I recently bought a condo in a waterfront neighborhood built on a system of canals. My bay boat will be staying at our camp, but I'm looking into getting a small boat for bass fishing in these canals. Trying to stay away from aluminum... I'm just not a fan of aluminum boats. Also looked at a 13ft Carolina Skiff which so far seems to be my best option. Just wanted to see if you guys had any suggestions. Trying to keep it around 12 or 13ft. Thanks in advance for any help

Carolina Skiff is an outstanding hull, can't think of any others

That's what I was thinking. I noticed that the newer models actually have somewhat of a semi/modified V. Never noticed that on any that I've seen on the road or on the water, so think that's a plus

At 12' 8" long the 13JVSS is very stable due to it's bottom width, it's beam is 64" which is huge for a small boat.

Not sure where you are so availability could be an issue, but check out a Gheenoe. They are made in Florida. Not sure how extensive their dealer network is. I have one and after fishing in it for a year or so sold my bass boat because I never used it anymore. A friend did the same thing in selling his 26 foot twin engined bay boat.

 

Initial glance at one and you think "Naw, no way will this work !". Then you actually try one and you are sold. They have several different models and are customizable limited only by your budget and imagination. 

 

Are they for every situation ?  No - but no boat is. If you are fishing canals - sounds made to order.

 

Check out their website - "Customgheenoe.com". 

On 7/22/2017 at 5:53 AM, Catt said:

At 12' 8" long the 13JVSS is very stable due to it's bottom width, it's beam is 64" which is huge for a small boat.

I'm doing some research on the C.S. Kit Boats. The J Series come in 11'8" or 13'8", both with a 64" beam, but there's also a 13'10.5" DLX Kit Boat with a 66.6" beam. The kit boats interest me because you buy the plain hull and order the pre made accessories like bench seats and decks to make the boat exactly how you want it laid out. The width of these skiffs is what has me sold considering I'm a bigger guy and stability it a big factor for ne

Very interesting

 

Bottom with is what gives you stability & these little boats have a 50" bottom width.

 

Can't believe the J1650 is ratered for a 40 HP!

 

My Alweld is 16' long 52" bottom with a tunnel, welded in floor & sides (heavy boat). My 40 Tohatsu pushes close to 50 mph, that little skiff would scream!

1 hour ago, Catt said:

Very interesting

 

Bottom with is what gives you stability & these little boats have a 50" bottom width.

 

Can't believe the J1650 is ratered for a 40 HP!

 

My Alweld is 16' long 52" bottom with a tunnel, welded in floor & sides (heavy boat). My 40 Tohatsu pushes close to 50 mph, that little skiff would scream!

Yeah... pretty sure a 40HP would have that little thing rubbing close to or just over 60mph. I think I've decided to go with the J1450. Its rated for a 30HP which is wayyyyy more than I need lol. I was thinking more along the lines of a 15HP tiller steer. Now I just have to decide on a trolling motor and what, if any, electronics I want to get

My Tohatsu is an 2014 & cost 6 grad!

Luckily I have a "hook up" when it comes to outboards. Just got off the phone with a buddy of mine in Baton Rouge.  He's got a Mercury 15HP 4stroke for $1800, but I might spend the extra 200 bucks and get the 20HP 4 stroke he has for $2k. Brand new motors, but older models. 2015 I believe...

Speed comes with a price...a big price!

Trust me. I know  I just upgraded my 18' bay boat from a Mercury 90HP 2stroke to a 115HP OptiMax. Once again, luckily I have a "hook up" lol. Only set me back 10 grand 

What trolling motor do you have on your flat boat?

Minn Kota Riptide Maxxum 55# Hand Control, looking at stepping up to 24 volt.

What size shaft? I'm looking at the 45# Edge right now. I feel like the 36" shaft would be too short for the skiff 

Also thinking I should get the riptide. Water is pretty salty where I'll be fishing lol