2024 NauticStar 274 Bay

The 274 Bay’s wide beam provides plenty of room to fish. Courtesy NauticStar Boats

NauticStar water-tests every boat that leaves its factory, a step many boatbuilders fail to take. The result is the proof of the design and construction, and assurance of quality for the boat buyer. It’s representative of an attitude to deliver value, a thing NauticStar built its reputation upon.

The 274 Bay boasts wood-free construction. Its internal structure will not rot. Hand-laid fiberglass ensures each layer is bubble-free and properly saturated with resin. NauticStar bonds the hull and deck using adhesive sealant and a stainless-steel fastener every 3 inches, resulting in a super-strong bond that doesn’t leak—or groan and creak. A vinylester barrier coat makes for durable hulls that resist cracking and osmotic blistering, promoting longer hull life. Gelcoat is precision-sprayed—not too thin and not too thick—resulting in a deep, long-lasting shine. Waterproof Deutsch connectors are used in rigging the electrical system. And NauticStar custom-sews its upholstery in-house. These build and rigging attributes instill confidence on the water and in long-term ownership.

The 274 Bay has acres of space, thanks to its 9-foot beam. Courtesy NauticStar Boats

The 274 Bay will delight anglers. There are three livewells/baitwells (42, 21 and 13 gallons) located in the console and aft, which keep bait livelier than forward livewells. Plus, the aft recirculating pump is rated at 500 gph, and the Max Air system is standard. Store your gear in two hatches with a total of 237 quarts of capacity. The fish box at 43 gallons is bull-red-size. The 274 Bay offers lockable storage for eight rods, six vertical rod holders and four gunwale rod holders. At the helm, two 12-inch Simrad Evo touchscreen MFDs come standard. The boat has acres of space, thanks to its 9-foot beam.

At the helm, two 12-inch Simrad Evo touchscreen MFDs come standard. Courtesy NauticStar Boats

Niceties include premium stitched upholstery, which looks great and lasts long. Two jump seats are located in the aft cockpit, and a swim platform is on the transom. Music comes courtesy the standard Fusion stereo with Bluetooth and four speakers.

Seeking a bay boat that’s thoughtfully laid out, equipped with tons of options, and comes built like you’re going to challenge Mother Nature to a brawl? Check out the NauticStar 274 Bay.

The 274 Bay offers lockable storage for eight rods, six vertical rod holders and four gunwale rod holders. Courtesy NauticStar Boats

High Points

Wood-free, three-piece construction is built for the long haul.
Waterproof Deutsch connectors used in the wiring are a mark of quality.
Custom-stitched upholstery made in-house looks great.
Two 12-inch Simrad Evo touchscreens.
Standards include three livewells/baitwells and locking storage for eight rods.
Wide beam provides plenty of room to fish.

Pricing and Specs

Price:	$191,600 (MSRP nicely equipped)
LOA:	26’2″
Beam:	9’0″
Draft:	1’4″
Dry Weight:	4,200 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity:	12/1,200 lb.
Fuel Capacity:	79 gal.
Available Power:	Yamaha 5.6L V-8 450 XTO outboard