Riverhawk vs. Gheenoe vs. Santee: Choosing the Perfect Small Boat
If you’re in the market for a lightweight, shallow-water boat, you’ve likely come across Riverhawk, Gheenoe, and Santee.
These three brands are known for producing versatile micro-skiffs that offer excellent maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and access to waters that larger boats simply can’t reach.
But with so many similarities, how do you decide which one is the best fit for your needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Riverhawk, Gheenoe, and Santee across key categories such as stability, speed, build quality, performance, and customization.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which one best suits your style of fishing, hunting, or exploring.
Introduction to Micro-Skiffs
Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify what these boats are.
Micro-skiffs, like Riverhawks, Gheenoes, and Santees, combine the stability of a jon boat, the maneuverability of a canoe, and the shallow-water capability of a kayak. They are ideal for:
- Fishing in shallow creeks, marshes, and flats
- Navigating tight, hard-to-reach spots
- Poling across shallow water
- Using a small outboard motor for efficient travel
While these boats share a lot in common, there are distinct differences that set each brand apart.
Riverhawk: Overview and Features
Riverhawk boats are known for their smooth ride, unique hull design, and affordable pricing.
Key Features of Riverhawk Boats
- Tri-hull design: Unlike Gheenoes and Santees, Riverhawks feature a tri-hull (catamaran-like) bottom, providing excellent stability.
- Lightweight and easy to transport: A key selling point is their easy handling and lightweight design.
- Good for both paddling and motoring: You can paddle a Riverhawk like a canoe or mount a small trolling or outboard motor.
- Great for first-time boaters: Their affordability and ease of use make them a great entry-level micro-skiff.
Performance & Stability
Riverhawk boats are one of the most stable options in the micro-skiff category. Thanks to their tri-hull design, they offer better balance than a Gheenoe and handle light chop well.
However, they are not as fast as Gheenoes, as their hull shape creates more drag. If speed isn’t a top priority, but stability is, a Riverhawk could be a great choice.
Best Uses for Riverhawk Boats
✅ Fishing in calm waters, lakes, and marshes
✅ Poling in ultra-shallow water
✅ Beginner boaters who need stability over speed
Gheenoe: Overview and Features
Gheenoe boats are perhaps the most recognizable micro-skiffs on the market. They are canoe-shaped with a flat bottom, designed for speed, maneuverability, and efficiency.
Key Features of Gheenoe Boats
- Flat-bottomed hull: This design allows Gheenoes to plane easily, giving them a faster top speed than Riverhawks and Santees.
- Available in multiple sizes: Gheenoes come in various sizes, including the Super 16, LT25, and Classic 15’4″.
- More customization options: Many anglers add casting platforms, poling towers, rod holders, and custom seating.
- Excellent poling capability: Gheenoes are a favorite for shallow-water fly fishing and sight casting.
Performance & Stability
Gheenoes are faster than Riverhawks and Santees but slightly less stable. If you need speed and efficiency, a Gheenoe with a 25-40 HP motor will outperform a Riverhawk of the same size.
However, Gheenoes can be tippy, especially when standing or moving around. The LT25 and Super 16 models are much more stable than smaller models, making them better for serious anglers.
Best Uses for Gheenoe Boats
✅ Inshore and shallow-water fishing
✅ Poling across sand flats and marshes
✅ Those who want to modify their boat with platforms and accessories
✅ Anglers who need speed and efficiency
Santee: Overview and Features
Santee boats are the least well-known of the three, but they have a loyal following. They are similar to Riverhawks but tend to have a smoother ride in choppy water.
Key Features of Santee Boats
- More traditional canoe-like shape: Santees look like a mix between a canoe and a Gheenoe but with a deeper hull.
- Good balance between speed and stability: Santees are faster than Riverhawks but not as fast as Gheenoes.
- Comfortable for long trips: If you spend long hours on the water, you’ll appreciate a Santee’s smooth ride and seating options.
- Excellent tracking and paddling ability: Unlike Gheenoes, which are harder to paddle, Santees can be rowed or paddled easily.
Performance & Stability
Santees offer a middle ground between Riverhawks and Gheenoes. They have better stability than Gheenoes but aren’t as fast. Compared to Riverhawks, they offer a smoother ride in rougher waters.
If you frequently fish lakes, rivers, or estuaries, a Santee may provide the best balance of comfort, speed, and control.
Best Uses for Santee Boats
✅ Fishing in rivers and estuaries
✅ Longer days on the water where comfort matters
✅ Paddlers who want an alternative to a motor
Riverhawk vs. Gheenoe vs. Santee: Key Comparisons
| Feature | Riverhawk | Gheenoe | Santee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 🚤 Moderate | 🚀 Fastest | 🚤 Moderate |
| Stability | 🛑 Most stable | 🔄 Slightly tippy | ⚖️ Balanced |
| Customization | 🎨 Limited options | 🔧 Most customizable | 🛠️ Some options |
| Poling Ability | ✅ Good | 🔥 Excellent | ✅ Good |
| Comfort | 😌 Comfortable | 🎣 Functional but less comfy | 🛋️ Best for long trips |
| Price | 💰 Most affordable | 💵 Mid-range to high | 💰 Mid-range |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a Riverhawk if:
✅ You prioritize stability over speed.
✅ You’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-handle boat.
✅ You mostly fish calm lakes, marshes, or rivers.
✅ You want an affordable micro-skiff.
Choose a Gheenoe if:
✅ You want speed and efficiency on the water.
✅ You love customizing your boat for fishing.
✅ You plan to pole across shallow flats.
✅ You need a boat that handles open water better than a Riverhawk.
Choose a Santee if:
✅ You want a balanced mix of speed and stability.
✅ You fish rivers, estuaries, and lakes frequently.
✅ You prefer a more comfortable ride.
✅ You want a boat that can be paddled easily.
Final Verdict: Which One Wins?
The best choice depends on what you prioritize most.
- If you want the most stable, beginner-friendly option, go with a Riverhawk.
- If you need speed, poling ability, and customization, the Gheenoe is the best bet.
- If you prefer a smooth ride, good tracking, and balanced performance, the Santee might be your best choice.
Regardless of which one you choose, all three are excellent shallow-water boats that will help you get into tight fishing spots with ease. The right choice ultimately depends on how you plan to use it.
