[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here is no end to new twists on skiff builds. It’s a never ending array of new ideas. Most of the ideas came out of Florida and have since the word flatsboat became a common noun. However, that said, there are now inflatable flats-like boats and most recently, a skiff made entirely out of high density polyethylene. The company that makes the poly boats is out Steamboat Springs, Colorado with an unlikely name of Hog Island Boatworks. Their approach and builds are singular and the options make it the Swiss Army Knife of skiffs.
Design Features of the SW 16
The SW 16 is virtually unsinkable – even with a hole in it or tipped upside down. A hole can be repaired with a cigarette lighter and some plastic. The skiff is one solid color – inside to outside so there’s never a paint job waiting to be done and paid for. The SW 16 hull is roto-molded in one piece – there are no seams, welds, epoxies, glues, bolts, or screws. The high density polyethylene hull is very, very quiet when compared to aluminum or fiberglass. The molded-in insert plates form the front deck and cockpit – making for quick and easy change-out options: pedestal seating, benches, coolers, center console, or raised casting platform. There’s plenty dry storage in rear bench.
The SW 16 is designed mainly for streams, rivers, lakes, shallow water bays, canals, ponds and protected salt waters like marshes and lagoons. The SW 16 has very predictable handling characteristics. However, in tight turns the skiff will heal over on it’s side. For folks who have never driven a skiff like this it might take a little while to get use to but once mastered the handling feels natural.
Once up on the platform the skiff’s lightweight and relative shallow draft lent to a skiff that was easy to push. However, it will crab sideways and not track well in a light breeze. Instead of rotating on its axis it will want to slide while spinning. While easy to move it was hard to keep on tract. This was the only blemish found in an overall amazing package.
Other Design Features
The SW16 hull shape is designed to ride very stable side to side.
The “shallow v” shape in our SW16 hull is designed to cut a small chop while under motor on plane while minimizing draft.
The SW16 hull shape allows for a very wide range of uses for the fresh and salt shallow water boater.
A poling platform or oar lock option are thru-bolted.
Specifications
16’ 4” OAL/ Centerline
Bottom Width: 54”
Beam: 78”
Height at Stem: 27”
Height at Transom: 20”
Draft: 1” per 400 lbs.
Hull Weight: 500 lbs.
40 Horsepower Motor Rating
Rated carrying capacity: 4 Adults
Base Price $4,450
Working at playing in a SW 16.
Standard Features
Super tough and quiet rotational molded high density polyethylene construction
Raised level fore deck
Molded-in rear bench with dry storage
Molded-in inserts in the fore deck and cockpit for “plug-n-play” mounting of pedestal seats, leaning post, casting platform, bench seating, center console, or coolers.
Molded-in inserts for securing gas tank and battery box
Molded-in non skid texture on the decks
Reinforced transom motor mount sleeve with heavy duty integrated ergonomic hand grabs
Reinforced bow eye system with heavy duty integrated hand grab
Optional Features
Custom Galvanized Trailer with 13” tires, spare tire, tongue jack on a roller, 2000 lb spring axle $1400
Flush mounted Garelick sport fishing seat system: $225
Yeti 65 qt. cooler with seat cushion and custom mounting bracket system: $550
Yeti 35 qt. cooler with seat cushion &custom mounting bracket: $450
Poling Platform: $650
Bronze oar locks and oar block sleeve system (pair): $150
Oar blade lock sleeves (pair): $50
Sawyer 10’ counter balanced & rope wound oars (pair): $410
LTD double barrel rod storage system: $100
Shallow Water custom bow mounted anchor system: $425
Front Deck Casting Station $250
Cock Pit Deck Casting Station $250
Shallow Water custom bow mounted trolling motor system: $100
