Matt Hoover (http://www.nightflightcharters.com) likens his original Slo-Poke 15′, named Pinocchio, to a Fully restored 55 Chevy but on water. We agree 110%!! Even when fully loaded, Pinocchio drafts a mere 5″ of water and will haul A*S at 35 MPH. Pinocchio was made from a mold popped off of one of the only existing 15 foot Willy Roberts boats. It is a true piece of skiff history.
Here is a breakdown of the rehab project and finished results for your viewing pleasure.
Pinocchio – By Matt Hoover, www.nightflightcharters.com
The first time that my buddy Capt. Stacy Mullendore and I saw this skiff was when it was hanging from a boat lift down in Port Royal, Naples. To make a long story short, we wound up acquiring it about three years later in 1996. It was in fair condition at the time. It had an old long shaft 25 horse motor on it that I later sold for $600.
We stripped the boat down to bare bones and did body work on it and I painted it with PPG Concepts paint. It was Emerald Green and Tan. The logo’s were replicated at a vinyl shop. We had a custom poling platform built and put on a new Mariner 40 horse motor with trim and tilt.
In the next year, we found out the boats history. I know and have fished with Steve Huff over the years. He told me that Willy Roberts had made three 15 foot Willy Roberts boats. Two of them faded away and the last one was owned by Billy Knowles. Willy Roberts built perhaps the most influential skiff of the time. He had his shop in Tavernier. His main boats were either 20 feet or 17 feet. He was known to build whatever you want. His early skiffs were made of marine plywood, but he eventually started making them out of fiberglass. His boats are beautiful with the classic Carolina lines. Most of the Keys guides of the day had to have a Willy. That particular profile is missing from today’s skiff because they do grab the wind. I do love the lines though. You can buy new Willy Roberts boats now out of Miami.
Steve Huff and others got Billy to take that boat to Freddy Archibald in Homosassa. Billy owned and operated Green Heron Boat works. He is of the ShiPoke skiff fame which was another Steve Huff collaboration. They built a mold and made 10 of the hulls. Two of those boats were sold to Jack Nicklaus as tenders for his yacht. Our hull was vacuum bagged with Klegacell and S class series glass. It was a modern process with modern materials for the time.
We have used the boat for almost 15 years. We were one of the few in our area to start using two different boats for shallow water fishing. There just weren’t that many technical poling skiffs at the time. I liken our boat to a restored 55 Chevy if you will.
Last year, we decided that the paint was tired, the floorboard was loose and there needed to be a few tweaks that we didn’t do quite right at the time. We used PPG Concepts again and took the boat down to nothing and redid it from scratch. The paint cost almost twice as much as the first time around! It turned out beautiful once again and is solid as a rock.
Pinocchio will float in an honest 4 to 5 inches and has put many fish over the side via fly rod. It is a real ride when you hook a big tarpon as well. Pinocchio has served us well over the years. I hope to continue to enjoy him some more.
2023 Update
In a beautiful development of a skiff going full circle to the original family. This is Freddy Archibald. He is the grandson of Freddy Archibald who actually built Pinocchio. Matt Hoover said, "What are the odds of Pinocchio going full circle? Of all the people that I would ever sell my beloved Pinocchio to, we found a right home."
We agree Matt, what a beautiful path for this skiff's journey and the family and man that created her!
Navigating Florida's Coastal Estuaries with Willy Roberts Skiffs: A Fisherman's Paradise
Introduction
In the realm of inshore fishing along Florida's vibrant coastline, Willy Roberts Skiffs stand as a symbol of craftsmanship, innovation, and the pursuit of angling perfection. These handcrafted vessels, born from a deep-seated passion for the water and a commitment to excellence, offer anglers the ultimate platform for exploring the bountiful waters of Florida's coastal estuaries. Join us as we dive into the world of Willy Roberts Skiffs and uncover the wonders of inshore fishing in the Sunshine State's rich and diverse marine ecosystems.
Discovering Willy Roberts Skiffs: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Willy Roberts Skiffs represent the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. Founded by legendary boat builder Willy Roberts, these skiffs are meticulously handcrafted using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Each vessel is a testament to Willy's unwavering dedication to quality, with every plank, seam, and detail crafted to perfection. From their sleek lines to their impeccable finishes, Willy Roberts Skiffs exude a timeless elegance that sets them apart on the water.
Inshore Fishing in Florida: Exploring Coastal Ecstasy
Florida's coastal estuaries are a veritable paradise for inshore anglers, offering a smorgasbord of gamefish species and diverse habitats to explore. From the crystal-clear flats of the Florida Keys to the winding mangrove-lined creeks of the Everglades, these dynamic ecosystems teem with life and promise endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're chasing trophy snook in the shadowy mangrove tunnels or stalking tailing redfish on the grassy flats, the possibilities are as endless as the horizon itself.
The Versatility of Willy Roberts Skiffs: Conquering Coastal Waters
Willy Roberts Skiffs are tailor-made for the unique challenges of Florida's coastal waters. With their shallow drafts and agile maneuverability, these vessels are perfectly suited for navigating the shallow flats, winding creeks, and hidden backwaters that define the Sunshine State's estuarine landscapes. Whether you're poling silently across a glassy flat or threading your way through a labyrinth of mangrove islands, Willy Roberts Skiffs provide the stealth, stability, and reliability you need to unlock the secrets of Florida's inshore fisheries.
Species Spotlight: Snook, Redfish, and Speckled Sea Trout
Florida's coastal estuaries are home to an array of prized gamefish species, each offering its own unique challenge and allure. Florida fishing is truly one of the best places for angling in the world.
Florida's coastal estuaries are renowned for their rich biodiversity, harboring a treasure trove of prized gamefish species that lure anglers from far and wide.
Snook: Dubbed the "linesider" for its distinctive lateral line, snook reign supreme among Florida's inshore predators. With their sleek bodies and powerful strikes, these ambush hunters prowl the mangrove-lined shorelines and rocky outcroppings, providing anglers with heart-stopping battles and unforgettable memories.
Redfish: The iconic red drum, or redfish, is a testament to Florida's inshore fishing heritage. From the shallow grass flats to the labyrinthine marshes, redfish patrol the waters with an air of authority, their bronze scales shimmering in the Florida sun. Anglers relish the challenge of tangling with these formidable opponents, whose brute strength and relentless determination make every hookup an adrenaline-fueled affair.
Speckled Sea Trout: With their dazzling spots and voracious appetites, speckled sea trout epitomize the thrill of inshore fishing in Florida. Whether prowling the sandy flats, darting through seagrass beds, or ambushing prey along tidal currents, these cunning predators offer anglers a chance to test their skills against one of the Sunshine State's most prized gamefish.
Experience the Willy Roberts Advantage
With their timeless beauty, impeccable craftsmanship, and unwavering performance, Willy Roberts Skiffs offer anglers the ultimate platform for exploring Florida's coastal estuaries. Whether you're chasing trophy snook in the shadowy mangroves, stalking tailing redfish on the grassy flats, or tempting speckled sea trout with a well-placed cast, Willy Roberts Skiffs provide the stealth, stability, and reliability you need to unlock the secrets of Florida's inshore fisheries.
By weaving in a fresh perspective on these species, the article maintains its uniqueness while showcasing the diversity of Florida's inshore fishing opportunities. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to adjust!
Nice boat. I wanted to correct one item in the story, though. Fred Archibald, not Billy Knowles, was the owner of Green Heron Boat Works. Fred’s original product was the ShiPoke, which I believe he created from a modified Sidewinder hull. Later he popped a hull mold off of the Willie Roberts boat that became the SloPoke. Billy Knowles was a Keys guide and a buddy of Fred’s. Nice guy. He was always fun to be around. I was just a teenager working for Fred when his shop was in St. Petersburg, Fla. Billy and Fred and variety of other characters always kept me entertained. I was there when we finished the SloPoke hull mold — many days of wet sanding — and designed the cockpit. I went with Fred down to a large boat builder in Fort Lauderdale to learn how to use Klegacell, which was a PVC foam. The Klegacell and S-glass made a remarkably strong deck. Glad some of the old boats are still in use.