I’m in research mode and prolly have 10-15 months before I purchase. That being said, looking at the micro market (14-16’) with max hp being around 60. Looking to stay around 15k or less with boat, motor, trailer. May consider used, but nothing more than 1-2 years old. Warranty on the engine is most important because it will get heavy use. Thinking side console with poling platform. Draft around 8-12 realistically loaded with 2 and gear. I would like to hear experience and suggestions. Considering some of the small custom builders, so detail is most important.
I have a Carolina Skiff JV 17 and after having 8 boats in 5 yrs this is my favorite for inshore. It’s a little narrow but other than that it weighs as little as an expensive flats boat, poles great, no slap, cleans up in 10 minutes and you can pretty much beat the crap out of it because it’s a cheap boat and will last a long time.
I don’t work for Carolina Skiff but it’s a locally sold boat.
Other than that I like the Mitzi Skiff which is not local.
Make sure to get a 2 stroke 50 Hp motor if you look at getting one.
-G
Check out these folks. www.sundanceboats.com All of their boats except the SV series are shallow draft (6" or less). I used to have a B22CCR and LOVED it. They’re a family owned business out of Blackshear, GA and good folks to work with. New boat you would probably like is the FX “Flicker” series.
Check out East Cape. I have an old Pathfinder 17T [Tunnel Hull] that I use when I want to go skinny. It works great but will shake the fillings out of your teeth in any chop. I have looked around for a while and the East Cape seems to be a pretty neat boat at a fair price. I will also be in the market in the next few months and thought about going down and checking them out.
As a East Cape owner, im biased, but these skiffs rock. very nice guys and extremely knowledgable about boats. Based in Fl, custom builds, www.eastcapecanoes.com
As a East Cape owner, im biased, but these skiffs rock. very nice guys and extremely knowledgable about boats. Based in Fl, custom builds, www.eastcapecanoes.com
Scotty, Nice rig! what model? Why the Honda(not very popular in the area)? What kind of “real world draft” with one on the bow, one on the platform, fuel, bait, cooler, etc…?
Less than 15k is a tough price point for a nice microskiff. You should look at used boats on florida sportsman boatstore, microskiff forum for sale, and maverick forum for sale. The Maverick HPX series is nice and you might find a used one for close to 15. The ECCs pictured above tend to be around 20, same as used beavertails. There are a bunch of microskiffs from some newer companies reviewed on the microskiff page that you can get bare bones for around 15k with a tiller, no storage, etc. Another option is a gheenoe. Some nice used ones for sale now on customgheenoe forum. With a gheenoe you can get a loaded boat for less than 15k new. I fish a gheenoe classic on the wando and love it.
There are lots of great boats out there…HB, MHP, AC, etc…but 15K isnt going to get you into much of a skiff designed for serious fishing unless you go with older stuff…
All I will say about East Cape…is go down there, visit the plant, and hang out with the owner.
I can honestly say, that if I had to buy any boat for personal fishing use, and I wanted the best bang for the buck boat, I would buy a Caimen- side console, yamaha 2stroke, DONE. Now for guiding, I went with the Lostmen for other reasons. But one day, I will own the Caimen.
5" draft, with 2 people, gas, ice, tackle. the sponsors and flat bottom help keep the draft low
Honda is the lightest in class, best fuel econ, and best warranty. ecc’s new venture (with Tom from Mitzi) is the Inshore Power Boats. Boat, motor, and trailer, $9000. modular and customizable.
Yeah 15k will be a tight budget, but I just sold my Triton LTS and took a light hit. Looking to return the favor. Again, this is just research for the right hull. Good to hear your Honda is working out, as I have no bias. I know if I bump up to 20k then I will overlook the micro’s and move into a used mid-sized hpx or ac.
Look at gthe new Mitzi’s. I think they are still priced right and man do they look good. The closest place you can find a new model is in Winston Salem NC Grubbs Marine. I went up and looked at the new ones while my old one was being fixed. I have a 2007 hull and after it was all said and done it has been a great boat and will do everything that an HB will do I promise for less than half the money.
There is a mitzi 17 brand new in Savannah for 15k. 50hp yamaha.
It is across the street from Bass Pro Shops. I think the seller is a boat dealer in Brunswick.
chris.
if your not totally against an aluminum boat, i would go that route. i have an 18’ alumacraft tunnel hull that drafts 3" of water a runs in 4". it has been customized and resembels a flats boat with catwalks down the side. good luck.
