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

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.

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.

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.

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!

 Current Hell’s Bay Waterman Information:

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