Pathfinder 17t thoughts

[WatereesWatson]

Does anyone have any insight on the pathfinder 17t? I would use it for inshore fishing and cruising. I don’t have kids, so just me, my wife and occasionally two boykins if they’ll stay in it. How is the ride from a comfort standpoint?

[tman]

Would be a great boat for fishing backwater. 17 foot is really only enough boat for 1 person IMO. 2 people need more boat.

[baydog]

I had a 19 and needed a 22. Great boats. It will take more of a beating than most boats in its class

[SouthernWake]

Runs in nothing
Will beat the snot out of you in chop
Known to have some stringer issues
Not really the best boat for around here


This is not a bay boat as referenced above

[bitesize]

Runs in nothing
Will beat the snot out of you in chop
Known to have some stringer issues
Not really the best boat for around here


This is not a bay boat as referenced above

All of this-

[scatter shot]

KW 172 > Pioneer 17.

[scdiver]

I looked at one 10 years ago but eventually decided against it for Winyah Bay.

I'm currently fishing a KW Stealth, great boat for what I do, jetties, shrimp etc but very heavy as it it set up with 112 36v TM.

Dolphin 16 super skiff blends boundary between flats boat and technical poling skiff pretty well.

They ride almost as good as Maverick 17 but don't cost $80k.

[BET]

Come try out my high tide

[Tater]

Take this guy up on his offer.

[SouthernWake]

I wouldn’t get a poling skiff unless you are going to pole and fish shallow.

18ft flats boat is a better choice.

[WatereesWatson]

Thanks for the tips guys. Mostly MI and Beaufort usage here. Was wondering about how it handled chop. I read about the stringer issues on another forum too.

[theoldblackdog]

Pathfinders are fast-er and made for fishing. There is nothing comfortable or family friendly about them for a joy ride. Had a 19 footer for a bit after my east cape and before my pioneer. I loved it but when my wife got pregnant she said zero percent chance she’d take a child on it so I sold it in less than 24 hours. They hold their value well for resale so that might also be a consideration.

[murraywader]

I like those little skiffs. Does it have a tiller or a console?

[WatereesWatson]

Console with a 60hp Suzuki was the one I found. After checking some dimensions I think I’m going to keep searching for a 19 footer instead of 17. Intrigued by how it handles in rough water because I’m just not the type to go out in much, but I know conditions can change quickly and you need to get back. If resale is good I might not care since I could probably sell it for what I have in it quickly if it’s not for me.

[carolinadrifter]

Would be a great boat for fishing backwater. 17 foot is really only enough boat for 1 person IMO. 2 people need more boat.

You must be a big ole boy…

[Goin Coastal]

Runs in nothing
Will beat the snot out of you in chop
Known to have some stringer issues
Not really the best boat for around here


This is not a bay boat as referenced above

Spot on. Was crossing Muddy Bay in McClellanville in one once. Needed a mouth piece to keep my teeth from chattering. The 17v is a better riding boat. Or look for an Action Craft 1720 or 1820.

[theoldblackdog]

If you have questions about a 1902 I had one for a few years. Let me know

[TXFowler]

IMO there’s no need for a 17’ boat unless you will strictly be fishing way shallow and poling. If you aren’t poling, look at a 18-19’ minimum. If you plan on fishing with anybody at all, bump the minimum to 20’. If you plan on fishing with 2 others, bump it up to 22’ minimum.


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[mud ugh]

Look for an 18 maverick master angler. I purchased one this spring after a lot of research and looking and I couldn’t be happier with the ride for a flats boat.

[drwilly]

IMO there’s no need for a 17’ boat unless you will strictly be fishing way shallow and poling. If you aren’t poling, look at a 18-19’ minimum. If you plan on fishing with anybody at all, bump the minimum to 20’. If you plan on fishing with 2 others, bump it up to 22’ minimum.


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I have a 2022 pathfinder trs 22 w 200 yamaha. perfect for 3-4 people fishing and very shallow draft. personally i think flats boats w poling platforms are more for style points than utility around here. if you must, look at a hewes redfisher. it is rated for 4 people.