[IgotWORMS]

Hey guys, I am looking for an opinion on which boat I should buy. I started with a 16' Grumman w/ a 35 hp Johnson about 8 yrs ago. It started to leak real bad so two yrs. ago I moved up to a 19' Key West w/ a 150 hp 2001 Mercury. That motor decided to blow up in October. So that's where I am.

I am looking real hard at the Carolina Skiff's. I want something that is alot better on gas than the Key West. I mostly fish in the back bays, sneaking out front once in a while and also hitting the Delaware Bay a few times a year. It seems that the CS 198 DLV would suit my needs very well. Looks to be good on gas (w/ either a 90 or 115) and looks like it would be very comfortable to fish in the back with, has a very shallow draft (4 - 8 inches) yet looks to be stable enough to sneak out front or hit the D. Bay on the right days (the only time I could or would fish them anyway with the Key West)

So I'm looking for opinions from everyone. I would like to stay around $15,000 (obviously less is not a problem). Anyone have one of these Carolina Skiff's or another model that can give me some input? Is there something else in that price range that might suit my needs better? Thanks in advance. I will be going to the boat show next week.

 

[Reel Nice]

Get a new motor for the Key West..That KW will out last the skiff and you will be safer in the DB...and any other place you venture to..:thumbsup:

 

[BT3100]

Look at Sharmocks... Great boats. You will not find a better boat to flounder fish. It's like drifting on a navy ship :thumbsup:

 

[barrell]

Maratime Skiff 1890

 

[tight lipped]

Check out my Grady I am selling, she a 20 footer, solid boat, evinrude ficht 225 on the back, completely rebuilt trailer, has hard top with 5 SS rod holders. I completed tone of upgrades for this boat.

I have used her in the back and out front to Barnegate Ridge, the 28 mile wreck and the 19 fathom lump. Fuel burn is pretty good, we usually head out 30 miles, troll for a few hours then head back in and but about half the fuel, its a 65 gallon tank.

here the link on barn sale and I have more pics if you want them.

http://www.thebassbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201329

 

[sbbtmatt]

The Carolina Skiffs are probably the best built boats out there. They ride rough but are very stable and dry riding. i have not been on the new DLVs though, I have heard that they are a better tide but not much better than the flat bottoms. The Carolina Skiffs are extremely well made though, there are stingers every 16 inches, the fiberglass is very thick (muck thicker than a Whaler), all of the chines make it turn very well and ride very dry, they are Commercial boats so the fit and finish is not very good. I have the 178DLX and have had it in the ocean and in all the little creeks in the back bay.

 

[aj bruno]

Find another engine for the boat you got.....