[Hopper]

Any input on the Santee skiff. I was looking at the Riverhawk B60, but looks like they have closed the doors. I got a package put together. boat, trolling motor, 9.9hp tahatsu and trailer for $6900.
Wanting to ditch the canoe and Honda 2.3.
Mostly will be fishing Lake Lanier (week days low traffic) and electric only waters. I fish alone 90% of the time. Wife and daughter grab a ride on occasion.

 

[Hopper]

https://bigfranksoutdoors.com/boats/santee/
Sorry did not post a link

 

[Finsleft258]

They don't seem to get much love here, but they are pretty well built for what they are. Not as many options as a Gheenoe, but personally I think the layup quality is a bit better.

 

[richg99]

Big Frank carries a large variety of skiffs. Quite a list on their site. https://bigfranksoutdoors.com/boats/santee/

 

[Hopper]

Well I pulled the trigger. Low front deck, no center console and rear bench seat. Gonna be along 4 weeks waiting for this thing.

 

[Finsleft258]

Post some pics and details when you get it. There's not much about them on this site.

 

[Boneheaded]

i owned a 15'4'' gheenoe highsider, it was a great little boat but always wondered how cool itd be if it was a little more substantial with more beam. If you kept it simple with a tiller itd be great if you intend to use in fresh water or in a marsh like they show i the website. Other than that look into a joboat, also be mindful you can get alot more of a boat for 7000 if you dig.

 

[J-Dad]

Sounds like a cool small boat - look forward to pictures when you get it.

 

[Hopper]

Sounds like a cool small boat - look forward to pictures when you get it.

Will do. I held off the 9.9 and ordered everything else to get the build underway. Have not decided on the 9.9 or the 15hp.
I would like to remove the outboard easily to hit some electric only water up here in Cumming.

 

[noeettica]

I missed a connection with Santee or I would own one today ...

 

[Hopper]

I missed a connection with Santee or I would own one today ...

What did you end up with?

 

[noeettica]

What did you end up with?

I had Sam build me a gheenoe classic

I am sure it's my fault somehow but I can't get it to run right
Damn thing runs crooked & the motor was throwing water over
the transom . :-( Built a deflector so at least I can run it .

I will try a few more things .

 

[flysalt060]

Not sure riverhawk closed. They don’t update website much. I know I will go to Winder at least twice this weekend, so I will take a look.

 

[Hopper]

Not saying their out of buisness for good, but definitely closed without notice.
A few suppliers have tried ordering boats and can not get in contact with them. I left multiple messages with the owner and same result.
A member of another forum went by there and its locked up. The neighboring business said nobody has been around for awhile.
I get they maybee having problems,but not cool to ditch your suppliers without contact.

 

[noeettica]

I spoke with the owner of santee and got a great vibe from him

He truly loves building the boats with his son ...

 

[Fred land]

Don’t think you will be disappointed. I have a Santee side console with a 20 Tohatsu. Quite a beamy boat and drier than I expected when crossing some bays. I think there isn’t much love yet because they are a small manufacturer with low numbers produced with a not very large dealer network yet. Ralph was very helpful when I was discussing a build. Betting you can get anything you want rigged on it. Big Frank does some stellar work on rigging as well. Great guy to deal with.

 

[Hopper]

Thanks, I think I will be giving plenty of love in support of this boat. After looking at other options this seemed to be a well built boat for the price. Kinda happy that RiverHawk sut down for a bit, looking like this boat will be built a little better than the B60.
Still need to choose a motor cleaning toward the 15 or 20hp tiller.
How is yours moving along with that 20hp?

 

[Fred land]

Haven’t tracked it yet by gps. Solo I’m guessing high 20’s. Plenty fast for my needs. Tohatsu 20 is same block as the 9.9 and essentially same weight. I’d go the 20hp clamp and remove as necessary. With 2 or more it may be lackluster in performance. Frank will know.

 

[noeettica]

Some manufacturers have gotten too big , cut corners , have poor customer service and have "More money than GOD" It is truly a breath of fresh air when a small company that really cares about what they turn out ...

ANKONA is also awesome Mel is TOP NOTCH !!!

 

[Fred land]

Edit my last post. Lackluster with a 9.9 with two or more. My neighbor has a Classic and says that about his 9.9 with two guys. He wishes he had a 20.