I never done any fishing from a boat in salt water and want to start soon, we go down to edisto 3-4 times a year and i’m trying to get some input on what type of boat to look for. I have small kids and want something that we can use for fun but also i can fish out of. We live about 30 mins from lake murray so would probably spend some time there as well. I would like to have something that can do some inshore fishing but also something capable of going a little ways offshore/nearshore on good day if i work up the nerve. I have searching the internet for used boats. Looking to spend around 8000-12000, Any input on brand and size would be appreciated.
Used 20’ ish bay boat sounds like the perfect ticket here. (Sea Pro, Key West, etc) for that price range.
Or a 19’deep V CC? Able to handle rougher water, but not as good in the shallower stuff.
I found a couple 17 footers but i though that would be a little small to try to go out on. You confirmed what i was thinking 19-20 ft range. thanks for the input.
Key West 1720. That’s what I started out with… great little boat.
-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-HT Bugbuster
I’m running a KW 1720 and an old 1978 Grady White Dolphin down there. No issues with either one but I do like the Grady when the chop gets nasty and running out to the 40
“Ships and Sailors Rot in Port”- Admiral Nelson
I know its not what you want to hear, but you should probably just rent a boat.
If youre only going to use it a few weeks out of the year, you can get a much better deal renting one for the day without the hassle of maintaining one.
Also, if you want to save money AND catch fish, you should go with a charter. You will catch more fish without the work.
If you really want to buy one, and do it the hard way like the rest of us, then I would highly recommend a key west 1720. I loved mine, then sold it to a guy who loves it even more. You cant go wrong with a key west.
There’s a pretty nice sea pro in the swap shop
How many kids do you have? A 17’ boat becomes real small with 4 people in it and the kids will keep getting bigger. In the long run, with a growing family of 4 I’d look for something in the 21’-23’ range, especially if you have offshore intentions.
The other thing with kids is that kids have friends that they invite along. 17 isn’t enough boat for that.
Capt. Larry Teuton
912-six55-5674
lteuton at aol dot com
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Thanks for input. It would be used more than 3 or 4 times a year im from aiken so clarks hill is about 40 mins one way and murray is 40 mins the other. I found sea pro cc 20 ft in columbia. 1997 model with 1997 225 motor but its deep v and didnt think it would work for fishing inshore. Im gonna keep looking not in a rush to buy the first thing i see but wanted some advice from you guys that have been there done that.
You live in a perfect spot to fish for stripers and spend some time on the coast! Buy the biggest boat you can afford and you will be happy for a while! I know few people who are satisifed long. I have different boats for all types of fishing. It would be better to have one boat but I haven’t found one yet The closest thing is my 17’ whaler I use it in fresh and salt, even been to 200’!
I agree with all that. 17’ is WAY too small for family, and dangerous in the Harbor or Nearshore for beginners.
Next, I agree when you fish salt, it’s always good to go with a guide.
I also agree Striper fishing is your best bet overall, including family.
Closing, 3-4 times salt hire guide primarily, then take your boat and do the things your guide did. Same with Stripers, hire guide then do the same thing in your boat.
Consensus: 21’ Carolina Skiff, takes rough water ok too.
Contact Striperskiff on the Striper forum, he has one fully rigged at Murray.
“The big one’s still swimming, let’s go.”
Thats the plan. We are going to do near shore charter in june when we are back down. Will probably do another later in year as well. I have a buddy that is into stripper fishing as well and will be doing that on the weekends.
A KW 1720 is fine for inshore! You can fish 3 adults from it, if they all pick a spot and stay there!
19’ CC is the ticket. I had the Key West 1900 Sportsman, very similar to the 1720, just bigger all around. Good inshore, nearshore boat with nice lines too. Run a 115 or 150 HP, the t-top is nice too. I liked the bow railiing when the kids were smaller too.
Give me a call if you wish. I have owned many boats and have been there done that. I would be happy to discuss this with you. 17 is just to small. Key West boats are well made but you have to look at occupancy as diffent boats are rated for different load ratings. Sean 843-437-six650.
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Give me a call if you wish. I have owned many boats and have been there done that. I would be happy to discuss this with you. 17 is just to small. Key West boats are well made but you have to look at occupancy as diffent boats are rated for different load ratings. Sean 843-437-six650.
Scout 185