Remind me why I DON'T want a 17-to 19-foot Carolina Skiff

So, wifey and I have been shopping for a big, wide jonboat that the four of us (two boys) can go fishing with. We used to own a little jonboat in the years B.C. (before children). It seems 4-person jonboats are a fairly rare breed. In searching craigslist for used boats, I see a fair number of Carolina Skiffs for sale. Fiberglass, holds 5 persons or more, looks like a good fishing platform. Motors up to 90 hp or so. Budget is around $5k. Bonus if I could pull it with the MPV and not have to use the C-30 Duallie.

Anybody got anything useful on Carolina Skiff?

Because it isn't as good as a Boston Whaler?

mtn wrote: Because it isn't as good as a Boston Whaler?

LOL. Find me a nice Boston Whaler for $5 grand and I'll be a happy camper.

Around here, SoFla, they have a pretty good reputation. Not fancy, but well made. Simple boats.

I've been thinking of buying a 16 footer. They're nice simple boats - lots of them (and lots of old ones) on the water down here in SW Florida. Their flat bottom design makes steering a bit different than a regular V-hull design. They kind of push across the top of the water for a somewhat vague steering feel, but you get used to it. A Carolina skiff is a very economical/efficient choice. Plus they make all kinds of different accessory options for setting up the interior in a bunch of different configurations.

You do want one, great little boats.

There are also v bottomed Carolina Skiffs

You don't want one because it is a boat.

Boats seem like good ideas and fun times. Then you realize they are a hole in the water to throw money and time into.

They require time to hook up the trailer, time to put in the water, time to fuel and service, then it is time to get them out of the water...

I firmly believe people enjoy the thought of being on a boat, without actually enjoying being on a boat.

Rob R.

They are outstanding boats unless you have to deal with rough water. They will beat you to death.

wvumtnbkr wrote: You don't want one because it is a boat. Boats seem like good ideas and fun times. Then you realize they are a hole in the water to throw money and time into. They require time to hook up the trailer, time to put in the water, time to fuel and service, then it is time to get them out of the water... I firmly believe people enjoy the thought of being on a boat, without actually enjoying being on a boat. Rob R.

And I firmly believe that you are/were an incompetent and/or inefficient boater.

People say stuff like this a lot. I've been around boats my whole life, and am looking at buying one now. I love being on a boat. If I had one now, I would spend probably 15 hours a week on it.

When on vacation, using my dads boat, it takes me 15 minutes from "I should go out on the boat" to leaving the boat ramp. If we have it moored in front of the cottage, it is about 5 minutes from "I should go on the boat" to actually going on the boat. Filling the thign up is easy. Hooking the trailer up is easy. Service can be a little annoying, but we have a 32 year old engine that has "failed" on us twice in 15 years--and both times, it still got us to where we needed to go.

Sure, when we were new boatowners it was difficult. But nowadays, it is really easy, and extremely enjoyable. It will nickel and dime you a little bit, but if you aren't an idiot, not nearly as bad as people would think. Just like a car, it does require maintenance--but nothing insane.

You want one unless you are thinking of doing your fishing in open unprotected waters. For fishing in protected waters, they seem to be good and popular boats and they are then good candidates to find decent used ones.

Apparently you can haul just about anything in a Skiff.

Toyman01 wrote: They are outstanding boats unless you have to deal with rough water. They will beat you to death.

This. Great boat for the size and intended usage. Flat bottom = minimal draw, especially w/ the right trim setup (vertical movement, not just tilting). Flat out through less than a foot of water is a thrill and they are light! Moves well w/ a 90 but stick a 115/125 out back and they scoot really well. Not the driest ride if it gets bumpy. Kinda like a jeep for the water. Compromises a few things to do some others (like fish) really well while being a good steady boat overall.

Toyman01 wrote: They are outstanding boats unless you have to deal with rough water. They will beat you to death.

^^^Yup.

The Carolina Skiffs are simple, cheap, modular, and super versatile for calm water. For a J16 I don't think you need anywhere near 90hp, my friend's has a small center console and a Yamaha 25. Planes just fine with him and his small kids.

40 or 50 would be plenty for almost any usage. If you plan on slalom skiing pulling adults out of the hole maybe more, but for putting around and fishing that's fine.

My boat is a similar 18' skiff with a V-entry closer to the Boston Whaler design, it does better in a chop but is heavier and requires more power.

pinchvalve wrote: Apparently you can haul just about anything in a Skiff.

need story behind that picture.

mtn wrote:

wvumtnbkr wrote: You don't want one because it is a boat. Boats seem like good ideas and fun times. Then you realize they are a hole in the water to throw money and time into. They require time to hook up the trailer, time to put in the water, time to fuel and service, then it is time to get them out of the water... I firmly believe people enjoy the thought of being on a boat, without actually enjoying being on a boat. Rob R.

And I firmly believe that you are/were an incompetent and/or inefficient boater. People say stuff like this a lot. I've been around boats my whole life, and am looking at buying one now. I love being on a boat. If I had one now, I would spend probably 15 hours a week on it. When on vacation, using my dads boat, it takes me 15 minutes from "I should go out on the boat" to leaving the boat ramp. If we have it moored in front of the cottage, it is about 5 minutes from "I should go on the boat" to actually going on the boat. Filling the thign up is easy. Hooking the trailer up is easy. Service can be a little annoying, but we have a 32 year old engine that has "failed" on us twice in 15 years--and both times, it still got us to where we needed to go. Sure, when we were new boatowners it was difficult. But nowadays, it is really easy, and extremely enjoyable. It will nickel and dime you a little bit, but if you aren't an idiot, not nearly as bad as people would think. Just like a car, it does require maintenance--but nothing insane.

Nope. I hate boats. I have never owned one. A friend I was living with had one. He had a few different kinds. My sister has one.

They all suck.

My point was (and this is my opinion): I think people like the idea of being on nice water and catching some sun (rose colored glasses). However, the reality is that it is never as good as you think it will be.

The maintenance stuff and getting to /from the water is just annoying. I am not saying those items are THE reason not to have a boat.

I just don't enjoy boats. AND, I think people in general enjoy boats less than they think they do if they really think about it.

In reply to wvumtnbkr:

I can't disagree with you, but my grandfather had a boat on Lake Lanier when I was young. It was fun. So I still want a boat some day, although I want a barrel-back Chris Craft (or home built replica) rather than the 30'(ish) cabin cruiser he had. I plan to start out with a few kayaks. I have too many engines to keep track of as-is right now.

http://www.wareagleboats.com/

wvumtnbkr wrote: I just don't enjoy boats. AND, I think people in general enjoy boats less than they think they do if they really think about it.

Fair enough, although I don't know how you can say that people don't like something even if they do. I know that I love being on a boat, one of my very favorite places to be. And I have been in some E36 M3ty situations on the water and still say that--even if I really, really think about it.

wvumtnbkr wrote: Nope. I hate boats. I have never owned one. A friend I was living with had one. He had a few different kinds. My sister has one. They all suck. My point was (and this is my opinion): I think people like the idea of being on nice water and catching some sun (rose colored glasses). However, the reality is that it is never as good as you think it will be. The maintenance stuff and getting to /from the water is just annoying. I am not saying those items are THE reason not to have a boat. I just don't enjoy boats. AND, I think people in general enjoy boats less than they think they do if they really think about it.

I don't know that you can make generalizations about other people's opinions. Personally, the idea of NOT owning a boat is insanity. My glasses are polarized , not rose colored and beautiful water and sunshine are regular occurrences. Not only that, but there are a ton of places to explore, things to do and wildlife to see that wouldn't otherwise be possible without a boat. Maybe you're just doing it wrong?

As far as the Carolina skiff goes, just let all of us know before you buy so we can invest in some Aleve stock!

MattGent wrote:

Toyman01 wrote: They are outstanding boats unless you have to deal with rough water. They will beat you to death.

^^^Yup. The Carolina Skiffs are simple, cheap, modular, and super versatile for calm water. For a J16 I don't think you need anywhere near 90hp, my friend's has a small center console and a Yamaha 25. Planes just fine with him and his small kids. 40 or 50 would be plenty for almost any usage. If you plan on slalom skiing pulling adults out of the hole maybe more, but for putting around and fishing that's fine. My boat is a similar 18' skiff with a V-entry closer to the Boston Whaler design, it does better in a chop but is heavier and requires more power.

Any idea about how much your boat and trailer weigh?

mtn wrote:

wvumtnbkr wrote: I just don't enjoy boats. AND, I think people in general enjoy boats less than they think they do if they really think about it.

Fair enough, although I don't know how you can say that people don't like something even if they do. I know that I love being on a boat, one of my very favorite places to be. And I have been in some E36 M3ty situations on the water and still say that--even if I really, really think about it.

Yup, just because YOU don't like it and think they're a pain doesn't mean everybody else is fooling themselves.

I grew up near the Chesapeake and was on a boat at least 4-5 hours a week between May and October. It was easy to grab the tractor, pick motor or sail, drag it out of the bottom of the barn, and get it wet. Come home from work half an hour early on a Wednesday and get in some waterskiing on an empty river that is smooth as glass? Yes please.

Hull is around 8-900, engine 280, trailer 500, and can put another few hundred pounds easy in fuel, coolers, gear, etc.

In flat FL, it towed reasonably with a 4cyl 1999 Accord manual. Now we use a Pilot, which is no issue.

NOHOME wrote:

pinchvalve wrote: Apparently you can haul just about anything in a Skiff.

need story behind that picture.

Looks like some guys in Alaska were trying to be Russians, but forgot that Russians would just fly a plane with such minimal damage.

For the record, he did ask us to talk him out of it. And I can say what I like as my opinion.

I realize some people like boats. I can't fathom why.

See what I did there? ;)