The Carolina Skiff 24 Ultra Elite is a coastal fishing boat with enough creature comforts to make it more than family-friendly. If it were a car, you’d call it a crossover vehicle. As a boat, you’d simply say it’s versatile.
With a 200 hp Suzuki, the 24 Ultra performed ably, reaching a top speed of nearly 46 mph at a 2.4 mpg fuel burn. It exhibited predictable handling characteristics underway, proving equally adept for tubing or trolling.
Evidence of the 24 Ultra’s multipurpose nature can be seen in the bow, where cushion fillers convert the elevated casting platform into a full-on sun pad. Twin forward-facing backrests can be inserted on either side to create lounges. There’s also a padded bench seat on the front of the console, which lifts on gas struts to reveal a head with a portable potty. A flip-out curtain provides privacy for changing into bathing suits or clothes for dockside dining.
Need more seating? The aft casting platform houses three flip-up backrests that hide cushioned seats underneath. Each can be raised or lowered independently, depending on who needs to sit. Each flip-up seat has its own cup holder, so the day’s beverage never has to be too far out of reach.
Ready to fish? Remove the filler cushions in the bow to reveal the casting deck. Hatches on both sides lift to show the U-shaped stowage compartment underneath — great for stowing gear or icing down the day’s catch.
The standard twin-seat leaning post features four built-in rod holders and houses a removable cooler underneath. The inwale rod racks can hold three rods per side, so you can pack an arsenal for your trip. And the aft casting deck comes with a built-in livewell. With the coaming bolsters extending along the gunwales all the way fore and aft, this boat has true 360-degree fishability. And when you get tired from fighting that fish all around the boat, rest assured you’ll be able to take a seat.
High Points
* A hatch on the aft fishing platform raises for easy bilge access.
* Each seat on the boat has its own cup holder, so all crew members are covered.
* Coaming bolsters extend fore and aft along both gunwales.
* A portable toilet and privacy curtain hide inside the center console.
How We Tested
Engine: Suzuki DF200
Drive/Prop: Outboard/15″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.50:1
Fuel Load: 50 gal.
Crew Weight: 380 lb.
Price
$41,658 (without power)
Contact
Carolina Skiff Waycross, Georgia; 800-422-7282; carolinaskiff.com
