The Skiff Build - The Features

The Green Baron 18’ skiff

“The Green Baron has the ability to manipulate the environment around him, transforming the landscape to suit his needs. This power allows him to traverse the marsh in exceptional ways!

I built my own boat! No not designed it with the options a dealer would offer. Actually, hand built a skiff! After owning a skiff and riding in others I concluded that you could spend $100,000 on a skiff….and still not have the performance, comfortable seating, or storage you really needed. Time and time again, I would be in a “reputable” skiff companies’ boat (read: LOTS OF MONEY), and have to play musical chairs to get the boat on plane and then change seating once up on plane. Not only that, whenever I would step foot on the boat; I had nowhere to put my dry bag, fly box, and camera that was accessible when I needed it. It was always some mad scramble to find what you needed when you needed it. You come with a buddy, and want to chat while on plane traveling to another spot? HA! Not in “reputable” companies’ skiffs. One guy sits way behind the other next to the guide. So, you can stare at the back of your friend’s head. FUN! How much to go again, guide!? I am by no means dogging the process of what it takes to manufacture boats. After doing just 1 my hat is off to these companies in what they do. However, I was equipped with a certain set of construction skills and the ideas just ran rampant in my mind about how I could make it more fitting to what I wanted to achieve and the comfort I wanted to have.

I don’t just want to fish. I want to be comfortable (dare I say stylish as well?). That means I want my clients/friends to be comfortable. So, lets dive into what I built that alleviates some of these issues.

The skiff I built is 18 feet in length. Powered by a 50hp Yamaha motor equipped with a cavitation plate, and 4 blade prop. I opted for a LARGE storage locker up front and a slim gas tank. This allows me to utilize all the storage in the bow for the mandatory 3 life preservers, a throw cushion, and a detachable front split light for foggy or subpar sight conditions.

The casting platform (or Crail) is a Carbon Fiber Marine product made of, you guessed it, carbon fiber. Nice lean back bar to alleviate some back discomfort if you need and side bars to stabilize in case you need. Also, a good thick pad for the feet. Makes a huge difference after a long day out on the water. Moving down and rearward you can see the forward bulkhead is a carbon Kevlar weave for additional “sparkle”.

Moving backward, I constructed a bench seat from carbon/Kevlar material, equipped with two Orthopedic Tempress flip-up seats. If you bring a buddy or partner, you can now comfortably sit next to them. You'll observe the option to elevate your feet onto the deck; this design choice aims to provide stability and enhance your comfort. The bench seat features storage underneath for your belongings. Additionally, a compact Yeti soft cooler will be placed beneath the seat for keeping beverages or cold food. Should you require extra cooler space, feel free to utilize my cooler.

In the center console you will see beverage holders. Those are Dometic Chillers. Flip it on and don’t be worried about guzzling your water or drink before it gets as hot as Hades. Take…your..time and reeeeelax. Drink it when you want. You are starting to see a theme here, right? Also mounted in the center console behind your seat is a USB port to charge your phones.

Left and right under the gunwhale is rod storage, LED lighting for early morning departures.

I opted for a center console. Rear of that is my Bilge locker. Boat has one big scupper that drains the deck immediately out the boat and a bilge pump just in case. I mounted my clear running light on the back of that. I built this whole boat with your comfort in mind. I want your experience with me to be an enjoyable one. The Green Baron is just what the doctor ordered.