Re: Boat Recommendations for Coastal NC
I boat in similar waters and use, among others, a 21' sea hunt (deep v CC) and a 19' carolina skiff J series--perfectly flat.
No the flat boats won't knock your teeth out. Yes they go over waves not through them so the ride is rougher, but it can be safer. I have friend, a harbor pilot, who takes his 19 20 miles off shore. The key, however, is to know what you are doing. If they were so bad, they wouldn't be so common and popular with the natives, watermen and other real boaters.
The flat bottom boat is the best thing for inshore--the marshes and flats. I won't use my V there. yes it's bouncy going across the bays, but I can get across, and I can shove off any problems. i can carry a tremendous load or crowd. Great for beaching.
So if you are primarily going offshore, get the V. You really need a good spoon bow, high freeboard and rails for deflecting water.
if you are regularly crossing a big sound, get the V but know your limitations on the skinny water, beach access, getting unstuck, etc.
If you are primarily inside, get the flat boat--bay runner, C Skiff, or maybe better is to get the bay-boat designs that split the difference (I also have a 17' bay boat I use in the inshore, marshes, any weather and Cheaspeake Bay on calm days, but it's on the small side, which is why I replaced it. Of course, I kept it too!) A 21' bay boat is great around Hatteras and a friend of mine (with a world record fish) runs his all over, inside and out, plus the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore marshes; you just ahve to choose your days for open water.
BTW the "bay boat" is wetter than the skiff; the deep v is driest.
Get a hull that will drain directly from the deck out the scuppers, or one with a double hull and no bilge.
Consider the whalers or similar hulls. Both the whalers and C-skiffs have good rails for deflecting water. Chincoteague Scow (brand or design) is a great option.
Of course we are talking only outboards; you do not want an i/o at all. Center console is the most versatile and comfortable family boat but the dual console isn't bad; look at Sea Hunt Ultra.
Go to the local marinas and ramps and look at what the natives and regulars are using. Ask them about them, including the trade-off on the ride v. access. This is a great excuse to charter an inshore fishing trip or 'eco tour" and learn from the guide about preferred boats.
