BigBendFishing.Net

Hi All - I'm hoping some of you boaters will have some advice on this boat. I'm looking for a good family bay boat to run around St. George. I'd like to have something that can handle the gulf side on a good weather day. Most of the time we'd be in the bay with the family fishing and playing around.

I live in Atlanta and found this for sale. The price is $16,500 for a 2011 model. It comes with a Yamaha F70LA four stroke. 50 hours on the engine and comes with a trailer. Does anyone have experience with Carolina Skiff's in the area?

Any comments and advice is appreciated.

Thanks
Willie

I have had 2 skiffs , DLV models, 198 and now a 238 with a 150 Yammy. I loved them both. The JVX is a flat bottom boat with low sides compared to the DLV with a semi-V hull and higher sides for a dry ride. You will get wet in a JVX .

We have a 198DLV and love it. The boat you found may be a good close in boat for winter fishing. Close in meaning rivers, creeks and grass line on calm days.

The JVX is not going to fit the demands you stated. It will be a rough ride in the bay on windy days. You can get a lot of boat in that price range.

I have a 17' skiff w/ 50hp Honda. The comment about the advantage of high sides is valid. Only thing I'm not crazy about: these are essentially flat bottomed boats, no matter how they dress them up. Handling is "different" than a v bottom. Example: I find getting on the trailer with cross current and wind to be a real challenge.

I really appreciate the advice everyone posted. I'll keep looking for a DLV model or another v-hull that will be better suited for the bay. It sounds like this model is better for the lakes here in GA.

Willie,

You should look at pictures of the jvx online. It is not a complete flat bottom boat like the traditional skiff. It has a modified v-hull. The biggest difference in the 18 jvx and the comparable size dlv (19 foot I belive) is the gunnells are about 6 inches shorter and the beam is about a foot more narrow. That said, they're built more for fishing than cruising and the dlv would likely be more comfortable for the family due to the wider beam.