Our Story
Bay Rider Boats have been proudly manufactured in Wilson, NC since 1975 and has been independent and family owned from the beginning and still is today. We take great pride in building the finest inshore and offshore boats that incorporate the latest materials and workmanship. Each boat is carefully constructed by experienced craftsmen that have been part of the Bay Rider family for many years.
Bay Rider Boats offer the best value for the customer because our quality, fit and finish, and functionality is second to no other builder, yet we can offer our product at a reasonable cost that allows the entire family to enjoy boating. Take a look at our Why Bay Rider tab for more information on our boat lines.
Testimonials
Our Challenger 21 has fished the Jersey Coast to Florida Coast. I would like to thank all employees of Kencraft for the quality and caring that went into our Challenger boat that was purchased in 2018. Your company has given us the opportunity to purchase a dream and made possible family memories that will continue for a long time. I can tell you this boat has three generations of smiles on every trip from parents to children to grandchildren. Thank you for letting us tour your plant and experience the build process. Did I say GREAT BOAT!!! Fishing, snorkeling, and cruising. Thanks again!!
. — Spalding Family
I have to tell you that your new boat delivery on my new boats has been exceptional. The finish work and rigging in the bilge, under the console, the cleanliness of the boat, the fact that the caulk is neat as can be in the bilge and under the console, the fact that I don't have to go behind you guys and clean extra caulk off the deck and t-top box and forward storage is not full of fiberglass dust. It really shows you care. By far the best out of all of the lines I have dealt with. NICE JOB GUYS!!! It is a welcome relief. I cleaned the new boat yesterday for delivery to the customer today, I really took time to notice the details and it was a breeze to get ready. — Joel R.
I am so excited about my new boat that Kencraft built me in 2016. It was their new bay boat 238 series. They personally worked with me on the custom design using the newest features. I was also able to go to the facility and watch my boat being built. I was amazed at the attention to detail on parts of the boat that the average person would never see. The heavy all fiberglass stringers and the foam filled hull makes for a very sturdy and smooth ride. We compared it to all the other bay boats in its class and this just gave us more bang for our buck, not to mention my wife no longer gets wet!! I would highly recommend this boat. — Rhine S.
I purchased a KenCraft 238 Bay Rider Bay boat and let me tell you it is a jewel. I have had mine for over a year and use it extensively. My free time from work is very limited and therefore, when I make my plans to go fishing, I cannot always wait for the perfect sea conditions. My son and I have taken this boat drum fishing in all the inland waters in North Carolina and we have also been out 30 miles offshore from the Beaufort Inlet to WR 14 in this boat catching wahoo and even a Black Fin Tuna. This Bay Boat takes rough seas with no problem and is a very dry and stable ride. — Jessie C.
We are extremely satisfied with our custom built 2017 Bay Rider 218 Bay Boat! The new hull design is perfect for a multiuse boat. After looking endlessly for a boat that would meet our needs (fishing, pleasure, skiing, comfortable ride, tons of storage and amenities), we could not find anything even close to the Bay Rider 218 Bay. The sturdiness and attention to detail are superb. We find new the innovative features every time we use it. Thank you so much for making a high quality product and customizing it to our needs. — Ann and Pat V.
Our Boat Lines
Inshore Elegance, Offshore Attitude
For over 49 years Bay Rider Boats have been designed and built for the discriminating sportsman that demands a full featured, quality no-wood, no-rot constructed boat. With flared bows and deep gunwales, our boats were designed for the serious fisherman as well as the family cruiser.
It’s All in the Ride
The Bay Rider was designed to be different from the beginning. A best-in-class Skiff (also known as Flatbottom) that offers comfort as well as family affordability, while offering the ability to turn like a V hull on the water. You will not find a more versatile, fun, and safe boat for your family.
The Angler’s Adventure
We think we have one of the very best Bay Boat platforms on the market for a few simple reasons. Bay Rider Bay boats are built with massive composite stringers below the deck to give support and stability to the boat, and we added a sharp deadrise up front and moderate deadrise in the rear to produce one of the best riding Bay Boats on the market.
Why Us
Quality Is Our Promise
Top Tier Materials
Bay Rider Boats are built with the finest raw materials available on the market today. We use Polynt Gel Coats, Ashland Resins, ATC Poly-Bond B39 Structural Adhesives, Accon Pull and Pop-Up cleats and lights, and the top of the line wiring and plumbing systems that include Bronze Hardware below the waterline. American made products. No Compromises Ever.
Family Value
We design and build our boats for the avid fisherman as well the cruising members of the family. Check out our fishing amenities that we combine with creature comforts on our boats. We do this while continuing to focus on the safety of your family on the water.
Experienced Boat Builders
We have been building Bay Rider Boats since 1975, which makes us one of the oldest fiberglass boat building companies in America. We are not the largest builder by choice. We are a semi custom builder, and this is our promise to you which is also our Mission Statement: Quality Is Our Promise.
Over-Built Not Over-Priced
We will show you how we are overbuilt and that we use the Best Materials possible with no exception. We will also continue to offer the best value for your dollar when it comes to shopping for that family boat.
Build Your Boat
Our facility consists of over 52,000 square feet of modern manufacturing space that occupies 5 acres of land. Come take a tour of our plant and see how we build our boats to last you a lifetime.
Contact one of our many dealers to begin enjoying the water.