July 24, 2012
By Sam Hudson
June 2011 WebXtra
Dubbed as a three-way crossover between deck, bay and offshore boat, the Carolina Skiff Ultra Elite SS features 3-piece wraparound seating at the bow, a step-down walk-in console with portable toilet, and capacity for 16 rod holders.
A bow deck table slips in and out of place when needed. The modified v-hull—taking characteristics from Carolina Skiff and Sea Chaser designs—maneuvers the rig through heavy chop. Making up the console includes a full instrumentation panel for electronics, available offshore T-top, and leaning post with 100-quart cooler. At the transom, there's a hideaway sink, 20-gallon insulated baitwell, dual 1,250-gallon bilge pumps and a rear fold-down bench. The Carolina Skiff Ultra Elite SS was featured in the June 2011 issue of Florida Sportsman magazine.
Carolina Skiff Boats
3231 Fulford Rd
Waycross, GA 31503
www.carolinaskiff.com
(800) 422-7282
ULTRA ELITE 23 SS SPECIFICATIONS:
Length Overall: 22' 11”
Beam: 8' 4”
Fuel capacity: 85 gallons
Dry weight: 2,800 pounds
Draft: 9 to 12”
Maximum horsepower: 250 hp
Motoring up to the docks, it's obvious Carolina Skiff maximized space all over the boat. Gunwale width is practical throughout the boat, plus enough foot space at the bow.
Upfront, the wraparound bow seating cushions and deck table are removed to provide space for fishing. Let's dig into some of those hatches.
Anchor locker features marine board lid and latch. Close the hatch and there's enough bow space to lay-out at the sandbar.
Hatch opened on the insulated dry box with LED light. Notice the wrap-around backrest that takes up the bow.
Plus, some creature comforts. Optional features include AM/FM Satellite radio with USB, iPod compatibility and accompanying sound system.
For rough seas, grab hold of the low-profile bow rail that encircles the seating area.
Pictured is one of two 1-foot-tall combing pads that make up the gunnels on each side of the center console. Below, eight rod holders for plenty of storage. Notice the fiberglass under gunnels flush to the floor.
Proprietary vee-hull incorporates Carolina Skiff and Sea Chaser designs to maintain a shallow draft and cut through chop.
A clean 70-quart padded console cooler and seat is an optional feature.
Step-down walk-in console with portable toilet is standard. For kids or spouses, convert it into an electronic flushable head with 9-gallon holding tank.
Console features hydraulic steering, tilt helm, 13-inch wheel, and motor-matching gauge package on the large dash area.
T-top options available are a hard top, Bimini or offshore canvas T-top (pictured)
A full-size leaning post folds down forward to access the drink, rod and lure holders.
A view of the entire boat. Below the leaning post is a 100-quart cooler held in place with a cargo net. Plus, notice the LED light and rod holders atop the T-top.
Lots going on at shot of the transom which we'll cover in the next couple of photos. At the rear is where the 85-gallon fuel tank is located, plus access to the bilge pumps. This boat was rigged with a Suzuki 200 hp, though the boat can handle a 250.
The rear bench seat folds down for more seating for passengers. At left, hatch to the transom tackle-tray storage is open.
Side step and seat doubles as the storage compartment to hold batteries. At top, hatch opens to the bilge pumps.
Center, starboard is the transom sink with a hideaway faucet.
Center, port is an insulated 20-gallon baitwell with LED light. Well features a 750-gallon aerator.
The 200-hp Suzuki is plenty strong to move this 2,800-pound vessel. This boat is comfortable at the lake, inshore or offshore.
