Boat Design

Nitpicky Bay Boat Design Elements

Bay Boat Design Elements

Here at Atlas Boatworks we build a 23′ flatback-inspired bay boat. Our boats are all custom-built for the owners, so we have the opportunity to talk about boats and all the decisions that go into them a lot.

One way we get potential owners to think about what they want is to ask them a series of questions. This process gets them thinking about what they want and some of the potential consequences of their design decisions. 

So, along that line, we are going to throw out some elements that are universal to any bay boat buying decision and ask a list of questions related to each. We aren’t giving you the answers, that’s up to you. This is just to get your creative juices flowing. 

Getting nitpicky about bay boat design elements is a fun topic and I’m sure that we will be back with another edition of this type of post. In the meantime, enjoy these thought-provoking questions. 

If you want to learn more about the design philosophy of the Atlas 23F bay boat, visit our website here. 

Atlas Boatworks 23F bay boat anchored near a channel

Access to Systems

  • Can you easily reach vital systems?
  • Are wires labeled?
  • Battery access?
  • Fuse panel access?
  • Circuit breakers vs fuses?
  • Fuel tank connection access?
  • Onboard battery charger access?
  • Can you plug in battery charger easily?
  • Room to mount additional accessories?
The door on the center console of the Atlas Boatworks 23F bay boat fully open
Transom hatch Closed on an Atlas Boatworks 23F bay boat

Livewell

  • Do you need more than one?
  • Does it have rounded corners to prevent damage to bait stuck in corners?
  • Can you create a directional current to keep baitfish swimming?
  • Will the drain get clogged with seaweed?
  • Can you vary the depth of water based on bait type?
  • Is it quiet or does the water spray down from the top loudly?
  • Do you need it to be lighted for night fishing?
  • Is it big enough to dump straight from the castnet into the well?
  • Do you have to bend over to get the bait out?
  • How does it drain? Will baitfish get sucked into the drain tube and stink up your boat/garage?
  • Do you need redundant pumps?
A castnet full of finger mullet is dumped into a livewell
Deck of the Atlas Boatworks 23F bay boat is covered with seaweed

Cleats

  • How many do you need?
  • Flush mount to prevent snags?
  • Powder coated or stainless?
Atlas Boatworks 23F bay boat deck hardware is installed

Metalwork

  • Powder coated?
    • What color?
  • Anodized?
  •  Permanent or removable?

Rod Storage

  • Vertical or horizontal or both?
  • Fly rods, spinning rods, bait casters?
  • In-deck or on the console/T-top or both?
  • Plastic or metal?
Four fishing rods stand in holders on the console of the Atlas Boatworks 23F bay boat
Side view of tan Atlas Boatworks 23F center console fishing boat at anchor. It has a half tower installed with 2nd station up top.

Shade

  • Do you need a top?
  • T-Top?
  • Bimini?
  • Tower?

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