I am going to be looking to upgrade my 1765 Carolina skiff and am looking at a flats boat in the 16-18ft range. I was wanting some opinions from people who have first hands experience on any boats. My budget will be 10-12k. Thanks in advance for any help!
17 Carolina Skiff
60 Johnson
Give us a little more info on what you want to upgrade to. You looking for a drier boat than the skiff? getting away from a flat bottom? Your budget will be for a used boat. That said, going used more than likely getting something someone else did not want for some reason… which is hopefully not pawning off a troubled boat.
Love to help just not sure what you are looking for.
“If Bruce Jenner can keep his wiener and be called a woman, I can keep my firearms and be considered disarmed.”
Looking for a little better and drier ride. Not saying I need completely dry, just not something that will soak me and beat me to death in any kind of chop. I’m looking for something I could pole some as well. And yes I know ill be in the used boat market with my budget, just curious what boats people have had good experiences with in that price range and what to look out for.
17 Carolina Skiff
60 Johnson
I switched from my Carolina Skiff J16 to a 1997 Key West Stealth flats boat 5 years ago, turned out to be a great decision. Lots more storage, drier ride, poling platform really helps to spot fish. The 115 Johnson gives me a lot more range than the 30hp Honda too.
I bought the Stealth off of Ebay for 5K, put another 3 grand into it as it sat for a year and I wanted to upgrade the electronics and trolling motor. It is a great all around flats boat that I’ve even taken to the jetties a couple of times. It is NOT one of those super-skinny water micro-skiffs but it sounds like you aren’t really looking for that. I have no intention of upgrading from the Stealth.
Maybe you can find a 10 year old flats boat for 8K or so and just plan on spending another 2K to get it the way you want it.
There was an 18’ action craft flats boat with a 115 merc for sale in mt pleasant craigslist a couple months back, thought about buying it but didnt, was for 14k i believe, thats what i would get.
Had poling platform,pole, trolling motor, power pole, pretty good condition, just needed a clean
Look at where Jesus went to pick people. He didn’t go to the colleges; he got guys off the fishing docks.
I guess it will depend on whats available when it comes time for me to buy. I appreciate everyones help!
17 Carolina Skiff
60 Johnson
Saw a 41’ alum. cat on Craigslist Baton Ruge last week! Great deal at $125,000
Bentz-Craft 16?
17’ Henry O Hornet w/ Johnson 88 spl
26’ Palmer Scott project hull
14’ Bentz-Craft w/ Yamaha 25
quote:
Originally posted by PalmerScottBentz-Craft 16?
17’ Henry O Hornet w/ Johnson 88 spl
26’ Palmer Scott project hull
14’ Bentz-Craft w/ Yamaha 25
Ive seen those and like the look of them? How are they quality wise?
17 Carolina Skiff
60 Johnson
Like LocalCluster and FishinMission said, both of those boats are excellent boats. I was looking at both of those hulls before I fell in love with the Stealth I got to take on a test ride/fishing trip. Plenty of space to fish, storage and handle the chop quite well for a ‘flats boat’. If you like these styles, you may also want to look into the Hewes Redfisher while your on your search. Good luck man!
Fishing Nerd
“you win some, you lose some…but nothing beats getting some!”
I have always like the old lappy style Hewes boats and have seen several in my price range. Thanks for all the help!
17 Carolina Skiff
60 Johnson