Carolina Skiff DLV 258

Carolina Skiff's new DLV 258 is a 24-foot bay boat built for both the flats and nearshore offshore. According to Carolina Skiff, all DLV-model hull designs incorporate a modified, proprietary v-hull to make fishing and navigation in shallows and deeper waters practical. Carolina Skiffs are built around Coast Guard-approved foam flotation, and construction is 100-percent composite.

The DLV 258—without power and at bare bones—starts at $16,600. Highlighted standard features include a flip-flop center-console cooler seat, front and rear decks (with 5 hatches built in), hull weight of 2,023 pounds, 1,100-gallon bilge pump, and a general feel of simplicity. But the DLV 258's optional features truly enhance its fishability. A standard 18-gallon fuel tank can be optioned out, and beefed up to as much as 78 gallons for long trips. Optional twin 90-horsepower Suzukis on this bay boat add a level of security to anglers heading offshore. Deluxe leaning post, t-top, quick-disconnect windshield, and an abundance of rod holders are some of the other available options.

Specifications

Length: 24'10”

Beam: 8 feet

Dry weight: 2,023 lbs. (without power)

Transom deadrise: 10 degrees

Draft: 6 to 8 inches

Max horsepower: 200 hp

Fuel capacity: base 18 gallons; up to 78 gallons

Passengers: 18 people or 4,000 lbs.

Transom height: 20 to 25 inches

Bow light and lip rail are the only protrusions on an otherwise flush bow deck. Two 8-inch steel cleats make tying off the bow a cinch. Front deck is an ideal fly-caster's platform.

 

Mirroring 13-by-24 hatches provide plenty of storage space upfront. A closer look at the capacities plate reveals room for 18 people (or 4,000 pounds)!

 

An up-close look at a front hatch—drain surrounding hatch functions to catch water from entering storage. As hat shows, Carolina Skiff also builds Sea Chaser boats.

 

Port (pictured) and starboard bow steps come in handy when a hard-running fish forces the angler to the front of the boat.

 

Console cushion seat easily fits two passengers.

 

Optional t-top pictured with four shotgun rod holders. T-top electronics box, docking lights for t-top, and storage bag are other options for t-top.

 

Easy-access fuel tank sits below center console. Available fuel tank sizes include 18, 27, 42 or 78 gallons.

 

Basic console pictured without electronics. Bevy of gauges, at left; throttle for twin 90-hp Suzukis, at right; middle, stainless-steel steering wheel comes standard.

 

It's easy to reach throttles and switches at this console. Kill switch is the cornerstone, bottom left.

 

Optional molded, fiberglass leaning post includes a 32-gallon, half-moon, lighted livewell; wrapping grabrail; four rod holders; two, 8-by-12 tackle trays (on the sides of leaning post); two cup holders; and upholstered driver's seat with backrest.

 

Leaning post livewell stays open and closed with the help of a strap; secured livewell makes running in rough seas bearable for baitfish and passengers.

 

Inside look at the leaning-post livewell—overflow forced overboard by a 1,100 gallon bilge pump.

 

Portside leaning-post storage has room for full-size tackle trays.

 

Detail of twist-and-turn latches on tackle storage compartments.

 

A flush stern deck has three built-in compartments, each with 11-by-19 hatch covers.

 

Middle compartment has available livewell option, (pictured). Rear storage compartments all have drainage capability.

 

Up-close look at the bow and stern hatch-cover latches.

 

This boat is rigged with twin 90-hp Suzukis. Max horsepower is 200. Single- and twin- engine power options are available.

 

The Carolina Skiff DLV 258 goes for a test run outside the Sea Isle Marina in Miami, where the Miami International Boat Show is held.

July 2009 WebXtra Coverage