tomjr

Hi,
I have the opportunity to buy a used Palm Beach 161 with a 50 Yamaha 4 stroke. My last boat was a 19 Carolina Skiff.
I fish Lake Bourne, Carherine and other large to mid size lakes.
Any comments about this rig and it's use in open water would be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance

twentynine

Have no fish hand experience with Palm Beach Boats, looked at them prior to making my purchase, but that's about it. One thing I can tell you it has got to be drier and smoother than your Carolina Skiff. That is one boat I have experience with.

Don't know where you are located but from your fishing spots I would say Orleans, Jefferson, St Bernard, or maybe east or north of the lake. Tim's Marine in Violet, sells Palm Beach, and I see a bunch of them in that area.

__________________
Cape Horn 17, Yamaha F115
with
Elmo the Boat Dog

tomjr

Thanks for your reply,
You are right. The Carolina Skiff was miserable in the chop. That is why I no longer own it.
This Palm Beach is a Tim's Marine boat. Based on my prior experience my next boat must be dry and have a reasonable ride, that is why I am asking around. I plan on taking it out in the lake next week before I buy.

cgrand

i was just at tim's on friday...the palm beach's looked nice
don't know about the boat, but i can tell you about the dealership
first class all the way...a true pleasure to deal with
really, i can't say enough about how they take care of the customer

as ya'll said, ANYTHING will be better than the c-skiff!

tomjr

Thanks for your reply,
This boat was originally sold by Tims but it is now on the used market. A 2000 model.
If I get it I plan on having Tim's go through the engine and gve it a good tune up.
Tom

Paul Barnard

That boat will not provide a dry ride. They are tough little boats with good fishing room and are a good value. It will do better than that C Skiff, but not by a lot. The design does not offer any bow flare and there are no chines to redirect the spray. I had a Cape Horn 16 for a good while. It is a similar design. Any seas over a foot I would just go ahead and jump in to get it over with.

KCook

"Any seas over a foot I would just go ahead and jump in to get it over with."Good one Paul, LMAO!Kelly Cook

tomjr

Thanks for your input,
If this boat is not a good one, what would you suggest? I'm limited to 17' and want to fish in the marsh and in open sheltered water. Probably one foot chop max and I really want a dry ride.
Thanks again
Tom