Skiffs stand out as particularly favored among the myriad styles of fishing boats. Their impressive range spans from small, two-person mini skiffs to larger versions accommodating up to six anglers. Some skiffs are basic and functional, while others are tailored for specific fishing activities. In essence, no matter your preferred fish or fishing technique, there’s likely a skiff that perfectly aligns with your needs.
What Does it Mean Skiff Boat?
To understand a skiff boat, we must first clarify its definition, as it varies among individuals. Fundamentally, a skiff is a small, straightforward, open boat. This category includes designs like center console, tiller-steer, and side console boats, all fitting the skiff criteria. Specialized types, like flats skiffs designed for southern flats fishing targeting species such as bonefish and reds, feature poling platforms and ample casting deck space. Skiffs also encompass crabbing, freshwater fishing, and sailing variants. Typically, suppose a boat is small and open. In that case, it qualifies as a skiff, with even a rowboat falling under this classification.
Most skiffs, though not all, are propelled by outboard motors. They are generally under 20 feet long, averaging 15 to 17 feet. Skiffs usually have minimal amenities apart from seating, making them lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and easier to maintain than other boat types.
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So, Which skiff boat brands are the best?
While most skiff owners are partial to their brand, we’ve thoroughly explored the market to identify a few leading brands in various popular categories for you.
The Best Skiff Boats for the Money
While skiffs are generally more affordable than other boat types, some provide exceptional value for their cost. The brands highlighted here might not be the most economical options available. Still, they offer substantial quality and features for their price, making any of them a top choice for a budget-friendly skiff.
Mako Pro Skiffs Series
Mako Boats presents a variety of fishing skiffs featuring four models ranging from 13’6” to 19’4” in length. These models are priced between approximately $18,000 and $45,000, offering great value as they come as complete packages, including the outboard motor and a trailer. Ready for fishing adventures? Just add fuel and head to the boat ramp. They boast several advantages over typical skiffs, such as fishing rod holders, elevated casting decks, USCG navigation lights, live wells, and coolers for all but the smallest model. A common challenge with skiffs is their flat bottoms, which can struggle in choppy waters. Mako Pro Skiffs address this with their Advanced Inverted V (AIV) hull design. At the front, it resembles a tri-hull. Still, towards the back, it transitions to an upward taper, creating a powercat-like tunnel. Having tested several models, we found that this design significantly reduces chop impact while maintaining excellent stability.
Veer
Veer emerged in 2023 with a singular model, a mini skiff measuring 13 feet long and 4 feet wide. This package, which includes the boat, motor, and trailer, can be equipped with either a gasoline outboard or Mercury’s Avator electric outboard. At launch, its MSRP was under $12,000, an impressive price for a new, complete boat package in today’s market. Limited to two passengers, the Veer stands out for its construction – a rotomolded polyethylene, foam-filled body with MarineMat foam padding. It comes well-equipped, featuring fishing rod racks, in-deck storage compartments, integrated cupholders, and an aft bench seat.
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Tracker
Tracker’s Grizzly lineup, commonly known as Jon boats but also fitting the skiff category, offers robust aluminum construction. The 16’ and 17’ models are available as hull-only and start at under $5,500. The larger 18’ and 20’ versions are sold in complete boat-motor-trailer packages, with prices beginning under $25,000. These boats are uncomplicated and efficient, featuring a slight V-shaped hull (seven degrees of deadrise). Their aluminum build renders them exceptionally lightweight (the 16-footer weighs just 640 pounds), making them easy to launch, load, and tow.
The Best Skiff Boats for Handling Rough Waters
While skiffs are typically known for their flat hulls and smaller size, which can lead to a less smooth ride in choppy waters. However, a few models excel in rough water conditions.
Boston Whaler
Boston Whaler might not be the first name that springs to mind when considering skiffs, but they offer at least three models (130 Super Sport, 160 Super Sport, and 15 Montauk) that fit the skiff profile. Their hulls, with deadrise angles of 13, 15, and 20 degrees, respectively, handle waves far better than most skiffs. These models could also be deemed the safest skiff boats available, thanks to their construction incorporating closed-cell foam between the hull and deck, rendering them virtually unsinkable. However, it’s important to note that they are also among the priciest in the skiff category.
C-Hawk
The C-Hawk 16 Tiller is straightforward, featuring only basic amenities like bench seats, cleats, navigation lights, and rod holders. Its tri-hull design with a deep center V and 10 degrees of transom deadrise proves exceptionally effective in rough waters. During various trips in choppy conditions at speeds around 16-18 mph, this model consistently impresses. As C-Hawk isn’t a large manufacturer and this model isn’t produced in high quantities, they’re rare in the market. However, for those seeking a simple, affordable skiff that remarkably handles waves, the C-Hawk 16 Tiller is a gem worth grabbing if found.
Coastal Skiffs
Coastal Skiffs range from 17’1” to 27’1″, with the Coastal 271 standing out for rough water conditions. Its size and mass enable it to handle choppier seas than most skiffs. The hull design, featuring a V at the bow that flattens towards the stern, helps cut through larger waves. Additionally, weighing 2,400 pounds, this skiff has the heft to push through waves effectively. The Coastal 271 can accommodate up to 12 people, far exceeding the average skiff. It can support up to 200 horsepower at the stern.
The Best Fishing Skiff Boats
Skiffs are inherently suitable for fishing, but certain models excel with features tailored for anglers. The best fishing skiffs have all the necessary fishing amenities and offer customization options to suit specific fishing preferences.
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Carolina Skiff: The Angler’s Dream
Carolina Skiff manufactures an extensive range of skiffs, from 16’2” to 26’0” in length. These skiffs are exceptionally well-outfitted for fishing, boasting amenities like rod holders, live wells, and integrated fish boxes. They also feature luxury extras like diamond-stitched upholstery, telescopic ladders, and colored gel coats. Unlike older models, these fully-lined boats offer superior fit and finish. You can customize them with additional features like Bimini tops and electric trolling motors. While these enhancements and the high level of detail increase the cost, they make Carolina Skiff an ideal choice for anglers who demand the best. An added advantage is their minimal draft, courtesy of a semi-V front and flat rear, allowing access to shallow waters—the 162 model requires just six inches of water, and the 26-footer only eight inches.
Sundance: Speed and Efficiency
Sundance offers a compact line consisting of just four 20- and 22-foot models. These skiffs are true fishing powerhouses. They include forward and rear casting decks, standard rod holders, and live wells and are pre-wired for bow-mounted electric trolling motors. A notable feature is their speed capability—when powered appropriately; these skiffs can reach speeds over 40 mph, getting you to your fishing spot quickly and efficiently.
The Best Flats Skiff Boats
Flats skiffs stand out in their class for their ability to navigate shallow waters stealthily, providing anglers an advantage in flats fishing. Among the various small boat types, the following are the top performers in the flats skiff category.
Hewes: Speed and Strength
Hewes offers three models: the Redfisher 16, Redfisher 18, and Redfisher 21. Built using the VARIS vacuum-assisted resin-infusion system, these boats achieve a balance of minimal weight and maximum strength. The result is impressive speed capabilities. For instance, the Redfisher 21 can surpass 60 mph with a Yamaha F300. Once at your destination, these boats provide expansive casting decks, lighted live wells, and multiple rod racks, ensuring a top-notch fishing experience.
Maverick: The Fly Angler’s Choice
Maverick specializes in a concise range, featuring two 17-foot models and an 18-foot variant. These skiffs come equipped with flats fishing essentials like poling platforms, casting platforms, push-pole holders, trolling motor wiring, release wells, and lean bars. Specifically catering to fly fishing enthusiasts, these boats have flush-mounted hardware to reduce the chance of line snags.
The Best Picks for Micro Skiff Boats
Micro Skiffs are compact flat skiffs designed for a pair of anglers, capable of navigating extremely shallow waters and offering ease of maneuverability.
Beavertail: Lightweight and Versatile
Beavertail Skiffs offers a selection including the 16 Micro, a standout in the flats skiff category. This model has a shallow five-inch draft (engine up), a light 400-pound weight, and operates efficiently with just 30 horsepower. Offered in both side console and tiller-steer configurations, this vacuum-infused vinyl ester boat is highly customizable. Angler-focused options range from flyline toenails to LED lighting on the poling platform, catering to various fishing styles.
Hell’s Bay: Sleek and Stealthy
Hell’s Bay crafts various flats boats, with the 17’8” Glades Skiff being notably longer but compensating with a narrow 4’ 10” beam, a four-inch hull draft, and a light 440-pound displacement. Despite its length, it retains the micro skiff essence, powered by 30 horsepower and designed to navigate tight backcountry waters. The cutting-edge build features a carbon-Innegra hull vacuum-infused over the Core Cell, ensuring durability and lightness.
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Solo Skiff: The Solo Angler’s Dream
For those who prefer solo fishing adventures, the Solo Skiff is a top contender. This 14’5”, 150-pound skiff is designed for single-person use and is made from rotomolded high-density polyethylene. A small six-horsepower outboard can propel it over 15 mph, and its minimum draft is an impressive three inches. It can even fit in the back of a full-size pickup truck. While it’s a no-frills option, it includes an integrated cooler, dry storage that doubles as a seat, and grab handles at both ends.
The best way to determine the right small skiff for your needs is to continue exploring various options.
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