Thinking of picking up a cheap used 14' Carolina Skiff to be used for gigging, skinny water fishing, sandbar beaching and whatever other fun. Just looking for any advice on what to look for when buying a used one? Any notorious week spots on these boats that I don't know about? Other than a rough ride I've heard nothing but good so far. Thanks in advance!
mpatrou202
Joined
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2,372 Posts
I wouldn't buy a Carolina Skiff.
The lack of qualifiers is intentional. IMO they are single owner disposable introductory boats. They should have the resale value of a styrofoam cup. We looked into getting one when I was a kid and there were complaints of delamitation, chine cracking and water intrusion then. I looked in to them again later in life and the complaints were the same. Screw that. I can forgive past mistakes if the maker learns from them, but they haven't improved the design with over 10 years of feedback, they don't need my business.
However, since I MIGHT be excessively biased, I will suggest you only buy one if it is gently used and bare boned with absolutely no screwed on accessories. Remove every thing possible including the motor and try to lift the transom. The J1450 is supposed to weigh 280#. I am not in great shape and I can guarantee I can easily lift the transom of a 312# hull. If it seems obscenely heavy, walk away. Look for screws penetrating any foam compartment. The foam log layout diagram is on the Carolina Skiff website. Also look for damage along the chines. They often crack there. Look for water seeping from these areas if the boat is still in use, but if it has been out of the water for ages there is likely to be no seepage.
Better yet, just buy a welded aluminum. They do the same job. Aluminum boats are easy to check. Just put the plug in and fill it with a water hose and then look for leaks. Simple aluminum hulls also never get magically heavier. They may leak, but at least they are honest about it and have the decency to get your feet wet. For the use you describe, FG is over-rated.
Nate
The lack of qualifiers is intentional. IMO they are single owner disposable introductory boats. They should have the resale value of a styrofoam cup. We looked into getting one when I was a kid and there were complaints of delamitation, chine cracking and water intrusion then. I looked in to them again later in life and the complaints were the same. Screw that. I can forgive past mistakes if the maker learns from them, but they haven't improved the design with over 10 years of feedback, they don't need my business.
However, since I MIGHT be excessively biased, I will suggest you only buy one if it is gently used and bare boned with absolutely no screwed on accessories. Remove every thing possible including the motor and try to lift the transom. The J1450 is supposed to weigh 280#. I am not in great shape and I can guarantee I can easily lift the transom of a 312# hull. If it seems obscenely heavy, walk away. Look for screws penetrating any foam compartment. The foam log layout diagram is on the Carolina Skiff website. Also look for damage along the chines. They often crack there. Look for water seeping from these areas if the boat is still in use, but if it has been out of the water for ages there is likely to be no seepage.
Better yet, just buy a welded aluminum. They do the same job. Aluminum boats are easy to check. Just put the plug in and fill it with a water hose and then look for leaks. Simple aluminum hulls also never get magically heavier. They may leak, but at least they are honest about it and have the decency to get your feet wet. For the use you describe, FG is over-rated.
Nate
Joined
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2,372 Posts
The 2014 J16 has a listed hull weight of 653# in one spot while the 2014 J16 kit boat has a listed hull weight of #330. I bet it will be closer to the heavy estimate. You might want to unload everything possible, launch it, weigh the trailer and then reload it and run it across a scale if the buyer will let you. If you have cash in hand to take it home, they might cooperate, but if they think you are just kicking tires, they'll just laugh at you.
Nate
Nate
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