Carolina Skiffs are a recognized brand in the boating community, and very popular with recreational boaters.
But why are Carolina skiffs so expensive? Are they a good investment?
And how about buying used vs new?
In this article, we’ll dive into this topic, and I’ll share my perspective.
Table of Contents
- Why Are Carolina Skiffs So Expensive?
- Do Carolina Skiffs Hold Their Value?
- Why Are Boats So Expensive?
- Related Posts
Why Are Carolina Skiffs So Expensive?
Carolina Skiffs are expensive mainly due to their popularity. These versatile boats are ideal for backwater and lake fishing trips, they are sturdy and well made, and Carolina Skiff has a well-established reputation.
Carolina Skiffs are popular small boats. They are versatile, relatively light, and small in size, and they are ideally suited for fishing in backwaters and lakes.
Although popularity is a significant contributor to the price of Carolina Skiffs, below, we’ll investigate some additional reasons for Carolina Skiffs’ expensive price tag.
The Carolina Skiff Model Determines Its Price
The price of a Carolina Skiff depends on the model in question.
The table below examines the Carolina Skiff models and their prices (according to Atlantic Boat Inc., Boat Trader, Boater’s World, and other retailers).
| Skiff Model | Price ($USD) |
|---|---|
| 162 JLS | $18,972-$33,470 |
| 178 JLS | $20,184-$38,990 |
| 192 JLS | $22,118-$37,995 |
| 17 LS | $25,739-$43,810 |
| 19 LS | $27,079-$48,900 |
| 21 LS | $28,863-$58,995 |
| 23 LS | $32,676-$59,993 |
| 25 LS | $36,467-$61,900 |
| 19 SWS | $26,054-$36,900 |
| 21 SWS | $28,443 |
| 19 ULTRA ELITE | $26,500-$47,995 |
| 21 ULTRA ELITE | $43,900-$53,500 |
| 23 ULTRA ELITE | $31,000-$85,895 |
| 24 ULTRA ELITE | $64,995-$75,000 |
| 26 ULTRA ELITE | $88,000-$93,900 |
Smaller models with less technology and “extras” tend to be cheaper than the larger, more fancy models.
This price discrepancy makes sense, as larger boats require more materials in their construction, while “fancier” boats take more effort for the manufacturer to make.
A Carolina Skiff’s Popularity Influences Its Price
Although most Carolina Skiff models are under 20 feet and relatively light, these little modified V-hull boats tend to be quite popular, resulting in a greater demand for these vessels.
Part of that reason is that vessels in the 16-20 foot range are ideal for entry-level or first-time boat owners.
With high demand, retailers push up their prices, resulting in smaller vessels costing the same as larger boats (of other brands).
Related to the boat’s popularity is its availability. Popular boats tend to sell quickly, creating a supply shortfall. If there is not enough supply to meet the demand, then the prices of Carolina Skiff’s increase.
The area you’re located also a factor. When there are many boats around, prices are generally lower. However, if you live further away from water bodies, the price usually increases.
The majority of Carolina Skiff dealers are within 2 hours of the coastal united states.
Aside from the boats themselves, the brand “Carolina Skiff’s” popularity results in their steep price.
Many recognize Carolina Skiffs for their stable and durable design, versatility, fuel efficiency, self-bailing capabilities, and overall quality in design and performance. Part of this “legacy” is producing boats to the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s standards.
With this popularity, retailers know that people are willing to pay for a familiar brand.
The Materials Used Influence A Carolina Skiff’s Price
Another hugely important factor in the price of Carolina skiffs is the materials that go into them.
Carolina Skiffs are manufactured from:
- 100% composite materials in a box-beam construction to create their stable and durable hulls. Composite materials are created when manufacturers mix two or more different materials. These materials usually have a good strength-to-weight ratio and other unique properties.
- Carolina Skiffs contain foam flotation. This flotation allows Carolina Skiffs to surpass the minimum floatation standards.
- Molded fiberglass. The deck, center console, and other components of Carolina Skiffs are generally constructed from fiberglass and not wood, increasing its price.
- Carolina Skiffs contain a great deal of stainless steel to ensure the longevity of cleats and eyes. Stainless steel is quite expensive, further pushing up the overall price.
The most significant benefit of these materials is that they are incredibly malleable during production and mold to almost any design. Carolina Skiff specifically uses an integrated fiberglass stringer system for stability.
Aside from the materials used, the manufacturing process is costly.
Many smaller boats have the same features as larger boats but are condensed into smaller spaces.
Due to proper balancing and extras (like trolling motors, storage compartments, poling platforms, etc.), these smaller boats require as much engineering and manufacturing as their larger cousins.
Do Carolina Skiffs Hold Their Value?
Carolina Skiffs are popular boats, and therefore their resale value is relatively high.
Due to its composite material construction, a well-looked after Carolina Skiff lasts long.
Many older models (like my personal JV17), are no longer manufactured, still sell for a “pretty penny.”
A quick internet search of the older JV or DLV models shows that these boats are still in high demand…and that has only increased since the pandemic and supply chain issues of 2021 and 2022.
The benefit of the 100% composite material used in hull construction is that Carolina Skiff gives a 10-year warranty on their hulls, provided someone hasn’t damaged them through incorrect usage.
Is It Better To Buy New Or Used Carolina Skiff?
Whether you buy new or used depends entirely on your budget.
Although some second-hand Carolina Skiffs are outrageously priced, the reality is, if you’re patient, you’re bound to pick up a sweet deal.
Consequently, Carolina Skiffs are still some of the more affordable small boats. Making them very competitive in the used-vessel market.
The table below explores some of the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing new or second-hand.
| New Or Used | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| New Carolina Skiff | All warranties are intact. Purchasing from a reputable dealer means you get a problem-free boat. You can customize it as desired. | You pay more for new and even more for customization. You may also have to wait, or search far to find your desired model. |
| Used Carolina Skiff | A well-looked after used boat functions just as well as a new boat. They are generally cheaper. | You lose out on some of the warranties and may inherit problems from previous owners |
When purchasing a used Carolina Skiff hull, keep your eyes open for:
- Extras mounted to the deck. If the owner drilled into the deck to mount something, the hull’s integrity might be compromised.
- Holes and other body damage (either fixed or not fixed). Look for areas that might have silicone or are painted over.
- Broken brackets, mounts, and hinges (check lights, fish finders, etc.).
- Rust damage, corrosion, and other signs of abuse.
Why Are Boats So Expensive?
Carolina Skiffs are not alone in their hefty price tag. Most quality boat models will cost a fair amount of money for several reasons, including:
- The most significant factor is that boats are built relatively slowly from start to finish, with a great deal of care and inspection to ensure they are safe and seaworthy. This time factor increases the cost of making boats.
- Many boats are hand-built, which means a lot of time and effort goes into making them.
- Many boats are luxury items, which means their manufacturing is a niche endeavor. Boats are not mass-produced (like cars), so a large production line does not offset the cost of manufacturing them.
- Boats require strong, stable construction, which takes time and resources.
Why Have Boat Prices Risen So Much?
Unfortunately, supply and demand play a tremendous role in dictating prices. As more people purchase boats, the more the price increases.
Skiff-sized boats, in particular, have seen an increase in popularity over the last few decades as more individuals realize that they don’t need massive boats to have a good day fishing and that inshore fishing provides the same amount of fun as offshore.
Supply and demand include the materials required to make a boat. As manufacturers construct more boats, the demand for boating materials increases, pushing up the prices.
The pandemic and resulting worldwide logistical issues really messed up the supply chain on basic boat building materials like fiberglass, foam, and stainless steel. This factor, along with an increase in recreational boating has driven prices to new sky-high records, outpacing the available inventory on the market.
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