Carolina Skiff

[wannabe fisherman]

Sounds like you need some better guides...

They are a little short, only come up to the rub rail when loaded, but that was the only time that happened. I wasn't going fast enough when I hit the trailer to avoid wind problems. Note added to learning curve don't go too slow in the wind.

[CliffordN]

I was going to say that as soon as you get it lined up you have to commit. Kind of similar to landing on an aircraft carrier. Make it count!

[FishinOnCredit]

My 17 dlx gets the job done, its not pretty, it is bouncy in chop or boat wakes, but it floats and we catch fish out of it. I use mine for saltwater inshore.

[Trwhit]

Had a 198 dlv for 4 years. Was a really well laid out fishing platform for the lake. Also has good freeboard for kids. However, if you want to do any coastal fishing (sound or inshore), it is not a rough water boat and will beat you to death and wet you in anything over 1' or so. As someone else mentioned there was an issue with water getting into the twin v's with no way to get out on the earlier dlv's. The newer models now have drain plugs there. In hindsight I would buy a bay boat with some v in the hull instead.

[OnDaHill]

I've had the same boat your looking at for 15 years. There are pros and cons to this boat. Pros- It is a tank and will take a lot of abuse. Easy to clean up. Plenty of room. Very stable. Can customize it anyway you like. Versatile, we also use it to ski behind and it makes a great bow fishing boat since the front deck is high off the water. Never had any problems loading mine but I do have guides. Cons- the wind is not your friend though I still fish in it during the wind. You will get wet until you learn how to run this boat in choppy water. Not a speed boat, top end on mine around 38mph with the 90 Honda. I did have a problem with the floor getting spider cracks but I repaired myself.

Overall I love fishing out of mine, mainly because it has plenty of room. Hope this helps you make a decision.

[crappiefarmer]

I know someone who crappie fishes with a 21 DLV. He catches the fire out of crappie in that thing. Tells me enough right there. Folks look for that boat out on the water to see where the fish are.CF

[Woodie14]

Thanks for all the info. I doubt I will ever put it in the ocean so from what I'm reading it should be just fine for what I will be using it for, crappie fishing and joy riding with the family!

[Ketchn]

a bit flat on the bottom like a mako .....my whaler is similar ....pretty rough on choppy water ...lots of the "bay" boats are like that though ....my good bud has one and I like his ....pretty roomy

[crappiefarmer]

You will love the room with the wide beam.