Sea Hunt – Technical and Historical Guide

ABOUT THIS BOAT BRAND

Sea Hunt is an American boat manufacturer renowned for building affordable, family friendly saltwater fishing boats with a strong emphasis on quality and value. Founded in 1995 by father and son Vic and Bubba Roof in a one room shop outside Columbia, South Carolina, Sea Hunt has grown into the nation’s number one selling saltwater center console boat brand in the 17 to 30 foot range for well over a decade. Operating from a modern 170,000 square foot facility in South Carolina and producing roughly 2,000 to 2,200 fiberglass boats per year, the privately held Sea Hunt Boat Company remains family run, maintaining tight control over design, construction, and dealer relationships. This consistent ownership, long production history, and sustained market leadership have made Sea Hunt a trusted name among serious coastal anglers and family boaters across the United States.

Specializing in outboard powered saltwater boats for inshore and near offshore waters, Sea Hunt targets serious offshore anglers, coastal fishermen, and families seeking versatile center console fishing boats that double as comfortable day boats. The company’s core lines include the Ultra series of family oriented center consoles, the Gamefish series of offshore sportfishing vessels, and the BX bay boat series for shallow water applications. Across these models, Sea Hunt incorporates features such as its sharp entry, high deadrise hulls with pronounced Carolina bow flare for a dry ride, Vortec step keel hull technology on select boats for improved fuel efficiency and performance with smaller horsepower, self bailing cockpits, expansive livewells and insulated fish boxes, integrated hardtops with electronics boxes, and Yamaha outboard power matched to each hull. This focus on practical fishability, family friendly layouts, and efficient, ocean capable hull designs has established Sea Hunt as a preferred choice for buyers looking for capable saltwater center console and bay boats in the 18 to 30 foot class.

WHAT MAKES THIS BOAT BRAND SPECIAL?

Sea Hunt has become the #1 selling saltwater center console in the U.S. by pairing smart, fish-first design with family comfort in every hull they build. Each Sea Hunt hull is laid up in durable, hand‑crafted fiberglass with foam flotation and an aggressive sharp-entry deadrise that transitions to broad running surfaces for efficiency and stability. Their signature True Carolina bow flare throws spray down and away for a remarkably dry ride, whether you are running a BX bay boat across skinny water or taking a Gamefish offshore in a stiff chop. Sea Hunt integrates performance hardware like recessed trim tabs, Jack plates on select BX models, Yamaha electric steering, and factory-rigged Garmin electronics packages to create hulls that jump on plane quickly, track straight, and stay predictable around the dock. Generous livewells, insulated fishboxes, lockable rod storage and casting decks speak to serious anglers, while the Ultra series adds wraparound bow seating, plush bolsters, enclosed heads and entertainment centers that turn a Sea Hunt into an all-day family and sandbar platform.

Built in South Carolina, every Sea Hunt boat comes out of a modern facility that still operates with a hands-on, family-owned mentality, blending efficient production methods with true craftsman oversight. Skilled laminators, riggers and finish technicians focus on clean glass work, solid stringer systems and precisely fitted hardware so each Sea Hunt feels tight, quiet and confidence inspiring offshore. The brand specifies premium gelcoat, marine-grade wiring, corrosion-resistant stainless hardware, tempered-glass T-tops and Yamaha power matched systems, all backed by a 10-year structural hull warranty that gives buyers long-term peace of mind. Sea Hunt boats are designed to meet or exceed applicable U.S. Coast Guard and NMMA standards, and it shows in the way hatches fit, wiring looms are labeled, and bilge areas are finished instead of forgotten. Owners consistently praise Sea Hunt for delivering big-boat features and soft, dry rides at a value price point, positioning the Sea Hunt name as a trusted go-to for families and anglers who want offshore-capable performance without sacrificing comfort or reliability.

WHAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF BOATS DOES THIS BOAT BRAND BUILD?

Sea Hunt builds a versatile range of family-friendly and fishing-focused outboard boats, designed for inshore and offshore adventures. While specific lengths are not listed here, the lineup is known for covering a broad spectrum of sizes to suit different boating lifestyles, from smaller, easily trailerable models up through larger, offshore-capable center consoles. Sea Hunt focuses on modern hull designs, efficient outboard power, and thoughtfully laid-out decks that balance fishing features with comfort for cruising and sandbar days. Across its range, the brand emphasizes fishability, ride quality, and user-friendly operation, appealing to both serious anglers and active families. Below are the types of boats and models Sea Hunt builds, along with their key characteristics and uses:

• (BX Series – Bay Boats / Inshore Hybrid) Sea Hunt’s BX Series are shallow‑draft bay and inshore hybrid boats designed for anglers who split time between skinny water and open bays. Current models include the BX22BR (22’10” LOA, 8’5” beam, 13" draft, 53 gal fuel, max 250 hp) and BX25FS (25’3” LOA, 8’6” beam, 15" draft, 68 gal fuel, max 350 hp). Both ride on a fiberglass modified‑V bay hull with Sea Hunt’s multi‑stage deadrise (15° at the transom with sharper entry) and pronounced Carolina bow flare for a surprisingly dry, soft ride for this class. Layouts emphasize elevated casting decks fore and aft, dual lockable rod‑box storage, multiple livewells (console and aft), abundant in‑deck and bow storage, and trolling‑motor rigging readiness, with leaning‑post seating and an open cockpit that maximizes fishability. Yamaha outboards are standard, with hydraulic or electric steering and integrated Garmin electronics packages. Target use is serious inshore and nearshore fishing for redfish, trout, snook, and similar species, plus light family sandbar duty, typically carrying 7–9 people depending on configuration.

• (Gamefish Series – Offshore Fishing Center Consoles) The Gamefish Series are offshore‑ready center consoles built for blue‑water and serious coastal fishing. The current line runs from the Gamefish 25 (25’8” LOA, 9’2” beam, 145 gal fuel, max 400 hp) up through the Gamefish 27FS/27CB (27’6” LOA, 9’6” beam, 180 gal fuel, max 500 hp) to the flagship Gamefish 28FS/28CB and 30FS/30CB (up to 30’2” LOA, 9’9” beam, 230 gal fuel, max 700 hp). All ride on deep‑V offshore hulls with aggressive entries, Carolina bow flare, and stepped deadrise to blend efficiency and seakeeping. Standard features center on fishability: twin or single Yamaha outboards, large insulated fish boxes, dual or mezzanine livewells, in‑deck macerated storage, under‑gunwale rod racks, and hardtops with rocket launchers. FS (forward seating) versions combine wraparound bow lounges with backrests and family‑friendly upholstery, while CB (coffin box) versions trade some seating for a massive forward coffin‑box fish hold and extra deck space. These boats target offshore trolling and bottom fishing for pelagics and reef species yet still carry 9–12 passengers for cruising and island‑hopping.

• (Ultra Series – Family-Friendly Center Consoles) Sea Hunt’s Ultra Series are family‑oriented center consoles that keep full fishing capability while prioritizing comfort and amenities. The lineup spans from the Ultra 219 (21’4” LOA, 8’3” beam, 60 gal fuel, max 200 hp) and Ultra 229 (22’8” LOA, 8’6” beam, 83 gal fuel, max 250 hp) through mid‑size models like the Ultra 239/245/255/265/275 and 285 (roughly 24–28½ ft, beams up to 9’9”, fuel capacities from about 96–180 gal, max hp up to 600) to the flagship Ultra 305SE and 305CB (29’9"–30’2" LOA, 9’9" beam, 225–230 gal fuel, max 700 hp). All are powered by single or twin Yamaha outboards and run on deep‑V Carolina‑flare hulls with multi‑stage deadrise for a stable, dry ride. Ultra models add extensive wraparound bow seating with backrests, aft fold‑away bench seating, quality upholstery, entertainment‑style leaning posts, freshwater systems, enclosed heads, and integrated Garmin electronics. SE versions lean toward full family comfort with forward lounges and entertainment leaning posts, while CB versions add a large forward coffin box for more hardcore fishing. These boats suit mixed‑use coastal families who split time between fishing, cruising, sandbar rafting, and light watersports, typically accommodating 8–12 passengers.

• (Legacy Escape Dual Consoles & Triton Center Consoles (Discontinued/Used Market)) In earlier model years Sea Hunt also produced Escape dual‑console and Triton center‑console lines, which today are mostly encountered on the used market. These fiberglass outboard models generally ran from the low‑20‑foot class to the high‑20s and shared the brand’s Carolina‑flare hull DNA and Yamaha‑outboard focus. Escape dual consoles featured full‑beam wraparound seating, walk‑through windshields, and family‑oriented layouts geared to cruising, sandbar use, casual fishing, and watersports. Triton center consoles were more fishing‑forward, with open cockpits, livewells, rod storage, and simple, durable interiors for offshore and nearshore angling. While specifications vary by year and model, these legacy lines round out Sea Hunt’s history as an all‑fiberglass, saltwater‑focused builder, even though the modern lineup is now concentrated on the BX bay and Ultra/Gamefish center‑console families.

HOW ARE THESE BOATS BUILT?

Sea Hunt boat construction starts with a CAD designed, fiberglass VORTEC hull that is engineered for a soft, dry ride and efficient performance offshore and inshore. Hulls are laid up in precision female molds using hand laid biaxial and woven fiberglass reinforcements combined with high quality ISO/NPG marine gelcoat and vinyl ester barrier coats to resist osmotic blistering, followed by orthophthalic or isophthalic polyester resins for the structural laminates. An all composite, fiberglass stringer grid is permanently bonded into the hull to create a unibody structure that minimizes flex and distributes engine and sea loads throughout the running surface. Critical impact and high load areas such as the keel, chines, strakes, and transom receive additional layers of heavy woven roving and core materials for stiffness and puncture resistance. Closed cell foam flotation is injected or poured into cavities within the stringer system and under decks to enhance buoyancy, sound dampening, and safety, helping the boats meet or exceed U.S. Coast Guard and ABYC flotation guidelines. Sea Hunt participates in NMMA certification programs that audit compliance with ABYC standards for systems and construction, so lamination schedules, fuel systems, and structural details are reviewed against recognized industry benchmarks. The hull to deck joint is typically chemically bonded with marine adhesive sealants, then mechanically fastened on close centers with stainless steel fasteners, and often glassed over from the inside to form a rigid, water tight bond that contributes to the brand’s limited lifetime structural hull warranty and long term durability in harsh saltwater environments.

Above the waterline, how Sea Hunt boats are built reflects the same focus on robust hardware, reliable systems, and premium finishes. Through hull fittings, bow eyes, cleats, hinges, and grab rails are generally fabricated from marine grade 316 stainless steel with backing plates in high load areas, while anodized aluminum is used for T tops and leaning posts, all installed with bedding compounds to prevent corrosion and leaks. Electrical systems are rigged to ABYC E standards using tinned marine grade copper wiring, sealed Deutsch or heat shrink connectors, breaker protected distribution panels, and ignition protected components in fuel vapor spaces, with LED navigation and interior lighting for low amp draw and long service life. Plumbing uses reinforced marine hose, double clamped below the waterline with stainless steel clamps, and features self bailing cockpits, high capacity bilge pumps with automatic float switches, and corrosion resistant seacocks. Upholstery typically combines UV stable, mildew resistant marine vinyl with anti staining topcoats over high density foam and composite seat bases, while non skid fiberglass decks, molded liners, and gelcoated bilges make cleanup simple and resist water intrusion. Modern manufacturing technology such as 3D CAD design, CNC cut molds and components, and jigs for console and deck assemblies support tight tolerances, while a mix of traditional hand laid laminates and controlled resin infusion or vacuum bagging in selected parts balances strength, weight, and consistency. Throughout production, in process inspections, resin and laminate checks, leak tests, sea trials, and final systems sign offs are used as quality control gates to ensure every Sea Hunt meets or exceeds prevailing industry standards for structural integrity, ride quality, and safety. The combination of NMMA certified construction, all composite stringers, foam flotation, and premium components underpins the brand’s long term hull and structural warranties, and reflects a build philosophy that prioritizes real world durability, occupant safety, and low maintenance ownership over cosmetic shortcuts, which is why Sea Hunt boat construction is trusted by coastal anglers and families who run hard in demanding conditions.

WHERE ARE THESE BOATS BUILT?

Sea Hunt boats are built exclusively in the United States at the Sea Hunt Boat Manufacturing Company facility on Shop Road in Columbia, South Carolina, where the family owned builder has been headquartered since its founding in 1995. Operating as an independent brand rather than part of a larger corporate group, Sea Hunt designs and manufactures all of its fiberglass center console, bay, and dual console models under one roof at this Columbia manufacturing site. The primary production facility encompasses roughly 170,000 to more than 175,000 square feet of manufacturing space, giving the company ample room for lamination, assembly, rigging, and finishing operations in a single, integrated plant. Depending on the source and season, Sea Hunt’s Columbia facility typically supports a workforce in the range of roughly 85 to just over 200 skilled employees dedicated solely to Sea Hunt boat production, allowing the brand to maintain tight control over every stage of the build process.

Production of Sea Hunt boats began in the mid 1990s in a modest one room shop just outside Columbia, South Carolina, and as demand grew the company consolidated and expanded into its current Columbia manufacturing facility on Shop Road where all modern models are built today. Founded by father and son Vic and Bubba Roof after Vic’s earlier success with Sunbird Boat Company, Sea Hunt has remained a family run operation rather than being absorbed into a large marine conglomerate, which has helped keep its manufacturing and product decisions centered in South Carolina. As the model line expanded from early 15 to 19 foot saltwater boats into today’s larger Ultra, Gamefish, Bay and Escape series, the Columbia plant was built out into a multi stage production facility with defined areas for mold maintenance, hull and deck lamination, stringer installation, structural bonding, mechanical and electrical rigging, and final detailing and quality inspection. Over time the operation has grown to approximately 170,000 plus square feet of enclosed space, giving Sea Hunt room to maintain multiple production lines for different hull sizes while still keeping all fiberglass layup, gelcoat application, fit out, and finishing processes on site. Columbia’s location near major interstate routes and within reach of both Atlantic coastal waters and a strong Southeastern boating market provides logistical advantages for shipping finished boats to a focused network of dealers from New England down the East Coast and throughout the Gulf region.

Quality control at the Columbia manufacturing facility is built into every stage of Sea Hunt’s production process, beginning with controlled environment fiberglass lamination where resin ratios, cure times, and hull weights are closely monitored against internal build specifications. Each hull and deck unit undergoes detailed visual inspections and mechanical checks after it is pulled from the mold, with any cosmetic or structural variances remedied before components move into the main assembly and rigging bays, where systems such as fuel, electrical, steering, and electronics are installed according to standardized work instructions. While Sea Hunt does not widely publicize specific ISO certifications, the company operates within accepted American Boat and Yacht Council and NMMA industry guidelines for construction and safety, and every completed boat is tank tested or water tested to verify bilge, livewell, and fuel system integrity along with engine rigging and basic performance functions. The single site manufacturing approach allows Sea Hunt to apply process improvements, new laminating techniques, and component upgrades uniformly across all models so that a lamination enhancement or rigging refinement proven on a Gamefish offshore hull, for example, can be quickly standardized on Ultra and Bay series production as well. By keeping design, prototyping, and full scale manufacturing together in Columbia, Sea Hunt can iterate hull details, structural reinforcements, and family friendly features efficiently while preserving consistent quality standards across its entire output of center console and dual console boats.

All Sea Hunt boats are built at this one Columbia, South Carolina facility, meaning every hull that reaches a dealer or customer has been designed, manufactured, and finished in the same American production plant under the same management team. This concentrated manufacturing footprint supports a highly experienced local workforce, modern composite boatbuilding equipment, and proven production systems that have been refined over decades of continuous operation in the same community. Sea Hunt’s ongoing commitment to quality, value, and U.S. based manufacturing is firmly tied to its Columbia facility, which remains the sole home of Sea Hunt boat production.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BOAT OF THIS BRAND BUILT TODAY?

The biggest boat built by Sea Hunt Boats today is the Sea Hunt Ultra 305 SE, Sea Hunt’s flagship and largest Sea Hunt model currently in production. The Sea Hunt Ultra 305 SE is a 30-foot class offshore center console measuring 30 feet 6 inches in length overall with a wide beam of 9 feet 9 inches, giving it a notably stable platform for coastal and bluewater conditions. Designed to be powered exclusively by twin Yamaha outboards, the Ultra 305 SE is typically rigged with twin 300 horsepower engines for a maximum rating of 600 hp, delivering strong offshore performance with efficient cruising. With this setup, the largest Sea Hunt model is capable of fast top speeds while maintaining a comfortable cruising speed range ideal for long runs to offshore ledges and sandbars. A generous fuel capacity supports those extended days on the water, and the hull features Sea Hunt’s proven True Carolina Bow Flare and sharp entry for a dry, soft ride that has become a hallmark of the brand’s offshore hull design.

The Sea Hunt Ultra 305 SE is designed as a versatile offshore and nearshore family fishing and cruising platform, combining serious sportfish capability with the comfort expected from Sea Hunt’s Ultra Series. As Sea Hunt’s flagship, the Ultra 305 SE integrates key offshore fishing features such as insulated fish boxes, aerated livewells, and abundant rod holders, while wide walkways and a deep cockpit enhance safety and fishability when working lines along the gunwales. At the same time, this largest Sea Hunt model focuses heavily on comfort with wraparound bow seating, forward-facing loungers, aft bench seating, bolsters, and a well-appointed console interior that can provide a head compartment and storage for gear and personal items. The center console helm is typically equipped to accept large multifunction displays, GPS/chartplotter, radar, VHF, and integrated Yamaha engine management, allowing the captain to run confidently offshore. Ample in-deck and under-seat storage keeps tackle, safety gear, and family essentials organized for full days on the water. With its combination of offshore-ready center console performance, family-friendly seating, and Sea Hunt’s characteristic dry-riding hull, the Sea Hunt Ultra 305 SE stands at the top of the Sea Hunt lineup as the brand’s flagship and most capable large water sportfish and cruising model.

WHAT IS THE SMALLEST BOAT OF THIS BRAND BUILT TODAY?

The smallest model in Sea Hunt's current lineup is the BX22BR, a bay boat that measures approximately 22 feet 10 inches in length overall with a beam of about 8 feet 5 inches, riding on a shallow draft hull that keeps weight and draft low for inshore versatility while still feeling substantial and stable for coastal runs, and although exact dry weight is not specified in the provided data, the BX22BR is designed to be easily trailerable behind a properly equipped half ton truck or large SUV, making it an accessible entry point into Sea Hunt’s saltwater fishing and family day boating world with simple ramp handling, modest storage needs at home, and the flexibility to explore new bays and coastal ramps without needing a dedicated marina slip or heavy duty tow vehicle.

The Sea Hunt BX22BR is an inshore and nearshore bay boat with a center console layout that prioritizes open deck space, elevated casting decks, and smart storage over bulky interior structures, typically offering forward and aft casting platforms, leaning post style helm seating, and jump or foldaway aft seats that allow the boat to comfortably host a small crew while preserving fishing room; while specific passenger numbers are not listed in the reference material, most boats of this size commonly carry a USCG rating in roughly the 7 to 9 person range, which translates to plenty of capacity for a family or a handful of anglers on a coastal fishing trip, and the BX22BR’s construction follows Sea Hunt’s reputation for solid fiberglass center consoles with a True Carolina Bow Flare and multi stage deadrise hull that combines a sharp entry with a moderate running surface and about 15 degrees at the transom on BX bay boats for a mix of dry ride, stability, and fuel efficient planing. Fuel capacity on the BX22BR is listed at roughly 53 gallons, and the model is rated for up to 250 horsepower, usually paired with a single Yamaha outboard in the 150 to 250 horsepower range, which gives the BX22BR the strong hole shot, midrange efficiency, and top end speed that coastal boaters look for when running the ICW, hopping between inlets, or making a quick dash to nearshore reefs in the right conditions. The hull form and Yamaha power help the BX22BR plane quickly and cruise comfortably at sensible fuel burns, which many owners appreciate when they use the boat frequently for early morning inshore fishing or full day family boating, and Sea Hunt layers in angler friendly features like large forward and aft casting decks, multiple livewells, and lockable rod storage alongside bay boat staples such as wide gunwales, non skid decks, and under deck storage compartments that keep gear organized and dry. At the same time, the BX22BR’s seating, open bow area, and relatively soft riding hull make it a practical multipurpose platform for family sandbar trips, beach runs, and casual coastal cruising, with the trailerable footprint, manageable size, and balanced layout positioning the Sea Hunt BX22BR as a high value, do it all smallest model that still feels like a serious saltwater fishing boat for new and experienced boaters stepping into the Sea Hunt lineup.

HOW MUCH DO THESE BOATS COST?

Sea Hunt is a leading U.S. builder of fiberglass center console boats, positioned in the market as a high value saltwater brand that offers offshore capability and family friendly layouts at pricing that is generally lower than many premium offshore competitors. At the smaller end of the current lineup, popular entry points include models like the Ultra 235 SE, a 23 foot 5 inch family oriented center console that Sea Hunt lists on its official website with a “starting at” price of about $90,900 for a base boat with the standard Yamaha outboard and core equipment package, and the Ultra 239 SE, which carries an official starting price around $115,500 with a Yamaha 300 and standard Garmin electronics. Those factory numbers function as base MSRP figures before freight, dealer prep, taxes, trailers, and options such as upgraded electronics or upholstery. In today’s U.S. market, current market listings for smaller Sea Hunt Ultras like the Ultra 235 SE and Ultra 239 SE typically range from roughly $100,000 to $115,000 for new or nearly new boats as equipped by dealers, with late model pre owned examples of the Ultra 239 SE often advertised in the $75,000 to $90,000 band depending on hours, condition, and included trailer.

In the mid range of the Sea Hunt lineup, models such as the Ultra 239 SE, Ultra 255 SE, Ultra 265 SE, and Gamefish 25 are among the most popular choices for buyers who want more range, comfort, and offshore capability. Official Sea Hunt “starting at” pricing on the Ultra 255 SE is about $135,300 and on the Ultra 265 SE about $148,250, while the Gamefish 25 center console is shown in value guides with a suggested list MSRP of roughly $182,300 and a base hull and standard power price around $107,500. In real world retail conditions, new Sea Hunt Ultra 239 SE boats are commonly listed with typical asking prices of about $100,000 to $115,000 as rigged by dealers, Ultra 245 to Ultra 265 SE packages frequently appear in the $120,000 to $145,000 range depending on engine choice and electronics, and Gamefish 25 models are currently listed between about $135,000 and $150,000 for more basic new builds and roughly $160,000 to $175,000 for heavily equipped new or like new packages with twin 200 horsepower engines, big screen electronics, and trailers. Late model used Gamefish 25 boats from roughly 2021 to 2025 with twin 150 to 200 horsepower outboards and decent electronics are often in the $115,000 to $135,000 market price range, with older pre 2020 examples trending downward into the high $80,000s to low $100,000s as hours climb and cosmetic wear increases, illustrating a noticeable gap between published MSRP and what buyers actually pay.

At the premium end, Sea Hunt’s flagship family oriented center consoles include the Ultra 305 SE and Ultra 305 CB, which stretch to about 30 feet 6 inches and are designed as offshore capable family and cruising platforms with generous seating, large bows, and extensive standard equipment. On Sea Hunt’s official website, the Ultra 305 SE shows a “starting at” price of about $258,220 and the Ultra 305 CB a similar starting price of about $258,828, figures that represent base boat MSRP with standard twin Yamaha power and core features before dealer level charges and major options. In the current market, premium Sea Hunt models in this 30 foot Ultra range generally command typical asking prices between roughly $230,000 and $270,000 for new 305 SE and 305 CB boats depending on electronics packages, engine upgrades, upholstery choices, and whether a trailer is included. Current listings show these models priced higher when fitted with dual large screen Garmin systems, joystick controls, colored tops, Seakeeper style stabilization on applicable builds, and other big ticket upgrades, while older or more lightly equipped 30 foot Ultras can be found at lower market prices especially if they have higher engine hours, are several model years old, or lack premium electronics and seating packages, all of which significantly affect the spread between the base MSRP and real world selling prices.

Taken together, Sea Hunt boat prices span from roughly the high $90,000s for smaller new Ultra models as typically rigged by dealers up into the mid $200,000s or more for well equipped flagship Ultra 305 SE and Ultra 305 CB packages, with mid range mainstays like the Ultra 239 SE, Ultra 265 SE, and Gamefish 25 sitting squarely in the $100,000 to $175,000 zone in today’s market. Across the lineup, official “starting at” figures on seahuntboats.com serve as useful indicators of base boat MSRP for each model, but real world market price behavior shows that new dealer advertised prices for modestly equipped boats often cluster around or slightly under those base numbers while fully loaded builds with upgraded power, extensive electronics, custom upholstery, painted tops, and trailers can run 10 to 25 percent above the factory starting price. Buyers should also account for additional costs such as freight, dealer prep, documentation, taxes, and registration, which Sea Hunt notes are not included in the website starting prices and which can add many thousands of dollars to the final out the door figure. For shoppers comparing new and used Sea Hunt boats, late model pre owned examples of popular models often sit roughly 25 to 35 percent below similarly equipped brand new boats after a few years of depreciation, so reviewing both MSRP and prevailing market prices is essential to setting a realistic budget, and Market prices vary by location, condition, model year, and dealer.

WHAT OTHER STYLES OF BOATS DO THEY MAKE?

Sea Hunt today is laser focused on saltwater center console designs, and its current production lineup revolves around four core series: the Ultra family friendly center console boats, the offshore Gamefish center console fishing boats, the shallow running BX bay boats, and the Escape dual console models that lean toward all around family boating and water sports. Within those groups you will see well known models like the Ultra 219, Ultra 229, Ultra 234, Ultra 239 SE, Ultra 255 SE, Ultra 265 SE, Ultra 275 SE and Ultra 305 SE, along with Gamefish 25, Gamefish 27 in both CB (coffin box) and FS (forward seating) layouts, and Gamefish 28 and 30 CB and FS versions for serious offshore anglers, plus BX 22 BR and BX 25 BR bay boat models aimed at inshore and nearshore fishing and Escape 23, Escape 25 and Escape 28 dual consoles that blend cruising comfort with fishing capability. Regardless of series, Sea Hunt boats share common traits such as 100 percent composite construction, deep V or modified V hulls with a pronounced Carolina flare for a soft, dry ride, outboard power rigged exclusively with four stroke engines, family friendly seating and storage, self bailing cockpits and thoughtful fishing boat touches like livewells, insulated fish boxes and rod storage, all built in trailerable sizes that suit coastal family outings, serious offshore fishing trips, sandbar days and light water sports in a single versatile center console or dual console package.

Over the years Sea Hunt has experimented with and refined a number of different styles within its saltwater fishing boat focus, and while today’s lineup is dominated by center console and dual console models, earlier generations included several distinctive variations that have helped shape the brand’s reputation. Older Gamefish models such as the Gamefish 29 and early Gamefish 30 Forward Seating boats established Sea Hunt as a value packed offshore fishing boat builder with features typically found on larger express or walkaround style fishing boats, like multiple insulated fish boxes, twin outboards, side entry doors and cockpit layouts designed around live bait and trolling, all on an open center console platform. On the inshore side, earlier BX bay boat offerings including the BX 22 Pro and smaller BX models around 18 to 20 feet brought tournament style casting decks, lockable rod storage and shallow draft performance to anglers who wanted a hybrid between a flats boat and a traditional center console, while family oriented Ultra and Escape models from prior years, such as the Ultra 225, Ultra 235 SE and Escape 25 and Escape 27, demonstrated Sea Hunt’s willingness to blend cruising and family boat features like expanded seating, enclosed heads and upgraded upholstery into a fishing first hull. Many of those historic center console, bay boat and dual console models are no longer built in exactly the same configurations but they remain popular on the used market, where their layouts, ride quality and equipment continue to illustrate how Sea Hunt evolved its modern series structure.

Sea Hunt’s business model is intentionally concentrated on outboard powered fiberglass center console, bay boat and dual console platforms rather than trying to cover every possible category, which means you will not find traditional pontoon boats, aluminum jon boats, true deck boats, large express cruisers, cabin yachts or dedicated ski and wakeboard boats in the Sea Hunt catalog. Instead of branching into tri toon party barges, pilothouse cruisers or big multi cabin offshore expresses, the company has steadily refined its niche as the number one selling saltwater center console builder in the country, focusing its engineering and tooling investment on open and dual console fishing and family boats between roughly the low 20 foot and 30 foot range. That focus aligns with the brand’s design philosophy, which emphasizes rugged offshore ready hulls with Carolina flare, practical fishing layouts with livewells and rod storage, and family boat touches like bow seating, transom benches and enclosed heads, all wrapped in a package that tows easily behind a pickup or SUV, can be stored on a trailer or lift and is equally at home as a coastal fishing boat, sandbar family boat or general purpose center console.

Taken together, Sea Hunt is best known for its broad range of center console fishing boats and closely related variants, from the inshore oriented BX bay boat series to the offshore Gamefish center consoles, along with the Ultra series of family friendly center consoles and the Escape dual console boats that give buyers a more traditional runabout style layout without leaving the fishing category. Looking ahead, most signs of innovation from Sea Hunt point to continued evolution within those core styles rather than radical departures, with examples already visible in hybrid layouts such as Gamefish models offering both coffin box and forward seating options, Ultra and Escape models that blend serious fishing features with upgraded family boat amenities, and incremental improvements in hull design, console ergonomics and integrated electronics. By staying focused on saltwater center console, bay boat and dual console segments instead of diversifying into unrelated categories, Sea Hunt positions itself to keep refining ride quality, fishability, comfort and value in the boat styles that built its reputation, ensuring future models continue to serve coastal anglers and family boaters who want a capable, easy to own outboard powered fishing and family boat above all else.

WHAT KINDS OF ENGINES DO THESE BOATS USE?

Sea Hunt builds an all outboard lineup, powering its center consoles, bay boats and dual consoles exclusively with modern four stroke outboards for shallow draft, corrosion resistant saltwater performance and easy serviceability at the transom. Across the range from compact BX bay boats and Ultra family friendly center consoles up through offshore focused Gamefish and Escape models over 25 feet, the brand rigs singles on smaller hulls and moves to twin outboards as length and beam increase to provide better hole shot, cruising efficiency and offshore redundancy. A model like the Gamefish 25, for example, is factory powered with twin Yamaha four stroke outboards, giving anglers the benefits of clean rigging, power trim and tilt, and the ability to fully tilt the engines clear of the water when the boat is kept in a slip or on a lift in saltwater.

In terms of horsepower, Sea Hunt’s smaller bay and nearshore center consoles in the high teens and low 20 foot range are commonly matched with single Yamaha outboards from roughly 150 to 250 horsepower, balancing light weight with strong acceleration for inshore work. As you move into core offshore models like the Gamefish 25, Gamefish 27 and Escape 27 and 28, the boats are designed around twin outboard packages in the 150 to 300 horsepower class per engine, yielding combined outputs of 300 to 600 horsepower; for instance, the Gamefish 25 carries a maximum rating of 400 horsepower and is often rigged with twin 150 horsepower Yamaha engines, while the Gamefish 27 and Escape 27 have maximum ratings around 425 to 500 horsepower and are frequently tested with twin 200 horsepower Yamaha fours for solid high 30 to low 40 mph cruise and mid 40s top end in typical sea conditions. Larger offerings like the Gamefish 28 and Gamefish 30 CB step up to twin 300 or 350 horsepower Yamaha V6 outboards, taking combined horsepower to 600 to 700 and delivering the speed, midrange punch and load carrying ability expected of serious offshore fishing boats.

Sea Hunt is closely aligned with Yamaha, and current factory specifications and performance bulletins consistently show Yamaha outboards as the primary and often exclusive engine partner across the lineup, from in line four cylinder F150 and F200 models up through V6 four stroke F300 and F350 engines. These are all electronic fuel injected four stroke outboards, many in digital “XCA” or “XSA” variants, which allows the boats to be packaged from the factory with integrated Yamaha digital controls, electronic power steering and Yamaha touchscreen engine displays that are installed at the helm alongside the standard Garmin multifunction electronics. While individual dealers may sometimes handle re powers, Sea Hunt’s new boat packages are marketed as turnkey rigs where hull, outboard engines, digital controls, rigging, battery systems and steering are all specified and installed together to meet the boat’s published maximum horsepower and weight guidelines.

On the water, that focus on modern Yamaha four stroke outboards lets Sea Hunt owners benefit from features like digital throttle and shift for smooth gear changes, optional Helm Master style joystick steering and station keeping on larger twin engine models, and precise fuel flow data that helps dial in the most fuel efficient cruise. The deep V offshore hulls used on Gamefish and Escape models, with variable deadrise running surfaces and fine bow entries, are designed to work in concert with these high torque Yamaha engines so the boats plane quickly, stay on plane at lower rpm and maintain good fuel economy while running to and from the fishing grounds. Tilt up outboards allow access to skinny water at the sandbar, and having all the machinery on the transom instead of inside the hull reduces routine maintenance and corrosion concerns compared with inboards or sterndrives. Overall, Sea Hunt’s outboard only, Yamaha focused engine strategy lines up with its mission of building practical, owner friendly family and fishing boats that deliver reliable performance, straightforward service and plenty of confidence for coastal and offshore boaters alike.

WHY BUY THIS BRAND OVER A COMPETITIVE BRAND?

Sea Hunt positions its center console and bay boat line as serious offshore fishing platforms with construction details that are normally associated with larger, more expensive brands, and this is a key reason many buyers looking at Sea Hunt boats vs competitors focus first on build quality. Across models like the Gamefish 27FS and Gamefish 30FS, Sea Hunt publishes deep‑V deadrise numbers at the transom and entry combined with substantial beam and weight to deliver a softer, drier ride in open water, and hulls are paired exclusively with Yamaha outboards to ensure matched performance and reliability. The brand highlights robust offshore capability with features such as 21 to 24 degrees of deadrise, integrated fiberglass T‑tops with tempered glass enclosures on many models, and standard trim tabs with indicators to fine‑tune ride attitude in rough seas, all aimed at providing confidence when conditions deteriorate. Sea Hunt’s emphasis on insulated in‑floor fish boxes, substantial livewell capacity, and heavy‑duty hardware like stainless steel rub rails and through‑hull fittings underscores a focus on durability and function proven in real conditions rather than light‑duty lake use, so when buyers ask “why choose Sea Hunt” for offshore and nearshore use, the answer starts with a hull and systems package that is built for rough water and long‑term service.

Beyond running surface and structure, Sea Hunt boats often stand out on paper when you compare standard equipment lists, which is where many owners see clear value in Sea Hunt boats vs competitors. On Gamefish series models from the Gamefish 25 up through the Gamefish 30FS, items that are optional on many brands are standard from the factory, including integrated fiberglass T‑tops with LED lighting and mister systems, windlass anchors, underwater LED lights, upgraded waterproof stereos with amplifiers, wireless phone chargers, dual battery switches, and freshwater systems. Fishing functionality is built in with multiple insulated fish boxes, large leaning‑post or mezzanine livewells (often 35 to 40 gallons), transom livewells, under‑gunwale rod storage, and gunwale rod holders, while family‑friendly features such as side entry doors, rear bench seating, bow cushions and backrests, and enclosed China toilets with pump‑out are also included on many models. This combination of standard offshore fishing hardware and day‑boating comforts means buyers comparing Sea Hunt vs other fishing boats are not forced to choose between a pure fishing layout and a family‑ready package; the boats are delivered from the factory already equipped for both roles, reducing the need for aftermarket additions and helping overall value.

Sea Hunt also emphasizes multi‑use versatility and comfort in its layouts so that one boat can realistically serve as both a hardcore fishing rig and a family cruiser, a theme the company reinforces in descriptions of the Gamefish FS and Gamefish CB series where “fishability” is clearly blended with forward seating and comfort options. Forward bow areas on models like the Gamefish 28FS and 30FS are designed with substantial insulated storage that converts to lounge seating via bow cushions, bolsters, and removable backrests, while optional or standard telescoping bow tables help transform the area into a social space when not in fishing mode. Mezzanine leaning posts with split livewells and comfortable captain’s chairs provide both an efficient fishing workstation and supportive seating underway, and the integrated fiberglass T‑top with tempered glass enclosure and mister system improves helm comfort during hot summer runs. Side entry doors and telescoping ladders add water‑sports and swim access, and upgraded upholstery packages with diamond stitching on some models further push the boats toward the “fishability meets luxury” concept, making it realistic for an owner to trailer one Sea Hunt to the ramp and use it in the morning for serious offshore fishing and in the afternoon for sandbar rafting or cruising.

From a long‑term ownership standpoint, Sea Hunt highlights important backing elements such as a 10‑year transferable hull warranty listed across Gamefish models and construction to ABYC standards in published feature lists, both of which support buyer confidence and help explain strong customer satisfaction with Sea Hunt in the value‑oriented offshore segment. The company has grown into one of the better‑known independent center console builders in the United States with a focus on Yamaha rigging, and its emphasis on widely available components, straightforward systems layouts, and dealer support helps simplify service and ownership. Factory‑installed features like windlass systems, integrated T‑tops, and full electronics packages from Garmin reduce the complexity and variability of aftermarket installations, which can support resale appeal because a used Sea Hunt Gamefish 27FS or 28FS is more likely to carry a complete, factory‑documented equipment list rather than piecemeal add‑ons. For buyers weighing Sea Hunt boats vs competitors at both higher and lower price points, the brand’s published mix of offshore‑ready hulls, generous standard equipment, family‑friendly layouts, and a strong warranty from an established builder provides a clear, fact‑based rationale: it offers a practical balance of performance, reliability, and long‑term value backed by a company that designs its boats to fish hard, ride comfortably, and hold up over years of coastal use.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR MODEL OF THIS BRAND BEING BUILT TODAY?

Based on Sea Hunt’s current model lineup and website presentation, the ULTRA 239SE center console, measuring 24 feet 3 inches in overall length, stands out as the brand’s most widely featured and broadly targeted model in active production. It occupies a central position within the Ultra “family comfort” series, is showcased with a detailed pricing and options builder, and is repeatedly highlighted as the quintessential do everything boat in the line, signaling that it hits the brand’s core volume sweet spot. As a family friendly deep V center console designed for both nearshore fishing and cruising, the ULTRA 239SE combines the trailerable 23 to 24 foot size range many buyers favor with a high level of standard equipment more commonly associated with larger offshore models, and its presence across Sea Hunt marketing materials indicates it is one of the company’s primary category leaders in the mid size segment.

The ULTRA 239SE has a length of 24 feet 3 inches, an 8 foot 6 inch beam, 14 inch draft, and a fuel capacity of 96 gallons, with a dry weight of approximately 3,900 pounds that keeps it comfortably trailerable for many half ton tow vehicles. The hull uses a variable deadrise bottom with published angles of 18, 22, and 55 degrees at key points to balance a soft ride with stability at rest, and the boat is rated for up to 300 horsepower. Standard features aimed at mixed use boating include generous bow storage compartments of 140 and 92 quarts, a 48 quart front console compartment, bucket storage, a 15 gallon livewell, and a 10 gallon freshwater system for washdowns and the onboard head. Family comforts are built in with wraparound bow seating, removable bow backrests, full bow and cockpit bolsters, and a fiberglass T top with mister system, while anglers benefit from the leaning post options, side entry door, trim tabs with indicators, and integrated electronics package with a 12 inch Garmin GPSMAP display, Yamaha CL5 touchscreen, stereo with Bluetooth, wireless phone charger, and underwater LED lights. Power is typically provided by a single Yamaha F300 outboard, with multiple leaning post, interior color, and canvas options allowing buyers to tailor the layout toward either more cruising comfort or a more open fishing cockpit.

Sea Hunt positions the ULTRA 239SE squarely at buyers who want one boat that can handle serious inshore and light offshore fishing while still serving as a comfortable family platform for beach runs, watersports, and sandbar gatherings, which helps explain its broad appeal. Typical owners range from young families moving up from smaller bay boats to experienced coastal anglers who want a manageable size that is easy to tow and store yet offers the seating capacity and freeboard to take friends and children offshore on good days. Convertible bow seating with removable cushions and backrests, the side entry door that doubles as a convenient swim or dive access point with an optional ladder, and options such as a ski tow bar and upgraded entertainment leaning posts all support this dual use mission. Sea Hunt’s description of the Ultra series emphasizes family comfort without sacrificing fishing heritage, and the 239SE sits near the center of that range, making it one of the most versatile and broadly targeted models in the lineup for today’s market.

Current information on Sea Hunt’s website shows the ULTRA 239SE as an active production model with a clearly published starting price, a full online configurator, and direct links to “Price This Boat” and “Find a Dealer,” indicating that dealers are regularly stocking and ordering this size. The presence of multiple leaning post packages, interior color schemes, and factory rigged electronics options suggests continued engineering and marketing investment in the model, rather than a legacy or end of life design. Sea Hunt also highlights the Ultra series prominently in its brochures and branding alongside its claim of being the number one selling saltwater center console builder for many consecutive years, and the 23 to 24 foot Ultra layout is central to that identity because it brings core offshore features to a more affordable, garage friendly footprint. As a result, the ULTRA 239SE has effectively become the brand’s signature family friendly center console offering, combining a highly popular size and price point with a feature set that aligns closely with what the largest segment of Sea Hunt buyers is seeking today.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THIS BOAT BRAND AND COMPANY?

Sea Hunt Boats traces its origins to 1995, when father and son team Vic and Bubba Roof founded the company with a simple but focused goal of building an affordable boat that would be the best in its class, launching the Sea Hunt name as a reflection of offshore and inshore anglers’ pursuit of fish rather than luxury for its own sake, and setting up their first modest one room shop in a small plant outside Columbia, South Carolina, where they began producing practical, family friendly saltwater center console boats aimed at coastal fishermen who needed dry riding hulls and straightforward layouts, and as the business gained early traction through word of mouth and dealer demand, the brand’s identity formed around value driven performance, solid construction, and the idea that a family owned manufacturer could deliver seaworthy designs competitive with much larger builders while remaining accessible to everyday boating families.

From those modest early years in the mid 1990s, Sea Hunt expanded steadily through the 2000s by broadening its range of saltwater center consoles and refining hulls that emphasized a dry ride and stability, and as production in the Columbia, South Carolina, facility ramped up the company developed its signature approach to comfort and control by shaping hulls with a pronounced True Carolina bow flare and sharp entry deadrise to knock down spray while adding running surface for better handling, all while remaining family owned and operated, which allowed Sea Hunt to navigate economic cycles and industry downturns by keeping its focus on efficient construction, incremental innovation through in house tooling, and continuous upgrades to layouts and features so that each new generation of models carried forward the same core mission of building class leading boats at approachable price points.

As the market evolved, Sea Hunt modernized its lineup by organizing models into clearly defined families that targeted different segments of saltwater boating, using its in house tooling shop to constantly redesign and test hulls and decks, and rolling out specialized product lines such as the BX bay boat series, including models like the BX22BR and BX25FS, to give inshore and nearshore anglers shallow draft performance with abundant livewell capacity, lockable rod storage, and integrated trolling motor rigging, while at the same time elevating helm ergonomics and onboard comfort with features such as leaning posts with bait tanks, advanced trim tab systems, and factory rigged Garmin electronics and Yamaha digital controls that signaled a shift toward integrated digital systems and turnkey, fishing ready packages across the range.

In recent years Sea Hunt has continued to push upmarket while retaining its value oriented roots, growing into larger premium center consoles such as the Ultra series highlighted by flagship models like the Ultra 305SE, which combines twin Yamaha power, sophisticated digital steering and autopilot options, dual large format Garmin displays, Seakeeper ready leaning posts, entertainment focused interiors, and thoughtfully engineered storage and seating to serve as both serious offshore fishing platforms and comfortable family cruisers, and as the company promotes its status as the number one selling saltwater center console line for two decades running while backing its products with long term structural hull warranties and maintaining production in South Carolina, the Sea Hunt brand today stands for family ownership, continuous innovation through in house tooling, and a broad, carefully tiered lineup that spans bay boats to almost 30 foot offshore models, positioning it as a trusted choice for buyers seeking modern technology and comfort built on a straightforward heritage of practical, affordable saltwater performance.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Sea Hunt’s rise in the saltwater fishing and center console market has been driven less by one-off trophies and more by sustained industry validation of its designs and value, beginning with early recognition in the 2000s from national marine media for offering offshore capable hulls and family friendly layouts at accessible price points. As the BX bay boat and Triton center console lines expanded, trade publications and boat show judges consistently highlighted their sharp entries, Carolina style bows, and efficient running surfaces that delivered dry rides and strong fuel economy for coastal anglers. Through the 2010s the introduction of models such as the Gamefish and Ultra series further elevated the brand’s profile as reviewers pointed to features like integrated fiberglass T tops, thoughtfully arranged livewells, and convertible bow seating that allowed each center console to transition easily between hard core fishing and cruising duty, reinforcing Sea Hunt’s reputation as a builder that blended innovation with practicality for serious saltwater boating families.

Beyond product reviews, Sea Hunt’s strongest formal recognition has come through its performance in the NMMA Customer Satisfaction Index program, where the company has earned CSI Awards in the fiberglass outboard segment for multiple consecutive years as its volume and owner base have grown. These NMMA CSI honors are based on direct post purchase and post service surveys administered to verified owners who rate their boats on overall quality, ride and handling, reliability, dealer support, and warranty experience, with awards reserved only for builders that consistently exceed demanding satisfaction thresholds. Sea Hunt’s recurring appearance on this list underscores that the same hull designs and layouts that attract buyers on the showroom floor are delivering on their promise season after season on the water, translating into high repurchase intent, strong word of mouth, and one of the most loyal followings in the saltwater center console category.

In the most recent few years, Sea Hunt’s recognition has continued to center on its role as a market leader rather than on isolated trophy models, with the company publicizing that it has been the number one selling saltwater center console in the United States for roughly two decades, a position corroborated by industry sales reporting that tracks registrations across all major brands. Current models such as the Ultra 255 SE, Gamefish 27, and BX bay boat series are frequently featured in comparison tests and buyer’s guides from major marine magazines and online outlets, where editors typically spotlight their combination of family comfort features, like deep bow seating and enclosed heads, alongside serious fishing amenities including large insulated fish boxes, generous livewell capacity, and abundant rod storage. This balance of comfort and fishability has kept Sea Hunt in regular rotation for new model showcases and editorial spotlights whenever updated hulls, revised consoles, or equipment packages are introduced.

Taken together, Sea Hunt’s history of industry recognition paints a picture of a builder whose reputation rests on practical innovation, dependable product quality, and sustained owner satisfaction rather than headline grabbing one year awards. The brand’s long run at the top of national saltwater center console sales rankings and its consistent NMMA CSI performance show that customers view Sea Hunt boats as trustworthy long term investments that deliver the ride, fishability, and family comfort they were promised at delivery. For prospective buyers, this track record of third party validation and repeat owner loyalty offers meaningful reassurance that a Sea Hunt is not only competitively equipped on paper but also proven in real world use, supporting confident purchasing decisions for anglers and families who intend to keep and enjoy their boats for many seasons.