Please give me any opinions you may have; good or bad.
I went out with a friend on his 2011/12 (not sure) Carolina Skiff JVX16 and was blown away by this boat. It’s small and simple yet extremely stable and fishable. I am hoping to buy a boat like this in the near future and wanted to see if any of you have had experience with these boats and would let me know your opinions. I am also open to other boat types, so throw out any suggestions. I like the looks of the Key West 166 as well, but have only seen them through photos and have no idea if they’d be comparable to the JVX.
Just asking for “opinions” might be too vague, so here’s a couple questions I have but welcome any thoughts I may not hit on:
-I’m told the v-hull in skiff boats is the only way to go. Any flat bottom guys out there feel differently? I just don’t want to limit my options if that is not the case, but I have never ridden in a flat hull skiff.
-I noticed trim tabs is an option on the JVX, has this proven necessary/useful to any of you that may have them? If you don’t have 'em, do you feel they’d be worthwhile?
-Engines - I’m looking at used boats, and I’m seeing 40-60 hp in Merc, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda. Are any of these engines known to be problematic? Is the 40hp enough or will it leave a lot to be desired?
-looking online, it appears they have made some noticeable changes to the JVX over a short time, such as gas tank positioning. Assuming these changes are improvements, anyone with the older models have complaints?
-trolling motor; if I end up with one of these boats without a trolling motor, I know I will be looking to install one. What size/type best suits these boats?
Like I said, I’m also open to other boat suggestions, but I have a few sticking points… I want a boat small enough to gig but still have some comfort for cruising around with the wife and our new son. The cruising aspect makes me really want to have the upright console seating for comfort, and the two boats I’ve mentioned are the only two I’ve
I would try to get in contact with Marshalls Marine, or even Key West directly to find out what the options are for that size skiff. Their website always seems to be behind on what they can really do.
With that said, the JVX16 is a phenomenal little boat. Wider beam, and great layout for fishing and family in a lightweight package. A 40 hp 4 stroke is all you need on these. I would save the money you would spend on a bigger motor and get a Minn Kota 55# I pilot trolling motor. And the new JVX skiffs now come with smart tabs installed.
If you want to save a few thousand dollars you might want to check out Mako’s new skiff series. It is made a little cheaper. Like a cooler with no back for a seat, no storage hatches, and a plastic console. But at $12,500 for a Mercury 40 4 stroke, that’s a good price.
Also, don’t be afraid of the flat bottom DLX series boats. I have ridden in 19’-21’ DLX series boats, and also the DLV series boats and I can not tell a difference in the ride. They are both choppy. The only time I have noticed the v bow working, is when slowly going over a wake. When on plane they both ride the same to me.
The 1765 DLX is a much different boat. Longer, and much higher gunnels. Bigger console, fuel tank, livewell, etc. It will be much safer for children, ,and will not move when walking around. You could get into that hull with a 50 HP motor for the same price of the smaller JVX with a 40. Just a thought.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
I have a 2011 jvx16 and this is a functional little boat. I am going to start off with that it is a flat bottom boat and rides like one even though it has a modified V your still gonna get wet and the ride will be rough. Other than that everything else is great about it. I have a 50 Yamaha 2 stroke and it pushes the boat pretty well, I personally would not go with the 40 it might be a little under powered. I can run about 28 -32 mph depending on conditions. I have gigged out of this boat and chased plenty of fish on the flats with ease. I am currently looking to add a poling platform on her but trying to come up with the $'s for one. I have 55 lbs minn kota co-pilot 12 volt and this pushes just fine even with another person and the boat fully loaded. I hope this helps you out and if you have any other questions let me know.
These boats have a flat bottom and zero drag just about. They don’t take much power. 28-30 should be wot with a 40 Yamaha. It’s all about the prop and motor height and weight positioned in the boat.
Mako skiffs weigh the same, and are about as wide and they only have a 40 hp max rating. I am the first person to always want to max hp on a boat, but on these lightweight skiffs, unless I didn’t take a serious fuel consumption hit or weight hit from going to the max I would go small motor. The 40 HP is very light, and sips fuel. The 50-60 motors jump up in size quick. Unless you were looking at a used 2 stroke setup, or maybe getting a new Suzuki 4 stroke. Then you could get the 60 HP and really run well. You’ll still take a hit on fuel consumption though.
We’re talking about a small boat here. Is 3 mph really worth the extra expense, weight, and fuel cost? Put some smart tabs on it if you bought used, or it will come with them from Carolina Skiff and enjoy the ride. 28 on a boat with 3 people and a loaded cooler and fuel tank is good. Now if the JVX16 can’t do that with a 40, then I would look at a more efficient hull. Like maybe the Key West or Mako. I know the Mako will run 28 with a light load and a 40 hp Mercury.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
I agree with you and yes prop size has a lot to do with it, but I should have been a little bit more specific I run this at around 4500-5000 rpm with a beat up prop I currently have lol. I would have to imagine a 40 would be pushed hard to run around and chase fish from area to area. Just my two cents and yes if fuel consumption is an issue go with the 40.
Thank you for the thoughts. I will definitely be looking into the Key West and Mako before any decision is made. The JVX I was on had a 40 Suzuki and it ran great; it’s a little sluggish to get up on plane but we are two bigger guys. That guy also intends to shift some weight forward over the winter which could help alot. I will look more into the DLX as well, but the 1765’s size and weight seems on paper like it might be too tough to gig from.
Anyone out there have a Mako that could share your experience with these boats? I’ve only ever heard one comment on Mako boats in general, but it was not a positive comment.
I’ve got a “loaner” 16’ Tracker jon boat with an older tiller, 40hp. Evinrude. It’ll run about 32mph on a flat calm.(I fish Lake Murray)
Now for the sad part.
The gentleman (dernflatlander)who was kind enough to loan the boat to me, about 4 yrs. ago, is going to need it back next month. In addition to the boat, he hooked me up with a Lorwance color GPS/sonar, when the old black & white one took a dump. He also told me to treat it as mine so I added seats & a few custom things over the first few months. Now the Indian giver wants it back!! The nerve of him!!
So, I’m going to be looking for a boat soon. I’m leaning towards a 16’-17’ Carolina Skiff. I’ve never been in one, other than doing work on them. But like Big Tuna, I’m open to suggestions. I want go as inexpensive (cheap) as I can. An older boat that is in good running (and floating) condition, but might need some TLC.
Anyone have or know of anything like this, shoot me a PM.
Thanks, Bob
PS: Thank you very much, Jim. You are a good man and friend.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
I own a 17 DLX w/ Yamaha 60 four stroke, 2008 model. Its a good boat especially for the money. I would definitely not go less than 60 hp on this model and would have gotten the 70 ( same weight ) if it was available then. These boats are harder to plane than you would think and not trying to start an argument here but flat bottom = more surface area = more drag than a V hull. I have an aluminum hydro foil on it now but have ordered smart tabs which should be here tomorrow and see if that improves the planing. Top speed on this set up is 36 mph at 5900 rpm with one person. I live on Battery Creek and would be happy to pick you up at the landing by the Paris Island Bridge sometime if youd like to try it out.
Whatever you heard about the Mako, I am sure has been said about the Carolina Skiff as well at some point.
Both the Mako and CS are low end skiffs. Made to hit a price point, and be good all around boats.
Key West and Sea Hunts older skiffs would be just a notch higher. With bettr floor systems, and thicker fiberglass and a little more attention to quality control.
Then you have high end skiffs like Jones Brothers and Kencraft.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
B nice to see another skiffer I grew up in the Battery creek river and I agree with your opinion. Geronimo do you own any of these models you speak of ?
B- I’m just up the river from you (Hermitage), so I may have to take you up on that sometime. There is a 1655 at Butler’s that I wanna go take a look at whenever I get the chance. Have you gigged with the 17?
Geronimo- I believe you are likely spot on about the Mako comment. I really like the looks of the new key west skiff alot, and I have yet to see a used one for sale (which I take to be a compliment to the boat). Thanks again for all of your input.
I’ve been on enough Carolina Skiffs in my life to know the pros/cons. And I have enough experience with boats to know what it takes to get proper performance out of a given hull/motor setup. What does owning the particular models have to do with helping the OP?
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
http://www.butlermarineinc.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=01147272X8K8K2013J11I51I39JAMQ3292R0&veh=320265&pov=2886023
I would check this out if you want to test drive one. Looks like a 40 Yamaha is good for this boat. And I know Hutch, the owner of Key West, has a very good relationship with Yamaha and he factory matches all of his hulls with Yamaha power. If he says a 40 Yamaha is good for this hull, then it is.
See what I mean by there website being off. The website shows this boat with a sit down console, but it clearly works well with a stand up console and cooler seat while still giving you a rear deck.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
I’ve seen that boat online; very sharp. It is out of my price range but maybe they’ve got some really great financing. I will give them a visit as I can.
I was just at Bass Pro Shop in Savannah on Sunday and crwaled all over the Mako skiff. The 16 has very little storage and the front deck is open at the back. The 17 has a closed (almost sealed) cover on the back of the front deck. To me, this is important so you can store your anchor without it sliding all over the place. There is also an upper shelf under the front deck of the 17 for life jackets, etc.
IMO the Mako is a better choice. Because of the factory bait well in front of the console as well as the tunnel design of the hull. It’s almost a tri-hull type hull. Salesman said it should pop right up on plane. Plus the tunnel reduced drag and allowed the boat to float in skinnier water. Most of the Carolina Skiffs I have seen do not come with a bait well. You can order it with one, but I’ve not seen one standard. The salesman said he could get me a break-away tongue so it would fit in my garage. And the 17 qualified for the 2.9% financing, where the 16 did not. Payment of around $117/month is what was advertised. I did not like the look of the plastic center console though. Looked tough, but cheap. Also the 17 was not only longer (obviously), but 8" wider as well. Seemed to me to feel a lot roomier. As anyone knows if you fish with a buddy, you can run out of room while fishing pretty easily in a small skiff. If I were to pull the trigger today, I would grab the 17 for the closed in front deck and 8" wider stance. The addition of a 55# iPilot would make any of these boats fishing machines!
I intend to look at the Sundance skiffs as well.
19’ Sea-Pro CC
“Swagger Wagon”
Yamaha 115 - 2 stroke
14’ CMF Skiff
25 Johnson - 2 stroke
14’ Heritage Redfish
“There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.”
Ernest Hemingway
Havent tried gigging but its very easy to handle. I have a friend who has the JVX 16 and Ive been in it a few times, personally I liked mine much better but thats why they make different models/ brands etc. No doubt you can buy a boat with a better fit and finish but tougher ? No way, just look at what crabbers and bridge construction crews use.I own ( way too many) a 16 ft jon boat, 17 ft carolina skiff, 18 ft Parker, 23 ft Contender and just sold a 20 ft Seacraft.Ive also had everything from a 12 ft Sears jon boat with a 7.5 air cooled motor to a walk arround Hydrosport cuddy, to an 85 mph bass boat. As mentioned, its a good boat, low maintence , and tougher than nails.
Well to pass an opinion on a vessel I would have to say one would have to of had either owned or spent enough time on a certain make and model to pass judgment. Also I was not bashing by anyway just wanted to make sure your judgment was a personal one and not a web read experience or hear say. I know if I was going to buy something I would want opinions from people that own what I am looking for. As for Knowing your Key West its always good to no someone in the business. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them its just a matter of preference from here on out.
However you qualify someone’s opinion, you have to take it for just that. An opinion. Yours included. Doesn’t make one any better than the other.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
All this talk about gigging boats.
Anyone want to offer any help on gigging? I am new to it and I am not sure of the best way to scout out potential spots. How do you go about looking for good clear water, and the type of bottom for visibility? Sandy, shelly, grass? Scout at low tide and wait for the right wind and tide to give clarity? Just looking for a few pointers to get headed in the right direction.
I will be targeting behind Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island if that makes a difference.
Just pm me, or if we are talking about trade secrets here I’ll move along.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson