Panga style boats? (Sarasota, Charlotte Harbor: moving, designs, companies)

[coastal chic]

Last weekend we went out with some friends in their 26' Andros Tarpon, which is a panga-style custom boat made in Sarasota. It is beautiful! But even more impressive is how well it rides. We were in 2 feet of water at full throttle. This boat drafts 12" or less! We went out to a barrier island across Charlotte Harbor and it was pretty rough that day, but the ride was smooth.

Of course, I didn't ask if I could drive it but am wondering if anybody else has a panga-style boat and what you think of it? Two local companies, Panga Marine and Andros Boatworks, build them to spec in Sarasota. One day....

The benefits of this type of boat are they are supposedly more economical to run since they can operate on lower HP, have a raised bow which allows for a "dry" ride, and shallow draft, but are longer and more narrow than regular V-hulls or CC's so don't have as much deck space. However, I didn't notice that.

So, let's start a boat conversation here....this seems like the perfect blend of flats boat meets offshore to me!

Here's the one:

http://www.androsboats.com/26.cfm (broken link)

[bbronston]

I've never been in one but a few things come to mind. First, a narrower beam would lead me to expect it to roll more than a wider beam which, for me, of all the motions of a boat is the one I like least. Second, if the hull design is really advantageous, I'd expect other manufacturers to copy it and that hasn't happened with this design but it has with most other designs. On the other hand, the problem with small skiffs and flats boats is the wet ride in a chop and this claims to have solved that problem. I just don't get pairing more freeboard in the bow for rougher water yet a narrower beam. Personally, I'd still rather have a more "conventional" design. Also, please keep in mind that just because a boat can run across very shallow water, you have to be very mindful that you don't tear up the grasses and leave prop scars. It takes a long time for them to grow back.

[coastal chic]

Originally Posted by bbronston

Second, if the hull design is really advantageous, I'd expect other manufacturers to copy it and that hasn't happened with this design but it has with most other designs.

This is funny to me considering this hull design is the most popular in central and south america with commercial fisherman. And how many "hull designs" can there really be? V, deep V, cat, panga, flat....you can only modify them so much.

I think the reason they are not as popular as they could be is due to the fact they're not exactly "pretty" boats. Although I think they are. I guess it's an acquired taste.

As for the tip factor, I didn't feel this at all, but again we were on a 26' boat, so I would expect not to.

[Picshooter]

I worked for a marine engine co. for over 20 years, and have been in pretty much every type of hull.
Including a panga we imported from Mexico for some testing. They run pretty much as you described, but imo are not a very fun boat. The ones I ran with a tiller required the operator to stand when maneuvering so you could see where you were going.
Again, imo there is no such thing as the perfect boat. Want to go 30- 40 miles offshore, better have fuel capacity. And If I am going offshore alone, I want dual engines.
Want to go bay fishing? plenty of choices. Serious backwater fishing? a performance flats boat.
A family boat? How about a deck boat.
Freshwater (bass) fishing? A decked out tournament boat is the ultimate, but would be a horrible choice for saltwater, as would most aluminum hulls.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by Picshooter

I worked for a marine engine co. for over 20 years, and have been in pretty much every type of hull.
Including a panga we imported from Mexico for some testing. They run pretty much as you described, but imo are not a very fun boat. The ones I ran with a tiller required the operator to stand when maneuvering so you could see where you were going.
Again, imo there is no such thing as the perfect boat. Want to go 30- 40 miles offshore, better have fuel capacity. And If I am going offshore alone, I want dual engines.
Want to go bay fishing? plenty of choices. Serious backwater fishing? a performance flats boat.
A family boat? How about a deck boat.
Freshwater (bass) fishing? A decked out tournament boat is the ultimate, but would be a horrible choice for saltwater, as would most aluminum hulls.

I agree Picshooter. I like the boat, and did think it was pretty too. At 26' it should move quickly and smoothly through the water in light chop or small wake waves. The narrow beam would cut through the water pretty well. I know your point about wanting to stand to see where you are going. And, the fact that no boat is perfect for all types of fishing is really true. I have a deep v hull, that helps throw off the water when moving in the open bay or gulf so it helps to keep you dry. I use my kayak when I want to fish in shallow water, but would love a flats boat to help me move around better. If I were to get another boat, I would get one like that - then I'll have two boats, and need the bigger one too.