[redchaser]

I fish the Louisiana Marsh, spend a lot of time poling quite shallow, but a lot of what I fish requires some significant open water crossings. I'm in the market for a new to me skiff. Given the choice of a Caimen or a Waterman 18, similarly rigged and priced close enough for it to not be a factor, which would you choose and why? Any other strong recommendations in the 18 foot range for those criteria, and again, why? Thanks.

 

[redchaser]

Hey Ron, Marc from LAflyfish. PM me your number. I owe you a day on the front of my skiff.

I'd look real hard at this boat if I were in the market for a watermen.

https://www.microskiff.com/threads/07-beavertail-bare-bones.72612/#post-669770

Mark, if I were patient enough to wait on delivery, a new Cayo would be on my list.

 

[redchaser]

So honest question cause I don't know. Would a similarly equipped and condition Caimen and Waterman be roughly the same cost?

Steve, generally the Waterman will be more, the two I were comparing were close in price because the Caimen was newer.

 

[redchaser]

On a side note, I don’t think comparing those 2 skiffs is apples to apples per say.

Measurements from manufacturer website.
Waterman- length 18’ beam 73”
Fury- length 18’1” beam 72”
Caimen- length 17’10” beam 61.5”
Glades Skiff- length 17’8” beam 58”

Austin, certainly not apples to apples in layout/size, but a fairly good comparison in terms of being able to do what I need them to. Both will fish well in shallow water, both have OKish ability to cross some open water. Keep in mind I'm moving from a Carolina Skiff, so anything will be an improvement in that regard.

 

[redchaser]

finish the gheenoe and fish it until the Cayo is built!

That will take me longer than getting a skiff built.

 

[redchaser]

If you want a caimen ride just shoot me a message.

Thanks Austin, I've spent a lot of time poling and fishing from a couple of different Caimen's. They impressed me with how they handle a chop and they pole just fine. Some folks think they are a little tippy, but I've spent a lot of time on a platform so I guess it jsut doesn't bother me.

 

[redchaser]

There is a Cayo for sale on here. Since I have lurked the other place forever, something happen to the Carolina skiff?

Yep

 

[redchaser]

Same offer if you want to spend some time on the little cayo skiff. You got a standing invitation any time you want to go. I'll give you a buzz over Christmas break.

Hey I'm off the week between Christmas and New Year...

 

[redchaser]

I can give a reply if you/others want to know why the Caimen is a dry/great riding skiff?

Kevin, I’ve always been impressed with the ride of a Caimen for a boat of its size. Of course there are trade offs with all skiffs but you found a nice balance of ride and fish ability with it.

 

[redchaser]

I cry a little every time I see those pics....

You were always good company when you joined me in her. Hopefully I'll have a new sled by, or shortly after the first of the year, and if it's something that's better in a chop it will be great for all the crappy weather you always bring with....

 

[redchaser]

They do quite well, supposing that you have a sane person driving the skiff.......

Well that eliminates someone we know...lol

 

[redchaser]

Ya but without a boat to fish, think of all the free time you’ll have to finish it!



turns out it drives pretty good with no one at the the helm

Ouch

 

[redchaser]

Interested minds are still wondering.

I've enjoyed the few times I've fished out of a buddy's Caimen.

And those times weren't very dry, though no fault of the boat. He just drives crazy in crazy conditions.

 

[redchaser]

I’d recommend waterman. But it prob will be more money. Nothing wrong with the Caimen. I’d opt for one with hatches vs the solid deck I think they did for awhile. Are you the one who had a Carolina skiff get wrecked? If so, you caught a ton of fish out of it, you get your hands on either of these you’re going to absolutely love it.

Thanks, yeah I ran that Carolina Skiff for 18 years and can't count the fish that I and others have caught out of it, she had some serious mojo. Heartbroken that she's gone, but excited of the prospect of a nice new skiff.

 

[redchaser]

Easy Lightning..... I'm right here.


Thank you for the compliment.
I think.

I know you have that custom throttle that only has 2 settings....don't go and go like hell. Wouldn't change a thing about you though brother.

 

[redchaser]

Pics of chicken?

But of course

 

[redchaser]

Those FL tags are offensive! & not one flat bill on the boat...it’s a wonder y’all caught fish.

It will lose the carpet bagger look as soon as I get my La registration.