Carolina Skiff builds boats to be more than just vessels—they’re platforms for connection, adventure, and memories that last a lifetime. Few stories capture this better than that of Captain Tim Joyner, proud owner of a 2021 21 Ultra Elite, father of three, and founder of a thriving charter operation out of Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

When Tim and his wife began looking for a new boat, their goal was simple yet specific: find something versatile enough for relaxed family outings and serious fishing trips alike. The search led them to Avalanche Motorsports in Washington, North Carolina, where a just-arrived Ultra Elite 21 caught their attention—so new it hadn’t even made it onto the website.
“They emailed pictures, and I pretty much bought it sight unseen,” Tim recalls with a laugh. “I haven’t looked back. We love it—love it, love it, love it.”

Why The Ultra Elite Stands Out

For Tim, the choice wasn’t just about aesthetics or specs—it was about a deep understanding of what his previous center console lacked, and what the Ultra Elite could provide. Spacious, stable, and designed for both recreation and sport, the boat checked every box for a family man and a fisherman.

Tim boats primarily inshore, where the protected waters allow for quick access and maximize his time on the water. The Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway are his home turf, with occasional ventures offshore when conditions and schedules allow.
“Inshore fishing here is amazing,” Tim says. “Flounder, red drum, black drum, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, trout—you never run out of opportunities.”

The Ultra Elite’s adaptable design means Tim can just as easily load it up with fishing gear for an early morning run as he can fill the seats with friends and family for a day of cruising to the Carolina Beach boardwalk for donuts.

Tim and his wife are raising their three daughters in Wilmington, and boating has been a constant thread in their family life. His youngest is 12, his middle daughter is 16, and his oldest is almost 20.
“They love the boat,” Tim says with a smile, “especially if they can bring their friends along. Sometimes my daughter will even ask if her boyfriend can come fishing with us. I can’t say no to that.”

While his daughters may not be hardcore anglers, they cherish the time spent on the water—anchoring up to swim, cruising to a local restaurant, or just relaxing on deck under the Carolina sun.

In 2020, Tim earned his captain’s license and launched his own charter service, Out East Island Charters. While he doesn’t run charters full-time, it’s a natural extension of his love for sharing the water. Many trips are for friends visiting from out of town, but Tim also books clients eager to experience the area’s rich inshore fisheries.
“This is my third season running charters,” he explains. “It’s about giving people the chance to see and enjoy what I get to enjoy every day.”

With the 21 Ultra Elite as his workhorse, Tim can confidently host families, friends, and fishing enthusiasts alike, knowing his boat can handle the demands of guiding and the comforts of leisure cruising.

The Carolina Skiff Difference

For Tim, the Ultra Elite isn’t just a boat—it’s a bridge between his roles as a father, captain, and outdoorsman. The stability, versatility, and durability of Carolina Skiff’s design give him the freedom to chase fish at dawn, host a family picnic at noon, and return to the dock with both clients and loved ones smiling.
“It’s exactly what we needed,” Tim says. “A boat that can do it all.”

At Carolina Skiff, we believe a boat should reflect the life you want to live. For Captain Tim Joyner, that life is one of balance—between work and play, family and fishing, adventure and home. And we’re proud that his 21 Ultra Elite is at the heart of it all.