Fly Craft F18 ss Big
B&B; Boats is a family owned and operated company that was established in the early ’70s. Initially specializing in fiberglass-boat repair, it later started designing and building small open fishing skiffs. Several years ago B&B; began developing an inshore skiff with the idea that the boat would be both affordable and functional. The result is the Fly Craft F18-SS, the culmination of a layout that works for serious anglers and effectively doubles for family recreation. The F18 includes some of the largest dry storage, baitwells and release wells on the market, along with a list of standard features and equipment that will impress even the most discriminating angler.
||
|—|
| SpecificationsLOA: 18’2″ BEAM: 84″ DRAFT: 10″ WEIGHT: 1,000 lbs. FUEL: 40 gallons POWER: 135-hp Mercury Optimax PRICE: $24,900 w/engineB&B; Boats / Fly Craft 3568 Old Winter Garden Rd. Orlando, FL 32805 407-299-2190 www.flycraft-boats.com|
Fly Craft’s fiberglass/foam construction and foam-filled molded stringer grid system uses no wood at all. This makes the boat lighter, more fuel efficient and easier to pole, and offers faster acceleration out of the hole. Storage compartments, baitwells, release wells, the deck and the liner are all molded as one-piece units to increase strength and stability.
The size of the Fly Craft operation limits the number of boats it produces every year; however, it also means that each boat is still built one at a time and can be customized in virtually any way imaginable.
Standard features include electric trim tabs, a large, round, aerated livewell, a 30-gallon release well and a 40-gallon fuel tank with filling ports on both sides for easier access. The hatches all have self-bailing gutters to ensure that the storage area stays dry. The center console offers a lockable storage compartment, flip-up access to the fuse panel and batteries, and a seat with a built-in cooler. All deck hardware is stainless and either recessed or pop-up to reduce obstructions on the deck. The undergunwale rod storage is long enough for 9-foot fly rods, and adds a wrinkle to the typical system by offering opening gunwales for easier access to the rods. There’s even a lockable version available. Options are limited to a poling platform, push-pole holders, a built-in tackle box and your choice of power.
