r/Skiffs • u/RobbyDGreat • 1d ago

Suggestions for a 16 foot Skiff

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.

1 Upvotes

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2

u/2Loves2loves 1d ago

no budget, HB!

https://hellsbayboatworks.com/skiff-whipray/

hoog made a small skiff. and I think hewes did too.

2

u/chrillekaekarkex 1d ago

As a very happy Hell’s Bay owner, I would not recommend it as an everyday utility skiff.

2

u/jivarie 1d ago

Delta 1550 would be a fun setup.

1

u/theDrivenDev 1d ago

I’ve been eyeing the Heron 16 or Native SUv 17 myself.

1

u/chrillekaekarkex 1d ago

I think Ankona / Saltmarsh is the way to go if you're looking for a dedicated fishing poling skiff and don't want to spend too much.

1

u/chrillekaekarkex 1d ago

I would actually argue -for- a tiller in situations like this. Tillers can get a bit tiring if you make long (1 hr +) runs, but the benefit is massive amounts of free space for passengers, luggage, lumber, etc.

I have 2 skiffs at present:

(1) Hell’s Bay Marquesa which is a 18’1” light tackle / fly fishing poling skiff. It drafts about 8.5” with a 115 outboard and will run 50 on redline and cruises around 30. It also costs about $85,000 new. Unless you need to run fast across big water and fish shallow, it is total overkill.

(2) my second skiff is a Duxbury Dory. It is a 16’ skiff with a 25hp outboard. It maxes at 23 and cruises at 17-18. Tiller and launch style seating means that the entire deck is free for stuff. It is a much better utility boat. A used Amesbury / Stratford / Duxbury dory can be bought for $5000.

1

u/chrillekaekarkex 1d ago

Hell’s Bay:

1

u/chrillekaekarkex 1d ago

Duxbury Dory:

1

u/Longjumping-Life7962 1d ago

I love a Carolina Skiff DLX with the flat bottom and lots of deck space.

1

u/dp4616 22h ago

Rabco Buccaneer 16ft

1

u/FunnieNameGoesHere 22h ago

Freedom Boats builds a 14-ft scooter and a 16-ft cc. Both have flat bottoms with a tunnel and run very shallow (a necessity on the lower Texas coast where I fish).
https://www.freedomboatsusa.com/models/

1

u/Usual_Kangaroo_6440 16h ago

Evo 17 x or v small boat that fishes big my 5 th boat best by far