A Compilation of Poling Skiffs by Jan Maizler

A Compilation of Poling Skiffs

By

Jan Maizler

Background-

Recently I spoke with Sam about my doing a compilation of poling skiffs for Saltyshores, and he was all for it. This would be the kind of undertaking which could never be exhaustively thorough or even necessarily uniform in content. Boat builders are extremely busy, live in a highly competitive world and it is not always easy to get images and specs from them. In addition, my own editorial schedule is tight and at times, feverish. Shortly after our talk, I gave a callout to the skiff builders on the Saltyshores Facebook page and the response was impressive. After forty years of flats fishing under my belt, the results confirmed for me once again that there are so many wonderful skiffs and flats boats available at all levels of market niches. This “survey” does not include what are referred to as micro-skiffs.

As to the ordering of the vessels, a rough alphabetical method seemed the most neutral. All of the spec notes I received or processed are not identical in format or scope but a simple web site visit to each skiff builder will give you all you need. I hope you find all these marvelous vessels as impressive as I did- there’s room for everyone ! Additionally, this is just a peek into the wide world of Florida and Caribbean flats boats. There may be more !

Action Craft-

Action Craft 1720SE FlyFisher
*17’2″
*87″ beam
*7-8.5″ draft depending on load
*Can also be made of Kevlar Carbon Fiber
*Top Speed 59mph with 135HP
*6 person capacity, 2 large wells
*Exclusive Qui-Dry Hull Design (with full liner)

Action Craft 1890SE FlatsMaster
*18’11”
*90″ beam
*9-11″ draft depending on load
*Can also be made of Kevlar Carbon Fiber
*Top Speed 66mph with 200HP
*6 person capacity, 3 wells total in bow and stern
*Exclusive Qui-Dry Hull Design (with full liner)

Ankona-

The Ankona Cayenne

Specifications
Length:
16’ 11”
Beam:
71”
Weight:
375 Lbs Hull Only
Max HP:
40 Tiller
60 Remote Steering
Console Options:
Tiller Console
Center Console
Offset Console

The Ankona Native

Specifications

Length:
14’ 8” and 17’ 2”
Beam:
70”
Weight:
250-320 Lbs Hull Only
Max HP:
25 for 14’ 8”
40 for 17’ 2”
Console Options:
Tiller Console
Center Console
Side Console
Offset Console

Ansil Saunders Bonefish Skiff-

Beavertail Skiffs (Aeon Marine)-

Beavertail Elite- 2 images

Specs.:BT Elite
Length – 17’8″
Beam – 72″
Draft 7.5″ (90 E-TEC, 2 anglers, gear & fuel)
Power 70 – 90HP
Full Cored Carbon Kevlar Hull

Bohemian Skiffs-Bonefish – Bohemian 17′ (www.bonefishboats.com):

Length 17’9″
Beam 6′…
Transom Height 20”Max Horsepower 90hp
Max Persons 6
Draft 6.5”
Fuel Capacity 25 gallons
Baitwell 15 gallons

Chittum Skiffs-

Please see www.chittumskiffs.com

Dolphin Boats-

Dolphin skiffs-This is the forward cockpit of the Dolphin Super Skiff. This flats boat has long been a staple of guides and lodges all over the Bahamas and the Yucatan.

East Cape Skiffs-

The East Cape Fury
18′ 1′ length
72″ beam
max people: 4
max hp: 90
Available in: center, side consoles, tiller, off-set,
Flats tower, and scooter TX deck available
,

The East Cape Vantage-
19’2″
Beam: 79″
Hp: 90-175hp
Max people rating: 4
Available in: tiller, side, center, off-set console

Hell’s Bay Boatworks-

Hell’s Bay Boatworks – Marquesa
•Length – 18′ 1″
•Beam – 79″
•Recommended Power – 90 hp – 150 hp