Boater's LIFE provides owner contributed boat reviews. Reviews by owners willing to share their knowledge and experience with specific boats.
Multiple points of view are appreciated, so feel free to add your review even if your model is already listed.
We do not list owner email addresses to avoid SPAM. Boats are listed by general categories such as Powerboat Reviews, Sail Boat Reviews, Fishing Boat Reviews and many more.
x
Featured Owner Contributed Boat Reviews:
Boat Review: Carolina Skiff J-16 - 15` 9" - 2003
Skiff type boat modified into a small waters, bass boat with the addition of a front deck, foot controlled electric motor, seats, depth finder, etc. Handles as well as could be expected for a 16', tiller control outboard. Responds well to the helm. With a flat bow, it does ride rough in anything more than a chop. It is not a "big water" boat, but it was never designed to be.
We had only 3 weeks to get used to the boat and how she handled before our month long cruise. She handled beautifully. We left Annapolis on a Wednesday with strong winds (22 to 25kts) from the south and we never tacked the entire trip to Newport. The 4100 handled well in the winds and seas so much so that all of my crew, all experienced racers, were very impressed with her sailing abilities.
Great bowrider! Finish work in cockpit could be better but it's a low-price boat. We ski, tube, hang out at the lake with friends. Good plane time, quick response.
This is a deck fishing boat. Handles and rides very well in calm waters, perfect for lakes and rivers. We do however take it off shore to the barrier islands, and it does ok in seas up to 1 to 2 feet.
The 288BR is a BIG bowrider with a comfortable, private head, and a small cuddy for solo bunking or lots of storage. For a family looking to host guests for day trips, it's a lot more practical than a small cruiser.
I use this boat for fishing the Texas bays and flats. Perfect boat for the skinny water. I will also go in the Gulf of Mexico on calm days to fish for kings and dolphin.
Center console fishing boat that doubles as a family boat for riding, wakeboarding and skiing. Scout is made of 100% wood-free construction, and has a deep-vee hull. This soft ride performs graciously with it's dependable outboard power. The Scout is fast, fun, and fuel-efficient.
This is great for the BAY to fish or just run-a-bout.
Handles exceeding well with the running strakes and redesigned hull. A hook has been placed in the bottom near the transom, however, while dtill new, has some irritating porpoising at high speed which I should be able to adjust out of it.
Try and find one with the Lux pack fitted. This included a handy second door to the heads, electro-hydraulic hatch ram and extra cleats. Side deck windows are also very desirable as these improve the styling and lighten up the cabin. From 2000 onwards an alternative dashboard layout was available. This incorporated a Raytheon Radar/Plotter and looks really good.
We had only 3 weeks to get used to the boat and how she handled before our month long cruise. She handled beautifully. We left Annapolis on a Wednesday with strong winds (22 to 25kts) from the south and we never tacked the entire trip to Newport. The 4100 handled well in the winds and seas so much so that all of my crew, all experienced racers, were very impressed with her sailing abilities.
This is a deck fishing boat. Handles and rides very well in calm waters, perfect for lakes and rivers. We do however take it off shore to the barrier islands, and it does ok in seas up to 1 to 2 feet.
The 288BR is a BIG bowrider with a comfortable, private head, and a small cuddy for solo bunking or lots of storage. For a family looking to host guests for day trips, it's a lot more practical than a small cruiser.
Center console fishing boat that doubles as a family boat for riding, wakeboarding and skiing. Scout is made of 100% wood-free construction, and has a deep-vee hull. This soft ride performs graciously with it's dependable outboard power. The Scout is fast, fun, and fuel-efficient. 
