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My husband and I are new to Wilmington and we want to get a small boat for fishing mostly in the intercoastal and clamming . We are thinking of a skiff about 16 foot. A special consideration for us is that my husband has breathing issues (COPD) so we want to be able to bring the boat in quickly in case of emergency. What should we look for? Anybody know a good source of advice? Is a completely flat bottom best or a little bit of a vee? What size engine? We would really appreciate suggestions.
sundaze,
many questions.
Is this your first boat? Do you have any water experience behind a wheel?
My first reaction would be to recommend a flat bottom skif. After all-The purpose of a skif is so you can clam and get in very skinny water.
There are a variety of hulls such as spoon bowed, slight v's, deep v's and all. These will offer more control and stability but you sacrifice water depth at slow to no speeds.
A flat bottom skiff is basically a plank of wood on the water. There will always be a degree of "slapping" when you run and a degree of hopping back and forth-Again, when you are running.
The solution for that is to go wide with your boat. That helps to stabilize it.
The moto is the most expensive part of the boat. In my opinion don't skimp on the motor. Go for the higher rated HP engine. You'll find being under powered more dangerous than not.
I am also assuming that you will never be too far from where you launch your boat. If you are always within a mile or so then speed getting back isn't really an issue. There's only so much time that could be saved in a short hop.
Any info you can give would be helpful!
Take Care,
Bill
Carolina skiff's have high gunwales, sit heavy in the water and have chines and strakes on the bottom for control and stability. Not the cheapest boat possible-But definetly an eastern NC favorite!
Be sure to get a depth sounder and a marine band radio.
Bill
We love our Bayrider and lots of our neighbors love their Carolina Skiffs - they all seem to go up to Yopp's in Sneads Ferry to get them.
If you are new to boating, you might enjoy taking the Coast Guard Auxillary's boating course - don't know where these are given in Wilmington, but here is a link to some information and phone numbers that you could find out more. More boating classes. This time in Pender County. – Its Hotz Outside - Wilmington Star News - Wilmington, NC - Archive
Welcome to Wilmington!
MTNesters said, "you might enjoy taking the Coast Guard Auxillary's boating course" It's a great course! In North Carolina if you are age 26 or under-It is required! New Law for Boating Safety Goes Into Effect This Year
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It's a great course! In North Carolina if you are age 26 or under-It is required!
