I’m new to the forum and have learned a lot from reading posts on the blog and I’m in need of help in looking of a boat. Every year my family comes to Charleston for vacation and I go to college not far away in the Carolina region and I’m in love with the fishing around Charleston. The fishing in Charleston is incredible and every time I go fishin there I’ve been lucky to have had successful outings with guides and surf fishing. To save money my family and I are looking into to buying a boat to use for years to come. Since we will not be down at the beach for most of the year, we are looking for a boat that can be used in both saltwater and freshwater. I was thinking a saltwater flat or bay boat would be the best to use for both but I am unsure of what brand and models, etc… Any help would be awesome! Thanks, and good luck fishing!!
I think in order for people to better assist you you’re gonna have to provide more information. What kind of fishing do you enjoy? What is your budget? Are you looking at new or used? How much do you plan on using it? How many people do you plan on taking with you on a trip? Have you done any research and got any ideas of what you might like? What is your experience with boats and have you operated any before?
2012 Scout 177
Yamaha 70
Ok no problem, I’m looking for a boat that I can target redfish, trout, flounder, tarpon, etc and maybe a little bit of bay or close offshore if really calm as well as some fly fishing too for saltwater. When it comes to freshwater, I’m looking to target bass, crappie, stripers, walleye, northerns, pike, etc. We are looking for a boat that is new or lightly used and is 10-15k or less. We plan to use it at the beach when we are there and then fish it on the lake while I am at college. We also would like something that can fit 3-5 ppl. That is why I was thinking of a flats boat something like a mako pro skiff CC 15’ 10" flats boat that I have seen on bass pro shops website. There is a large casting deck and no carpet or upholstered seating so it is easier to clean. I have operated my uncle’s boat in the past when he had it but it has been a while so I would consider myself a novice and looking for as much knowledge I can gather. Any other info you need to help give me advice I will gladly give! Thanks again
Ok so now we have an idea. Its funny you mentioned the Mako Pro Skiff 16. My father bought one the same day and time I bought my Scout (Both of us unaware the other was buying a boat). Its a fantastic boat for the money. Its nothing flashy, plastic console, comes with a great “yeti-like” cooler, and rides well for its size across the harbor. Don’t expect any boat in this size to be a dry boat on a bumpy day but it is a stable ride with the “inverted v” hull. He has the 40 hp Mercury and I wouldn’t do with anything less. He tops out in between 25 and 30 mph if I recall correctly. The boat says it rated for 5 people but don’t expect to fish and get anywhere fast with that many people. I’d give it a thumbs up. You might be able to find a decent used Key West or Sea Fox in that price range but they’re going to be several years old. And should you go that route be sure to have someone checkout the outboard to ensure its in proper condition.
2012 Scout 177
Yamaha 70
Ok, thanks for the advice it has been really helpful! I’ll take a look at the other brands you mentioned too. Which scout model did you happen to get if you don’t mind me asking, I’m just curious? And for the pro skiff 16, is there a lot of storage space and how big are the live wells?
Find a 3 yr. old Key West BayReef, either the 19’6 or 21’6" with a 4 stroke and trim tabs on it. You can stay between $12,000 and $20,000 and do EVERYTHING in it because I have… Any questions, pm me and we can talk about 'em. Great underrated boat for a great value in my opinion.
“The problem that infuriates you the most is the one you are meant to solve.”
I think the Pro Skiff has one 8 gal. live well. There is a decent amount of storage under the bow and rear seats. Both of them are open storage so if your concerned about something getting wet use a dry bag. My dad ended up using a cargo net secured with 3M hooks. I have the the 177 Sport because I preferred the back rest bench seat and the cooler storage underneath. I added a platform and windscreen/handrail too so its essentially the Winyah w/o the large live well and foldable rod holders.
2012 Scout 177
Yamaha 70
I got rid of all my glitter boats and a bass tracker and picked up a 17" Carolina Skiff got it with a Suzuki 40hp it’s a little wet in heavy chop, but works great in both fresh and salt. I’m keeping it for a bit unless another great deal comes up and looking to re power with a 60 4 stroke. 19’ is a little wider and more stable but my 17’ handles three with two coolers pretty well. Look for a 4 stroke the fuel economy and quietness is unbeatable.
If you can wait till after summer and have a little patience lots of good deals to be found. Remember for salt water a steel trailer is a no-no.
Look at the key west 1720 sportsman. I had one for years before upgrading to a bigger mako cc. The key west is very versatile and ive done it all in the one I had. Good luck
I was going to suggest the same ^^. A Key West 1720 sounds like the perfect all round boat for what you described. Slap a trolling motor and a good fish finder on it and you are good to go
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
Thanks for all the advice, it has been very helpful! Will be taking all the advice given into account when making the final decision. I’ll let you all know what we decide on. Thanks again and good luck fishin!
Some boats mentioned are great suggestions! Just remember this, anything for salt water will work in fresh, but not vice versa… good luck to you and can’t wait to see some reports, post freshwater ones as well for us bass enthusiasts!
I agree whole heartedly with Got2Go, Optiker, killinR. The Key West 196BR is one of the best hulls that I have ever owned! I own and fish mine at least once a week hopefully twice. I have been from 15 miles out off of St. Simons to the skinny in Bulls Bay. I have drug it to Upstate NY to fish some of the finger lakes. I live between Hartwell, Keowee and Jocassee here in the Upstate of SC. You can’t beat the boat for the ride and price the set up of the topsides makes it easy to transition to any type of fishing from trolling for striper on Hartwell to casting flies on Jocassee. It is also quite the shrimping machine come late September and October.
“DaSchwabba”
196 KEY WEST BAY REEF 150 YAMMIE
Carpet won’t work in saltwater 
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
See if you can find an older wailer 17’ with a newer motor you cant get any better, Just be sure you have an alum. or galv tra. Remember the bigger the boat the bigger tow car you need and the more fuel it will burn!
IMO, a fishing boat less than 19 ft is a two person fishing boat. It gets crowded quick.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
Check out the Ranger Z21i. Perfect for both. I love mine.
2013 Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO
I had a Keywest 1720 for a long time and liked it. It was a good all around boat. I now have 3 boats but i use my 17 foot Mitzi skiff for everything you mentioned except offshore, the boat will go shallower then the fish will but it is definitely not built for more then 3 to fish comfortably.
You want to look into a Bay boat. Doesnt matter which boat builder as everyone has a preference. I am partial to Sea Pro. Bay boats, like a skiff have a large front deck prefect for everything from shrimping to bass fishing to sunbathing for the ladies. You can also get offshore a piece if you pick your day. It truly is a do everything boat.
Sea Pro SV2100 Bay
My carolina skiff is forsale. It’s 16 feet. It has a co pilot trolling motor, poling platform, GPS, 19 gallon live well, jackplate. And a awesome ROLLS ALL aluminum trailer. It is set up to fish. It’s not fast but will get you there GPS at 41.9 mph. It has a 50 yamaha that is great on fuel. Let me know if interested.
FINS prostaff-http://www.finsfishing.com/