Boat Comparison - Whaler vs. Carolina Skiff

[Fin-n-Feathers]

I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with both Boston Whalers and Carolina Skiffs (17 ft). I am very familiar with BW's but have never been on or around a CS. So I would like some feedback from those of you that know both boats.

I need the boat to carry approx. 80-90 blocks, tow or carry a layout boat and act as the main or "pick-up" boat for layout shooting (for those of you who know my story I "lost" my original whaler "pick-up" boat to my nephew/neices who love it for waterskiing in Mich.) So I am in the market for a stable, very safe 17 ft. (or so) boat to layout shoot OPEN WATER. My ideal boat would be a 17 whaler, side console, 50 hp+.

I have done some research and came across Carolina Skiffs and they appear much less expensive than BW. I know both boats pound the **** out of you, but is the CS worse than the BW? I can live with the way the BW performs - if the CS is similar I would seriously consider it based on the fact that they are less expensive and I would be primarily using it for duck hunting only.

I would appreciate any comments.

Dan

[duckmanJR]

Dan, No comparison on quality..Whaler is light years away! I would get some ski-type rig(cheap here in fla) and take it up north and bring that 17 whaler back here!!
The whaler is dryer and pounds less since the front design is different...the CS is a flat garvey style that is a wet,pounder!
If it comes down to it..buy a used whaler instead of a CS..My .02

[northfla_hunter]

i agree with duckman - there is no comparison. think of a carolina skiff as a white jon boat, they are just plain jane fishing boats. they do well in there market, you can get a fishing equipped boat for very cheap. if you want to just have a boat to carry your stuff and basically be a utility boat without spending a lot, it might be what you want, but quality wise, you cant compare. if you have even looked at them you prob wouldnt be asking so i will assume thats the case. not to bash them, they are solid boats, but look in the hatches and compartments or under the console, they are very rough cut and not too finished. whalers are like the cadillac of boats, but you will pay for it. so it all depends on your motives and how much you want to spend.