14' vs 16' for Crabbing & Prawning Gulf Islands

[Yyjdennis]

I'm looking at buying a centre console skiff for crabbing & prawning in the Gulf Islands, and maybe occasionally trolling for Salmon around Victoria. I'd like to be able to do day trips as far as say Tent Island (about 20 miles) in sheltered water year round.

Right now I'm looking at Lifetimer and Silver Streak. My main question is whether the 14' boat is up to the task, or will I really wish that I had spent 50% more money and gone for the 16 footer. Any thoughts?

 

[Pineapple Express]

Depends on how much gear and how many people you're going with. The 16ft will give quite a bit more room, especially if it's beamier too.

If you got the 16fter I doubt you'd end up saying "this feels too big"

 

[Yyjdennis]

I think it’s mostly just going to be me, and occasionally one other person. I am planning on having four prawn traps and two crab traps. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I wonder how stable a14 footer would feel when using a trap hauler to pull up a string of two 30 lb prawn traps.

 

[Max123]

I would go with the 16ft Lifetimer. I realize its much more expensive, but if you feel like your aspirations may grow - get the 16. The 14 is a very capable near-shore boat and can handle rough weather - but there may be some 'pucker' if the weather goes sideways, that's where the 16 will shine with the higher sides and deeper V-hull.

20miles out and back (40 mile rounder) is a long-ish trip. I did about the same when I had my 14fter. Even though you will only use about 5-6 gallons for that kind of distance, I swapped my external tank for a 12gallon just to always have a big reserve and so I didn't have to fill it right to the top.

 

[kaelc]

16 feet all day long. My buddy has a 14-foot Lifetimer, and it fits in his garage and he enjoys fishing solo or with a buddy in it. When it blows up near the Tulista launch you will want the extra beam and space of a 16 footer.

 

[SpringVelocity]

16ft or 18ft if you can do it. Even on inside it can get nasty around Tent sometimes. Winter months can get interesting.

 

[Pearl dog]

16 min. Imho

 

[MikePA]

For the ocean, always the biggest you can afford in my opinion.

 

[Eden Island]

Having run a 16' open boat for 20 years, I'd choose that over 14' for handling 6 traps, pulling traps and being able to handle weather [more beam and freeboard]. Also allows you to transport more folks when you want. Mine is still parked in a single car garage - the 23' is in the other driveway.

 

[N2013]

Another vote for a 16’. Ran one for years as did my previous generations. Crab and prawn traps up front towards the bow. Great for island hoping.

 

[Eden Island]

Check out https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listing/1470280240983051/?ref=share_attachment

 

[JWS]

I had a 16’ that often had 4 traps and 2 rope tubs in it with just me. It’s cozy, add another person and any more gear and it’s uncomfortable. I’d go as big as you’re able to.

 

[Pickled Herring]

I bought the lifetimer 14ft about 3 years ago. I take out to sandheads in September for the spring madness. I love the boat and it gets the job done and I go home tubbed out. That being said I really wish I had stretched my budget and gotten the 16ft. Launching from steveston and crossing bar can get really bumpy and wet at times.

 

[Yyjdennis]

Check out https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listing/1470280240983051/?ref=share_attachment

I can't. Facebook won't let me log in without an old phone number or something. What is the link to?

 

[Eden Island]

I just thought it might be in your wheelhouse. Let me know if you want help tracking it down.

 

[Yyjdennis]

Thanks Eden Island, the price is certainly right. It looks like someone's custom build. The height of the sides is a bit concerning, and it doesn't look like it has much dead rise.

 

[Rockin Johnny]

Yup, I agree all the way. The ol “Go big or go home” actually applies here. I personally would start at 18’ min. 20’ is better lol

 

[Pineapple Express]

Thanks Eden Island, the price is certainly right. It looks like someone's custom build. The height of the sides is a bit concerning, and it doesn't look like it has much dead rise.

If you're talking about the height of the sides, that is called freeboard (technically the distance from waterline to gunwale).

Deadrise refers to the angle of the V of the hull

 

[Yyjdennis]

If you're talking about the height of the sides, that is called freeboard (technically the distance from waterline to gunwale).

Deadrise refers to the angle of the V of the hull

Thanks, I was actually referring to both things, freeboard and deadrise.