Needing help from some of you expierience boaters that fish the inlets and the jetties.This might also be helpful for others that has wondered about the same thing.I am in process of trying to find me an inexpensive used boat that I can bring down to charleston and fish the inlets and maybe the jetties.So the first question is what size motor and boat would I need to fish the jetties?
The next question is about what size of boat would I need to shrimp inaround crab bank and in the harbor? The third question would be what size boat would i need to get up and down the harbor and fish? This info would be alot of help to me in trying to purchase my next boat.In the upstate alot of us use jonboats and little bit bigger boats to fish the surrounding lakes. I knowthe saltwater fishing is different so I wanted to have the right size boat and motor to handle the saltwater conditions.Thanks for your help in advance.
Dad has an 18’ Sea Pro with a 90hp Johnson on it that we’ve been fishing from the jetties to wayyyyy up the rivers including shrimping and gigging trips for the past 10 years. Before that grandaddy had a 19’ Grady with a 115 Evinrude on it that we did the same thing in. It’s also not uncommon to see guys in jon boats at the jetties…not saying that I would do it…just saying that it is done.
If you’re not effecting the world around you in a positive manner…you’re taking up too much space.
Go with something that you are comfortable with,please do not base your decision on everyone’s opinon.Some people on here will be comfortable in a 14’ boat and some in a 25’.it is your call on what your cofortable with.I personally like something in the 16’range because thats what I’m used to and I know where and when to go.Now that I don’t have a boat anymore,when I do get another it will be something with higher sides now that my boys are getting into fishing,so I/we would feel safer.
Double D.
double d thats a true statement because some people are wayyyy more brave and will take a jonboat out quick to the jetties and im not one that brave though
17-18’
self bailing cockpit
~90 hp
hand laid glass (no chopper gun)
No structural wood.
If you want to get to the jetties, or spend time in the larger bays/harbors, get something with 16-18 degree dead rise (or more) at the transom and a deep sharp entry at the bow.
If you don’t mind getting pounded and would like to save a little fuel, get something with less dead rise at the transom.
Get something that you can tow with your vehicle or be ready to buy another.
HHhhhhmmmm… there is a lot more…
My first thought is a Scout 17’ - http://scoutboats.com/175Sportfish.html
or something like it.
Small enough to tow easily and won’t burn a lot of fuel.
Big enough to picnic and tow water toys.
Big enough to have reasonably long legs and get you to the jetties safely and in reasonable comfort. (Once you get to the jetties, then the near shore reef, then the end of the shipping channel, then Capers Reef, then, Kiawah, then the Charleston 60… then, you’ll want 6 feet more boat to get you offshore)… very slippery slope 
17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott
Size does matter…the most important question you have to ask yourself is what do you want to spend. Buying the boat is only part of the big picture. Then you have insurance, fuel, storage etc. You don’t want to buy your dream boat and not be able to use it. I have been to the jetties in a 18 ft waterski boat on a calm day and had a great time and felt safe. I’ve also been in my 23.5 and left because it was too rough. A 18-20 center console would be ideal. But, I’m not much of a risk taker. I would recommend scanning the boat classified ads. Come up with a few that you like and do a water test. Then you will have a feel for the boat and your comfort level.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.
A bayboat is perfect for what you want to do. 21 feet or better.
www.advoutdoors.com
“I have tomorrow open!”
Lmao at PalmerScott.Thanks for the info.That is some helpful info i will take in consideration.Yeah i use to have a 18ft winner center console and we sold it.Took it to the jetties a couple of times.Saw some boats out there i couldnt believe made it out there.Also, I always wanted to fish near the end of the fishing channel and the near shore reefs but when i use to go deep sea fishing on the carolina clipper and thunderstar i use to see boats out there looking like ants to them waves.Crazy to see how them boats handle and ride them waves ive seen out there near the jetties.Thanks Mombakc…Yeah i have seen some nice sea pros but not for the price i wanna spend.Yes i feel you on your thoughts JP.Size always matters i guess,lol.Im not trying to buy a new boat or nothing but also not trying to buy a old one. I see 15,16,17ft boats all the time for sale,but dont know if they would be safe enough for that ride.Capt Fritz Lord knows i wish i could afford me a 21ft boat…