximo Marine, 3701 50th Ave. South, St. Petersburg.

[Last modified October 6, 2006, 06:58:27]