CS vs. Boston Whaler???

[Twan]

I am getting an itch for a smaller boat... I know, call me crazy. I was wondering what the general consensus was on a J14 Carolina Skiff vs. Boston Whaler (13 ft). I generally fish the flats and plan to add on a poling platform. Both will be driven by a 25-30 horse, and both are center consoles. The CS is a 2001 and the BW is a bit older at 1968, but has a sound hull. The price is comparable for both. Even though I generally fish the flats, but would like to go out in the ocean/bay given there isn't a 6-8 ft swell I was thinking more near inshore stuff, but want something that is dependable and gives a better ride in these conditions. I know both are wet and both are a relatively rough ride, CS probably more so. And would there be any difference in stability or "nervousness" if one were to go on over to the starboard rail and take a wizz. Like I said, I generally flats fish, but want an all-around bought that I can also take out near shore for fishing and diving without causing the gunrail to dip down to the waterline trying to get back in. I would like a bigger boat, but my complex requires boats to be garage kept, and I am afraid something bigger won't with the trailer and all, and only a 19ft deep garage. Thanks for the help everybody!

[YankeeBoater]

Twan - 11/9/2005 11:23 PM
I am getting an itch for a smaller boat... I know, call me crazy. I was wondering what the general consensus was on a J14 Carolina Skiff vs. Boston Whaler (13 ft). I generally fish the flats and plan to add on a poling platform. Both will be driven by a 25-30 horse, and both are center consoles. The CS is a 2001 and the BW is a bit older at 1968, but has a sound hull. The price is comparable for both. Even though I generally fish the flats, but would like to go out in the ocean/bay given there isn't a 6-8 ft swell I was thinking more near inshore stuff, but want something that is dependable and gives a better ride in these conditions. I know both are wet and both are a relatively rough ride, CS probably more so. And would there be any difference in stability or "nervousness" if one were to go on over to the starboard rail and take a wizz. Like I said, I generally flats fish, but want an all-around bought that I can also take out near shore for fishing and diving without causing the gunrail to dip down to the waterline trying to get back in. I would like a bigger boat, but my complex requires boats to be garage kept, and I am afraid something bigger won't with the trailer and all, and only a 19ft deep garage. Thanks for the help everybody!

Hmmm - I am no expert on these two boats but just looked at some photos - they look similar. Both look like flat bottom boats with about 12-14" of freeboard. I think they will be great for calm water, but not very suitable for rough water, if that's what you are asking - it's not the size, it's the hull design.

If you want to increase rough water performance, one boat I can suggest in that size range is the little Quintrex 140 Wide Body Dory - compared to those two boats, it has more beam, a *lot* more freeboard, and more deadrise from bow to transom. It also has a little convex deck at the bow that can help a little with splash. Here's a pic of the cockpit from above:


You can see that it has plenty of open space, and yet can hold a few butts, if need be, on those bench seats One thing though - it will be better in rough water, but there is at least 6" more freeboard in this thing, so you will need a ladder to swim out of it I expect.

[MONSTAWHALA]

Actually...I wouldve suggested going with the Carolina skiff because its 30 years Newer, but when you start talking about straying away from the flats , then more safety becomes an issue, and changes things up a bit.
Are we talking about engines being the same year as the boats age? If so , then go with the Carolina Skiff, because a newer engine makes it a more reliable overall package. If the engines are the same age , then the Whaler may be a safer and slightly better riding boat.

One other thing........There are many used boats out there in that size range to consider, have you thought about them?? Whats your budget??
I have a 1992 16' Wahoo, which is a rock solid boat and will give you the benefits of both those boats . A GOOD used one can be found for around 5k. Look on my albums page to see what a Wahoo looks like.

I would recommend you get a feel for what other boats are out there in that range , you may be surprised at what you can get for the money. Im sure other guys will chime in here but some Others that come to mind would be:
Edgewater
Mckee
Wahoo
DellQuay Dory
Pro-line

[cobraarvey]

I have a 15' Whaler for my boys to use, and I would not recommend the 13' Whaler, (or any other boat of that size), for venturing into the ocean. Although I must confess, I have been in the ocean in it on "perfect" days, I can't imagine going out front in anything smaller. I use the Whaler for flats fishing quite regularly, and will fish the inlet on a regular basis, but it is really not practical for fishing in the ocean. That being said, the Whaler is a boat I have complete confidence in, and trust that my kids will be safer in this boat than almost any other on the water. The Whaler is more stable than you might think, and you would not have any trouble climbing back in if you were to go over the side. Sounds like you have already checked, but do some research on whether a Whaler of that age, (1968) has some saturated foam problems, which could lead to weight and blistering issues. There are many Whalers around, that age or older, but their condition depends on how and where they were stored during their life. Go to www.continuouswave.com for more info on Whalers.

[autobaun70]

I wouldn't mess with the carolina unless you are going to strictly be in the creeks. also, if you plan on doing any shrimping, having console controls rather than a tiller is much better, it's a real pain to work poles in a tiller steer boat. I've been outside of the jetties in charleston several times in a friends 77' sport 13 whaler, actally not too bad if the waves are down, I wouldn't recomend doing that in a J14.