[Dirtmerchant]

Long story short, we sold our Scout Bay Boat a couple years ago and have been boating with friends since then. We decided we were going to get another boat but wanted to keep it simple but nice. After a lot of research we determined we wanted a new East Cape Skiff.

After chatting with Kevin, my wife and I went to EC and did a demo ride in an Evo. Turned out that even though we didn't demo the Vantage we decided we were going to order one. My wife was having a lot of heartburn about the 8+ month wait, it's really her boat. Anyhow, we went back and forth trying to decide if we wanted to wait that long as well as how we wanted to build it. Right before we were ready to order one, a used Vantage was advertised on FaceBook Marketplace near me. Turns out the guy picked it up this past November after a 10-month wait and life had changed. We went up last week, checked it out and bought it. It's a 2023 Vantage, Ice Blue and Matterhorn White with a white DF90 Zuk w/ 6 hours and for the most part it is brand new. We've only been able to get out for part of one day but it handles and runs great. I just ordered the FMT chip and looking forward to exploring some new SWFL backcountry.

From the build sheet
2023 Vantage
Ram-lin Standard Aluminum Trailer
Trailer Ratchet Straps
Suzuki DF90A outboard motor
Suzuki outboard motor rigging package
24 volt I- Pilot bow mount trolling motor package
GPS Simrad NSS9 Evo3s w/ 3-1 Transducer
Power Pole Micro w/ Stake Out
Piano Hinge (front hatch)
TM Rear Puck (Stowage Only)
TM - 24v Lithium 75Ah
Pop-up cleat
Battery Selector Switch On/Off
LED spreader light
LED under gunnel lights
BalzOut Mount
Add PP Micro Bracket to Platform
Fuel water separator Raycor
Insulated livewell bucket
Stern eyes
Dakota Li Ion Off Board Charger
3 blade stainless steel prop
NEMA Motor Hookup
USB outlet USB outlet
Upgrade to Toggles for Removable Seat Cushion
3 Cup holders
Foam Pad - Platform Sea Deck Platform
Foam Pad - Reel Pads (set of 4)
V Marine Push Pole Holder
V Marine Push Pole Clips
Casting Platform
Extra Flush Bolt for Platform
Lean Bar Tubes

 

[dlpanadero]

What a gorgeous boat! Congrats! Get some pads for those stern buckle straps so the rings don’t chip that pretty paint enjoy!!

 

[Zika]

Sweet ride. Love the side console but I'm prejudiced.

 

[rovster]

Sweet ride congrats!

 

[jonterr]

Sweet ride congrats!

Sweet ride. Love the side console but I'm prejudiced.

nice find😎

 

[Redtail]

Timing was perfect! Gorgeous boat.

 

[SteveWilson]

Great choice! That one is beautiful, love the simplicity. I bought a used one and am only a few months in coming from a Bay boat. The Vantage handles the nasty stuff really well and I've poled it more than I anticipated thanks to it coming with a POS Ulterra trolling motor. I was solo the other day in a 15 - 20 knot wind and had to pole it backward all day due to the TM deciding not to deploy again. Arms are sore but still surprised it is doable with that boat. Great do-it-all flats boat.

 

[Dirtmerchant]

What a gorgeous boat! Congrats! Get some pads for those stern buckle straps so the rings don’t chip that pretty paint enjoy!!

Thanks! The ratchet strap system that RamLin uses has a rubber coated hook but you are right, I probably should cover them just in case. I have an older wetsuit that I could cut the sleeves off and put the strap and hook through...

Sweet ride. Love the side console but I'm prejudiced.

Thanks! We hadn't even considered the side console when we were spec'ing out a new one due to wanting more storage space and frankly was the one thing we were hesitant about on this boat. In reality it's much more versatile with the floor wide open and actually glad it was a side console.

Good looking Rotti, we had two before we got our English Goldendoodle.

 

[MRichardson]

Beautiful boat! Nice find.

I'm digging that side console too. Looks huge inside. My next will probably have same layout.

 

[JET4]

very nice

 

[Goose]

Beautiful boat! Makes me miss my ice blue VHP.

 

[DBStoots]

What a gorgeous boat! Congrats! Get some pads for those stern buckle straps so the rings don’t chip that pretty paint enjoy!!

I bought some seat belt covers to pad the stern buckle straps on mine. They wrap around the straps perfectly and are secured with velcro. I think they came 3 sets of 2 each in the pack.

 

[tim in nc]

Ah, the new boat smell

 

[rovster]

You can get strap pads on amazon. I have them for my strap on my Evo.

https://www.amazon.com/Protection-S...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

[Sublime]

Beautiful. That's probably where I will put my trolling motor plug also. I don't want anything else on my front deck. But ughh, those fuel fill caps they are having to use now.

 

[Dirtmerchant]

Beautiful. That's probably where I will put my trolling motor plug also. I don't want anything else on my front deck. But ughh, those fuel fill caps they are having to use now.

On my proposed build, I was going to have it located on the port side. I recently broke a bone in my foot by stepping on the side trying to to step on my dog. It's a common injury and a real PITA so I am a lot more sensitive to trip hazards now....

 

[csnaspuck]

Side console Vantage! Love It. Still kicking myself for stupid not fishing friends talking me out of one.

 

[Gaudy]

Nice sled, congrats! I fish the waters from Marco to the ENP so maybe I'll see it sometime in person. I was never a side console guy but the open real estate really is nice!

 

[SouthTX]

Beautiful boat!

 

[Gaudy]

Nice sled, congrats! I fish the waters from Marco to the ENP so maybe I'll see it sometime in person. I was never a side console guy but the open real estate really is nice!

How much room do you have from the side of the console to the port gunnel?