(Editor’s Note: Ankona Boats does not currently offer the Copperhead model on its website, so if you’re reading this boat review you’re likely interested in a Copperhead on the used boat market. Current models offered similar to the Copperhead include the Ankona Caicos and SaltMarsh Heron.)
Keeping things simple not only makes life easier but, more often than not, yields better results than overdoing or overthinking something. Ankona Boats applies this philosophy to the design of all of its skiffs. By doing so, it is able to produce quality boats at a reasonable price, which remains its main objective. In the year 2012, the Fort Pierce, Florida, company unveiled the second generation of its Copperhead skiff.
At first glance, the boat might look a bit like its predecessor, but in reality, many alterations were made to give the boat a better fit and finish, as well as improved performance.
Ankona Copperhead Design and Construction
From bow to stern, top-quality materials, such as high-strength iso-blend resins, biaxial/triaxial fabrics and iso-NPG gelcoats, are used in the construction of every Copperhead skiff. Ankona opted for Prisma stringer systems, as well as a honeycomb core in the deck and floor. High-density expanded PVC board is used in the transom and high-stress areas in the deck. All of these details help the Copperhead maintain great strength without being too heavy.
The standard Copperhead features a wide, unobstructed 6-foot front deck (with a molded toe rail) that has storage underneath through the front bulkhead hatch. If you move to the stern of the boat, you will find more space in the form of a single large dry-storage locker. If you think you might need more room, the Tournament Edition features one forward and two stern dry-storage lockers, fully finished, with the portside locker ready for livewell plumbing. All of these hatches have large, flat gasketed channels, making them airtight and extra quiet to open and close.
Running and Fishing in the Ankona Copperhead
The second-generation Copperhead measures in at 16 feet, 4 inches and has a 5-foot-10-inch beam, giving multiple anglers enough room to fish comfortably. Ankona was still able to keep the gunwales at 11 inches, wide enough to walk on without fear of going over. Also, the updated skiff has a new drop-nose sharp-V hull that gives an extra-smooth ride even in chop. Sharper bottom chines and stern edges are two more enhancements Ankona made to the Copperhead to increase the efficiency of the skiff. These modifications boost speed and help the boat plane faster, as well as make tighter turns.
Flats-fishermen will love the stealthiness of the no-slap hull and be thrilled with how well the skiff tracks, spins and stops while on the pole.
Ankona Copperhead Specifications
- LOA: 16’4″
- BEAM: 5’10”
- DRAFT: 6″
- WEIGHT: 360 lbs. (hull)
- FUEL: 12 gals.
- MAX HP: 40 tiller/50 remote steering
- MSRP: $7,855 (hull)
Ankona Boats / Fort Pierce, Florida / 772-579-7214 / www.ankonaboats.com
