Flat Bottomed Boats-Opinions

[done workin]

I am looking at building a flat bottom boat along the lines of the Carolina Skiffs. It's 18' long with a 7' beam but a flat (As a board) hull, but a very nice curve towards the bow.

For those of you crabbing/Fishing out of 18' +/- Jon Boats, Carolinas or Boston Whalers, etc... I am looking for some opinions as to what to expect from the ride side of things. I know it's gonna be rough in a chop but how rough is rough?????? You know the deal, the rivers of the Chesapeake, South, Severn, Patapsco, maybe even the back bay at Ocean City for Flounder. This would only be a river boat NO BAY, I have the other boat for that.

Hopefully these pictures will attach.

The Green and White Boat is another flat bottom although its bow is pointed and lacks any real curve on the hull. It's overall dimensions are the same. I prefer the Carolina style because of the extra room in the bow section, although the pointed bow of the other has my eye for the days when the water acts up.

Your opinions appreciated.

Chris

[done workin]

The one picture didn't attach right.

[Camoboat]

I have a 17' aluminum boat similar in design to your project and love it. With 18" of freeboard, I need to watch out for the speed racers & make sure I'm not going to take on any wakes broadside or things could get interesting. If you're planning to stay in the rivers, you won't have any problems. I like the stability of a flat bottom, and with the 7' beam you describe, you've got an extra foot compared to mine, you'll be a happy captain.

Good luck with the project.

[Burchbeer]

I am partial to the Carolina Skiff. I crab/fish rivers but on decent days I can go out into the main bay too. I have gone on lousy days and got wet, but just pull the plugs and head home in any wx in self bail mode. The skiff is stable in most conditions I go out in but it is wet in rough water. Again, I keep to the river most and my conditions are usually not real rough.
Get a decent bimini! I go out in rain without a second thought as long as it isnt lightning and protection from the sun.

The boats are stable with TL and C-Tpx! They can get into shallow water easy. They are easy to maintenance, trailer, launch, etc. The skiffs can be easliy customized too.

Good luck with your research and final decision.

[b dog]

I Have An 18 Ft Alum .wareagle Flat Bottom. 7ft Wide 24in Sides . Bangs Hard In A Chop If Try To Power Thru. Great Platform Vary Stable.nice Crabbing Boat,but Wind Will Blow My Boat All Over.shallow Draft.all Trade Off's Camoboat Hit It Right,that's Alu. Flat Bottoms.also Cheaper To Tow. B Dog

[JB Crabs]

I use a 2070 Crestliner delux jon for crabbing. Doesn't get much in spray from the ride even in moderate wave. The 8ft beam keeps the boat stable while moving around on the boat. It's not a boat I'd take to the ocean but she handles Indian River and Elk River ( Turkey Point ) really good. Last year I seen a 2070 out past the Inlet at Indian River but don't think I'd try it.

Good Luck

John

[done workin]

Thanks for the help.

Whoever resized the pic's THANKS!!!!! How'd ya' do it?

Did you have to save them to an outside host and then repost or is there an easy way to do it within the TF page??

Chris

[stingray]

Do you plan on doing alot of trotlining?

[POLECAT]

Chris,
Go here:

http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192386


and read what Brandon posted.

It probably corrected automatically. ???

[Zack attack]

You will love it. I have 16ft wood boat my brother made it's cool. Working on a 20ft next
Go for it!!

[done workin]

Stingray,

Right now I used mostly traps with one or two trips a year with the Jerry Snood line just to mix it up. I like the trotline more but my 19' Renken until this year hasn't been real conducive to running it (Seat issue and gunwale maneuverability), so I usually use traps. Plus, since I usually crab alone, it's easier. ALTHOUGH, if a new boat ever happens, it will have some built in ammenities for trotlining, built in brackets for the roller, center console within reach of the dipping station, etc.. I much prefer running a trotline, but always do well with traps.

Polecat,

It may have resized them automatically with brandon's changes. When they were first attached, they only showed on the screen as attachments. NEW way much better:)

Chris