Another awesome team and just a great fit here on Flats Nation is Pine Island Welding who truly are Artisans (not just welders) when it comes to Marine Design and Fabrication! They specialize in, but are not limited only in scope to Towers, Platforms for Skiffs, and Bay Boats...
Including other specialty products like swivel stools (talk about a rodeo ride those battles can become) when you are putting the spurs to a Tarpon or the other way around, up on the front casting deck!
An even smaller platform's purpose designed for Paddle Craft intended for working on the Flats and other Super Skinny waters! There is a reason Osprey and Eagles are so successful, and the first word in that method is Altitude and the second is Vision!
See any comparisons between the two pictures?
Tim and the Team though, put a lot of design and engineering thought into their product builds down to even the smaller items such as. Ensuring the wiring/harness can get installed during the final mounting process (without) having to drill even more holes that can expose both the tubing and wiring to even more entry points to the corrosive effects of saltwater afterward! Some factory Tower and T-top designs do not even take such small, but critical touches into the design and the fabrication processes. How many little rubber plugs or other near-worthless items are seen near the (now) peeling Powder-coated piping so that after final installation, the wiring could then get pulled?
Speaking of Powder Coating that is not all that is offered as possible options. Primed and shot with AwlGrip Marine Paint is another. And under consideration, are other coating materials (like those that started for bed liner applications) that have grown in scope and popularity for other types of use cases. So, do ask what other options are possible at the time of design that may or may not impact production timelines.
Product fit and finish is First Class both in how clean the welds are made and finished off. This as well as the cushion and metal coating application work at the same time!
Or, how about some heavy-duty marine grade, home, or shop furniture? Several of their production products (or have one custom-built just for you) have direct cross-over applications for home or shop use! Nothing like bringing parts of your Skiff or Bay Boat into your office to help keep the "Fishing Vibe" going even when like yours truly, have spent "Driving a Mouse" all day... I have to say that with some memory foam employed, that chair below looks as much or more comfortable than my present desk chair 😊
In our discussions though, many exciting projects are in the works with Pine Island Welding and Flats Nation! Here are just a few:
Podcast show topics since I suspect, that it will take more than one to cover all the needed material in-depth on...
The design and development of Polling and casting platforms and other deck components with emphasis placed on Skiff / Bay Boat Restoration and upgrade projects. This is to help you both plan and spec out your dream rig even if (still) she has been just sitting on the trailer of someone's (or your) home for the last unknown number of years. I have seen them with trees growing in them that now, look brand new after a ton of TLC!
Types of metals used (now) and why as compared to years ago?
Weight and Height for towing and COG (Center of Gravity) design considerations.
How to restore and better protect your present metal so it looks showroom fresh for many years. And to help you with some of the Detail and Protection process steps with chemical tested and known to return good ROI for your dollars and time spent... We already have some good content posted on that topic you should enjoy reviewing by clicking Here We tested some newer paint protection products from 303 that "Wears like Iron" as well as other products you should find useful if nothing more, than to grab ideas that you can also borrow from 😊
Product designs intended for Flats Skiff / Bay Boats for Flats Nation viewership to order and use. We feel, there are some sub-standard rods, cameras (especially important for our media collection efforts) as well as MFD mounts, purpose-built for Flats Fishing type of Craft or Tow units now missing in our Market space. More on those design ideas for review and comment as they drop into the development stage.
However, if you have a present need for your Skiff or Tow / RV unit. This or just a design idea, do feel free to reach out to us by clicking Here we would love to hear your upgrade or product ideas! This and how we can help you make it come to fruition together! Let's just say, I know of a line of Skiffs that need a better mouse trap/backrest system for us Old Guys versus what the Factory now supplies for sure...
So, please feel free to reach out to our newest team members over at Pine Island Welding even if not local in SWFL for not only do they have a mobile service, but many items can get shipped!
You can find their homepage with all their contact information by clicking Here
Plus, you can review some of the products just listed on their new online store by clicking Here
With even more in the development and planning stages.
And do let them know that Flats Nation sent you 😊
We invite you to take in a few Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you just cannot hitch up the Skiff and go, on these links:
Our main podcast page works great for your mobile device since they will stream right on your phone/tablet can be found by clicking Here
Our new Flats Nation YouTube Channel can be found by clicking Here and sharing them with family and friends if you find them Entertaining and Educational! We have some great guests in the works and planning stages on a wide range of topics and product coverage soon.
Tight Lines and God Bless!
