Newbe here, looking for Caribiana style plans

[Bob Geo]

Hello all, I've been lurking here and just registered. I love the 23' Caribiana skiff and would like to find plans (as close as possible) to build one. I can't quite see spending $25-30,000 for a custom boat when I could build one myself. During my search for plans I haven't found anything. Could someone help? I would really appreciate it!
Most of my boating is done on Barnegat Bay NJ, but I'd like to build a skiff with a 4 stroke 50-60 Horsepower to travel along the coast-Hudson river to Albany, Long Island sound up to Mass or down to Atlantic City. The one thing most production boats seem to lack is a decent size fuel tank. I'd like to have at least 50-60 gallons so I could do some long distance runs with out stopping every few hours to refuel. I'm adventurous and would someday love to do the Great Loop in a small boat. I'm open to suggestions, but the Caribiana really works for me.
Thanks!!
Bob G.

[JimD]

A pic of the Caribiana 23. 6.5' beam:

[JimD]

A little less boat, very simple to build, from Nexus Marine in the right speed and power range. Leave off the cabin if you like: http://www.nexusmarine.com/plans.html

[JimD]

Bateau.com's Panga 22. Almost a dead ringer but in a simpler vee bottom: http://www.bateau.com/studyplans/PG2....htm?prod=PG22

[Bob Geo]

Thanks Jim!! I'll take close look at these.

[JimD]

My pleasure, Bob. Another big dory from Spira International: http://www.spirainternational.com/hp_wood_boats.html

[QUOTE]

Larger Carolina type dory skiffs are popular and getting more so. The Key Largo is a classic Carolina Dory including the well mounted outboard. For economical operation in shallow water, there is no better boat. This dory was designed with the professional guide in mind able to handle the rough stuff but also ideal for sneaking into knee deep flats to fish. The Key Largo can handle four fishermen with ease and will operate in less than a foot of water. With a 25 to 40 HP motor it'll move out on a plane and with a 65, you'll fly. Boats like this also operate safely offshore some heading 75 miles out in the gulf to fish for grouper and snapper. A more economical and versatile 24 footer is hard to find.

[QUOTE]

And in a vee bottom:

[Breakaway]

you may well spend more than the Caribiana building and powering your skiff. Build one cuz you want to.

Kevin