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 hpYamaha 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.