These are tall words indeed, but just as the jump from wood to fiberglass was back in the 1950s, or the Maverick or, better yet, the Hell's Bay Whipray 16 skiff was in the late 1990s. Now, the Fly Boatworks F2 Carbon is in 2024!
First, here are some basics before we all foam at the mouth over why we call it an Evolutionary Step in Flats Skiff design, both in hull construction materials and her awesome propulsion system and final drive unit that is truly (in non-engineering terms) simply "Off The Chain!" 😀
Length 19.2 Ft
Beam Width 80 Inches
Bottom Width 65 Inches
Deadrise 12-Degree/ Variable
Complete Pre-rigged Weight 436 LB
Total Rigged Weight w/300HP 950 LBS
Max (Grunt) Horse Power 300 HP Supercharged
Speed 60 + MPH
0 to 30 MPH 1.9 Seconds
0 to 50 MPH 4.7 Seconds
0 to plane or on step 1/2 Second
So, let's talk about that propulsion system a little and why it allows this skiff to do what it does so quickly while showing the same or better fuel burn rates as most outboards with 1/3 the power output.
The F2 Carbon was purposefully engineered from conception and, after years of design work, now employs:
A more forward-mounted Rotax ACE (Advances Combustion Efficiency) 4-stroke (3-cylinder) engine with a direct gear-driven supercharger that produces 300 Horsepower!
It uses a jet drive system, which, with the jet pump components also attached, only weighs 298 LBS! Now compare that to your present Outboard weight, which is (also) hanging off of the stern. Let's say it is akin to a mid-engine sports car in balance and handling. 😉
I remember (showing my age) when we were thrilled to get an engine that produced one horsepower per pound; this beast is making a whopping 3.16 horsepower per pound! That is phenomenal output for any production unit, and (now) BRP/Rotax has this same engine in production with some upgrades now making 325 Horsepower. 😊
The skiff's reported static draft (and she sits extremely level, by the way, due to the engine placement) is just 6 to 7 inches pending loading. More importantly, she runs in 3 to 4 inches "Without" leaving a trace due to not having a prop!
And handles like a rocket sled on rails able to pull off maneuvers that are not possible with an outboard.
The technology advancements don't end there, as if that video above was not impressive enough!
The hull build materials, which are not employed on most skiffs, which we will cover later in a podcast with Fly Boatworks Guru Mark Fisher, employ many design elements, like the unique under-gunnel rod holders...
And console configuration with dual MFDs (one for navigation, the second for engine management) that allows for plenty of walk-around space.
Including the use of a specially designed (and built by Fly Boatworks) torsion bar axle trailer that does not use a rear cross-member, making it about as dry launch and recovery as possible, which helps prevent the trailer from getting a constant saltwater bath, and we all know what that can lead to! 🙄
So, we hope you enjoyed our little intro to the Fly Boatworks F2 Carbon. We look forward to working with Mark to get more media coverage and chatting with him here on Flats Nation about her soon! 😎
In the meantime,
We invite you to take in a few other Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go, on these links:
Our main podcast page works great for your mobile device since it will stream right on your phone/tablet. It can be found by clicking Here
Our new Flats Nation YouTube Channel can be found by clicking here and sharing it with family and friends if you find it entertaining and educational! We have some great guests in the works and planning stages on a wide range of topics and product coverage soon.
Also, The "Flats Nation" Merch and Swag collection, if you like our content, has some new works, from T-shirts to our newer Technical wear, just in time for Tarpon Season, which can be found Here.
Tight Lines, and God Bless!
Dave and the Team.
