For years, I’ve been content exploring the Cape’s waters from a kayak. It’s quiet, stealthy, and simple—perfect for chasing stripers on summer mornings or slipping into the shallows with a fly rod. But as I’ve gotten deeper into fly fishing, I’ve started dreaming of a bit more range and comfort. I’m in the market for something that lets me explore more of the Cape’s harbors and salt ponds, stand and cast from a stable platform, and maybe bring along a friend or two.
That’s why this 2016 Carolina Skiff 178 DLX caught my eye. It’s exactly the kind of straightforward, affordable skiff that makes an ideal first boat. Powered by a Suzuki DF90 AT Series with less than 100 hours, it’s efficient, quiet, and easy to maintain—perfect for a new boat owner who wants to spend time fishing, not fussing with systems and upkeep.
Why I picked it
I’m not looking for bells and whistles; I’m looking for simplicity and reliability. The DLX is famous for its rugged, no-nonsense design and broad, stable hull. It’s a boat you can launch solo on a weekday morning, fish a few hours before work, and then pull back onto the trailer without breaking a sweat.
The flat bow deck offers the perfect platform for fly casting, and with a Simrad 7 Series GPS and Side-Scan Imaging, I can explore with confidence. Add a VHF radio, a dual-battery system with Perko-style switch, and a clean Load Rite 2800 Series aluminum trailer with a spare tire, and this rig checks every box for a beginner’s skiff.
What makes it a “Staff Pick”
The Carolina Skiff 178 DLX isn’t flashy—but that’s exactly what makes it great. It’s a blank canvas for adventure: easy to launch, shallow-drafted for exploring hidden corners of the Cape, and rock-solid whether I’m poling over sand flats, fly fishing a salt pond, or pulling up on a sandbar to dig some quahogs. And at $17,400, it’s an approachable entry point into boating without sacrificing capability.
Who it’s perfect for
- A kayak angler ready to take the next step into boating
- Someone who values low-maintenance simplicity over luxury finishes
- An adventurous angler who likes to fish solo or with one friend
- Anyone who loves exploring bays, creeks, and flats but wants the freedom to roam farther
Quick Specs
- Make / Model: 2016 Carolina Skiff 178 DLX
- Engine: Suzuki DF90 AT Series (< 100 hours)
- Electronics: Simrad 7 Series GPS with Side-Scan Imaging; VHF Radio
- Power: Dual-Battery System w/ Perko-style Switch
- Trailer: Load Rite 2800 Series Aluminum Trailer with Spare Tire
- Price: $17,400
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