Maritime skiff-PLEASE help

[hj1111]

I am in the process of buying a 1994 20' maritime skiff to be used on the Chesapeake bay. I need something that can handle a moderate chop on occasion. I've heard good things about the Maritime but also heard it doesn't do too well into a chop (pounds and takes on water from the back).Any info (especially first hand) regarding the boats ability on open water (and general use) would be greatly appreciated. Tight Lines from the Chesapeake!

Is it easily trailerable? not too difficult to crank?

[Ray G]

Herb,

I can only comment on my 1690. It is a great boat, super dry, easy to trailer and launch/load. I still can't believe how well the boat rides. I imagine the 20 is even better, but of course weighs more.

Ray G

[Bob Parsons]

Hull shape plays a big role in the pounding.

If you hull is flat it will pound.

While not a maritime skill. I have a flat bottom and have found that I can travel in most small craft conditions comfortable by finding an optimum speed for the conditions.

Cross winds can be wet since even a small splasn can be blown into the boat or me.

[tomdorazio]

I have a 1999 1890 Maritime Skiff and previously owned a welcraft sportsman 230 23'. The Welcraft can be classified as a blue water boat because of the big deadrise angle at the stern. This also means big horsepower and gas consumption. If you intend to blue water fish this is the kind of boat you need.

My 1890 is a great boat for the purpose intended. Its a big stable fishing platform even with two 200 pounders elbow to elbow on the bow.

I use the boat primarly in protected and shallow waters. Like Pleasent Bay Ma, and Fisher Island Sound. Provided that the waves are even chop at about 12" its OK. However if the waves get larger 18" then you will lose you upper fillings if you intend to go at full throttle. You must also take big boat wakes at very oblique angles. The beauty of the the skiff is low horespower and low gas consumption.

I have not had a problem with waves at the stern, however I don't take chances when I know there is rough water.

You should contact maritimeskiff I'm sure Paul would be be glad to answer any question's you have even if you are buying used. I have heard of problems of hull delamination on one guys skiff which was an early model.

It is important that a bunk trailer be used if you intend to tow the boat. I use a Calkins trailer which was recommened by MS. The boat sits low between the the wheels and I fully lined the bunks with slicks. The boat can be driven up on the trailer to the bow cock so mo cranking is required in shallow water. Its just as easy to launch. The 1890 rig is under 3000lbs so no trailer brakes are requied.

[jbrooks544]

Hi,
I don't have any direct experience with a maritme skiff, but I have always been amazed at how flat the bottoms are and how "hard chined" they are. The combination of these hull features means that this is really a bay boat (small bays) unless you don't mind pounding your brains out and getting soaking wet. If you want to go through 2-3' chop then you need a deep vee boat. Sometimes you can get away with a modified vee, but the maritime skiffs strike me as being flatter than most modifieds. If you are in waves that would come over the stern by the motor, then the waves are too big for this boat at anything but sub planing speeds.