I know this is opening pandora’s box, but I need some help. I’ve grown up around boats my whole life, but mainly on fresh water. I have just moved down to James Island and now want a boat. I’ve fished the charleston area with guides for years. My goal in boat ownership would mainly be for fishing, inshore fishing/flats. Seeing as how I am new to the whole saltwater experience, ie oysters, would getting an aluminum boat for my first be better? How much horsepower do I need to get around safely? Of course fishability is very important, but safety is most important. I’ve noticed that following common courtesy on the water is sometimes a dying art. Any/all advice would be appreciated, anyone who teaches a class or would be willing to show me some saltwater boating basics, I’d love to buy you gas and or dinner. You guys have helped me catch a lot of fish, and I thank you for your help here.
I think you are right on track with how you are approaching it. All you really need in Charleston is jon boat for the type of fishing you are looking to do. I started with an 18’ CC (which I still have but hardly use) and do 98% of my fishing on my 13 whaler with a 25 hp tiller. Keep it simple and cheap and you will catch just as many fish as those with a 30K flats boat.
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
I have a 16 carolina skiff with poling platform, GPS , co pilot trolling motor, jackplate and an all aluminum rolls trailer for sale. Can hit oysters with no worries of losing 60k. Let me know if your interested.
FINS prostaff-http://www.finsfishing.com/
quote:How much?
Originally posted by coosawkaneI have a 16 carolina skiff with poling platform, GPS , co pilot trolling motor, jackplate and an all aluminum rolls trailer for sale. Can hit oysters with no worries of losing 60k. Let me know if your interested.
FINS prostaff-http://www.finsfishing.com/
Double D.
I agree with optiker. My first boat was a war eagle and it allowed me more options than my flats boat (it just took me a little longer to get to where I wanted to fish). I had 15ft with a 40 yamaha and that was plenty of power for what I wanted to do, I would recommend going out on several types of rigs and then determine which one fits your needs.
17 MAVERICK HPX-V
Much depends on what you want to do, or realize you want to do. Sounds like you have a clue which direction you want to go. I have a 17’ Carolina Skiff. Its the second boat I’ve owned and bought it for inshore and flats purposes. I owned a 20’ center console before and realized it wasn’t built for what I wanted to do. I have fished jetties and enjoyed them, but in choosing my skiff I realized 95% of what I enjoyed was in-shore, and catered my boat to it.
Maybe for a first get you a cheap, in-shore model boat. Get a feel for what you like and dislike about it (believe me, you’ll know) and then you can upgrade to what suits you. Consider how and who you want to fish with, also (ie: kids or friends and family).
REALLY knowing what you want, not THINKING what you want, makes for a happy boat owner. Hopefully you can get in on the cheap until you get a feel for exactly what you want.
On motor its easy enough to find out what the power range is for a particular boat, either from the plate on the transom or the manual. To me the higher end of the rated spectrum would be preferable.
Vinman
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”
www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
2011 Carolina Skiff 178DLV
90 HP Honda
I agree with everybody else, for inshore fishing charleston all you need is a simple durable boat. you asked about aluminum due to oysters, but honestly you shouldnt have to worry about that. If you are running full throttle you most likely wont hit oysters sense obviously you are comfortable enough to go full speed. I have hit oysters one time going full speed in my fiberglass boat, and it caused two scratches on the gel coat. send me a PM, I can take you out on my rig and see how you like it and give you some pointers. I also live on james island in rivers point plantation so we could conveniently meet up. my boat is a 2000 16ft dixie, with a 2006 honda 25hp 4 stroke. I fish anywhere inshore with it, take it gigging, bait shrimping and duck hunting. here is a pic of it
Ive got a 196 key west bay boat, 150 yamaha 2 stroke, polling platform and trolling motor. It can get pretty skinny without too much worries and makes trips out to the jetties without issues (on a calm day). picked it up for 14K. Pretty versatile boat for inshore/harbor fishing and still has room for a booze cruise to relax. Plenty of platforms for casting to. Just my 2 cents.