Meet Phil Carter’s 2007 “Tom Gordon” built Hell’s Bay Waterman 16′ with Tohatsu 50hp Tiller

Photo of author

By admin

Tom Gordon built this boat for me according to my specifications.  I originally opted for the coffin box inline with the keel and a stand-up bar on the back.  The tach and water pressure gauge were installed on the back end of the coffin box, tilted up slightly for ease of viewing.  This configuration was fine for one other person fishing with me, although even for one the seat on the coffin box wasn’t the most comfortable for them.  It didn’t seat two passengers well unless they were a “couple” who didn’t mind cuddling.

Phil's 2007 Gordon Waterman with Original Coffin Box
Phil’s 2007 Gordon Waterman with Original Coffin Box

So after 3 years, I took the boat to Tom at Islamarine and had him modify it to the HB Lodge model.  They cut the coffin box out, resprayed the floor and coffin box, and added two removable seats mounted tandem.  The gauges were moved to the back side of the coffin box.  This configuration is much more comfortable for two passengers, although it seems I fish by myself most of the time.

florida-tides iphone-tide-app
android-tide-app

A few years ago I saw an older model HB with a bulkhead compass installed on the forward bulkhead, right side.  A compass is something we rarely use anymore, but I had to have it.  So, I took the boat to Kevin at East Cape Skiffs and he ordered and installed a nice sized Ritchey bulkhead compass forward of the coffin box, on the right side forward bulkhead, actually just right of the fuel tank.  It’s not something you see very often, and I certainly don’t need it to get around, but I thought it was cool.

Phil's 2007 Gordon Waterman with upgraded Hell's Bay Lodge Style Seating.
Phil’s 2007 Gordon Waterman with upgraded Hell’s Bay Lodge Style Seating.

The casting platform was given to me with a broken leg.  I took it to a friend who is a retired union welder.  Then I had it re-powder coated at Accurate Powder Coating in Titusville.

I love my Skiff!

Digital StillCamera
Phil enjoying the benefit of owning one of the best skiffs ever made, a Hell’s Bays Waterman!

 

Phil Carter’s 2007 “Tom Gordon” built HB Waterman w/ Tohatsu 50hp Tiller
Phil Carter’s 2007 “Tom Gordon” built
HB Waterman w/ Tohatsu 50hp Tiller

 Current Hell’s Bay Waterman Information:


hells-bay-boatworks
Hell’s Bay Boatworks
321.383.8223
1520 Chaffee Dr. Titusville, FL 32780
http://hellsbayboatworks.com/
 

2015 Hell’s Bay Waterman Standard Specifications

  • Weight – 610 lbs.
  • Draft – 4.5″ with engine & fuel
  • Length – 18′
  • Beam – 73″
  • Recommended Power – 50 hp – 70 hp

2015 Hell’s Bay Waterman Detail Specifications:

Engine
50 hp – 70 hp motor
Stainless steel prop
Steering & Handling
Lenco™ trim tabs
Aluminum steering wheel
Hydraulic steering
Quality Finish & Construction
Vinyl ester resin 100%
Kevlar™ hull
Heavy duty rub rail
Vacuum-bagged Core Cell™ construction throughout entire structure
Easy clean non-skid deck
Spray rails incorporated in hull
Fishing Features
Rod racks with rod tubes for 7 rods
Stiffy push pole holders
Anodized poling platform with SeaDek top
Livewells & Pumps
Bilge pump, Rule® automatic 1100 GPH
Livewell – ready for plumbing
Cockpit & Storage
Quiet & dry hatches with rubber gaskets
Saftey & Convenience
Rear deck seat cushions
Custom galvanized trailer
Electric
Running lights/Livorsi LED
Hell's Bay Waterman
Hell’s Bay Waterman

Leave a Comment