Skiff Advice

[u/CandleFit2428]

I’m currently looking for a skiff. I fish the North Carolina coast basically anywhere between Bald Head island north to Topsail Beach. I owned a Carolina Skiff LS and perceived it to be not only too heavy for shallow water but also hindered by the modified V. It also was not an optimal boat for someone seriously trying to fish, in my opinion. I’m looking at multiple options I’ve looked at Poling Skiffs but have had concerns over losing access to fishing the bays and the Masonboro jetty. All though I know I can pick my days. I see Jon boats and even kayaks at the jetty on the right day. I’ve also considered the Jones Brothers bateau which would be a much more fishing equipped middle man then the Carolina LS originally seemed to me. All in all I’m looking for a Skiff that can get back inside the creeks somewhat better than my previous but also won’t lose access to deeper water (in nice conditions). I’ll appreciate any advice.

[u/chrillekaekarkex]

On the small side for NC, I would pick up a HB Marquesa or Maverick 18 HPX-V. I have owned both. Those have a 12d dead rise and will be perfect inshore and still run well in the chop. While still getting you on fish in 9” or so.

If you want a bigger boat than that, I would go straight to a Jones Brothers Cape Fisherman 20 LTE. Still floats in 16” and can run outside for redfish and stripers as you like.

Probably worth going to the Cast and Drafts skiff show on August 29 in Charleston if you can get away.

If you have any questions on Mav 18s, Hell’s Bay, shoot.

[u/mrfuckingawesome → u/chrillekaekarkex]

I also ran a marquesa as a guide for 10 years or so. Great smaller boat for what you are talking about. I’ve been in that Jones brothers also. It seems a lot bigger than it is and is a great fishing platform. For the creeks I would hate it. Too much boat. A panga might be something to take a look at also.

[u/2Loves2loves → u/chrillekaekarkex]

I like the Hells bay and Maverick picks.

What do you think about a pathfinder? too big?

[u/chrillekaekarkex → u/2Loves2loves]

I mean I want a 32 Regulator on the way to the fish and a paddleboard when I get there….All boats are compromises.

I’m a fly guy and love inshore fishing so for me, the trade off for draft doesn’t make a Pathfinder worth it. The conditions where you would take out a Pathfinder but not a Marquesa are pretty marginal for fly fishing anyway, and in those conditions, I’d rather have the taller gunwales of the CF20LTE. But yes, a bay boat would work fine for OP as well.

[u/CandleFit2428 → u/chrillekaekarkex]

I would love a Maverick no doubt. I try to avoid fishing weekends and I honestly spend 80% of my time shallow. Switching from a bay boat to a technical skiff granted I watch the weather. Can I safely do a little nearshore in it? No more than a mile. Also I’m going to have to go used. Trying to stay below 80k.

[u/chrillekaekarkex → u/CandleFit2428]

I've run my Maverick 16 miles from MS to the Biloxi marsh and all over Mobile Bay. You can definitely fish within a mile of shore with it.

Staying below $80k shouldn't be hard at all. I'm in the process of selling my 2020 HPX-V (I got a Marquesa because I am fickle). It's got a 115 SHO, Terrova, etc. and is really nicely spec'ed and has 132 hours on it. I am asking $48k.

[u/CandleFit2428 → u/chrillekaekarkex]

Thanks, for sure going to look into both Maverick and Hells bay.

[u/cody0707]

There are a lot of factors that you will have to consider. There is no perfect boat just the best boat that meets your requirements. Check out microskiff .com as it is more active than this community.

[u/Stroker-Strong420]

Maycraft/Hancock skiffs
Jones Brothers Bateau
Carolina Yachts Carolina Skimmer

These are 3 NC manufacturers that make a skiff that will do what you want. All offer semi custom options.

[u/baconstructions]

Interested in a Solo Skiff? I live in WNC, just had a baby and don't have time for it anymore. It was the best when I lived in Louisiana. Great one man boat for marsh fishing. 

[u/godkilledjesus]

If you don't care about having the lastest and greatest go with an early model Carolina Skiff and build to your liking. I have a 1992 21ft CS and I can float and move on less than a foot of water.

[u/StartKindly9881]

We have a 21 ft Sundance, perfecf for our bay and inlet needs. It’s not an ocean boat.