looking for a skiff

[BIGKASH]

for my 15hp longshaft motor, i want to be able to take it off my 21' and slap in on a skiff and go fish the flats. My questions is what is the best fiberglass skiif that looks good and at a good price ?. my #1 pick so far is the carolina skiff j series. I want to boat to plane and go about 15-20mph with two people approx 200 lbs each, is that possible with a 15hp motor.<br /><br />what other boats would you recommend ? and should i even think about an aluminum boat ?. they will sink if flooded right ?. i will be boating in BAY salt water....thanks and excuess my typing grammer

 

[Solittle]

Re: looking for a skiff

I weigh in at 200 and the wife weighs in at sumptin or other. My 1975 9.9 long shaft gets my 13' alumnium boat on a plane.

 

[JB]

Re: looking for a skiff

Howdy, Bigkash.<br /><br />The Carolina Skiff j14 would be a decent skiff, and should plane with your 15 and a moderate load.<br /><br />My choice would be a Boston Whaler 11 or 13.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[BIGKASH]

Re: looking for a skiff

i'll look into it but i would guess boston's are more expensive...

 

[22WRF]

Re: looking for a skiff

The Whaler 11 Sport is a bit small. This was mine and I am not very big but just not enough boat. I would of rather went with the 13'<br />

<br />The Merc is a 20

 

[11 footer]

Re: looking for a skiff

Boston whaler 11' would be ok for fishing with two people. With a 15hp you would need a console. On the 11 the max hp for a tiller is 10 and the max with a wheel is 20hp.<br /><br />I drive a 1975 11'sport with a 15'short shaft 15hp Mercury, I can get in a plane with 4 people and do about 15mph. When I'm in the boat by myself it will hop on a plane right away and run a little over 30. As with any small boat you have to play around with the gas tank and cooler to see were the boat takes the weaght best.<br /><br />The prolbem that you would have with a 11 or a 13 whaler is this, a 13' whaler WILL NOT plane with a 15hp shortshaft, neaver mind your long shaft!!<br /><br />The 11' has a 15 shortshaft transom also, the 11 might plane, to do it right you would have to put a jackplate on it or something. 11feet sounds small but it really is alot of boat for its size.

 

[BIGKASH]

Re: looking for a skiff

thanks for the response, but i was told no 15hp evinrude came in longshaft some one made it that way, so i was told it is very easy to become a short shaft 15" by removing the extention kit. thats hauling butt 30mph thats sweet in a small boat...i've looked and whalers are heller more expensive than carolina skiff, i think i stick with the carolina skiff j-12 11'-8" model. they work with a longshaft anyway.

 

[Solittle]

Re: looking for a skiff

To go to a short shaft you will also need to get a driveshaft, shift rod and cut the water tube from the water pump to the power head.

 

[TennCain]

Re: looking for a skiff

I have a 17 Standard (50hp). My brother has a j-16 (30 hp).<br /><br />I have been on the water with a j-12 and I dont think Id like to have a couple 200lb. in it. --- and 30mph in a 12 would be scary!! They were made as a fishing platform and even mine doesnt turn well at that speed.<br /><br />In my humble opinion, I would certainly advise at least the j-14.

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: looking for a skiff

my 13' whaler wont plane with a 9.9 on it... I'm not sure how it will act with the 15 i have on it that i just acquired this year (engine is in the hooscow for waterpump that i didnt have time to change). I dont suspect it would plane with a 15 either, but the little bugger can take some amazing weather and chop.<br /><br />for something for the flats/bay, I would look no place else than a 13' whaler. THey are plentiful (have been virtually unchanged for 45 years) and cheap in the older years.<br /><br />our little scow gets uglier every year but never any less seaworthy.

 

[11 footer]

Re: looking for a skiff

Boston whaler also made a 9' that would go like a bat out of hell with a 15hp. <br /><br />They show up on ebay every now and then, cool little, well I mean 'real' little boat.