Skull Island 16
Lifetime anglers Chris Ivey and Scott Crippen entered the tactical skiff market with the goal of building a lightweight and agile skiff able to deliver anglers and their gear quietly into the habitat of edgy game fish. This boat would need to draft shallow, pole with ease and provide a dry ride. Their aim inspired the development of the Skull Island 16. Ivey and Crippen brought Paul Ellig, a pioneer and visionary with composite materials, on board to lead the construction and design of the craft. With over 75 years of light-tackle angling and marine engineering, the Skull Island Skiff Works team achieved what they set out to.
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Design and Construction**
The company adheres to the philosophy that form follows function. Throughout the 16, you will find angler-driven design elements. Each skiff is made from 100 percent vinylester resin and a combination of aerospace-grade closed-cell foam, woven fiberglass and Kevlar cloth. Skull Island Skiff Works’ proprietary laminate schedule achieves an impressive ratio of strength to weight.
The forward entry of the Skull Island 16 mirrors the wide flare associated with Carolina-style sport-fish boats. This dramatic flare supports a large casting platform and provides dry runs to and from your favorite fishing spots. A unique transom design extends the lower unit beyond the transom plane, which allows for raised engine mounting and increased shallow-water per-formance. The boat has spacious and dry double-gasketed storage compartments fore and aft, with stainless-steel locking hardware. A large self-draining cockpit with undergunwale storage for six 9-foot fly rods accommodates a variety of cockpit options, including both center-console and tiller designs. A powder-coated aluminum fuel tank, Lenco trim tabs and LED navigation lights are all standard equipment.
Running and Fishing
Paramount in the design of this new boat was providing a highly mobile, dry and stable fishing platform. Rear-facing rod tubes make it easy for you to grab a stick without having to leave the front casting deck, a huge advantage when a beauty suddenly appears on your favorite bonefish flat. Additionally, the Skull Island hull design eliminates hull slap and is virtually silent, allowing you to sneak up on laid-up fish. Because of the advanced construction and design, the boat is incredibly light and poles effortlessly. This skiff spins on a dime, and the 60-inch beam gives you the opportunity to explore many narrow creeks and channels inaccessible to larger skiffs.
The nonskid deck surfaces and cockpit provide sure footing, and integrated spray rails, as well as the sharp bow entry and flare, get you to the fishing grounds dry and comfortable. Every Skull Island is custom-built, with a huge list of options available to meet your needs. With a range of 150 miles on 12 gallons of gas, the Skull Island 16 is ready for your next adventure.
Specifications
LOA……16’2″
BEAM……5′
DRAFT……4-5″
WEIGHT……400 lbs. (fully rigged with 30 hp outboard)
MAX HP……30
MSRP……$18,500
Skull Island Skiff Works / Fort Pierce, Florida / 754-229-9477 / www.skullislandskiffs.com
