Flat Boats: Best Models For Your Next Purchase

Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are usually flat-bottomed, but some have a slight V-shape in the hull. They are typically smaller than bay boats, ranging in size from 14' to 18' (4.3m to 5.5m). Flats boats are often more expensive than bay boats, with some high-tech models costing more than a luxury sports car. When choosing a flats boat, it is important to consider factors such as size, draft, stability, and features like casting decks, livewells, and storage. Some popular flats boat brands include Action Craft, Ankona, BlueWave, Boston Whaler, Carolina Skiff, and Mako.

Flat-bottomed boats are designed for fishing in shallow water

Flat-bottomed boats are ideal for shallow water fishing. Their flat hull design makes them less likely to ground in shallow waters than classic v-hulled boats. They are also extremely stable on calm shallow waters, making them an ideal choice for fishing.

When fishing in shallow waters, you want a boat that can navigate skinny waters with ease. Flat-bottomed boats have a shallow draft, which means they sit very close to the surface of the water. This makes them extremely stable in calm waters and gives them the ability to navigate waters that are extremely shallow.

Some of the best flat-bottomed boats for shallow water fishing include:

• Jon boats: These are versatile, utility boats that are perfect for use in extremely shallow waters. Jon boats are very popular for shallow water fishing and can be used in creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. They are also easy to transport and affordable.
• Canoes: Canoes have been used for transportation and fishing for thousands of years and are a popular choice for boat camping. They are usually larger and wider than Jon boats, offering more room for storage.
• Kayaks: Kayaks are smaller than canoes and better suited to solo or tandem use. They are extremely versatile and have a shallow draft, allowing them to navigate shallow waters.
• Shallow water skiffs: Flat-bottomed skiffs are usually used for fishing in large lakes or along the ocean shoreline. They have a v-shaped bow that allows them to handle rough waters better than other flat-bottomed boats.
• Airboats: Airboats are perfect for swamps, creeks and rivers. They can be mechanically propelled at high speeds in areas that even a Jon boat can't access.

When choosing a flat-bottomed boat for shallow water fishing, consider the specific environment you'll be using it in, the activities you'll be doing, and the number of people who will be on board.

They are usually smaller than bay boats

Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are usually smaller than bay boats, which are typically designed to handle bigger waters. Bay boats are also larger in size, ranging from 20' to 24' in length, while flats boats typically range from 14' to 18'.

Flats boats are ideal for anglers who want to fish in shallow waters, as they are designed with a shallow draft that allows them to access skinny water. They usually have less freeboard and draw less water than bay boats, making them perfect for poling in the shallows. The Mako 18LTS, for example, is a flats boat model known for its ability to draw less water.

When it comes to hull design, flats boats often have flatter bottoms, which allow them to go faster with the same power as bay boats. The trade-off is that a bay boat with a sharper V-shaped hull will provide a more comfortable ride at speed in choppy waters. Additionally, flats boats typically have a deadrise measurement of 11 to 13 degrees at the stern, while bay boats usually measure 15 to 16 degrees.

Another key difference between flats boats and bay boats is their intended use. Flats boats are specifically designed for inshore fishing, while bay boats are considered more versatile and can be used for both inshore and offshore fishing. Bay boats are also better suited for open waters and can handle larger, deeper bodies of water.

When it comes to cost, flats boats can vary significantly in price. While some small aluminum flats boats may be relatively inexpensive, high-tech and specialized flats boats can cost as much as an expensive foreign sports car. On the other hand, bay boats can also vary in price, with small aluminum models being more affordable and larger, more luxurious models costing significantly more.

Flat-bottomed boats are harder to control in the ocean

Flat-bottomed boats are ideal for still, inland waters. The flat hull means that the boat has a large surface area in contact with the water, which makes it very stable in calm waters. This makes flat-bottomed boats perfect for activities like fishing and hunting.

However, flat-bottomed boats are harder to control in the ocean. This is because the flat hull design causes the boat to travel on the water, instead of through it, as a boat with a rounded or V-shaped hull would. When the water is choppy, a flat-bottomed boat will bounce across the surface like a car driving down a bumpy, gravel road. This can make for a very uncomfortable ride.

In extreme conditions, a flat-bottomed boat can fall off waves, which is when there are steep peaks and deep troughs. This can be dangerous and can even lead to the boat capsizing. For this reason, flat-bottomed boats are not suitable for use on large bodies of water that can get rough, such as the open ocean.

If you are caught on the ocean in a flat-bottomed boat when the weather turns, it is important to remain calm and get to shore as soon as possible. In some cases, increasing speed can smooth out the ride, while in other cases, you may need to slow down to ride up and down the waves.

In summary, while flat-bottomed boats can be a great choice for certain activities and water conditions, they are not ideal for the ocean due to their decreased stability and control in choppy waters.

They are often cheaper than bay boats

Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are also known as "skiffs" and are usually smaller in size, ranging from 14' to 18' in length. Due to their smaller size and more specific use case, flats boats are often cheaper than bay boats.

Bay boats, on the other hand, are slightly larger and have a sharper V-shaped hull, allowing them to traverse deeper waters in addition to shallow areas. While bay boats can be more versatile, flats boats are more affordable and better suited for fishing in skinny waters.

The price of a flats boat can vary depending on the brand, features, and size. Some flats boats can be purchased for around $20,000, while others can cost upwards of $60,000. It's important to consider your budget and specific needs when deciding between a flats boat and a bay boat.

Some popular flats boat brands include Action Craft, Ankona, Spyder, Maverick, and Ranger. When choosing a flats boat, it's essential to consider factors such as stability, casting deck space, livewells, and storage capacity. Additionally, the type of water you plan to fish in should influence your decision. Remember to prioritize safety and always follow local regulations and guidelines when operating any watercraft.

Flat-bottomed boats are harder to control with a push pole

The flat hull of a flat-bottomed boat means that it rides over the water rather than cutting through it as a V-hull or semi-V hull does. This makes flat-bottomed boats excellent for riding comfortably in calm waters but unstable in rough waters.

The stability of a flat-bottomed boat is also dependent on its speed. The flatter the bottom of the boat, the faster it will go with the same power. This means that a flat-bottomed boat travelling at high speed will be easier to control with a push pole than one travelling at low speed.

The size of the flat-bottomed boat also matters. A typical flats boat will range in size from 14' to 18'. Anything bigger than that could be tough to move with a push pole.

In addition to the hull design, the size of the boat, and its speed, the environment in which the boat is being used also plays a role in how easy or hard it is to control with a push pole. Flat-bottomed boats are designed for shallow inland waterways and are not suitable for rough waters and adverse weather conditions.

Taking a flat-bottomed boat into the ocean requires pre-planning and strict adherence to safety guidelines. Even with ideal weather conditions, it can be challenging to control a flat-bottomed boat in the ocean with a push pole due to the unpredictable nature of ocean waters.

In summary, flat-bottomed boats are harder to control with a push pole because of their hull design, size, speed, and the environment in which they are being used. For optimal control with a push pole, flat-bottomed boats are best suited for calm, shallow inland waterways.

Frequently asked questions