I own an H Skiff and honestly every point you touched on is pretty accurate. I don’t think it’s for everyone and that is why you should definitely try it before buying. Needless to say, I DO NOT regret my purchase. Size is exceptional. Hull is very Stable. My engine can go all the way up so I truly have been in water less than 6”. All in all, I would say it’s not for everyone but believe me this is the top choice (in my opinion) compared to other vessels in its class. I’ve tried SOLO, Mako, and Mavericks skiffs and none caught my attention.

@travisrichards69

3 жыл бұрын

Oregonian here wondering what the hull height is or freeboard minus the draft. I found a website that told 3" on draft not aure

Well said and I'm looking forward to see what you get in the future. Love your videos.

That was a great evaluation. Thank you for sharing.

Awesome honest opinion and not to forget the show. Thanks for sharing

Good vid Nick. Really helpful.

I’m in agreement with you Nick, I’m sticking to my kayak. Great comparison.

I feel the Mark’s kayak videos beat the skiff ones. Or maybe is just winter.

@moblack5883

3 жыл бұрын

He catches way more fish on the yak

@Marks.wildlifephotography

3 жыл бұрын

Yep ive been saying the same thing since he got that thing

@chrisnavarro9531

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, but I have to wait and see how he will do during the spring and summer months with the Skiff...

@KayakMarshFishing

3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisnavarro9531 I do not doubt that he’ll do great when the bite turns on, he is a great fisherman . But if I have to choose between videos so far I had much more fun enjoying the kayak ones.

@moblack5883

3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisnavarro9531 the problems that the skiff have won’t go away even with the bites on.

Great eval! I actually decided to build my own skiff after Mark announced he was buying the H-Skiff this past summer. I looked at the H-Skiff and others like the Skimmer Skiff and based my design on those and blended design elements of those boats with the stitch and glue offerings I found on Boat Builder Central and Salt Boat Works. One significant change I made was to make the bottom width and beam width wider than what's found on most skiffs. I'm almost finished framing it out and I'm about to start putting the skin on, hopefully in about three to four weeks.

I was the same way for months when I got my skiff. Then I told myself I bought this skiff to be in inches of water. I’m not going to hit oysters at 30mph but if the fish are there and I rub bottom at trolling speed then no biggie. No one sees the bottom of your skiff and I had to tell keep telling myself if I was afraid to scratch the bottom why the hell did I get a shallow running skiff. Plus the boat dealer made fun of me when serviced and asked if I’ve even had it off the trailer yet. I’m still careful but I’ll be damned if I’m letting scratches on bottom deter me from using it for what I bought it for. Honeymoon phase is over and it goes where my kayak goes if the fish are there.

Thanks for being honest ! Love your kayak videos !!!

First of all, I like both yours, and Mark's videos. Been subscribed to both for over a year now. Seems you got over the Bote Rover pretty quickly and got back into a kayak, and I feel that the most enjoyable of Mark's videos are when he's in a kayak. Just my opinion. I'm just graduating from a paddle to a pedal. Just picked up my Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL today, and maybe we will cross paths out on the water.

tks RX it was very informative, tks again and tight lines.

Got on the list to get my Salt Marsh Heron 16 yesterday. Gonna take a long time to get, but am looking forward to it!!!!

Great review Nick, I havent had a chance to fish off the H: Skiff yet but it's a cool looking little rig!

Great honest evaluation.

My envy of Mark's skiff (lol) has waned each time I've watched another video of him fishing from it. This video has put any idea of buying one to bed. If I want a two man fishing skiff, I'm going to buy one that has enough room for two men and can handle at least some "choppy" water. I doubt this will happen since I have my Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL now. I'm going to have to give this kayak, which I'm liking more and more, a fair chance. No, I can't run five miles to the "hot spot", but I'm hoping I can park and put in closer to the action than that! Keep up the great vids Nick - and your drone footage is just awesome!

i have a 15ft vhull jon boat rigged like a skiff. i can draft 8 inches easily with two people and fully loaded gear. plenty of casting room, smooth ride, riding 25+ mph with a 20hp. I would recommend a jon boat to anyone who wants to rig it properly, they look sick when properly outfitted. Also did i mention i don’t have to worry about oysters whatsoever. Just my opinion

bring out some fishing videos. I'm checking everyday for them. keep them coming nick learning lil at a time here

I actually had this on the short list for me and the wifey...😳 thank you so much

@Thefishingplumber

3 жыл бұрын

14

Appreciate your vids! How would you compare the fishability and ride with the solo skiff?

Thanks for the honest review

Rx, thank you for the honest view. I bought the rover after watching your video about it. Then sold it now i have a jetski 💪

@Thefishingplumber

3 жыл бұрын

Fishing jetsky?

@jomjohny

3 жыл бұрын

@@Thefishingplumber yes...

@jameshyatt1465

2 жыл бұрын

@@jomjohny You able to take that ski offshore? I’ve been seriously toying with the idea of a fish pro to take 3-5 miles on calmer days

@jomjohny

2 жыл бұрын

@@jameshyatt1465 did couple of times. Best decision I made by buying a ski

Good Vid Man!! Thanks.

Thanks for your video. I went with a savanna 14' (Ankona).

Well said!! I feel he regrets the purchase. Hard for someone to admit a mistake that expensive though.

good honest info..thanks

Great video. I'm still sticking with my Autopilot 136. Only complaint I have is that it is heavy but still love my kayak. Lol.

@michaeljenkins5557

3 жыл бұрын

Same here! It's heavy but it does all the work on the water.

Yea, I agree with a lot of the comments. I lost interest in Mark’s videos once the skiff came along. I just can’t relate. Mark was a huge influence on my decision on buying and to start kayak fishing. I think he needs to get back on his Hobie and get back to his roots. Great video Nick.

You and Mark are good people. Miss you guys at a.c k.....

What polo shirt you wearing ? Great video very informative Thank you

I have an older model H Skiff. I've enjoyed it but its really only meant for 1 person. I wish it was just a bit wider and a little deeper because once I get into a little bit of swell the water tends to come over the sides in the back.

Petrel boats has a similar boat but 15 feet and you can have a 25HP. You also can customize it the way you wanted

I have an Oldtown autopilot 120. What would be a step up from this to get a skiff? I had a Solo skiff and I hated it, it was soo unstable. Any recomendation?

I guess everything is a compromise. I paddle kayak so I’m limited to about 2.5 miles each way if the wind is not too much. If you were by yourself I would think a Solo Skiff with a 3.5 hp outboard would be good. Get there pretty fast and could still paddle or push paddle while standing. No problem with oysters. Still light enough to manhandle without a trailer. I still like Mark’s videos since he generally goes to spots you can get to in a kayak. He is very conscientious about writing detailed fishing reports for Patrons.

I haven’t been watching his fishing stuff lately on the H skiff. I related a lot more to the kayak fishing episodes because most people can afford a pedal kayak and even the trolling motor kayak (Although that’s right in the edge of being affordable) I don’t watch a lot of content I can’t relate with and idk a lot of people that are able to spend $14k on a fishing rig.

I may have missed a video but what happened to your Bote Rover and what did you think of it???

Great honest opinion. I think for what you get, the skiff is way overpriced. Keep up the great work!

Maybe that’s why a lot of boats have the elevated poling platform way up so it also allows the motor to be raised.

@charlessmith4242

3 жыл бұрын

Need a tunnel hull, that allows you to raise the motor.

The biggest problem that I see is the inability to pull the motor out of the water because of the poling platform. That keeps the boat from getting as skinny as it could if the motor was up. However, I just watched a video from a dealer in Florida and see that the platform must be an option because none of the 3 boats in it had a poling platform. Still expensive, though.

How much would a 12-14’ used alum. boat, mtr. and trailer in your area cost??

Dang my Salt Marsh Savana Drafts shallower with 2. $7500 with 9.9 hp motor and trailer. Now I’m looking at a trolling motor so that will up the cost. Now the 9.9 is heavy on the back at 94lbs. A 9.8 or carburetor 9.9 at 84lbs would help and if you don’t mind topping out at 12 mph a 6hp at 54 lbs would be the best option. Waiting to try my new 8 pitch prop to see how much top end I lose to gain more low and mid thrust.

Yes sir 👍🏾, I’m with you on this one I don’t think it is a good deal, nice but not for me!

At $14,000 ill just go buy a good John boat and save about $11,000 and smile

Good info the price was kinda high though but that’s how fishing gear goes I guess

It seems like since MDLR bought the skiff, his hook up rate has dropped significantly. The skiff is nice but needs some modifications. I do agree that it is not 2 person friendly. But if you are looking for just yourself it’s not bad. Needs to be a little wider and definitely needs a new design with tunnel hull. But regardless, I enjoy both of guys being brutally honest about the pros and cons with this platform. Keep up the good commentary. Tight lines!!🤙🏾

I feel like this style at 17'L and 60"Bottom would be pretty good. I like the minimal design without tons of clutter everywhere but at this size is probably too small unless going alone.

@renedelgado1572

2 жыл бұрын

There are tons of skiff very close to those specs. East Cape Glide, HB Gladesmen are some that come to mind.

I really was curious interesting

So what type of rig are you looking for?

I found you guys channels looking for Old Town kayaks fishing vids. I own a 106MK myself and don`t get me wrong, I have learned a lot about inshore fishing with you guys but ever since Mark stopped using the AP i don`t enjoy the vids as much

What does it mean to get on plane?

What did you end up doing with your Bote Rover?

I myself would not buy the skiff simply because of 2 reasons. The price is expensive, second it is motorized. In KY, anything motorized you have to pay property tax on, you have to register with the Fish and Game, and you have to pay a launch fee at the marina. It is a nice craft. Not knocking Mark, I watch his channel. Just not for me, I watch kayak channels, I keep telling myself this is close to kayak fishing. Still on the fence though. Appreciate the honesty. Great video!.

Dude I been feeling the same way. I love watching Marks channel when he is on the kayak because that’s the platform I’m interested in. When he started using the Hskiff I lost interest in those videos. And Nick have you upgraded those sissy plastic sights on the Glock yet? 😂

@hookedonbarbecue

3 жыл бұрын

Dude same, recently I have not been interested in Mark’s content. I mean he still is one of my favorites, but I like his kayak stuff way better.

I’m saving up for the kaku Zulu Kayak.

Prodrive, Gatortail, Excel/Mudbuddy… All shallow water mudboats that will draft less water than that, hold a ton more weight and eat those oyster beds for lunch…

Honestly it seems like for the size you get I’d rather have a mini jet boat or a solid ocean dinghy depending on if I fish rivers and creeks or the ocean more.

You should check out ambush skiffs

I think that if you are looking for a micro skiff you are not worried about person capacity so to me that isn’t a con. You don’t buy a microskiff for 4 people.

I love the way the Boat Looks but a 14' flat would do a better job at where you are fishing!

$14k sounded like a lot, but I am looking at 15ft RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boats) and they range from $25k-$35k, so $14k for something that size is about right. Those engines can drive up the price.

I like the reciprocal help, from Indonesia ❤

🤔🤔🤔... but who catches more..... subscribers?!?!?! 😂🤣😂🤣 Great video!

Are you going to get a boat soon?

Interesting, you pointed out all the obvious issues one should consider "WAAAAAY" before you even buy it.

Just bought 3 of them

aluminum alweld marsh series, hands down the best boat for the price to get skinny

Oh, and Nick, tell your wife to keep posting her videos on Simple Dish.

Not sure dogging on someone else’s investment after he is good enough to take you along is good form. I am not disagreeing with your assessment but it just came off wrong.

I don't think the optimum vessel is out there yet... seems we are looking for shallow running but can handle the swells and rough water, looking for small water footprint but roomy for a group, a hull strong enough to take an oyster hit but still lightweight, something that will shorten the trip and lengthen the fishing....as a pedal kayak owner I have learned to pick an area to fish that is close enough for a reasonable pedal, in reasonable amount of time (not always easy)....and now I have motor boat envy (sure would like to cover more water with less effort/time)...will we ever find that perfect vessel ?.....we get what work$ and if it doesn't quite completely fit the bill, well, we try again or adapt or just live with it.....nothing in life or fishing is "perfect"..... Y E T .......

@txtoyota4

3 жыл бұрын

jon boat is an excellent choice, affordable, in destructible, and runs skinny

I feel the same way. I feel that that's two much platform on it bust sadly not capability to perform with and extra friend. I feel the pilot 120 is a better go to for where you at. very expensive. I rather get me a boat flat bottom and ability to fish skinny waters

How many guys do you like fishing with on a micro skiff? 2 people on something slightly bigger than a kayak is plenty

I know where y’all put in at lol I go over there sometimes

You got to check out Alex jet engine kayak

I want to see it in huge waves to see if it swamps.

Look my opinion is this, mark is a big time KAYAK guy for a LONG time I’ve been following him since idek dude almost when he barely started. I think mark needs to get used to fishing off a boat/skiff. It’s different. And on top of it being winter, this cold did affect the fishing a bit and he isn’t completely used to it yet. I bet you eventually he will get the hang of it and kill it on the skiff as well. He just needs to try different spots. All the spots he knew before he went on the yak.

Me having a 21 shoalwater cat and being able to run just as shallow as a 13 foot skiff 😅

Don't be a hater just because his skiff can go faster than yours. LOL. The deal is he can't raise the motor or tilt it up because of the poling platform on the back. I would try to remove it, then he could probably float in about 4". Maybe replace it with a small seat, bucket or ice chest. You have some legitimate cons but we always learn from our mistakes. Any small boat is going to be a compromise, especially when fishing two people. Not trying to be Debbie Downer and I still like your blog. Keep up the work. I have a cheap Raso P14 and I think something like that or a Skimmer Skiff would serve any of you guys well. Still small and light but more room to move around in. An aluminum hull can also alleviate some oyster reef fears so don't rule out a small less expensive aluminum rig that can be tricked out. Its all about increasing your range.

Seems more like open water boat Drift fishing, chasing birds and hitting reefs and structure. Marsh fishing not so much unless solo.

Disagree with a big portion of this. So draft in 1 foot for the width of the boat is pretty good . My boat drafts 6-8 inches but I'm wayyyy wider. To jump up in a foot of water is pretty decent. Gotta remember that outboard is so small it doent put out very much torque . I think it's a very unfair pole seeing you fish from a kayak. I know for a fact with your autopilot in the water you will only draft a foot aswell.

you need a 15' flat bottom skiff.

I mean 13k is really expensive, but if you look at some other BOATS, the SCB S22 is 90k.

@txtoyota4

3 жыл бұрын

scb is a lot different than a micro

@txtoyota4

3 жыл бұрын

but you certainly have a point. I would even go enough to say that i’d compare it to a 16ft fully loaded southdade skiff for only 15k is way better for the money than the h-skiff

@hookedonbarbecue

3 жыл бұрын

@@txtoyota4 obviously, but Compared to an Scb, that is not that bad.

You forgot 1 other well not a skiff but a scooter. Mowdy s10 ! 11 ft . Wider not built like the h13 but it will draft 4" with 1 person. They run in literally spit as they they . An fish if your doing super shallow wade spots not great for crossing big water though

Not really sure that you have enough skiff experience to give a review. Mark is going to need some time on it before he can get the most out of it, I like your KAYAK videos! Started watching you after Mark plugged you on his channel, not sure why you felt the need to do this video?

Fiberglass is tough. You don't want to hit things if you want your boat to stay pretty. Your poly will grow weak over time by the sun alone. Fiberglass won't. I've never heard of anyone that's been around claim fiberglass as weak. I've rolled over rocks, oyster beds, you name it. Is my boat scuff and scratch to hell sure but I use my boat it's not a driveway monument. I can touch it up when it gets bad enough and every other year I do.

Why the hell he didn’t drive the boat on the trailer when loading lmao 😂😂😂🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

Is this TAKU bro! lol.

Way too expensive. It's very nice looking. ut man the jump from a rigged Solo skiff to that is massive. I picked up a 15' Waley Boat, trailer, 30HP Suzuki with all the rigging for less than the H Skiff...

If you did not have the trolling motor and battery it would not be an issue. You guys had the skiff maxed out. When comparing to Florida boats, those are flats boats and not micro skiffs. I actually own a Skimmer so no vested interest in HSkiff. To bring up oysters and fiberglass? Really? That is not an issue with only this skiff but anything fiberglass. Price for my 14’ Skimmer was 21k without a center console.

why do you guys just not buy a marric or any of the other flats boat if you wan to fish two ppl in skinny water ?

Seems a bit heavy given the size. My Boston Whaler 13 (1968) hull is only 25 lbs heavier. It will outperform that skiff. I paid $1900 during the pandemic for it.

Basically a 13 foot kayak with a gas motor lol

@txtoyota4

3 жыл бұрын

yeah and extremely expensive

LAWL @ 14k

A jon boat or gheenoe is better

Bigger question is if these two guys are still friends after the review.....

@moblack5883

3 жыл бұрын

Great question.

No, the H-Skiff was never designed to carry more than one.. Like a bicycle, it can carry two, but ... It does really shine when you need to transit multiple miles to fish very skinny water SOLO.

@tidaltales

2 жыл бұрын

It's a two person boat.

Yeah too expensive for me and some kayaks are just as big and stable.but if you can afford it why not.

What besides glass are boats made out of. Wood and aluminum. That's it

14k is a steal

Gheenoe is the answer

For $14,000 you might as well spend $5,000 more and get a full size boat, or pay 1/4 that price get a jon boat and get it very well loaded. Honestly, I see it as a waste of money