yellowfin 17 specs
centerline length |
17 ’ 4 ” |
beam |
80 ” |
draft |
6 ” |
weight ( w / o power ) |
600 lbs . |
max HP fuel capacity
watch it here
115 hp 22 gal
Yellowfin . com
Bonefish and lemon shark in Biscayne Bay www . youtube . com / watch ? v = 0WtL9NxpokA
Mutton snapper in Biscayne Bay off flats boat www . youtube . com / watch ? v = mx1UUCBHK _ U
Lemon shark on the flats on flats boat www . youtube . com / watch ? v = 4szT6DURn5E
Out of all the types of fishing , the style that ’ s most similar to hunting is flats fishing . While fishing on the flats , you need to be precise , stealthy and observant . Attention to detail is paramount ; one small error can blow your shot at catching that fish of a lifetime . By definition , flats are areas that are two feet deep or less , and are covered and uncovered by the rise and fall of the tide . Target species that inhabit flats include speckled sea trout , redfish , tarpon , permit , and bonefish . The boat of choice for this type of fishing is referred to as a flats boat , or skiff .
Flats boats are designed to fish for the above species , and can float and run in very shallow water ... in many cases , less than a foot . Flats boats have raised front and rear casting decks , as well as a poling platform . Weight is a huge factor on this type of boat . Modern technology and R & D allows boat builders to build strong , lightweight hulls filled with foam , that have a large payload capacity and range , all while keeping the boat agile , nimble , and light . Hull design varies from boat to boat , and obviously there are compromises for each design . The flatter the bottom , the shallower a boat will float ( less draft ). However , a flatter bottom will yield a rougher ride in choppy conditions . The more deadrise , or deeper the V , the better the boat will ride in choppy conditions , but it will need more water to float ( more draft ). Most dedicated flats boats will float in less than a foot of water .
Flats boats are usually between 15 and 19 feet long . In order to determine which length will suit you , you need to consider your fishing area . A lengthier boat will be much better for traveling over open water and long distances . A shorter boat will be easier to pole . Something else to consider is stealthiness . Hull shape can determine how much hull slap will occur when a boat is at rest . Spooky fish will be startled by hull slap and run for the hills . Furthermore , flats boats must be low profile and easy to pole . How well the boat poles will determine how well you can sneak up on the fish .
There are some other requirements you need to pay attention to when choosing a new flats boat . You need recessed or flushmounted handles , cleats , and hardware . This is very important , especially when fly fishing . Rod storage is another consideration . Most flats boats use bow tubes and racks under the gunwales , so that rods can be stored in a horizontal fashion . Choosing a push pole is very important as well . You need to size the pole according to the size of your boat . Purchase the lightest push pole you can afford . As a general rule , buy a push pole that is two feet longer than the boat . Learning to pole your skiff is an effort of time and practice . My friend , Capt . Joe Gonzalez , made a great video with the IGFA on how to pole a skiff : ( www . youtube . com / watch ? v = t47MMj2TfHk )
I had the opportunity to talk with Yellowfin Yachts Vice President , Heath Daughtry , about what he thought were the most important characteristics in a skiff . Heath said : “ Our 17 skiff was designed with versatility in mind , allowing the angler to effectively fish many different geographical areas .” Here are his thoughts on important flats boat characteristics , and what makes the Yellowfin 17 skiff special :
1 ) Sharp Entry : If you ’ re fishing in an area where you need to cross open water , a sharp entry is a must . The Yellowfin 17 skiff has a sharp entry to cut through chop .
2 ) Tracking : How a flats boat tracks when it ’ s being poled is very important . The Yellowfin 17 skiff is low profile and tracks well with a crosswind , into the wind and with a tailwind . Heath says , “ I keep my pole on my left side , and with slight adjustments , I ’ m able to easily adjust for different conditions and guide the skiff where I need it to go .”
3 ) Hull Slap : Hull slap can be the determining factor on whether or not you catch your target species . Heath mentioned that the Yellowfin 17 skiff is designed with this in mind , and its hull provides minimum hull slap .
The Yellowfin 17 skiff is 17 ’ 4 ’’, with an 80-inch beam , 6-inch draft , only weighs 600 pounds and has a fuel capacity of 22 gallons . I use the Yellowfin 17 skiff for my TV show , and as a personal boat . My boat is powered with a Mercury 115 Pro XS . I mounted a Motorguide Xi5 trolling motor on the bow and although this adds weight , the trolling motor gives me great flexibility and allows me to fish by myself . The Yellowfin 17 skiff is silent and easy to pole . A great feature is the recessed trim tabs , which really help with weight distribution when running , and helping the boat to jump on plane .
58 HOOKED UP MARCH / APRIL 2017 hookedupdesigns . com