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With a highly maneuverable design, boasting sleek and beautiful lines, a light fiberglass frame, and a flat-bottomed hull made for skimming swiftly across smooth waters, the typical Carolina Skiff motorboat is an excellent choice for enthusiastic anglers, families who wish to take a cruise on the bay and swim offshore, or adventurous wakeboarders and water skiers.
These boats offer a smooth ride in calm lakes and rivers, posing no problems in shallow depths, and give great satisfaction to many people.
Carolina skiffs were first built soon after the Civil War and became a popular craft due to them requiring less wood to be built, and were in high demand with the fishermen of those days. A few of the original skiffs, originally called Shad boats, are still housed in Beaufort’s North Carolina Maritime Museum as a part of their rich fishing – village history.
The Carolina Skiff company was formed in the 1980s and still continues to produce exceptional crafts today. Ordering from Carolina Skiff, you can customize the color, size of stripe, type of top, and can add additional upgrades for a higher price.
Pros and Cons of Carolina Skiffs
Pros
- Extremely stable- will not tip over readily in quiet waters
- Easy-to-clean gel-coated surfacing
- Perfect for inshore angling, crabbing, water skiing, cruising, wakeboarding, etc
- A good, safe choice for families with young children
- Most models are equipped with high-quality standard features such as non-skid floor surfaces, stainless-steel hardware, swim platforms with ladders, bait wells, various storage compartments, LED bow and stern lights, deck drains, and up-to-date consoles
- Not much horsepower is required
- Highly customizable to your preferences
- A great choice for beginners
Cons
- The ride can be quite rough in choppy waters in these boats due to most having been built with flat-bottomed hulls
- Some people have had issues with warranty work, and have said that Carolina Skiffs takes a long time to fix the boats.
- A bit hard to pole
I will list a few of each series and hope you can get an idea of what Carolina Skiffs has to offer- both in newer models and older ones.
BRAND NEW 2021 MODELS
LS Series
Used primarily for day-cruising, freshwater, and seawater – fishing, these boats are versatile, comfortable, reliable. With the center console, molded fiberglass deck liner for a smoother ride, self-bailing drain holes for a dryer ride, and various customizable features, the LS series is a wonderful line of high-quality, simply-designed craft fit for the whole family!
Model 17 LS
The 17 LS is equipped with some interesting standard features, including, but not limited to, a 70-quart removable cooler, six-rod holders, 2 stainless-steel cup holders, cargo storage bag, disconnecting windshield, lockable access door, and swivel fishing seat.
- Length: 17 Feet 6 Inches
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 30 Gallons
- Draft: 7 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 6 People/1200 Pounds
- Max Level of Horsepower: 115 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/17-ls/
Model 19 LS
- The 19 LS is larger than the last mentioned model, able to hold an additional two people.
- Length: 19 Feet 2 Inches
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 30 Gallons
- Draft: 7 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 8 People/2374 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 140 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/19-ls/
Model 21 LS
This model has room for 10 individuals, is equipped with two passengers grab rails and an 1100 GPH bilge pump- as opposed to the 500 GPH pump of the earlier models.
- Length: 21 Feet 1 Inch
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 30 Gallons
- Draft: 7 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 10 People/2695 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 175 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/21-ls/
Model 21 LS Sport and Fish DC
Unlike all previously mentioned models, the Sport and Fish DC has two adjustable bucket seats provided with two flip-down cup holders for driver and passenger, with console instruments and steering wheel at the driver’s side of the console, and a tackle tray with grab rail at the passenger’s. The deck is self-bailing, and the windshield is partitioned between the two console bucket seats to allow walking through.
- Length: 21 feet 1 inch
- Beam: 96 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 30 Gallons
- Draft: 7 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 10 People/2695 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 175 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/21-ls-dual-console/
Model 23 LS
This model is equipped with Hydraulic steering- an upgrade to the previous models’ Teleflex no feedback Premium steering cable. It also includes a bi-fold side entry door but lacks the six flush-mount rod holders of models listed above.
- Length: 23 Feet 2 Inches
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 35 Gallons
- Draft: 7 Inches
- Max Occupancy/ Weight: 12 People/ 3117 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 200 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/23-ls/
Model 25 LS
The 25 LS is the most spacious and longest of the Carolina Skiff’s flagship series and is perfect for a large family or a group of friends.
- Length: 25 Feet
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 35 Gallons
- Draft: 7 Inches
- Max Occupancy/ Weight: 14 People/ 3450 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 250 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/25-ls/
My Top Recommendation of the LS Series
My recommendation of all the LS series models would be the glorious, cozy-but-not-crowded, adventurous 21 LS Sport and Fish DC. It will give you great joyriding with her speed and comfort, invoking an exciting sense of freedom as you swiftly skim across the waters…
You can pick any color you would like for any of the above models out of this list: Black, Electric Blue, Evening Sky, Gray, Royal Blue, or Sea Foam Green, and choose from a host of customizable features.
Carolina Skiff will give you an estimate pricing on any brand-new craft you choose if you request a quote from them. If the price does not suit your budget needs, which reportedly is at the least $20,000 with an average of $50,000 to $80,000, (this varies depending upon model and any upgrades you may add), you can always purchase one used from Boat Trader, Boats.com, or Oodle Marketplace. More on the older models will come later in this post…
JLS SERIES
The JLS is a series built upon the foundations of the earlier JVX concept but differing in that she is equipped with a self-bailing deck- employing gravity to draw any water on deck towards the stern and drain it overboard- to keep everyone extra dry. Also unlike the JVX, which used separate parts for the deck of the bow and stern, the JLS’ floor is one piece, molded throughout- encompassing even the deck compartments.
Each of the three models is equipped with similar standard features as the LS series, except they do have fewer ones, and the self-bailing component is called Deck Drain to Bilge, instead of the early LS models’ Cockpit Gravity Fed Overboard Drain.
These are still hardy little fishing boats destined to be a good choice for simple requirements you may have and will give you much pleasure in the waters you fish or cruise upon.
Model 162 JLS
This boat is so cute and so very easy to manage. Equipped with minimal features, she is a wonderful craft if you want to live a simple life as you fish in your Carolina Skiff. Also, the six-inch draft allows you to venture into shallower waters than the 2021 LS Series craft.
- Length: 16 Feet 2 Inches
- Beam: 79 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 21 Gallons
- Draft: 6 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 4 People/1439 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 90 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/162-jls/
Model 178 JLS
The 178 JLS has the same features as the model above, but she is a bit longer, can hold an extra person, and goes with a cargo storage bag.
- Length: 17 Feet 8 Inches
- Beam: 79 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 21 Gallons
- Draft: 6 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 5 People/1633 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 115 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/178-jls-2/
Model 192 JLS
- Equipped with 1100 GPH bilge pump, instead of 500 like the earlier two.
- Length: 19 Feet 2 Inches
- Beam: 79 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 21 Gallons
- Draft: 6 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 6 People/1642 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 140 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/192-jls/
My Top Recommendation of the JLS Series
I like the 178 JLS model. Larger than the first in the series, but more compact than the last, this one is a cute little fishing craft perfectly designed for deeply interested anglers. It can be customized, and my personal preferences, if I were to choose any upgrades, would be the console baitwell with LED light, Bimini top, and the full side colored with Sea Foam Green. What a little dream skiff!
SWS SERIES
The SWS Series is the best choice for fishing in a very shallow lake, river, or bay, and for safely navigating dangerous shoal areas. Both models’ draft is only four inches, which aids the boat in skimming quickly and surely in the inshore waters. Built with an added feature- a hydraulic jack plate- six inches offset by atlas- which neither the LS Series nor the JLS Series has, and able to carry many people, eight in the 19 SWS and ten in the 21 SWS, respectively, these small but sturdy crafts deserve your attention when shopping for a fishing boat.
Model 19 SWS
This is a very pretty, simple model, but do not let her looks deceive you, for she is very tough!
- Length: 19 Feet 3 Inches
- Beam: 91 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 25 Gallons
- Draft: 4 Inches
- Max Occupancy/ Weight: 8 People/ 2161 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 140 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/19-sws/
Model 21 SWS
Just as durable as the above model, the 21 SWS is a bit longer and holds an additional two people.
- Length: 21 Feet 2 Inches
- Beam: 91 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 25 Gallons
- Draft: 4 Inches
- Max Occupancy/ Weight: 10 People/ 2656 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 150 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/21-sws/
My Top Recommendation of the SWS Series
I love the beautiful 21 SWS model. Her low draft, spacious deck, and many fishing amenities make her perfect for shallow-water angling. The upgrades I would order with her would be the T-top with fiberglass hard shell, AM/FM radio with speakers, USB, and AUX plugs, and I would have her complete hull covered in Electric Blue paint.
ULTRA ELITE SERIES
Oh, so comfortable, versatile, and beautiful to drive and ride in; and oh, so expensive! The Ultra Elite Series consists of five gorgeous models, fully decked out with wonderfully high-class standard features and an eight-inch draft suitable for fishing and cruising in deeper waters. Ask Carolina Skiff for a quote, for they do not openly state prices on their website. If you would like an older (and therefore much less expensive) Ultra Elite model, you can browse the used ones available here on Smart Marine Guide.
Model 19 Ultra Elite
This earliest model of the 2021 Ultra Elite series is featured with almost every feature of the previous three series plus many other fascinating ones including many LED lights throughout- for navigation, in the under gunnel rod storage, interior courtesy lights in bow and stern, in the rear insulated fish/storage box, and in the large bilge area. Also included with her standard base features are eight-rod holders, recessed front deck steps, 20-gallon aerated baitwell, and a 12/24 volt trolling motor panel with tilt/trim switch.
- Length: 18 Feet 11 Inches
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 30 Gallons
- Draft: 8 Inches
- Max Occupancy/ Weight: 10 People/ 2009 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 150 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/19-ultra-elite/
Model 21 Ultra Elite
This lovely upgrade to the 19 Ultra Elite hosts an added wrap-around upholstered bow seating with removable cushions and a step-down mini room on the side of the console just large enough for a Porta Potti upgrade option to be placed inside. Instead of the 50-quart removable cooler of the above model, this one has a 100-quart cooler, and also an ultra-leaning post with a backrest and four rod-holders.
- Length: 20 Feet 9 Inches
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 52 Gallons
- Draft: 8 Inches
- Max Occupancy/ Weight: 14 People/ 3446 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 200 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/21-ultra-elite/
Model 23 Ultra Elite
The 23 Ultra Elite is a dreamboat for everyone who longs for a luxurious cruise ship feel on their own little boat. Stunning is the word for this high-class craft, as you glimpse all the amenities that are, amazingly, simply standard features!
An extra-large step-down console with bi-fold doors at the side is equipped with a handy Porta Potti; a three-tray tackle system, sink with hide-away faucet, removable table, fold-down bench seat, battery storage with seat cushion, flush-mounted cup holders, added footrest to the ultra – leaning post, cargo net, fire extinguisher, digital gauge, 12-volt accessories plug with toggle switches and breakers, and hydraulic steering with tilted helm are just a few of the things that make a day-long trip out on the waters a comfortable, enjoyable, and fun experience. Bring all the family and friends you wish, for this spacious Ultra Elite fits 17 people.
- Length: 22 Feet 11 Inches
- Beam: 98 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 85 Gallons
- Draft: 8 Inches
- Max Occupancy/ Weight: 17 People/ 4000 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 250 HP
- Details and Price can be found here: https://www.carolinaskiff.com/boats/23-ultra-elite/
Model 24 Ultra Elite
A bit smaller than the 23, the 24 Ultra Elite holds 16 people, and less poundage. But, as the saying goes, sometimes less is more- at least with this wonderfully upgraded skiff! Added upgrades to the standard specifics of the last model include 12 rod-holders, a 12-volt trolling motor plug, flip-up console with changing curtain and access door to a Porta Potti inside, removable backrest with a safety pin, flush-mounted jump seats, and a fishing seat with an 11-inch pole.
- Length: 23 Feet 11 Inches
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 78 Gallons
- Draft: 8 Inches
- Max Occupancy/ Weight: 16 People/ 3337 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 250 HP
- Details and Price can be found here
Model 26 Ultra Elite
This model is exactly alike in its amenities and standard features to the 24 Ultra Elite, but differs in that it is longer, holds two more people, and has a level of 300 maximum horsepower instead of 250.
- Length: 26 Feet 0 Inches
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 78 Gallons
- Draft: 8 Inches
- Max Occupancy/ Weight: 18 People/ 4380 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 300 HP
- Details and Price can be found here
My Top Recommendation of the Ultra Elite Series
Who wouldn’t love the beautiful 23 Ultra Elite, her full side bathed in lovely Sea Foam Green, with all the elegant features packed strategically in but without compromising space and comfort? I would customize this model with a T-top with molded hardtop, AM/FM radio with USB and AUX plugs, and deluxe leaning post with backrest and tackle center.
A little floating hotel on the lake would seem to be fit for lounging upon and feeling the spray upon my face, diving off of, fishing from, and eating and drinking good things stored in the 100-quart marine cooler. This model contains a little bit of heaven.
Carolina Skiff’s Sea Chaser, Fun Chaser, and Aggressor Boat Daughter Brands
SEA CHASER BRAND
Carolina Skiff has produced three other lines of brands, the oldest being the Sea Chaser. The first Sea Chaser was Model 186, manufactured in 1998. This year, they have 13 models within four series to choose from. Here is the table which compares the specs and features of each model…
Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser Brand |
Bluewater Center Console Series Model # | 27 HFC | 30 HFC | 35 HFC |
Length | 27’ 3 “ | 30’ 3” | 35’ 8” |
Beam | 116” | 116” | 128” |
Boat Weight | 5438 Lbs | 6183 Lbs | 8261 Lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 189 Gal | 237 Gal | 255 Gal |
Transom Size | 25” | 25” | 25” |
Maximum Horsepower | 600 HP | 700 HP | 900 HP |
Bluewater Walkthrough Windshield Series Model # | 27 DC | 30 DC |
Length | 27’ 3” | 30’ 3” |
Beam | 116” | 116” |
Boat Weight | 6244 Lbs | 6797 Lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 189 Gal | 237 Gal |
Transom Size | 25” | 25” |
Maximum Horsepower | 600 HP | 700 HP |
HFC Center Console Series Model # | 20 HFC | 22 HFC | 24 HFC |
Length | 20’ 0” | 20’ 0” | 23’ 9” |
Beam | 101” | 101” | 101” |
Boat Weight | 2400 Lbs | 2700 Lbs | 4180 Lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 52 Gal | 76 Gal | 100 Gal |
Transom Size | 25” | 25” | 25/30 “ |
Maximum HP | 200 HP | 250 HP | 350 HP |
LX Bay Series Model # | 21 LX | 23 LX | 26 LX |
Length | 20’ 7” | 22’ 9” | 25’ 11” |
Beam | 103” | 103” | 103” |
Boat Weight | 1872 Lbs | 2874 Lbs | 3234 Lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 52 Gal | 52 Gal | 84 Gal |
Transom Size | 25” | 25” | 25” |
Maximum HP | 200 HP | 250 HP | 350 HP |
Sea Skiff Bay Series Model # | 19 Sea Skiff | 21 Sea Skiff |
Length | 18’ 7” | 21’ 0” |
Beam | 91” | 91” |
Boat Weight | 1948 Lbs | 2084 Lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 30 Gal | 30 Gal |
Transom Size | 25” | 25” |
Maximum HP | 115 HP | 150 HP |
Some special features within the Sea Chaser brand which aren’t included in the mainline Carolina skiff boats I will list under each following Series:
Bluewater Center Console Series
- Increased number of rod holders
- Blue or white courtesy LED lighting package
- In-floor bow fish box with pump
- Portside entry door
- Fold up the passenger seat
- Adjustable helm seating
- Windlass anchor system
- Cabinets
- Blue LED underwater lights
- Raw water washdown system
- Pull up shower wand
- LED lighted compass
- Sonar transducer
- Telescopic boarding ladder
- T-Top frame with red, green, and blue LED lights
- Countertop sink/ shower combo
Bluewater Walk Through Windshield Series
- Galley with propane grill, refrigerator, trash bin, and storage
- T-Top with docking and spreader lights
- Starboard console side entry door
- Portside console with entry door, electric flushable head, cabinets, Corian counter with sink and shower combo
- Walkthrough the windshield with a walk through the door
- Adjustable captain seat
- Electric fold down lounge seat with electric lift for storage
- Anchor chock with roller
- Splash well bilge access with LED light
- Transom door with cushion
HFC Center Console Series
- Stainless steel hinges and gas shocks on marine board lid
- Rear baitwell with LED light and max air
- Two flush mount jump seats with storage and LED light
- Insulated storage compartments and fish box
- Molded-in cooler
LX BAY SERIES
- Lockable fiberglass hatches
- Bucket storage compartment
- Front deck insulated fish box
- Flush mount lifting cleat
- Three-stage rod holders under gunnel
- Flush mount jump seats with storage and LED light
SEA SKIFF BAY SERIES
- Front deck molded steps with LED lighting
- Marine board locking bow hatch with LED lighting
- Marine board hatches
FUN CHASER BRAND
The Fun Chaser brand is a new twist on the traditional skiffs, featuring a line of Pontoon and Deck boats. First made in 2012, these boats are innovative, fun, and family-friendly. Made for lounging and swimming from, primarily, these crafts are not the right choice for serious anglers, adventurers, or when you want a speedy ride. They are much like a living room upon the water.
The 2021 site says “Coming Soon” and no models are for sale on it.
Here are a few of the different older models with their specifications.
FUN CHASER FPG 2100
- Length: 21 Feet 4 Inches
- Beam: 102 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 27 Gallons
- Draft: 13 Inches
- Max Horsepower: 150 HP
- Details and Price can be found here
FUN CHASER 22 DSF
- Length: 22 Feet 3 Inches
- Beam: 98 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 58 Gallons
- Draft: 10 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 14 People/2790 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 250 HP
- Details and Price can be found here
FUN CHASER 20 DS
- Length: 20 Feet 1 Inch
- Beam: 98 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 58 Gallons
- Draft: 10 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 8 People/2052 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 200 HP
- Details and Price can be found here
FUN CHASER 2100 CRUISER
- Length: 21 Feet 4 Inches
- Beam: 102 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 27 Gallons
- Draft: 13 Inches
- Max Occupancy/Weight: 14 People/2975 Pounds
- Max Horsepower: 175 HP
- Details and Price can be found here
AGGRESSOR BOAT BRAND
The Aggressor boats are a brand new creation, to the best of my knowledge, and nowhere can I find one for sale. The website is in construction, and, like fun-chaser.com, it says “Coming Soon” on the homepage. A few details about the new brand can be found if you scroll down, however, and a glimpse at their model can be seen.
OLDER MODELS
Now, I will list a few of the most popular models of past years, starting with a 1992 Carolina Skiff. Smart Marine Guide has many boats listed for sale by owners all over the United States.
Model 1992 Carolina Skiff 1765
- Length: 17 Feet
- Beam: 75 Inches
- Max Horsepower: 40 HP
Model 2011 23 Ultra Elite
- Length: 22 Feet 11 Inches
- Beam: 8 Feet 4 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 85 Gallons
- Draft: 12 Inches
- Max Horsepower: 250 HP
Model 2013 DLV 218
- Length: 20 Feet 10 Inches
- Beam: 96 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 30 Gallons
- Draft: 6-9 Inches
Model 2015 19 DLX
- Length: 19 Feet
- Beam: 7 Feet 9 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 30 Gallons
- Draft: 3-6 Inches
- Max Horsepower: 115 HP
FAQs
Answer: If taken out to sea, and a large wave crashes over your boat, it will surely be swamped. With skill and blessing, your Carolina Skiff may survive the inrush of water, but don’t count upon it, and take your flat-bottomed boat out there when the waves are boisterous. Sea Skiffs, obviously, are built to resist such waves and may be taken out.
As to other forms of sinking, a hole may occur in the hull and thus sink the boat. Keep sharp objects away from the hull, and be careful around shallow depths depending on the depth of your draft and of the waters you are in.
Answer: Some people have had their older models for over 15 years, and still have minimal problems with them. Carolina Skiffs are built to last, but even then, with hard use and lack of care, they can wear down. Take good care of your skiff, and keep it out of direct sunlight, and you are sure to enjoy it for years upon years.
Answer: For a very good craft, the price you pay is bound to be more than if you bought one without thinking of its value. Carolina Skiffs are no exception, especially because of the effort and good-quality materials the manufacturers use to make these beautiful boats. 100% composite material- fiberglass, specifically- is what they use for the frame, resulting in a light, but more expensive vessel than if they were made of steel or wood.
If you don’t want to pay the price of a brand new boat, you can always refer to the parts earlier in this post where I list a few places through which you can purchase them second-hand. Most of them listed are in very good shape and have minimal wear.
With a good rag and gentle boat cleaning soap, wiping down the gel-coated hull of your Carolina Skiff is a breeze. For an extra shine, make sure to get a good wax to polish your boat with. Turtle Wax sells very good cleaning sprays for the inside features for cars- which can also serve your boat well, including special care for the seats and electronics.
Here is a list of some of the best waxes for the hull. Carolina Skiff has specific instructions for cleaning your boat safely without wearing off the special gel-coat each craft comes with.