Carolina Skiff good boat to consider?

[vfrf2]

I'm considering the purchase of a Carolina Skiff J1450. Does anyone have any pros or cons about these boats? I'm going to be using it for fishing in some shallow water (lakes, small creeks along the Potomac river) and was wondering how some owners have made out with them. Has anyone ever had them out in salt water areas in bays, sounds etc? If so, how did it handle the water?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Carolina Skiff good boat to consider?

We vacationed in Lafitte, LA. (SW of NOLA) and rented a 16 or 17' (don't remember) Carolina with a 60 hp Merc. We were fishing the shallow bays that constitute South Louisiana tidal waters.<br /><br />The skiff was very stable and planed off real fast; and ran out right smartly with the 60. Assuming you had to hole shoot outta the muck, you wouldn't be in it very long to get up and going.<br /><br />Since it had sponsons on either side (sorta) the prop was actually higher than would be on a vee type hull which helped the shallow water operation.<br /><br />Probably as close as you can get to a tunnel hull.<br /><br />Would buy one if I fished there regularly.<br /><br />But, did not get out into the gulf. Personal opinion is that this boat is not suited for that. Looks to me like it is setup for tidal flats, not deep water.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Carolina Skiff good boat to consider?

They're very popular around here. One of my best buddys has a 24'. 5 of us fished off it last December in very shallow water. No problems, great platform. <br /><br />However, going back across the bay (open water) I was real happy to be in my Hydra Sport.