Boat advice

[Tarheelwx]

Looking at a Scout 177 Sportfish, Mako 1901, or a Carolina Skiff JV. Anybody have experience with any of these. I want to use them to crappie fish as well as do some inside fishing at the coast. Also, what's the preferred trolling motor? Is it I pilot or co-pilot?

All comments and suggestions are appreciated.


TW

[Crewmax42]

Well, you know what they say about opinions, so here is mine. I like the hull with the least flatness in the hull, for a smoother ride in chop and a chine that reduces the slap from the sides. This would rule out the Skiff. I have riden in the ( older version, but same hull) Scout in the Gulf and it was a good ride, but not many creature comforts for seating. But typical for a CC and I am soft and used to a pontoon boat. I like the Mako line. They sell then at Bass Pro and have nice lines. Back to the Skiff, though, they were designed for ICW fishing, far as I know, and have a proven track record. All three would be wonderful, so we're back where we started. The I pilot is best, of course, and I would research the TM and the FF together because there can be some integration that will automate some of the boat control that could make your fishing much more pleasurable. Good luck in your research!

[Mcslabs]

Don't know any thing about Mako; the Skiff or the Scout are both fine boats. I have a Sea Chaser Carolina skiff and love it a friend had a scout that he literally wore the coating off the bottom of it and never had a problem. Definitely recommend the I-pilot have had 2 on different boats and will tell you its the only way to go.

[SEA DANCER]

I have a Carolina Skiff DLX 17 foot. I have a front pedestal seat and a co-pilot(I-pilot was not out then). I fish for Bass some and it does well. It does well on the lakes for Crappie. Where it excels is inside at the coast for red drum and spec. trout. I love it in the salt. The only draw back is the rough water. As long as you take it slow it will take some very rough water. (DLS has deep sides) It will fish shallow which is great for the marches. Good luck

[Crewmax42]

I have a Carolina Skiff DLX 17 foot. I have a front pedestal seat and a co-pilot(I-pilot was not out then). I fish for Bass some and it does well. It does well on the lakes for Crappie. Where it excels is inside at the coast for red drum and spec. trout. I love it in the salt. The only draw back is the rough water. As long as you take it slow it will take some very rough water. (DLS has deep sides) It will fish shallow which is great for the marches. Good luck

Sounds like a great all round boat. I was able to retro- fit my co-pilot with the I - Pilot. I t was amazing at how Humminbird made provisions to upgrade easily. Smart designers at Hummingbird.