Tom Rowland, host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and the Saltwater Experience TV show, walks through his brand new 2021 Yellowfin 24 CE bay boat in this detailed boat tour episode. From the Mercury v8 Verado 350 to the twin Power Pole Blades and three 50-gallon live wells, Tom reveals every single feature and customization he chose for fishing the Florida Keys. This isn't just a boat tour—it's a masterclass in understanding how weight, power, and fishing functionality come together. Tom explains why he chose lithium batteries that weigh one-fifth of traditional batteries, how the Carbon Edition construction allows him to go shallower and faster, and the specific reason he always runs twin electronics instead of one larger unit. If you've ever wondered what goes into building the ultimate bay boat for serious inshore fishing, this episode is essential.
What are the key features of the 2021 Yellowfin 24 CE bay boat?
The 2021 Yellowfin 24 CE features carbon construction for reduced weight, a Mercury v8 Verado 350, Bob's Machine Shop jack plate, twin 10-foot Power Pole Blades, three 50-gallon live wells with plexiglass lid on the center well, twin lithium pro batteries, and a MotorGuide Xi5 trolling motor with long shaft for offshore capability.
Who is Tom Rowland?
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and the Saltwater Experience TV show. He specializes in fishing the Florida Keys for species including redfish, bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook, and shares his expertise through detailed equipment and technique breakdowns.
This episode is brought to you by Star brite, the marine care products Tom uses to keep his new Yellowfin looking showroom-ready after every Keys fishing trip. From boat care in a bucket to salt off rinse, Star brite has everything you need. Visit Star brite here.
Why Carbon Construction Changes Everything for Bay Boats
The CE in Yellowfin 24 CE stands for carbon, and Tom makes it clear this isn't just a marketing feature—it's a game changer. The carbon construction has taken a tremendous amount of weight out of the boat, which means he can do things he couldn't do before. He can go in shallower water, go faster with less horsepower, and go further on a tank of gas. When Tom explains exactly how much water depth he needs to navigate with the trolling motor blade submerged, the number is stunning. The weight savings continue throughout the entire build, from the twin lithium pro batteries that weigh one-fifth of lead acid batteries to the trailer setup that makes the boat truly road-ready. Tom explains the full carbon advantage and depth capability at 1:56.
The Live Well System That Rivals Offshore Boats
Tom reveals he has 150 gallons of live well storage in this 24-foot bay boat—a capacity that rivals offshore boats. But it's not just about volume. The center 50-gallon live well has a plexiglass lid that creates a completely sealed system when filled to the top. Tom uses a brilliant analogy involving a goldfish in a jug to explain why this matters for keeping delicate baits like pilchards alive in rough water. The physics are simple but the results are dramatic. He also details the recirculating pumps on all three wells and explains why the bubbler is his secret weapon for keeping shrimp overnight. The plexiglass lid explanation and goldfish analogy start at 7:08.
See Tom walk through every feature of this ultimate bay boat build
Why Tom Runs Twin 12-Inch Units Instead of One 16-Inch
Tom's electronics philosophy reveals a lot about how he fishes. He chose twin Lowrance HDS 12-inch units at the console instead of a single 16-inch screen, and his reasoning goes beyond preference. He explains his "two is one, one is none" backup philosophy, but the real advantage is versatility. He can run his chart on one screen and sonar and down scan on another. Or radar on one and chart on another. Or in really tricky places, he runs two charts displaying slightly different information. He also has a third 12-inch unit on the upper station with complete second station controls including throttle, steering wheel, power pole, and jack plate. Tom's full electronics setup philosophy and screen configuration options are explained at 10:10.
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SubscribeThe Power Pole Charge System That Eliminates Range Anxiety
Tom describes the Power Pole Charge as the best battery charger that's ever existed, and he breaks down exactly why. It's three things in one: an emergency start, a traditional battery charger, and a charge on the run system. But here's where it gets interesting—the system automatically finds the weaker battery and routes excess charge from the motor to that battery. Combined with his lithium pro batteries that charge five times faster than lead acid, Tom never has to worry about dead batteries 100 miles from the dock. He can even adjust priority settings through the app depending on whether he needs more trolling motor power or engine start reserve. The app shows him real-time charge status on every battery in the system. Tom demonstrates the Power Pole Charge app and explains the automatic routing system at 16:27.
Don't miss this complete bay boat build breakdown.
Every detail explained from bow to stern.
Key Takeaways
- Carbon construction reduces weight so dramatically that Tom can navigate and fish in water as shallow as the trolling motor blade depth—and the specific measurement he gives is eye-opening
- The plexiglass lid live well system uses physics to keep delicate baits alive in rough water, and Tom's goldfish-in-a-jug analogy makes the concept crystal clear
- Lithium pro batteries charge five times faster than lead acid and weigh one-fifth as much, creating a cascade of performance benefits throughout the entire boat
- Running twin 12-inch electronics units instead of one 16-inch provides backup redundancy and the ability to display multiple types of information simultaneously in tricky navigation situations
- The Power Pole Charge system automatically detects which battery needs priority and routes charging accordingly, with app-based customization for different fishing styles
- Yellowfin's wiring system labels every single wire, making troubleshooting and repairs dramatically faster when issues inevitably arise in saltwater environments
- Tom chose whisper gray for the entire hull and cap because it doesn't show dirt like white and scratches aren't as noticeable as they are on dark hulls
Final Thoughts from Tom
This is the best boat I've ever built. I mean that. Every single decision in this 2021 Yellowfin 24 CE was made based on years of fishing the Keys and knowing exactly what I need on the water. From running 100 miles to a spot to poling shallow flats for permit, this boat does it all.
The carbon construction alone is worth the price of admission. Being able to go shallower, faster, and further changes the entire game. And when you combine that with the battery technology, the live well system, and the electronics setup, you've got a fishing machine that's ready for anything.
Whether you're thinking about building a boat or you just want to understand what separates good equipment from great equipment, this episode breaks it all down. I walk through every single feature, explain why I chose it, and show you exactly how it all works together. This one's worth watching from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CE stand for in Yellowfin 24 CE?
CE stands for carbon, referring to the carbon construction that significantly reduces the boat's weight. This allows for shallower draft, faster speeds with less horsepower, and better fuel economy.
How much live well capacity does the Yellowfin 24 CE have?
The boat has three 50-gallon live wells for a total of 150 gallons of live well storage. The center well features a plexiglass lid that seals completely when filled to the top, protecting delicate baits in rough water.
What motor does Tom Rowland run on his 2021 Yellowfin 24 CE?
Tom runs a Mercury v8 Verado 350 with a Bob's Machine Shop jack plate. The jack plate allows him to adjust the engine height for optimal performance, shallow water operation, and fuel economy.
Why does Tom use twin Power Pole Blades instead of one?
Tom uses twin 10-foot Power Pole Blades for secure anchoring in various conditions. They're remote controlled via dash controls, a handheld remote, or smartphone app, with adjustable speed settings for different situations.
What are the benefits of lithium pro batteries in a bay boat?
Lithium pro batteries charge five times faster than lead acid batteries and weigh one-fifth as much. Combined with the Power Pole Charge system that automatically routes charging to weaker batteries, they eliminate range anxiety on long offshore runs.
Related Episodes
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Deep dive on shallow water anchoring technology and techniques
How to configure multiple units for maximum fishing effectiveness
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Tom Rowland
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and the Saltwater Experience TV show. Based in the Florida Keys, Tom specializes in targeting redfish, bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook using both conventional and fly fishing techniques. He is known for his detailed equipment breakdowns and technical fishing instruction. Tom regularly runs long distances offshore and into the backcountry, often traveling 100 miles or more to reach fishing destinations. His expertise spans boat rigging, marine electronics, and the specific tackle and techniques required for challenging inshore species.
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