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I am thinking about buying a used, small (15' - 18') flats or skiff for fishing the lights, docks and other close backwater. I have a large center console now, which is great for offshore, but bites for anything close. Nothing fancy, but I want a decent sized livewell, trolling motor, etc., and am looking to spend around $5k - $10k. Can anyone out there make any suggestions? What would you be looking at if it were you? I've never bought this type of boat, so have no idea where to begin. $30k for a flats boat just won't work for me. Thanks for your input.
I bought a new 17 foot Carolina Skiff with a 40 Yam and trailer last year for 8000.I love it. I use it for the same type fishing as you describe. It's light-drive it right up on the trailer and your out of the ramp in a flash. Uses very little fuel,runs in shallow water,and is easy to clean.I put a tiller handle on the motor. I value the extra room in the boat.I take my livewell with me in the boat and there's still plenty of room for two people,even three,to fish.
[This message has been edited by Threadfin (edited 06-20-2001).]
Take a look at the sundance skiff. Almost the same as the Carolina but they make all their boats with the mod v instead of a option. I think their interior finish is a little better appearance wise and they retail for a little less. Other than that pretty much the same. website - sundanceboats.com
Threadfin - How did the lift work out on your fishing trip pulling the boat back out?
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bc<`))))))<
[This message has been edited by bc (edited 06-20-2001).]
[This message has been edited by bc (edited 06-20-2001).]
Harold,
I'm in the same situation you are. I've got a big center console and would like to add to my fleet. Several years ago I bought a used 17' Seasquirt with a 75 Johnson over in Tampa for about 4k.( sold the Seasquirt) I would like to get another one for about the same price. Let me know what you find
Harold- Let me definitly point you to a Southern Skimmer- they are about the same price as Carolina but better quality in looking at Carolina and Sundance- Call each of them and ask the combinations of fiberglass each use to build there boat. Youll find out. They(southern skimmer) also has a reverse chine to prevent that "sliding" that skiffs are notorious for. Check them out at www.southernskimmer.com . Remember, the skiffs were pioneered in NC, and companies like Southern Skimmer back this reputation. PS Carolina Skiff needs to change their name to "georgia skiff" when they left Eastern NC and went to Waycross Ga.
went and looked at the carolina skiff last night, and it would do the job, but man was it bare bones. That's nice in the way of clean up and such, but I think I may need a little bit more if possible. I'm looking around now for a used small flats boat, and see what kind of prices people want. I'm part of the way through boattraderonline, but nothing caught my interest yet.
Harold - It may be that you would be happier with a light bay boat than a true skiff. Kenner makes these and you can option them to the hilt if you want.
Have you looked at the Mitzi Skiff 15'? It has a little more refinement than the Carolina Skiff, but is still purposeful. Company has a website with pictures and some technical info. The review page is at:
I have not seen one in person, but I am going to go out and take a look at one in the next couple of days. I'll report back. If you come up with something neat, post the info please, as I am also on a mission to find an inshore boat to back up my CCs.
well, to report back, I am now on a mission for a used flats boat. I went and looked at some brand new skiffs this weekend. They would definitely do the job, but a little too bare for me. I then looked at 3 different used flats boats. An Action Craft, Flats & Bay, and an older Hewes. Looks like a possibility to get a boat like this for a decent price, if I can find one well cared for and with the power I like. I will let you know if that turns out to be true, or is just a pipe dream. .
P.S. thank you guys for the replies. I have been checking out all suggestions and it is steering me in the right direction. Thanks again for the helpful input. . .
Well, I drove this morning to look at the Key West Stealth flats boat, and it had a 115 Yamaha four stroke on the back. Complete package with poling platform, push pole, trailer, etc. (no elec.), was just over $20,000. Can't tell if this is good or bad, but it looked like a nice little boat. Anyone have any knowledge with these? The used flats boat market ain't that great right now. Looked at a 1995 Lake & Bay that they still wanted $25,000 for.
While you're looking at the Key West boats, check out the 1720 Pro also. Less money, and only 2 more inches of draft over the Stealth, and will be a little more comfortable in a light chop (a little more deadrise and freeboard). Also be sure and check out the Scout 177 Sportfish -- around $20K with a 115. Might as well check out the 18' and 19' Pathfinders also -- all in this class, with similar pricing.
Almost forgot -- Check out the Cape Horn 16 also -- there are two versions -- "Bay" and "Flats". There was a 16 Bay Series anchored next to me yesterday on the local sandbar, and it was a real nice smaller boat. Easily had for WELL under $20K, with power and options.
Harold,
I have a new Key West Stealth, was delivered in May. It's powered by Yahama 115 four stroke. I've got about 30 hours on it by now and its a great boat. I have the back rest, 52 12V motor guide w/2 batteries, quest on board charger, 185 Garmin, console cover,bimini top, full cover on an easy loader trailer. out the door was close to 28K with all those extras. I put all three batteries in the box under the seat.The weight seems about right like that. I let the salesman talk me out of hydraulic steering, if I had it to do over I would go hydraulic. The 12V motor guide handles the boat just fine and the boat poles good. The fuel consumption is the best part, I fished out of Everglades City for 3 full days and used 12 gallons now if I can just figure out how to get the boat to West End. I've owned a lot of boats including a Hewes Bonefisher and this is a better boat than that. good luck in your search.. Lewjo
Can't go wrong with a stealth! I put a Merc 125 2 stroke on mine and I love it. Fast, shallow, stable, not too expensive. Only con: slides a little in tight turns.
Flats / Skiff 
