5 Carolina Skiff Boats for Under $100,000

Carolina Skiff, located in Waycross, GA, is a privately-owned company that was started in 1990 and today makes 27 models that range from 16’ to 26’. Because of their size range and absence of costly amenities, Caroline Skiffs are some of the lowest-priced boats on the market. They are relatively simple in construction; there are a limited number of things that can go wrong, and the result being that they are among the lowest cost boats to maintain.

Essentially, most of Carlonia Skiffs are generally made with two to three major moldings – a hull, a deck, and a center console molding in those types of boats. Some of the larger boats may have other moldings which are affixed to the deck. The laminates used are 100% composite, and hulls have a grid stringer system. In accordance with USCG requirements, all boats 20’ and under float level if swamped. All Carolina Skiffs are said to be ABYC compliant.

Skiffs are for Protected-Water Use

Skiffs, by their very nature, are flat-bottomed boats, or nearly so. They are designed for skinny water, which means their draft is minimal. They also generally have low freeboard and low cockpit depth. Because of their flat-bottom design they have excellent stability. These boats are generally intended to be used in small lakes, rivers and other protected-water locations, where higher freeboard, or a more V-shaped bottom is not required.

Their flat bottoms make them relatively easy to get on plane, which means they often can be powered with smaller engines than might be necessary on deep-V bottom boats intended for offshore work.

Skiffs are ideal for light tackle fishing in shallow water, net casting, and gentle cruising in protected water. Generally, skiffs have a wide scooped bow which pushes water rather than cut through it, which provides both room for a wide casting deck and stability forward. The larger, "Ultra Elite” models have a sharper forefoot at the stem and can be used in a light chop at speed without excessive pounding.

Remarkable Warranty

Carolina Skiff offers “5 years of Bow to Stern protection for the original pleasure boat owner,” which is something we only find in a couple of high-end boat builders. The company’s warranty statement says: “Labor & Parts: Full coverage (parts & labor) for five years from date of original warranty registration for every part and component built or installed by Carolina Skiff, LLC.

“Carolina Skiff, LLC provides a 10-Year Limited Hull Warranty that protects the original pleasure boat owner from structural defects in fiberglass materials or workmanship.

“Transferability: This warranty may be transferred to one subsequent owner within the 10-year period, pending a re-certification inspection and applicable fees.

Limitations and Exclusions: “This Warranty specifically excludes but is not limited to engines, outdrives, electronics, batteries, and the following items specifically covered by their manufacturer’s warranty terms: gauges, steering components, cabinetry, grills and appliances.”

“This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage, wear and tear, or damage due to misuse or neglect, or commercial/government use unless otherwise noted

Over the last 35 years, thousands of Carolina Skiffs have been built, and many of them are the workboat brand of choice by boatyards and marinas up and down the eastern seaboard. Boatyards don’t seem mind their warrantee exclusions simply because the boats hang together so well.

Suzuki 7-Year Warranty

Suzuki is currently running a promotion whereby they offer a 7-year limited factory warranty on all of their engines from 150-hp to 350-hp until March 31, 2026.

Boats for Under $100,000

While at the Miami International Boat Show in February, we noted the following five boats were on sales for under $100,000--