New to the saltwater fishing. What’s a good boat/motor for inshore fishing in this area?
I am by no means an expert so take whatever I say with a grain of salt. If you are looking at fishing exclusively inshore, there are quite a few boats/motors that would meet your needs. I would suggest figuring out what your budget, how many people you plan on having on your boat at a time and deciding how big a boat you want or are comfortable with. If this is your first boat, you might be more comfortable with something smaller (15’-17’) if not them maybe something bigger. Is trailering an issue for you (are limited by your tow vehicle as to what you can tow?). It is a buyer’s market so narrow down your focus and start looking. I am sure you will find something that will meet your needs. Welcome to CF and get ready to spend some $$$$$$$$$.
Kind of like saying I have never driven before, what is a good car? You will get thousands of different opinions. Go walk through some of the local dealerships and check out the models.
I have a 21 sea pro sv and i love it. i love the way the boat is laid out and it rides like a Cadillac. Great for fishing near shore and does well shallow too. They are great mid tier boats. For someone like me with limited funds, i dont think you can beat them. if i were you i would get a 19 to 21 ft if you plan on fishing inshore and going to near shore reefs, jetties and such. A smaller one will do just fine but the bigger ones are a bit more comfortable. Trolling motors are a good tool for inshore fishing. so, you may consider that when buying as they can be expensive new. Take your time looking to find exactly what you want cause it is out there. Like d freedom said, its a buyers market and " Welcome to CF and get ready to spend some $$$$$$$$$."
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
Everybody has different opinions and all are right…I have a 17.5 Sea Hunt…with 90 Johnson…runs 45 max by myself…can get to Jetty,s 99 % of time…nearshore(comfortable)70%…Capers about 8 miles out 50%comfortable…no problem inshore…not trying to talk you into my deal…bought mine in 2001 and never had a problem…but I would make sure you get rod holders,Aerated live well(s),Ski ladder for the back if you like to cool off,depth finder, two anchors and I have a fold down Bimini top that comes in real handy when its scortching hot and/or you are carrying woman and children…good luck
19’ Tidewater Bay. Awesome boat for what I need. Mainly inshore but like Elad3, I do venture out to the nearshore wrecks. Most days you can go anywhere. Only 10" draft so creeks are no problem. Just depends on what you are wanting to do.
I just bought a 2011 Key West 189fs With 115 yamaha love it. Key West makes a great boat. I looked around for a year before getting this boat. I looked at used and new boats. I know I took a hit buying new, but I thought I want something I know the history on. I feel better when I leave the boat ramp. Also have a warranty that means alot. GOOD LUCK
scott
key west 189FS
quote:
Originally posted by retiredbc72New to the saltwater fishing. What’s a good boat/motor for inshore fishing in this area?
Have you ever owned a boat anywhere before? The more experience you have the better advice one could offer. I have a 17ft. starcraft with 25 Yamaha tiller. Very light weight so very good on gas. Can fill the tank under 20$. Also very little to break or tear up. Just an aluminum boat with a motor. You may be more comfortable in a heavier boat with more bells and whistles. Your level of experience and sense of adventure will help you decide.
I do highly recommend something with an outboard motor for saltwater use. Easier for maintenance.
Karma is 360 degrees
john boat
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Carolina Skiff J16 CC - alot of bang for the buck and quite versatile! I had a Maverick Mirage and bought the J16 in addition to the Maverick in order to have something to oyster and shrimp out of as you just can’t do that in a nice flats boat. The Skiff is great for inshore creek fishing and does fine in skinny water as well, but it’s not fast by any means. Max rating is 40 hp, but it gets the job done although maybe not quite as fast (or pretty) as the Maverick. I plan to keep the Skiff for a long time!
31 Contender
Carolina Skiff J16
quote:
Originally posted by h20gulCarolina Skiff J16 CC - alot of bang for the buck and quite versatile! I had a Maverick Mirage and bought the J16 in addition to the Maverick in order to have something to oyster and shrimp out of as you just can’t do that in a nice flats boat. The Skiff is great for inshore creek fishing and does fine in skinny water as well, but it’s not fast by any means. Max rating is 40 hp, but it gets the job done although maybe not quite as fast (or pretty) as the Maverick. I plan to keep the Skiff for a long time!
31 Contender
Carolina Skiff J16
The J16 is an awesome boat, I’ve got a tiller instead of a cc but its still great. for the money i really can’t be beat. It can float in a mud puddle, so you don’t need to worry about going too shallow, however its not good at all for going out to the jetties or anything, but its perfect for the creeks.
quote:
Originally posted by ladyshrimpkillajohn boat
Rates can’t stay at historic lows forever. Now may be the perfect time to refinance or purchase your dream home. If you or anyone you know may be thinking about home financing please have them contact me! </font id=“blue”>
Your Preferred Mortgage Banker,
Heather Leman
Direct: 843-343-8169
hleman@primelending.com
www.shakeyourbouy.com
I agree with this. This one fella I know that catches fish, lots of fish day in and day out (No he is not on this site)
has a 14 foot Jon bote.
This has the least amount of things that can go wrong with it. You don’t even have to really scrub it, a rinse off does great.
Of course a 2’ wave is huge for it…
Umm, you gonna eat that?
Thousands have died to save my freedom. Only one has died to save my soul!
I did own a 20’ bass boat for freshwater fishing, so I’ve got an idea of handling, trailering, etc. I appreciate y’alls responses. If anyone has a good physical location or website to find a nice quality use boat please post them!
I used Heather for my mortgage. If you’re in the market, you’d be crazy to go with anyone else!
It would be hard to find a used one but east cape skiffs are awesome looking. Their Vantage drafts shallow and can easily handle some 2’-3’ waves.
www.eastcapeskiffs.com
Any Sea Hunt.Just get a larger HP motor then they try to sell you.A Sea Hunt package may be what they try to sell to hold the cost down.Get a bigger motor.
Stonoman
X3 on a jon boat or one of the v hulled jon boats. Versatile, doesn’t matter if you scratch it, skinny water, cheaper etc. Plus you can use it for duck hunting among other things.
Mark
Mako 262 Twin Yammaha F200s
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
quote:
Originally posted by retiredbc72I used Heather for my mortgage. If you’re in the market, you’d be crazy to go with anyone else!
I couldn’t agree more! 
Rates can’t stay at historic lows forever. Now may be the perfect time to refinance or purchase your dream home. If you or anyone you know may be thinking about home financing please have them contact me! </font id=“blue”>
Your Preferred Mortgage Banker,
Heather Leman
Direct: 843-343-8169
hleman@primelending.com
www.shakeyourbouy.com
Stono…your opinions, knowledge, and fishing prowess are well respected…and I concede…I bought my Sea Hunt from Allen Seal…new in 2001…he asked me if I wanted the Johnson 115…in leiu of the 90…I asked him how much faster will it go…he said about 10 - 15 knots…I asked him how much more money…$ 4500.00…
said no give me the 90…will just leave 10 minutes early
stonoman is right on, just buy a used one. they hold there value.
Local Boy, Just having fun.