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Top 5 Dual Console Bay Boats in Canada 2025 — Best Family and Fishing Boats (Grady-White, Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, Pursuit, Robalo)

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Dual console bay boats combine comfortable forward seating and passenger amenities with fishing-ready features, appealing to buyers who want both family cruising and angling capability. In Canada, these versatile boats are popular among owners who use the same hull for island runs, lake weekends, inshore saltwater trips and serious bay fishing. Key selling points include modular seating that adapts from social layouts to open fishing platforms, integrated swim platforms for family recreation, abundant lockable storage for rods and safety gear, and hull designs that balance stability with a shallow draft for nearshore work. Buyers in 2025 also look for modern touches such as integrated electronics and fishfinders, efficient four-stroke or hybrid power options, enhanced corrosion protection for saltwater use, and dealer networks for winterization and service. The category attracts multi-use owners who prioritize safety, resale value, low maintenance, and a boat that performs well across Canadian conditions from the Atlantic coast to the Great Lakes and inland bays.

Quick Menu

1. Best Premium Build

2. Best Unsinkable Reliability

3. Best Value Pleasure & Fish

4. Best Offshore-Capable

5. Best Angler-Focused Midrange

1
BEST PREMIUM BUILD

Grady-White Freedom 235

Grady-White

Grady-White Freedom 235 earns a top position for dual-console bay boating thanks to its premium build quality, legendary SeaV2 hull that delivers a confident, dry ride and long-term resale value—advantages that justify its higher upfront cost compared with the other models. For anglers and families who prioritize offshore-capable handling, corrosion-resistant fittings and refined finishes, it outpaces more value-oriented competitors by offering a more robust specification and lower expected maintenance over time. Compared with the Boston Whaler and Robalo, Grady-White leans heavier toward comfort and durability rather than minimalistic price competition.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Smooth-sea ride

  • Refined craftsmanship

  • Smooth-sea ride

  • Refined craftsmanship

Review Summary

90%

"Owners praise the Grady-White Freedom 235 for its solid build, exceptional sea handling, and comfortable dual-console layout that works well for both fishing and family days; reviewers note the premium price but say the long-term durability justifies it. After extended use many cite minimal maintenance issues and strong resale value."

  • Hook-happy layout

  • Solid offshore-ready hull and exceptionally smooth ride for bay and nearshore conditions.

  • Hook-happy layout

  • Solid offshore-ready hull and exceptionally smooth ride for bay and nearshore conditions.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Grady-White Freedom 235 earns a top position for dual-console bay boating thanks to its premium build quality, legendary SeaV2 hull that delivers a confident, dry ride and long-term resale value—advantages that justify its higher upfront cost compared with the other models. For anglers and families who prioritize offshore-capable handling, corrosion-resistant fittings and refined finishes, it outpaces more value-oriented competitors by offering a more robust specification and lower expected maintenance over time. Compared with the Boston Whaler and Robalo, Grady-White leans heavier toward comfort and durability rather than minimalistic price competition.

  • Smooth-sea ride

  • Refined craftsmanship

  • Hook-happy layout

  • Solid offshore-ready hull and exceptionally smooth ride for bay and nearshore conditions.

  • Well-appointed dual-console layout with comfortable seating, dedicated head, and storage.

  • Smooth-sea ride

  • Refined craftsmanship

  • Hook-happy layout

  • Solid offshore-ready hull and exceptionally smooth ride for bay and nearshore conditions.

  • Well-appointed dual-console layout with comfortable seating, dedicated head, and storage.

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$160,000-210,000 CAD

2
BEST UNSINKABLE RELIABILITY

Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro stands out for its unsinkable hull construction and a fishing-focused, no-nonsense layout that delivers strong safety and versatility in bay conditions at a competitive price. Its robust construction and simplified systems often reduce long-term ownership costs relative to similarly equipped premium-dual-console boats, making it an attractive middle ground between Grady-White’s premium finish and Robalo’s value proposition. In comparison to sportier models like the Sea Ray, the Dauntless Pro emphasizes utility and low-risk ownership for anglers and families who fish coastal waters.

4.7
★★★★☆
  • Unsinkable confidence

  • Launch-ready deck

  • Unsinkable confidence

  • Launch-ready deck

Review Summary

92%

"Buyers consistently highlight the Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro's unsinkable hull, excellent fishability, and versatile deck layout; common comments mention it feels premium and inspires confidence in rough water, though it's considered expensive. Long-term users report high reliability and strong owner satisfaction."

  • Kid-approved cockpit

  • Iconic unsinkable hull construction for added safety and resale value.

  • Kid-approved cockpit

  • Iconic unsinkable hull construction for added safety and resale value.

Recreational Enjoyment

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro stands out for its unsinkable hull construction and a fishing-focused, no-nonsense layout that delivers strong safety and versatility in bay conditions at a competitive price. Its robust construction and simplified systems often reduce long-term ownership costs relative to similarly equipped premium-dual-console boats, making it an attractive middle ground between Grady-White’s premium finish and Robalo’s value proposition. In comparison to sportier models like the Sea Ray, the Dauntless Pro emphasizes utility and low-risk ownership for anglers and families who fish coastal waters.

  • Unsinkable confidence

  • Launch-ready deck

  • Kid-approved cockpit

  • Iconic unsinkable hull construction for added safety and resale value.

  • Large open cockpit and casting decks designed for productive bay fishing.

  • Unsinkable confidence

  • Launch-ready deck

  • Kid-approved cockpit

  • Iconic unsinkable hull construction for added safety and resale value.

  • Large open cockpit and casting decks designed for productive bay fishing.

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$110,000-150,000 CAD

3
BEST VALUE PLEASURE & FISH

Sea Ray SPX 230

Sea Ray

Sea Ray SPX 230 is the value-oriented sporty dual-console on the list, offering a comfortable family-friendly layout, contemporary styling and typically lower entry price that makes it attractive for buyers prioritizing on-water entertainment over hardcore fishing features. Its lighter emphasis on dedicated fishing systems and simpler rigging can mean lower purchase price and operating costs compared with Pursuit or Grady-White, though it sacrifices some of the rugged fishing capability and resale robustness those brands provide. For bay boat shoppers seeking a versatile runabout that balances comfort and economy, the SPX 230 is a cost-effective alternative to the more fish-centric models.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • Sporty handling

  • Plush family seats

  • Sporty handling

  • Plush family seats

Review Summary

80%

"The Sea Ray SPX 230 is frequently praised for offering a good balance of family-friendly features, stylish design, and comfortable ride at a competitive price, but some owners report wear issues with upholstery and limited fishing-specific features. Overall users find it a solid, affordable dual-console for casual boating."

  • Wake-party ready

  • Affordable dual-console layout with comfortable bow and cockpit seating for family days.

  • Wake-party ready

  • Affordable dual-console layout with comfortable bow and cockpit seating for family days.

Recreational Enjoyment

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Sea Ray SPX 230 is the value-oriented sporty dual-console on the list, offering a comfortable family-friendly layout, contemporary styling and typically lower entry price that makes it attractive for buyers prioritizing on-water entertainment over hardcore fishing features. Its lighter emphasis on dedicated fishing systems and simpler rigging can mean lower purchase price and operating costs compared with Pursuit or Grady-White, though it sacrifices some of the rugged fishing capability and resale robustness those brands provide. For bay boat shoppers seeking a versatile runabout that balances comfort and economy, the SPX 230 is a cost-effective alternative to the more fish-centric models.

  • Sporty handling

  • Plush family seats

  • Wake-party ready

  • Affordable dual-console layout with comfortable bow and cockpit seating for family days.

  • Versatile platform that balances recreational boating with basic fishing amenities.

  • Sporty handling

  • Plush family seats

  • Wake-party ready

  • Affordable dual-console layout with comfortable bow and cockpit seating for family days.

  • Versatile platform that balances recreational boating with basic fishing amenities.

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$75,000-100,000 CAD

4
BEST OFFSHORE-CAPABLE

Pursuit DC 266

Pursuit

Pursuit DC 266 is positioned as a premium fishing and cruising dual console with a solid offshore-capable hull, upscale gear options and fishing-centric ergonomics that appeal to serious anglers who also want family comfort. Technically it competes with Grady-White on ride quality and build pedigree while often offering more integrated fishing features than the Sea Ray, making it a compelling choice if you prioritize tackle storage, fishability and refined systems over the lowest purchase price. Financially, Pursuit tends to command a premium but promises strong retained value and confidence for bay-and-nearshore use.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Premium offshore feel

  • Pro-angling gear

  • Premium offshore feel

  • Pro-angling gear

Review Summary

88%

"Pursuit DC 266 owners commend the boat's premium fit-and-finish, confident ride, and fish-focused yet comfortable dual-console design; reviewers acknowledge a higher purchase price and greater weight but say the build quality and offshore capability pay off over time. Long-term feedback emphasizes durability and excellent handling."

  • Cruise-in-style vibes

  • Heavy-duty hull and seakeeping designed for confident nearshore and offshore runs.

  • Cruise-in-style vibes

  • Heavy-duty hull and seakeeping designed for confident nearshore and offshore runs.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Pursuit DC 266 is positioned as a premium fishing and cruising dual console with a solid offshore-capable hull, upscale gear options and fishing-centric ergonomics that appeal to serious anglers who also want family comfort. Technically it competes with Grady-White on ride quality and build pedigree while often offering more integrated fishing features than the Sea Ray, making it a compelling choice if you prioritize tackle storage, fishability and refined systems over the lowest purchase price. Financially, Pursuit tends to command a premium but promises strong retained value and confidence for bay-and-nearshore use.

  • Premium offshore feel

  • Pro-angling gear

  • Cruise-in-style vibes

  • Heavy-duty hull and seakeeping designed for confident nearshore and offshore runs.

  • Spacious, premium dual-console interior with high-end fit-and-finish.

  • Premium offshore feel

  • Pro-angling gear

  • Cruise-in-style vibes

  • Heavy-duty hull and seakeeping designed for confident nearshore and offshore runs.

  • Spacious, premium dual-console interior with high-end fit-and-finish.

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$220,000-300,000 CAD

5
BEST ANGLER-FOCUSED MIDRANGE

Robalo R247

Robalo

Robalo R247 delivers notable value for bay boat buyers by combining a fish-ready deck plan, ample storage and user-friendly systems at a price point that undercuts many premium dual-console competitors. While its fit-and-finish is generally less luxe than Grady-White or Pursuit, Robalo’s competitive pricing and sensible feature set make it a smart choice for anglers who want functional performance without paying for top-tier luxury, and it often offers lower entry costs than the Boston Whaler and Sea Ray alternatives. For buyers focused on bang-for-buck fishing functionality in bay conditions, the R247 balances capability and affordability effectively.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Performance hull

  • Smart tackle storage

  • Performance hull

  • Smart tackle storage

Review Summary

84%

"The Robalo R247 gets consistently favorable marks for value, solid ride, and fishing-friendly features, with owners appreciating the practical layout and affordability compared with premium brands; some note room for improvement in factory electronics and storage optimization. Most users report dependable performance and good ownership experience."

  • Sun-ready lounge

  • Generous cockpit and fishability with large livewell and tackle storage.

  • Sun-ready lounge

  • Generous cockpit and fishability with large livewell and tackle storage.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Robalo R247 delivers notable value for bay boat buyers by combining a fish-ready deck plan, ample storage and user-friendly systems at a price point that undercuts many premium dual-console competitors. While its fit-and-finish is generally less luxe than Grady-White or Pursuit, Robalo’s competitive pricing and sensible feature set make it a smart choice for anglers who want functional performance without paying for top-tier luxury, and it often offers lower entry costs than the Boston Whaler and Sea Ray alternatives. For buyers focused on bang-for-buck fishing functionality in bay conditions, the R247 balances capability and affordability effectively.

  • Performance hull

  • Smart tackle storage

  • Sun-ready lounge

  • Generous cockpit and fishability with large livewell and tackle storage.

  • Comfortable dual-console accommodations for day cruising and family use.

  • Performance hull

  • Smart tackle storage

  • Sun-ready lounge

  • Generous cockpit and fishability with large livewell and tackle storage.

  • Comfortable dual-console accommodations for day cruising and family use.

Order Now

$125,000-165,000 CAD

Research and Practical Evidence Behind Dual Console Bay Boats

Design, safety, and user-experience research from marine engineering, recreational boating surveys, and boating safety organizations supports many of the dual console benefits. Studies and industry data emphasize stability and ergonomics delivered by modern hull shapes, the safety advantages of accessible deck flow and wind-protected consoles, and the user satisfaction of modular layouts that let families and anglers share the same boat. While specific model performance is tested by manufacturers and independent reviewers, broader findings from transport and marine safety agencies also highlight that well-equipped dual consoles reduce on-deck crowding, improve gear stowage, and help owners meet seasonal Canadian use requirements such as winterization and corrosion protection.

Stability and hull design: Marine engineering research shows that moderate beam and optimized hull chines improve initial stability, which is important for family comfort and angling when people move on deck.

Ergonomics and fatigue: Studies in ergonomics applied to small craft indicate that purposeful seating, handholds, and step layouts reduce fatigue and increase safe onboard movement for passengers of all ages.

Safety outcomes: Recreational boating safety reports from national agencies emphasize that boats with clear deck flow, dedicated storage for lifejackets, and good visibility from the helm lower the risk of accidents.

Multi-use value: Consumer surveys find that buyers who use one boat for both family recreation and fishing report higher long-term satisfaction and better resale value with dual-purpose designs.

Environmental and efficiency trends: Research into outboard technology shows modern four-stroke and newer electric-assist powerplants reduce fuel use and emissions, an increasing consideration for Canadian owners near sensitive coastal and lake ecosystems.

Dual console bay boats are an excellent choice for Canadian boaters who want a single craft that handles family cruising and productive inshore fishing. The five highlighted models — Grady-White Freedom 235, Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro, Sea Ray SPX 230, Pursuit DC 266, and Robalo R247 — each offer a strong mix of comfort, storage, and fishing features. For most buyers looking for a blend of safety, versatility and long-term value, the Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro stands out as the best overall choice on this list thanks to its reputation for durability and balanced performance. We hope you found what you were looking for; use the search to refine by size, price, or feature set, or expand your search to compare dealers and local service options across Canada.

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