Of course, I want one. Don’t you? The Caribiana Sea Skiff combines uncommon beauty, grace and seaworthiness with the practicality of fiberglass construction and portability.
I had the good fortune to run into Joanne McDonough, half of the Caribiana Sea Skiff partnership, on the docks at the Miami International Boat Show. She offered to take me for a short sea trial, and of course, I couldn’t resist.
Caribiana offers the Sea Skiff in Coaster and Signature models-the former devoid of wood, the latter bedecked with varnished teak trim. Our Signature model carried a Honda 90 outboard on the transom (good for about 35 knots, top), but a 50-horse motor is more than enough.
These slender, lightweight boats are easily driven. A fine entry of severe deadrise transitions to a shallow, V-shape run.
In Government Cut, the little boat hummed along with nary a concern for the washing-machine slop created by the heavy traffic. She’s dry, too. Jumping her out of the water is the only way to get her to pound, but that sort of antic defeats her purpose.
Her greatest attraction is the ability to putter along at 18 to 22 knots in almost any sea state a prudent skipper is likely to encounter. She’s also happy at pure displacement speeds, making her ideal for a day of fishing with all the kids piled on board.
Caribiana Sea Skiffs, (888) 203-4883; www.caribiana.com.
