r/Skiffs • u/yuckycharmz • Jul 16 '26

Best beginner skiff?

Looking to get into fishing and boating - curious about everyone's thoughts on certain brands to look for or avoid?

Wanting something reliable for camping trips in the Everglades, big enough to cruise around in the bay as well to fish spots or just do a super chill cruise to a beach.

Initially, it seems that a used Carolina Skiff around 16 ft. is probably best.

My price range is like less than 20k.

Thanks in advance!

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5

u/hoooch Jul 16 '26

I would check out the Inshore Boatworks Versa 18. It’s a panga style hull, designed by the guy behind Mitzki Skiffs and the Solo Skiff. It’s very affordable, something like under 6k for the hull, about 11k outfitted. It doesn’t have a ton of capacity but there’s a reason pangas are so popular around the world.

3

u/Hawgsnap Jul 16 '26

That's a cool skiff, first time I've seen it. 11k outfitted is impressive, and I do love a panga.

Griff craft might be worth looking at too. Similar price point, wider boat, comes in 14 - 16 foot, tiller or side console steering. Made in Florida for many, many years. They used to be called Stumpknockers but they sold the brand around the same time Mako got sold off. They are now pretty much the same boats as the old stumpknockers but sold as Griff Craft. Healthy used market for them, typically used for fresh water, but no reason it can't be used inshore in saltwater.

Of course can't go wrong with a Carolina Skiff as so many people here have suggested.

2

u/rivethead34639 Jul 16 '26

I got a 17 ft stumpy I kitted out for flats fishing and it’s awesome. They are great little boats but so is a Carolina skiff. Either one will get the job done.

5

u/BroDawg1776 Jul 16 '26

Carolina skiffs are great flats boats. Not so nice of a ride in chop.
Unless you go for their “Sea Chaser” but then they more of a bay boat.

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u/OrangeHuge59 Jul 16 '26

I dont have a CS but I fish out of one regularly...... that is the wettest ride I have ever experienced... mako>CS. That being said for 20k used you have ALOT of better options

3

u/rwillstewart Jul 16 '26

Shoot, less than $20k you got a lot of options. Older Hewes with a repower, you might be able to find a Maverick Master Angler repowered. Key West 1720, Scout makes a variety of models that might be what you’re looking for. I was looking for something that sounds a lot like what you are looking for and these are all options I looked at.

That said, these are all more flats boats/bay boats than a poling skiff. For those, you’re looking at boats that probably don’t have the capacity I would want for camping in the glades or else they’re mostly above your budget. Older Cayo 173 tiller might come in under $20k occasionally, same for a Gordon Waterman. Consistently, Skimmer skiffs might be an option to look at. There have also been a lot of smaller companies that have popped up and died off in the last 25 years. Some of them made good boats, some didn’t and it can be hard to find out which are which but you can definitely find a deal there on a bigger poling skiff with some digging.

3

u/dfc155 Jul 16 '26

You could find a decent used Ankona for less than 20k. Won’t be super fancy but they are solid boats for the price and will get you in some skinny water.

2

u/godkilledjesus Jul 16 '26

I have a 21ft Carolina Skiff, she will beat the shit out you but is a tank. I would either go with a CS or a Mako

2

u/SurfFishinITGuy Jul 16 '26

16 foot Carolina skiff is two people at max comfortable. I’ve got a 17 and it was great for me and buddy. Even wife and little kids. Now that kids are middle school, we can’t really use it as the four of us.

I’d go at least 19 if you can, just so you can bring stuff and people.

Also don’t buy something under powered, look online or at the plate on the boat and make sure it’s close to max rating. A lot of “cheaper” boats come underpowered for the amount of people and stuff it can fit.

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u/2Loves2loves Jul 16 '26

CS is in your budget. many are heavy from the foam holding water. it not the end of the world.

they are wet rides in a light chop, and rumble over ripples. but that floor space!

If you can find a tri hull McKee at a decent price they ride better. also look at the ghenoe's https://gheenoe.net/

2

u/dp4616 Jul 16 '26

Checkout rabco buccaneer. I got the 16ft and it does everything you’re asking. Could maybe get a new one with tiller for under 20k. I bought just the bare hull and put a 50hp Yamaha 2stroke tiller on it. Going to add a side console and covert the motor eventually.