[pawleysonthefly]

I'm in the process of completing an order for a Skimmer Skiff (14' 6'') but I still have some reservations about getting a boat sight unseen. Any testimonials to the quality (durability, poling ability, stability, dryness of ride, etc), or lack their of, of these boats, particularly the 14' 6'' model, would be very helpful. Thank you.

 

[jlindsley]

I fished and poled a friends probably 6 years ago and liked it a lot. Drafted really shallow 5-6”.
I really liked the boat for what it was. Not a high end skiff but really practical and balanced for what it is.
At 14’ your “dryness” etc is limited

 

[dbrady784]

Owned a 14’6” IPB which is the same mold. Was a great boat for getting skinny and catching fish. For just cruising around it won’t win any awards but it gets you on the water. Another plus is that they are super easy to work on.

 

[kensfl]

I'm in the process of completing an order for a Skimmer Skiff (14' 6'') but I still have some reservations about getting a boat sight unseen. Any testimonials to the quality (durability, poling ability, stability, dryness of ride, etc), or lack their of, of these boats, particularly the 14' 6'' model, would be very helpful. Thank you.

Here’s a video by a shop that sells them in Miami.

 

[Rollbar]

A friend has one and you will need trim tabs.
Can’t put a lot weight in the back w/the motor.

 

[Rollbar]

Good place to ask:

Facebook Groups

Skimmer Skiff Owners has 1,404 members

www.facebook.com

 

[Rollbar]

Kevin is 310lbs and can't move forward because of the center console.
If you go to the FBook page you will see his video if you scroll down.

 

[Rollbar]

 

[pawleysonthefly]

Great information. Thank you.

 

[whistlinglines]

Had a 16’6” built during the winter and picked it up in February. Finished deck, 60hp tohatsu and power pole on the back, trolling motor up front, center console. No issues having me and another person on the bench (around 350 pounds), even with the motor and pole on the back. Handles chop well and stays dry. Has been a good boat for me and I’m happy with it so far

 

[Rollbar]

Also note:
The live-well pickup needs to be lowered just a little.
When your running, it won't pick up.
So what he did, was take the outer cover off and route out the hole or something to let the pick up cover (I didn't really look at it) drop 1/4" to work when running full etc.

 

[Rollbar]

Notes I took off my friends boat:
14'6":
Beam: 47" at bottom of the boat/side to side at the motor
Gunnel/sides: 15"
Live-well: 21" long and about 19" wide
Trailer length: 17' aprox, he had a swing tongue on his.
He also got two different Live-well spray tubes in different lengths so he didn't have to fill the LWell full all the time for different baits.
He also mad a screen insert for drainage to keep bait out of the hose when emptying the Lwell.
Jack plate is awesome he says on this boat. Get a Bob's Machine JPlate they say, lasts longer.
I used my tape measure.

 

[GoGataGo52__20]

I have the 16’6” with a 30hp etec, it’s a little under powered but I love the boat. It runs skinny catches fish, like many have said before it’s not the fanciest boat but it does it’s job and does it well. I would highly recommend atleast the trim tabs, if not them and the jackplate.