New skiff owner here

[Mark27284]

I made the deal yesterday and I am picking up my new baby tonight around 5pm. 08 198 DLX with a 90hp Yamaha and a Bimini Top. It has taken me almost a year to reach this decision. I looked at every skiff and bay boat available in my area. I almost bought a 22' Sea Pro, but in the end I just could not justify spending 30K on a fishing boat. I also looked hard at the Sundance Skiff, but something just kept bringing me back to the Carolina Skiff. Maybe it was the fact that when I am on the water, every other boat is a CS.

The boat will be used for fishing the marshes and creeks around Swansboro, NC. I have spent the last year fishing this area from a 25' pontoon boat. The toon is great for riding or sunning with the family, but fishing out of it sucks. Not to mention it does not like the shallow water. I will still use it for taking the family out, but no more fishing.

Planned upgrades for the new boat are the red LED lights, trolling motor with battery and onboard charger, rod holders, and the usual electronics.

Thanks for all the info on here guys, hopefully I can add to it as well.

Mark

[Willie]

good decision, both on your purchase, it makes a great stable fishing platform, and for signing on to this board. Lots of good info floating around here and with your new ideas or variations of some old ones the board can only gt better. Keep us informed on your exploits with the new ride. Willie

[MikeH]

Welcome Mark ! Sounds like a nice rig. Post pictures when you get her delivered.

[sportskiff]

CONGRATS!!!!!!! You are hittin a home run gittin a skiff, a 198 huh, you are still going to think you are on the toon with as much room as ya got on the skiff. we have 2-4 fold up chairs we stow under the front deck, and have had 9 people fishing at the same time (talk about a party boat!!!!!).
you are going to love that skiff!!!!! Glad to see you on here Mark, another wise choice. Good folks here, one and all,
sportskiffgimp

[Mark27284]

CONGRATS!!!!!!! You are hittin a home run gittin a skiff, a 198 huh, you are still going to think you are on the toon with as much room as ya got on the skiff. we have 2-4 fold up chairs we stow under the front deck, and have had 9 people fishing at the same time (talk about a party boat!!!!!).
you are going to love that skiff!!!!! Glad to see you on here Mark, another wise choice. Good folks here, one and all,
sportskiffgimp


The dealer had the 198 and the 178 in stock. The 178 had been ordered for someone with dual livewells and had a 90hp Zuki. The total price difference after a $750 rebate from Yamaha on the 198 was $1200. It was a no brainer after getting up in both of them and walking around. I would have liked to have the dual livewells so one could serve as a bait tank, but it was no big deal since I have a 15 gallon KeepAlive bait tank that I have been using on the 'toon. I am sure with all that room I can find somewhere to park it on the skiff.

[Ramos]

Welcome Mike,
Where you buy that boat from ? I got the same one but still waiting for the call so I can pick it up. Waiting sucks brother. Well enjoy the new boat and once again welcome to the site!!!

[Mark27284]

Welcome Mike,
Where you buy that boat from ? I got the same one but still waiting for the call so I can pick it up. Waiting sucks brother. Well enjoy the new boat and once again welcome to the site!!!


Sam's Boats in Franklinville, NC. Sam sells to people as far away as Florida and Texas. He has a very limited selection right now but is expecting 2 shipments in at any time. He says CS is having a hard time keeping up with demand, that may be why you are having to wait so long.

www.samsboats.com

[Loki]

I got my 218dlv from Sam's, let me tell you, he is one top notch guy to work with. Both he and his wife made me feel like family when I went to pick up my boat. Coming from FL, I had some trepidation working the whole deal over the phone without even looking at the boat. When I went to pick it up, it was set up exactly how I wanted it, no surprises! Well, except for two, it was actually a little cheaper than the price he quoted me over the phone and it was ready sooner that the time frame given. I couldn't have asked for a better experiance for a high dollar (for me) purchase.


Loki

[Loki]

Oh yeah, welcome to the board! We have a great bunch of guys here always willing to help a fellow skiff owner.