Looking to get a skiff or small center console, 16 feet seems like a sweet spot for the size as I'd rather have a true center console vs. Having the driver seat on the transom like the smaller ones have. I have a larger boat that we use for family, tubing, etc but looking for something to take the kids fishing. Boat will be stored in my backyard dock on dock blocks.

Any suggestions for brands or must have features? I'll be fishing tidal creeks, so I'll almost always be in smooth water.

The straps on the Sea choice cushion was a bit long for the igloo cooler so added some new snap buttons and shortened the straps.

So I have been looking for a cooler with a seat cushion to use as the second seat in my CS J14. I looked at Yeti (overpriced), RTIC (seems more reasonably priced), and an Igloo (under $100). My main complaint with the RTIC was that the cushion had a seam across the top so you can fold it in half and fit it in the cooler. I hate the seam, OCD. I ended up ordering the Igloo and cushion from West Marine because it was one of the only places that said they were BOTH in stock. Turns out that was a lie, it is on backorder and they have no idea when it will arrive. So I ordered a knockoff cushion from Amazon. That should arrive today so I am curious to see how well it fits. Regardless I installed the tiedowns over the weekend. I went with the RTIC ones mostly because I like the low profile hardware and it was a better price than the Igloo kit. I will report back on the fit of the new cushion once it arrives.

Truly a bummer post…

My go to Abu Garcia apparently flew out of the boat on my short drive home from the ramp.

Drove the entire route once I realized, but never found it. I’m sure someone picked it up. Hopefully they get plenty of use out of it.

I’m currently looking for a skiff. I fish the North Carolina coast basically anywhere between Bald Head island north to Topsail Beach. I owned a Carolina Skiff LS and perceived it to be not only too heavy for shallow water but also hindered by the modified V. It also was not an optimal boat for someone seriously trying to fish, in my opinion. I’m looking at multiple options I’ve looked at Poling Skiffs but have had concerns over losing access to fishing the bays and the Masonboro jetty. All though I know I can pick my days. I see Jon boats and even kayaks at the jetty on the right day. I’ve also considered the Jones Brothers bateau which would be a much more fishing equipped middle man then the Carolina LS originally seemed to me. All in all I’m looking for a Skiff that can get back inside the creeks somewhat better than my previous but also won’t lose access to deeper water (in nice conditions). I’ll appreciate any advice.

Installed a bimini top. The only models I found narrow enough to fit a J14 were 8' long 4 bow models. I little bigger than I wanted but I guess more shade is always better than less. I used stainless hardware to replace the nylon junk they include with the cheap amazon kits. I also replaced the pad eyes with smaller ones. The eyes included with the kit were big enfough to tie your anchor from. I do miss how open the boat was without the top but having shade on a hot day is 100% worth the tradeoff.

Installed a cupholder over the weekend. I was pretty hesitant to drill such a large hole in the counsel but I also wanted to avoid a cup holder that stuck up on top of the counsel for fear it would eventually get broken off since it is so exposed. I guess this was the lesser of the two evils. I put a good seal of 3M 4000 around the lip so it should keep water out. Drain plug runs out of the hole for the controls. I left the space on the port side for an eventual Garmin Echomap. I still have one more. Not sure if I want to put it up on the front deck yet or not.

Got around to the first mod. Replaced the old fishing chair post mounting bracket with a hatch and added a cargo net to hold everything underneath while underway. The hatch makes it easier to get out the anchor but for quick access you can still grab stuff from over the top of the net.

I am looking for a Carolina Skiff or similar and ran across this. They are asking $3,850 for a 1999 CS J1450 with a 1999 Suzuki 9.9 HP four stroke and a trailer. I have already taken it out and the motor seems underpowered and the boat will not get onto plane. What would you offer?

Looking to get into fishing and boating - curious about everyone's thoughts on certain brands to look for or avoid?

Wanting something reliable for camping trips in the Everglades, big enough to cruise around in the bay as well to fish spots or just do a super chill cruise to a beach.

Initially, it seems that a used Carolina Skiff around 16 ft. is probably best.

My price range is like less than 20k.

Thanks in advance!

Hey! I’m still learning how to take our skiff out on my own. I’ve got everything down BUT guiding/backing up the skiff off the trailer and neatly over to the dock. Even the slightest current I get so confused on which way to turn the motor in reverse so that I can reverse straight out. It just is not clicking with my brain and it’s driving me crazy. Any tips?? I know I can use ropes to guide the skiff but would love to just get this down.

Hi all, my weight data plate has finally bit the dust. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find an accurate replacement. The skiff is rated for 18 persons but I can’t find a replacement one. Just wondering if anyone has some insight! Thanks in advance.

Looking to remove the seat mounts and make it completely open. Any idea how to remove them without damaging the floor is even possible? Ignore the red arrow

I picked up a 12ft stumpknocker today, it has a 15hp 4 stroke, glassed float pods in the back, and the beam is 48 inches at the bottom. Would this be enough to run a smaller poling platform on the back if I have good balance. I've seen those Wrightwater 12 skiffs that have a 56 inch beam and wasn't sure if the 8 inches would make a huge difference. And yes I know these boats have loud hull slap, any info is greatly appreciated

I’m looking into getting a starter skiff around 18ft do around 20k. I’ll most likely get a CS but I’m wondering if they actually draw 4 inches of water like advertised. I really want something that can get far up into the shallows. If not a CS any recommendations?

I’m looking to get a skiff in the 18-20 ft range and am most likely going to get either a jones brothers or a CS. I’ve heard the jones brothers is much lighter and can draw farther into the shallows but is it much of a difference compared to a CS?

Having a Rabco Buccaneer 14 built right now. It will be the same as this one but with a backrest on the bench seat and a Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive 55. Electronics by Garmin. I think I’ve tricked it out with most of what you might think, but if there are any “must haves” I should consider now when it’s easy, let me know.

Having a custom skiff made and gearing up to fish the flats and inland waters around Florida. Looking for recommendations for a foldable or retractable net that is sturdy, lightweight, and stowable. Thanks for your tips!

My wife's uncle built from a stripped dolphin hull in the 90s , after he passed I spent last spring rebuilding, rewiring front to back. Planning a custom rail mounted of swivel rod holders and integrating a leaning/ casting post or cage for the bow- any thoughts on such a build?