I am interested in purchasing a new Sterling or Action Craft flats boat and wanted to know if anyone has or knows anything about the quality of the Sterling flats boat, how it handles and if it can handle a moderate chop. Any advice would be appreciated. I know the Action Craft is a great quality mid-ranged flats boat and I am interested in comparing the two. They are both about in the same price range. Thank you.
Sterling is TOL. I would drive em both. Tough decision!
Sho IZ
I know over at least 5 local guides that have AC’s, and 1 that has a Sterling. I wonder why that is?
Open Bar, that might be because no one sells the Sterling here in Charleson anymore, however, it is very popular in Florida, anyway thank you for you comments. I do appreciate it. I am really in terested in the quality of the Sterling boat an how it handles in the chop as I will be crossing the harbor often. The Hewes Redfisher is very popular and one of the best in it’s class, howerer, it is over 50K. Too much for me. The Action Craft is available locally and is a quality boat as well. I would love to here from anyone who owns or who has owned a Sterling flats boat. Thank you.
I think capt john ward had or has a sterling, as well as capt harry demosthenese
I’m now at www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
I thought John has a Silver King. Have you looked on the HMP website for used boats? Some of the best used shallow water boats you’ll find listed on that website.
openbar
yep, you are correct, he and harry both have silverkings
I’m now at www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
Chris and Open Bar thanks for your comments. It looks like I will have to keep doing some research. Open Bar if you don’t mind what does HMP website stand for. I would like to go to that site. If anyone out there has some recommendation for good quality mid range flats boats please let me know. I expect to pay 30 to 40 K new or used a few years old but not 45 to 50+ K. It’s not that those boats are not worth it- I just don’t have or need to spend that much. I have considered Key West Sleath which is an excellent boat but would really like a upgrade to that! Thanks in advance
Pot Likker, HMP stands for Hewes, Maverick, Pathfinder. There is more information on that site than you can imagine. I have and have had a couple of their boats. Don’t hesitate to PM me if I can help or answer any questions for you.
Definately a cool website. Thanks for the tip. Anyway, one more thing. Is a jack plate very important for a flats boat here in Charleston or not. I do not know if I should spend the cash on one or not. I could see it in Florida with the huge flats out there but here I’m not so sure, however, I do know that trim tabs are a must. Any thoughts anyone? Thanks
PotLikker, jack plates are good but by no means a necessity here. A boat that floats in skinny water is more important in our area that a boat the runs in skinny water.
Pot Likker …
I bought my Maverick off the MHP site from a guy in Baltimore. Worked out well. FYI. There is a primo Master Angler 17 for sale on there right now that is worth a serious look. MA’s are highly sought after as they are only made to order now. Also, Hanckel has a very nice late model HPX for sale at the West Ashley shop if you prefer a poling skiff. Looks tricked out.
Regarding jack plate. I believe not necessary on a poling skiff as they are already capable of very shallow water. I have one on my PF and I am very happy I do.
i thought they sold sterlings at the boat dealership on rivers ave. Capt Jamie Hough has had 2 sterlings, he is currently on his second one. great boat rides like a dream.
19’ Key West CC 140 Johnson
16’ War Eagle 40 Yami
12’ Alumacraft 1954 Johnson 5.5
“The charm of fishing is that, it is the pursuit of what is elusive, but attainable; a perpetual series of occasions for hope.”
The sterling is a great boat, the wiring harness is TOL and they finish the boat inside the hatches and the ride is unbelievable. but since there is not a warranty repair center local, that would probably sway my sale to a hewes or action craft. Spending 40,000 on a flats boat and having to tow it 3+ hours to get it serviced isn’t acceptable for me
quote:Just hope it doesn't get stuck in the up position and your boat won't run and you have to idle from wherever you are home. Thats not much fun
Originally posted by P-KPot Likker …
I bought my Maverick off the MHP site from a guy in Baltimore. Worked out well. FYI. There is a primo Master Angler 17 for sale on there right now that is worth a serious look. MA’s are highly sought after as they are only made to order now. Also, Hanckel has a very nice late model HPX for sale at the West Ashley shop if you prefer a poling skiff. Looks tricked out.Regarding jack plate. I believe not necessary on a poling skiff as they are already capable of very shallow water. I have one on my PF and I am very happy I do.
Signature Deleted!
Thanks for all of your advice and help. It is really nice to have such experience and knowledge available.
Action Craft makes a great boat. Paul Guard at Action Craft will take care of you.
AC boats perform well in the open chop as well as on the flats.
www.teamhalfmoon.com
www.lineandlure.com
www.btsproducts.com
quote:closed up and gone
i thought they sold sterlings at the boat dealership on rivers ave
SC Golfer 85 - What dealership location does Paul work at? (Tailwaler?) Also, does anyone know the general price range for a 17 or 18 foot new Maverick? I know the price range can vary depending on how you rig it etc. but in general are they as exspensive as Hewes flats boat? I believe the Mavericks boats are more of a skiff then a mddle weight flats boat but then again I could be wrong. Thanks in advance.
A friend of mine just bought a 17 micro maverick just 3 weeks ago, it has yammy 40 4stk on it and I think she paid 26,500 I’m not sure if that included the power pole she got put on it