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I'm in the process of finding a good used boat, I like what I've seen of the Carolina Skiffs but I've also heard some things about the whole getting wet and that it'll beat you to death. I've rode in a 19 footer and it didn't ride too bad. Any input on this would help. I'm not set on Carolina Skiff, just wanted to research a little bit before I go any further.

I have the Sea Chaser double hull Roll Gunnell 186. I do not get wet unless there is a real stiff wind blowing from the side. In those circumstances, most any boat will wet you. I would assume the flatter hull bay models would be a little wetter. Never have ridden in one of those. We did get into some 3 to 4's out about 20 miles once, and got a few sprays from that. But a 186 is a small boat for 3 to 4's anyway. 19 feet long.

Dubble

I'm thinking more along the lines of a 17 or 19 dlx, a more shallow water boat. Yeah I know that you're capable of getting wet in most any boat at one time or another, really just wondering the comparison between the skiffs and other flats boats. But thanks.

bcastleb,

Fellow boardmember sharkman and I fished from his J16 for years and it put us on many good fish. As long as waters weren't too choppy was a great boat, but when things got the least bit rough it made for a wet and rough ride.

We both have panga designs now. Like the pangas in that they can go pretty shallow but are also darn dry due to the flared V bow. This said, they're pretty narrow and rock a bit more when turned sideways into waves. Good and bad with EVERY design. Best bet is to get out on a couple of different designs you like and pick the one that best fits YOUR needs

I had a CS 19 for a few years and it was a good boat but everything that is said about them is true. They will get you wet in the slightest chop and rattle your teeth in the process however, they are very stable, inexpensive and tuff. One issue I had with mine was that over time water got through the various screw holes in the floor, gunnel and transom and into the foam in the floor. Over time this added a lot of weight to the boat so I sold it. Many a CS has a soft floor because of this.

It will all depend on the hull design. Any boat with a flat bottom pounds, they just have to. There are several models that will beat you to death while there are also some that won't.

Look at the hull very flat= pounding, v-shape= cuts water smoother ride. You will always have to balance between skinny water and ride. The flatter and wider the more bounce, the more v and more roll to the v the better the ride and dryer.

Likewise the flatter and wider the bottom the less water to float it. This holds true with all boats(single hull).

The DLV is better because of the modified hull, but a buddy of mine said that he still gets wet in his DLV 24.

They will get you wet and you might want to get the extra thick cushions for the ride. BUT they are inexpensive, tough, stable and will float as shallow as you want to fish. They are good boats as along as you know and accept its limitations and short falls.

Don't forget that boats are like women. Ain't no such thing as a perfect boat.

bcastleb, Check these out and if you like something let me know 'll put you in touch with the right people! http://www.sundanceboats.com/

Thanks for all of the input and advice, I've found a 17 dlx in pretty good shape, leaning toward getting it if everything checks out. I figure if I don't like it, I can always sell and try something different.

If you are into pleasure cruising get a deep V boat.
If you are into fishing shallow water,take a pounding on rough water days and do your skinny water fishing with a Carolina boat.
Knowing you,most of your fishing is skinny water. Getting there and back is a relatively short ride.

I've been fishing out of a J16 for the last 5 years.
I love it, I get wet, its bullet proof, it floats in inches!

I also wish I had a bigger boat. One day I'll get a 19 footer or bigger...

I have the 2380 turns out I was a wet captain slowed down when rough checked which way I was hitt the waves it matters.

What a mess wrote:I have the 2380 turns out I was a wet captain slowed down when rough checked which way I was hitt the waves it matters.

What he said Wow

Jumptrout51 wrote: If you are into fishing shallow water,take a pounding on rough water days and do your skinny water fishing with a Carolina boat.
Knowing you,most of your fishing is skinny water. Getting there and back is a relatively short ride.

Lots of truth in that. The folks over in Waycross build a near bullet-proof boat.