Why are flats boats so expensive?

Asked by: Jessica Rheault

Why did boats get so expensive?

The cost of actually building a boat is ultimately the main reason for their high price tags. Unlike cars, whose manufacturing process is now almost wholly automated, boats have to be built mostly by hand. Vast shipyards are required, where often just a handful of boats can be built over the course of several months.

What makes a boat a flats boat?

Flats boats are the leading type of shallow water boat. With completely flat bottoms, they are easy to handle and can navigate shallow waters, which makes them ideal for ponds, lakes, rivers and shallow areas of larger lakes and oceans.

What is the difference between a skiff and a bay boat?

Whereas the typical flats skiff features at least one raised casting deck that’s flush with the top of the hullsides, a bay boat has a lower casting deck, if it has one at all, and often a handrail around the cockpit.

How shallow can a flats boat go?

Flats boats generally constructed from fiberglass and range from 13 feet to 22 feet and most can float in water as shallow as 12 inches, with some even being able to float in water depths as low as 8-10 inches.

Why are boats so expensive in 2021?

Boat prices are up 10% this year as demand increases. Demand shot up during the pandemic as boats were viewed as a safe way to spend time outside. The same shipping industry woes are to blame for shortages on other goods like lumber and furniture.

Are boats overpriced?

Boats are expensive compared to cars for several reasons. One reason is low production volume. The most popular ski and wake boats sell in volumes of a few hundred per year while Ford sold 900,000 F150’s last year. Because of this, every boat part has higher production costs.

What are flats boats good for?

Flats boats, which are sometimes called “skiffs,” are designed for fishing in shallow water flats. Their unique setup allows them to cruise through water that’s just 14 inches deep or less.

Can flats boats go offshore?

A flats boat can be taken offshore given that the sea conditions are optimal and the vessel is under the control of an experienced captain. However, extra precautionary measures should be taken before a flats boat should be taken offshore.

Are flats boats self bailing?

A boat with low freeboard can take on water pretty quickly when the wind picks up. That’s why any flats or bay boat must have a self-bailing cockpit. “Self-bailing” means that the bottom of the cockpit deck is above the waterline.

What is the difference between a flats boat and a bay boat?

Bay boats generally have the same length as flats boats, but they are heavier and have deeper drafts. The hulls tend to use features and characteristics from both larger and smaller boats to achieve a balance of performance, ride quality, and mid-level drafts.

What is a good draft for a flats boat?

One of the most important attributes of a flats boat is how much it drafts. Most flats fishing is done in water four feet deep or less and most flats boats will draft 13 inches or less which is probably just fine for the majority of fishermen.

Why are Robalo boats so heavy?

Most agree that the hulls are heavy due to the strong build, making them slower than lighter brands but a very smooth and stable ride in offshore conditions. Kevlar reinforces some areas of the hull. This is done to lessen the impact of the waves, making the ride smoother.

Is Robalo unsinkable?

As a leader in the marine industry since 1968, Robalo is renowned for its heavy-duty construction, legendary ride and unwavering desire to stay on the cutting edge of innovation. Our first boat was a 19-foot center console saltwater fishing boat, among the first of its type of boat to have an unsinkable hull.

Do heavier boats ride better?

A heavier boat is more comfortable in any kind of chop, easier on the crew and, chances are, not much slower at cruise speeds. Top speed is nice for bragging rights, but most of the time even a fire-breathing raceboat is throttled back. We’d opt for a heavier, more comfortable boat.