2 Cool Fishing Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Tran cat or shoalwater cat

Tags
transport
Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 45 Posts
B

Brady Mears

· Registered
Joined
·
53 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Would like to get opinions on which is better the transport 240svt cat or the shoalwater s23 cat. Would be doing lots of wade fishing in matagorda and crossing the rough lower Laguna madre in port mansfield I would also like to run offshore to troll for some kings and dorado and even go deep drop out of it ... Would just like some opinions or any feedback would be greatly appreciated !!! Thanks!!!
 
#3 · (Edited)
No wrong choice there for your inshore fishing activities.
Both are awful choices for your offshore excursions you describe. Yes you can do it but there are many better (safer) choices.
If you insist on taking a cat bay boat offshore the shoalwater would be last choice as it is lighter and you will get tossed.

If you are going offshore a lot dont sacrifice your safety for that shallow bay capability.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
sgrem said:
No wrong choice there for your inshore fishing activities.
Both are awful choices for your offshore excursions you describe.
If you insist on taking a cat bay boat offshore the shoalwater would be last choice as it is lighter and you will get tossed.
Click to expand...
I have a buddy that's a guide and he takes his tran 120 miles offshore sword fishing almost every week... I was just wondering if the shoalwater was any better in the swells ...
 
#5 ·
Brady Mears said:
I have a buddy that's a guide and he takes his tran 120 miles offshore sword fishing almost every week... I was just wondering if the shoalwater was any better in the swells ...
Click to expand...
120 miles? 240 miles total? How much gas is he carrying? That sounds crazy in a cat. Not sure I'd be game for that trip in a cat. I'd have to agree with Sgrem.
 
#6 ·
If i was booking an offshore trip....and asked the guide what kind of boat.....it would be a short conversation with your guide friend. I would be looking elsewhere for a guide with an offshore boat for my guided offshore trip. It is a bad idea to plan to do that regularly. On the rare occassional ice cream day man rock on I would too. But not a good plan not smart to count on that for your offshore excursions almost every week as you describe.
 
#7 ·
Who is the guide?

Brady Mears said:
I have a buddy that's a guide and he takes his tran 120 miles offshore sword fishing almost every week... I was just wondering if the shoalwater was any better in the swells ...
Click to expand...
Inquiring minds want to know??????? I had a 2320 Robalo that we would load up with 240 gals of fuel to fish tournaments. I have never even considered taking it 120 miles offshore. That was a very stable seaworthy boat. I have been had the pucker factor way high trying to outrun squalls at 30 miles and burned up my fuel. 120 miles, and I would have needed a few corner Bucees out there!!!!
Just Sayin!!!!
 
#9 ·
Talk with Tran about their boats. Their boats have no wood in them and are well made.

As far as going across the East cut my BC has made that run across to protected water in 25+ just this spring.

My killer is coming back the 5 or 6 miles of water from King Ranch shore line where it gets so bad with all the cross chop in 20 plus. Broke two different 545 Garmins in that area in + 20.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
#15 ·
Both boats are fantastic. Many love to deal directly with the manufacture but lets face it. Dealers are key to a good customer experience as they the 1st point of contact for the end user just like every other industry.

I pulled the trigger on a SW cat23 back in Jan and love the boat and is a great platform for most of Texas gulf coast waters and a fantastic boat for wading. Its all about how you set it up and the aspect of rigging in regards to performance however taking on offshore swells is not what it is designed for. Haynie, Shoalwater and Transport are all great Texas boats but the Shoalwater was best for me for performance, budget and layout.

If your looking for a inshore, offshore cat boat then you might check out the Shallowsport X3

Good luck
 
#16 ·
Have you considered the 23' or 24' Haynie cats? Very stable platform and will run as shallow as needed in the bay and absolutely eats the chop up. They arent as fast as the SW cats on top end but they are fast enough to get you where you need to go. I have ridden in all 3 several times and also rode in them 3 different days leading up to the day I bought my 23' Haynie cat and to me the Tran and SW didnt compare to the Haynie. As others mentioned if customer service is a key priority I would definately lean towards Tran or Haynie.
 
#17 ·
The trans boats are defiantly good boats but are a bit heavier than the shoalwater line of boats. With that being said, the shoalwater will run shallower and will also out run the transcat. I doubt you will be satisfied with the off shore capabilities of either boat if you get caught out there when a storm pops up and the seas get rough. Good luck in your decision.
 
#18 ·
Easy way to tell...check the classifieds for boats for sale...see any Tran bigger than the Baby Cats??? Check to see how many others are for sale...ever wonder why???? Tran Cat are tremendous boats, smooth ride, shallow as any other out there and the service and warranty is the BEST, they stand behind their boats. And will give you great service....You cannot go wrong with a Tran boat...best buy for the dollar, bar none....check those ads.....if you don't believe me....
 
1 - 20 of 45 Posts
About this Discussion
44 Replies
24 Participants
Last post:
das7777
2 Cool Fishing Forum
posts
7.4M
members
121K
Since
2004
A forum community dedicated to anglers in the Texas area. Come join the discussion about fishing guides, bait, safety, gear, tackle, tips, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
TTMB General Fishing Discussion Hunting Board Bluewater Board (Recreational Fishing) Boating Forum