What to look for in a skiff??

2185 Views 42 Replies 26 Participants Last post by Dog___fighter, 2 mo ago

flyfishingguy

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago (Edited)

I'm sure it has been discussed, however I am still working on my 20 post minimum and I have some specifics that I'm looking for as well.

I'm looking for skiff recommendations and things to look for when purchasing. Could be things you wish you would have known when you bought your first skiff. Could be things that you wish you had on your boat.

Specifics in what I'm looking for listed below.

1. I will be pulling my skiff with a 2020 Subaru outback that has a towing rating of 2,700 pounds

2. looking for a draft of 5 to 7 inches

3. can hold 3-4 people (the draft doesn't apply to this if I have more then two people in the boat)

4. I don't care what the length is

I am not against building a skiff but if this is your recommendation, please recommend the hull and motor as well

Thank you,

1 - 20 of 43 Posts

Smackdaddy53

· #2 · 3 mo ago

That’s a tough one. 3-4 people, 5-7” draft and light enough to pull with a car? I’d be looking at aluminum boats.

Reactions: 5

flyfishingguy

Discussion Starter · #3 · 3 mo ago

Smackdaddy53 said:
That’s a tough one. 3-4 people, 5-7” draft and light enough to pull with a car? I’d be looking at aluminum boats.

Should have been more specific. Not looking for that type of draft when I have that many people in the boat. that type of draft is when I'm actually fishing so with myself and one other.

ReelBoi

· #4 · 3 mo ago

Agree with Smackdaddy there, even the 18-19ft skiffs don't really fish four that comfortably. So I think you'll have a hard time finding something light enough for that draft/towing capacity. You could look more at a carolina skiff type along with the aluminum suggestion.

flyfishingguy

Discussion Starter · #5 · 3 mo ago

ReelBoi said:
Agree with Smackdaddy there, even the 18-19ft skiffs don't really fish four that comfortably. So I think you'll have a hard time finding something light enough for that draft/towing capacity. You could look more at a carolina skiff type along with the aluminum suggestion.

haha once again I should have been more specific I wont be fishing with that many people in the boat. When I do have that many people in the boat we wont be fishing.

NickMars

· #6 · 3 mo ago

Price Range?
Type of Fishing you do?
Dry storage?
Console Vs Tiller?

Loogie

· #7 · 3 mo ago

A fishing skiff with that draft, will fall in the less than 70 hp world, even the largest skiff in that category is a two person boat, 3 folks with one sitting in the middle for CG purposes, 4 people on a Pro or a Mosquito is very tight, basically it’s just transport at that stage and you have to take it very easy and be careful of the conditions.

Reactions: 1

dosperros

· #8 · 3 mo ago

I think budget is maybe the most important initial consideration. Even if that's unlimited

, there's always going to be trade offs with draft, capacity/people, tow weight, etc

Reactions: 1

TidalWaters

· #9 · 3 mo ago

Boats are always the ultimate compromise. HB Guide can hold four people but it would definitely be tough to fish with that number.

Reactions: 1

VANMflyfishing

· #10 · 3 mo ago

Xplor X18 Tiller version with suzuki 60 or tohatsu 60. You could go carbon to save weight. You only need on house battery and get a 24v lithium up front. It has more freeboard as well which you will want for 4 people in the boat. You could do a Floyd skiff, but that will be much heavier. I'd go with Xplor X18 tiller all day. I run a beryllium skiff I built and have had 6 people in it. It floats in 5" with just me and another angler.

Reactions: 1

TarponBum

· #11 · 3 mo ago

HB Guide is fits the size and people requirements. But is an Outback going to tow it (comfortably)? I used to tow my drift boat with my Forester but idk if I’d want to tow a HB guide…

Reactions: 1

BrandonBeers

· #12 · 3 mo ago

Floyd 10wt
Cayo 18mv
Lake and bay
Dolphin
Chittum 21
East cape
Islamorida
Matecumbe
Drake
Morejohn custom
Maverick

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Reactions: 5

redfisher326

· #13 · 3 mo ago

I think your list isn't super far off if you are realistic. If you are willing to give up a bit of draft you should be able to find something. HB guide, Cayo 180, xplor x18, east cape has boats that should do the trick. I think I know what you are looking for a boat that will fish you and a buddy in the skinny, but still be able to get to the sandbar with 3 other people on your non fishing days. The sandbar days you shouldn't expect to run at 40mph fully loaded down, but if you are ok getting there at 25 I bet you can figure it out.

As far as towing goes I am sure most will disagree with me, but an outback should be good. If it is all wheel drive it has plenty of ground clearance (as much as a jeep grand cherokee) and a long low wheel base. If you live close to a decent ramp and don't dunk your tires I don't see what the major issue would be. If a skiff hull weighs 800, motor 300, 500 lbs of rigging and 500 lbs of other stuff you are looking at 2100. Would a 1/2 ton pick up be better sure, but I know buying a new car for a skiff isn't in everyones play book. People tow rv trailers all over europe with hatchbacks just fine, skiffs pull weigh better than a gigantic sail of a pull behind camper. We aren't used to towing with other cars in the states because we have ease of access to great towing vehicles like pick ups.

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david.riina

· #14 · 3 mo ago

any boat light enough to pull safetly with your subaru probably is not gonna fish 3-4 people well.

Water Sky Boat Watercraft Vehicle

I built an FS18 from boatbuildercentral.com here it is floating in 4" of water. 18' long. 25hp on the back gets it going around 25 mph. tow it all around the east coast with a forester. It can handle 3 adults, but not well and not fishing. its perfect for 2 adults fishing and the dog.

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Reactions: 4

Flyguy88

· #15 · 3 mo ago

david.riina said:
any boat light enough to pull safetly with your subaru probably is not gonna fish 3-4 people well.

View attachment 234496

I built an FS18 from boatbuildercentral.com here it is floating in 4" of water. 18' long. 25hp on the back gets it going around 25 mph. tow it all around the east coast with a forester. It can handle 3 adults, but not well and not fishing. its perfect for 2 adults fishing and the dog.

Got my attention with this. How's it pole?

david.riina

· #16 · 3 mo ago

Flyguy88 said:
Got my attention with this. How's it pole?

I think it poles awesome, but I have never poled another boat besides my own.

its got a 54" beam and weights around 600-700 loaded up to fish.... and i built mine heavy with a 10 gallon aluminum tank up front and 3 batteries, side console etc...

Reactions: 1

VANMflyfishing

· #17 · 3 mo ago

Tire Plant Wheel Watercraft Vehicle

Water Cloud Boat Sky Watercraft

My beryllium 17’8” if you are willing to build, this is the best skiff out there without question.

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3

Reactions: 2

rovster

· #18 · 3 mo ago

This screams simple skiff or salt marsh 16 to me.

Reactions: 2

Backcountry 16

· #19 · 3 mo ago

Flyguy88 said:
Got my attention with this. How's it pole?

You gotta build that thing fyi.

Reactions: 2

Flyguy88

· #20 · 3 mo ago

Backcountry 16 said:
You gotta build that thing fyi.

I saw that after I commented. That is a nope from me. lol.

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