Classic Skiff Project

ssscotty

I sold my classic SeaCraft and after 6 months of searching I found what I felt was the perfect hull for my next project. I fish and boat on the east coast of Florida in an area that has shallow water backcountry, intercoastal waterway, inlet, and near shore reefs. I wanted a strong, stable, hull that can handle all of those things. I came across a 1982 Romarine 204 with a 1990 Johnson 120. I knew nothing of this manufacturer so I did a bit of homework and contacted them. They are still building boats today, the original owners son runs the company in Bristol Bay, Rhode Island. They were designed for the quahog clam fishermen. 20 foot plus length, built like a tank, drafts 10 inches of water. 18 degree deadrise on what they call a semi V hull. Lots of room inside to do whatever I want. So I purchased the boat, motor, and trailer for $2500. A running project, so it seemed like a good deal. A good buddy of mine went in on the project and believes in my ideas for this boat. So we started to make this cool northern boat into a hot Florida bay skiff. It has been a long road as it has now been almost 4 years but let me catch you. 

How I received the boat after purchase in early 2017

ssscotty

Removed bow rail and hardware, added pop up cleat

ssscotty

This hull is self bailing with two 2 1/2" scuppers through the transom. There is no bilge and I like it that way. Keeping this a simple smart design with minimal expense and easy up keep. So all floor plates removed that was hiding the rigging.

ssscotty

Now on to the console. New electronics and steering wheel. Garmin Echomap SV74

ssscotty

After deciding on how to run the fuel tank and add some storage and seating I decided to install a 6 foot coffin box in front of the console. Hides the fuel tank and some of the rigging for the new motor. I also added new SeaStar steering, an Atlas hydraulic jack plate, and a brannd new Yamaha 115 VMAX SHO motor, new gauges, controls, switches, a complete rewire, etc. 

th19999

Cool project. The boat looks nice and clean.

Nice idea with the coffin box containing the tank as it gives you additional storage along with a place to sit while keeping weight forward.

MelbourneMark

I like the box idea as well!   Very nice clean skiff!

How are you venting the fuel tank inside the box? 

What is your livewell plans?

Any trolling motor plans?

Here something that I have always thought/dreamed about on a boat like yours: a removable, hopefully lightweight, front deck that can be fit between the box and the front deck.  According to the fishing day, this would extend the front deck for sight fishing etc..  and can be removed for days not needed. 

ssscotty

MelbourneMark said:

I like the box idea as well!   Very nice clean skiff!

How are you venting the fuel tank inside the box? 

What is your livewell plans?

Any trolling motor plans?

Here something that I have always thought/dreamed about on a boat like yours: a removable, hopefully lightweight, front deck that can be fit between the box and the front deck.  According to the fishing day, this would extend the front deck for sight fishing etc..  and can be removed for days not needed. 

Thank you. The fuel tank vents through the cap, the coffin box came with vents on each end. I was worried about the fumes or smell inside the box but its fine. No smell at all. I do have livewell plans, most likely will be centered behind the leaning post, oval in shape. I do most my fishing with artificial baits off the bow, so the livewell is down the list a bit. As far as a trolling motor i go back and forth. I like a clean fishing platform, and adding more batteries, weight, etc, not sure if its right for me. I would use a trolling motor to snook fish my inlet, but there are other techniques i can resort to. When i bought this boat my first thought was to add more bow deck space with lots of storage. But after giving it a lot of thought, the bow is big enough for 2 if need be, and perfect for 1. I am happy with the layout as is. I would consider adding a rear deck to the transom. 

ssscotty

Here is what the console looks like currently. Added black starboard as a backer for looks and function, new digital Yamaha gauges, new controls, led switches, tilt wheel helm, and centered the Garmin.

MelbourneMark

That looks nice and clean! 

back to the gas tank, is it a portable red tank?  if it were me, I would still try to run vent hose out of the box.   I just get a little worried about fumes accumulating when things get sloshing around.  I do see the vent on front of the box.  

Keep in mind that gas fumes can kind of settle before evaporating..  If you have ever started a bonfire with gas, the flames often remain on the ground for a split second while burning.   Not trying to tell you how to live, but just something you might think more about. 

ssscotty

MelbourneMark said:

That looks nice and clean! 

back to the gas tank, is it a portable red tank?  if it were me, I would still try to run vent hose out of the box.   I just get a little worried about fumes accumulating when things get sloshing around.  I do see the vent on front of the box.  

Keep in mind that gas fumes can kind of settle before evaporating..  If you have ever started a bonfire with gas, the flames often remain on the ground for a split second while burning.   Not trying to tell you how to live, but just something you might think more about. 

There are vents on both sides of the coffin box, I also had it installed professionally, by the dealer where I bought the new motor. Seems to be working out great. I shared the same concerns initially. 

MelbourneMark

good deal man.  I do like the layout of the boat.  looks like a fine fishing machine. 

4WARD

Looking good man.
 I like it, keep us updated.

Tony Roma

Love that coffin box

ssscotty

next is to fix the gelcoat to prep it for paint. removing the bottom paint uncovered some chips. I also have some some spots on the cap where I took off the bow rail. thinking Awlgrip in aqua mist for the hull, and matterhorn white for the cap and interior. and of course a white with stainless rub rail. 

Tony Roma

Any shade in this rigs future?

ssscotty

Tony Roma said:

Any shade in this rigs future?

I'm not a fan of a bimini for this boat and I did not plan on a t top. so for now I carry 2 boat umbrellas that can mount to a grab rail or fit in a rod holder. 

FloridaOD

A wonderful design and superb upgrades. 

ssscotty

Here is the current status. Called an audible at the last second and decided to redo with new gelcoat instead of painting over the old with Awlgrip. Had the color I wanted color matched. New white rubrail with a stainless insert will be installed as well. 

ssscotty

Color is in. 

4WARD

That’s gonna look good.

ssscotty

some progress... 

Jstubby2

Pretty

ssscotty

Thank you. Rubrail still in transit.. Bottom gets sprayed next week. 

MelbourneMark

Looks great man!

ssscotty

like glass... 

ssscotty

Sides done, bottom almost done. loving the color.. 

1outlaw

Nice work!

ssscotty

1outlaw said:

Nice work!

thank you, it has been quite a journey 

MelbourneMark

scott, are you doing the paint yourself?   very impressive.  care to give details on the spray/roll etc?    I have never done that detail of work before and frankly my house painting skills are horrible! 

ssscotty

MelbourneMark said:

scott, are you doing the paint yourself?   very impressive.  care to give details on the spray/roll etc?    I have never done that detail of work before and frankly my house painting skills are horrible! 

I have a true pro doing the gelcoat work. I am not experienced with gelcoat nor do I have the extra time right now. I highly recommend him if you are in Florida.