2015 Carolina Skiff 218 DLV

Step aboard and you’ll notice how open and uncluttered the 218 DLV feels, thanks to its wide beam and clever deck layout. The non-skid surfaces and high freeboard give a secure feel when kids or guests move around, and the raised forward and aft casting decks double as generous lounging space once the rods are stowed. Under-seat and under-deck compartments swallow gear, coolers, and safety equipment, so everything has a home. The shallow-draft, modified-V hull lets you sneak into skinny water, yet it still offers a forgiving ride when the chop picks up. Add in easy side access at the gunwales and simple, low-maintenance finishes, and you’ve got a boat that’s as practical to own as it is fun to run.

This 218 DLV shines in waters where you might run a winding creek at dawn, hop across open bays by midday, and drift fish a quiet flat in the afternoon. The semi-tunnel, modified-V hull bridges the gap between a skiff and a bay boat, letting you float shallow for casting while still handling afternoon sea breezes with confidence. Its stable footprint is ideal for sandbar gatherings and family beach runs, and the roomy cockpit makes loading coolers, chairs, and watersports gear straightforward. Add the moderate fuel burn of the 115hp outboard, and you’ve got an efficient, all-day cruiser perfectly suited to this mix of inshore and nearshore water.