I am in the market for my first skiff or flats boat and I would like an opinion on what brands y’all recommend for this area. I realize that a flats boat and skiff, in my mind, are two different boats. However, with that being said I am looking into a few models that are primarily flats boats. I like to get skinny, but not super skinny for reds. I also like to go for tarpon, sharks, cobia etc. I have been reading a fair amount on East Cape’s Vantage, Beavertail’s Vengeance, Hewes Redfisher/Bonefisher, Spyder’s Vapor etc. I really am looking for something that can handle a little chop, hold 4 people, is 17’-19’, and get in moderately skinny water. Lastly, is it really worth buying a brand new boat or would a used boat suffice? Any opinions or suggestions would be extremely helpful. Thank you.
Hews Red fisher, Maverick , Hells Bay , are all great boats also take a look at the locally built Key West Stealth. My friends son bought a used one a few months back and I have been very impressed with this boat. I don’t think they make then any longer but they are easy to find. I would look for a good used one and repower it if need be.
Only problem I saw with the stealth is it doesn’t like heavy 4 strokes. Sits a little back heavy, but needs big HP to run properly. Nice boats though, just not in the same league as others you mentioned in fit/finish and lightweight glass materials.
In respect to the stealth.
Mine had a 150 2 stroke yamaha ( 420 lbs) and it scooted (52-55) I would think a 115 sho Yamaha, 140 Suzuki even the dreaded 150 merc. Would be a great fit on that boat. But anything over 420 lbs would be a little to much IMO. It’s a Jack of all trades flats boat, it eats chop very well, is a fairly dry ride, floats in 10 inches, poles well ( its a little heavy) and is very stable to walk around. For a mid tear flats boat it worked well for what I used it for which is exactly what you said you were going to use it for. The only reason I sold mine was so the kids wouldn’t fall of the boat.
My friends boat has a 115hp Mercury 4stroke on it handles the chop great and runs great. Now I have a custom Florida boat called Shallow Water Flats its 18 feet long with a 115hp Yamaha 4stroke runs great not a speed demon but a very stable and very shallow running boat . I would look at the Key West with the smaller 4 stroke I think you would be happy.
Having worked on and run almost every boat in this thread, the most impressive to me has been the east cape vantage, and of course the Bentz-Craft, but I’m biased with the Bentz.
a good condition low hour used boat is a great option.
the boats you have listed are very different in what they were designed to do, so there isn’t a good comparison between them.
My unsolicited advice: decide if the main task is technical poling or not. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you all boats are compromises.
If most of your needs are “light tackle” then the Actioncraft, Hewes, and Egret are fine. I can only speak to the Hewes and Egret. My experiences with 3 Egrets (other owners) led me to believe they were the best compromise light tackle boat( Charleston skinny creeks, rivers, harbors, and nearshore). They are costly but well made and thought out. The ONLY reason I didn’t get the Egret was to avoid losing a friend or disowning a son if they ran my new $60K 16’7" ft boat onto an oyster bar, etc.
So I got a Hewes Redfisher 16(about 16.5ft long) and have no regrets. I don’t pole in 8-10" of water but can still sight cast to reds with trolling motor in 1-2 ft. Great boat for 1-3 people for typical 3-20 ft water to fish for trout-reds-flounder. Outfitted with Power Pole and TM with anchor function, it’s wide open decks, lots of storage, multiple live wells/release wells I don’t feel there’s a Charleston fishing situation it doesn’t accommodate. Fine for the jetties, can get right up on the rocks. No issues going to nearshore reefs. I’ve had mine 3.5 years and no regrets- from 1 ft of water to 7 miles out. It’s out by Folly. You’re welcome to check it out.
These boats come at 18-19 ft also- but don’t fit in my garage. Hence the 16’7’ with swing tongue.
My next flats boat will either be a 201 BC pro guide or a Shipoke 18. I have Owned an Action Craft and Hewes but the Shipoke is a rocket ship that just eats up the slop and the BC is huge with plenty of space and is also extremely quick with the right power. Slap a good trolling motor on either and your set.
If I had an unlimited budget, this is the flats boat I would have. It’s a big boat for 17’ and with a 115 it’s scary fast and still poles extremely well and shallow.
In respect to the stealth.
Mine had a 150 2 stroke yamaha ( 420 lbs) and it scooted (52-55) I would think a 115 sho Yamaha, 140 Suzuki even the dreaded 150 merc. Would be a great fit on that boat. But anything over 420 lbs would be a little to much IMO. It’s a Jack of all trades flats boat, it eats chop very well, is a fairly dry ride, floats in 10 inches, poles well ( its a little heavy) and is very stable to walk around. For a mid tear flats boat it worked well for what I used it for which is exactly what you said you were going to use it for. The only reason I sold mine was so the kids wouldn’t fall of the boat.
Sabalo 21 150 Yamaha
Key West Stealth 150 V-max (SOLD)
Thanks again!
I too can’t enough good things about the Stealth!
Fishing Nerd
“you win some, you lose some…but nothing beats getting some!”
Thanks guys. My price range is about 35k. My friend is about to get an East Cape Caimen, but I would prefer the vantage. Never heard of Key West’s Stealth. WIll look into them. I don’t want to get crazy skinny, just moderate. 8-10inches, poles decently, fit 3-4 people, and be able to go for tarpon. None of you have been on a Beavertail though? Thanks.
