How 2 Tuesday - Bay Boat vs. Skiff - Which Is Best For YOU? - How To Decide - EPISODE #575
How 2 Tuesday - Bay Boat vs. Skiff - Which Is Best For YOU? - How To Decide - EPISODE #575
TOM ROWLAND PODCAST
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Podcast Synopsis
I just returned from the Miami International Boat Show where I saw boats of all kinds. Many people asked me questions while there about which boat might be best for them. The most common question is usually how to choose between a bay boat or a skiff OR between a Bayboat and an offshore boat. Because I am an inshore guy and have guided extensively out of both a skiff and a bay boat, Ill start with the answer to the first question…Which is best for me…A Bayboat or a Skiff?
Before ever answering or offering my opinion on boat subjects, I usually lead by saying that every boat is a compromise. There is not a single boat that can do it all regardless of budget. The more specialized the boats become, the less versatile they become as well.
The Bayboat is definitely one of the most versatile boats available but depending on your area, your budget and your fishing style it mayor may not be the best choice for you. When I start to weigh out two choices in boats or almost anything else, I usually resort to the Yellow Pad test. It is simple, get a yellow legal pad and draw a line down the middle. On one side list all the positives and on the other list all the negatives. For the Skiff mine looks something like this:
Skiff - Positives
Very technical - excellent for Flyfishing. Nothing to catch fly line on
2-3 people max
Quiet - Doesn’t spook fish as much as other boat styles
Usually powered with a push pole but can have t motor
Can fish very shallow water
Low sides - mostly deck which keeps it light and good for shallow water fishing
Jump up on plane in very shallow water
Can be very fast
Skiff - Negatives
Low sides not good for kids
Small live wells also not good for kids - bait = fish and entertainment
No shade
Small area for batteries but with Lithium Pro batteries it may not be an issue any more
More weight quickly decreases shallow water functionality
Can’t take whole family or guests - limited to 3 people max
Storage is minimum
Rough and wet in certain conditions
Need to have a partner who can pole well
Then, I did the same thing for the Bayboat:
Bayboat - Positives
Increased range with larger fuel tanks
Big live wells 150 gallons on my Yellowfin 24
Room for Electronics like radar, stereo, multiple screens, etc…
Much more comfortable ride
Inshore and offshore capable on nice days
More family friendly
Higher sides, larger cockpit to keep kids safe
Shade
Plenty of storage
Carry anything you want and only reduce draft minimally - if the trolling motor blade is covered, I can fish and maneuver
More passengers
Double power poles - stop anywhere in 10 feet or less
Much more versatile boat - much better for family
Opens some nearshore and even offshore opportunities
Can do both flats and offshore in the same day
Can have a tower and stand on top for much better visibility
Fast and comfortable
Bayboat - Negatives
Price - Can be very expensive
Slightly deeper draft making some areas off limits
Need much more water to jump up on plane
Not as good for Flyfishing
Limited in very shallow water
Can be limited in going under low bridges
So now that we have made the lists, how do we decide which is the best boat for each individual?
My good friend Mike Larkin was asking me about this same big decision and I thought it would make a great How 2 Tuesday. Mike is currently deciding between buying a bay boat or a skiff. In this episode, we go through the Yellow Pad test for him, and discuss multiple situations where one would be of benefit over the other. We also go through different sizes of bay boat and weigh the pros and cons of that. One area that Mike doesn’t have much experience is fishing with a trolling motor. He asks some great questions about the capabilities of a trolling motor and how to effectively fish with one. Hopefully I gave him some good answers.
Mike had some great questions and I hope that I helped him to hone in on the right decision for him and his family. If you are wrestling with this decision, check out this podcast and let me know if you have further questions.
Shoot me a text and ask me: 305-930-7346
If you have questions or suggestions for the show you can text Tom at 305-930-7346
This podcast is presented by Black Rifle Coffee
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