Mitzi Skiffs :(

GAfly · 05-03-2008, 06:18 PM

Don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but my fishing partner owns a Mitzi Skiff (16ft) and after fishing his I would not own one. Sure they are cheap, but they are kind of weak structurally. Seriously...every time we fish he has to go home an fill in chips in the gel coat along the chines. He contacted Tom at mitzi and they said they would fix it, but every time he called after that to drop off the boat Tom was to busy to take care of it. HMMM? Anyway...I don't like to bad mouth boat builders, but this boat needs improvement. When you walk around the gunnels they creak and sag like they are going to give and the front deck does the same thing near the opening. I noticed that some people on this site recommended them in another thread and if money is your primary concern then buy one. But don't plan on getting the same quality that you would if you spent a little more money. Just my two cents. Not trying to piss anyone off, but I just think the problem could easily be fixed by Mitzi.

BoldWater · 05-04-2008, 04:05 AM

what year is the mitzi skiff?

GAfly · 05-04-2008, 08:36 AM

I think its about three years old. I know that they were having some problems at that time and maybe they are better now. ????

Turtle83 · 05-04-2008, 10:22 AM

Most people you talk to will tell you Mitzi's are tanks. I've had a 17 for three years now and haven't had any problems. It floats skinny and is a no-frills skiff.

I would tell your friend to stay on it with Tom. Suprising to hear he is handling your friends situation that way.

Sublime · 05-05-2008, 11:05 AM

I bet those chips along the chines are where there are small air pockets under the gelcoat. That's from getting in a hurry and not making sure all those corners and radiuses are rolled out good. That's where infusion or bagging comes in handy.

We once had a boat that had those. We took it back to the dealer the first couple that showed up. After that it was just easier to fix them ourselves.

05-03-2008, 06:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
GAfly Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: St. Marys , Georgia Posts: 13	Mitzi Skiffs :( Don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but my fishing partner owns a Mitzi Skiff (16ft) and after fishing his I would not own one. Sure they are cheap, but they are kind of weak structurally. Seriously...every time we fish he has to go home an fill in chips in the gel coat along the chines. He contacted Tom at mitzi and they said they would fix it, but every time he called after that to drop off the boat Tom was to busy to take care of it. HMMM? Anyway...I don't like to bad mouth boat builders, but this boat needs improvement. When you walk around the gunnels they creak and sag like they are going to give and the front deck does the same thing near the opening. I noticed that some people on this site recommended them in another thread and if money is your primary concern then buy one. But don't plan on getting the same quality that you would if you spent a little more money. Just my two cents. Not trying to piss anyone off, but I just think the problem could easily be fixed by Mitzi.

05-04-2008, 08:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
GAfly Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: St. Marys , Georgia Posts: 13	Year I think its about three years old. I know that they were having some problems at that time and maybe they are better now. ????

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05-04-2008, 04:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
BoldWater L I V I N - Livin Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Merritt Island, FL Posts: 1,502	what year is the mitzi skiff?

05-04-2008, 10:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
Turtle83 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maitland Posts: 26	Most people you talk to will tell you Mitzi's are tanks. I've had a 17 for three years now and haven't had any problems. It floats skinny and is a no-frills skiff. I would tell your friend to stay on it with Tom. Suprising to hear he is handling your friends situation that way.

05-05-2008, 11:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
Sublime Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lake Jackson TX Posts: 18	I bet those chips along the chines are where there are small air pockets under the gelcoat. That's from getting in a hurry and not making sure all those corners and radiuses are rolled out good. That's where infusion or bagging comes in handy. We once had a boat that had those. We took it back to the dealer the first couple that showed up. After that it was just easier to fix them ourselves.