21 foot shallow draft bay boat

[Roosterrusek]

Would this be safe to take out in 2-3 foot seas 5-7 miles offshore?

Looking to buy a different boat and sell my 18.5 Carolina Skiff. Want to use a boat primarily for fishing bass lakes here in Georgia and the trips to Mexico Beach and Port St Joe Florida.

So, would a 21 Bay Boat be safe?

Notice this is not a what kind of boat do I buy, rather a question of possible functionality.

 

[robert graham]

Re: 21 foot shallow draft bay boat

Sure you can do that, but check the weather, watch the weather, be aware of how quick you can return to port, carry a radio and cell phone, let folks on shore know where you're going and when to expect you back(float plan). If you're heading 5+ miles off-shore pretty often probably should invest in a kicker motor in case your main quits on you. I run my canoe with a 3 HP motor 2 miles out from Cedar Key when the weather is real nice, but I've always got an eye on the horizon and keep a paddle on board. Just got to think about all that can happen and try hard not to get killed! Good Luck!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 21 foot shallow draft bay boat

yes but so would the Carolina Skiff. I'm familiar with both.

2-3 isn't comfortable for most folks in a 18-21' boat, if you're talking chop. smooth and well spaced swells are nothing to worry about.

Being in the ocean isn't the issue. It's getting to and from in the inlets.

The difference you'll find between the two hulls is that the skiff rides over the big waves while the bay boat might stuff the bow through them. Neither will be a particularly smooth ride; that's just the trade off for shallow draft/flat bottom. I am not afraid of any conditions in the skiff, as far as safety goes.

I don't think your switch will be much of a change, other than the way the boats' interiors are rigged.

I have a 21' V and a 19' Carolina Skiff, and a friend has a 21' bay. I also have a 17' bay. His 21 bay draws less than my 21V, and handles a trolling motor better, but I have the higher sides and more contained room. His is probably faster on flat water; mine handles chop better. I don't think, for us, his shallower draft is that much of an advantage; we are boating over soft bottoms and I get in the shallows. IOW I go where he goes in skinny water; his doesn't do as well in rougher water.
I do, however, know a world of difference between the V and the skiff in that regard; I take the skiff in skim board conditions, but won't even try the V on the barrier islands. But perhaps for flats fishing in Florida over coral, the bay is that much better than the V.

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: 21 foot shallow draft bay boat

i think 2-3 would be safe, although not very pleasant if its choppy. i think youll be fine.