Hell’s Bay Boatworks continues to be A premier builder of what are arguably the most sought-after shallow water skiffs, and has now taken the same legendary performance and classic features to market with their very first bay boat. With namesake to Estero Bay, the state’s first aquatic preserve, this new breed of Hell’s Bay was built to fish and sets a benchmark for performance and fishability along inshore and near-shore venues statewide and beyond.
Almost two years in the making, the 24’10” Estero is a true coastal hybrid that combines the proven performance of Hell’s Bay flats skiffs with the capability to take on big water with ease. Throughout the state there are a host of open water estuaries that at times feel like oceans themselves. Tampa Bay and Florida Bay are perfect examples, and as Florida’s largest bays they cover hundreds of square miles. Cross such large expanses of shallow water like these when there’s a stiff fetch and you’ll be in for a world of pain.
Fortunately, the largest Hell’s Bay to date features a 15-degree deadrise and represents everything an angler might want in a bay boat, while ensuring top of the line construction and comfort.
Sure to be popular with tarpon and redfish anglers fishing Gulf passes like Boca Grande, the Estero is rich with features that help anglers maximize their time on the water. The leaning post is packed with the essentials—four rod holders, tackle station, YETI cooler that conveniently slides out of the way, and two specially-designed Rambler cup holders. A 53-gallon rear livewell, sea chest system, and 130-gallon in-floor fishbox are within arm’s reach from the custom console. Additionally, there are four gunnel rod holders and a massive front hatch that opens to reveal a cavernous rod storage compartment capable of securing conventional and fly outfits.
One thing consistent with every Hell’s Bay creation, including the Estero, is unbeatable quality and superior durability, along with impeccable attention to detail. It’s an undeniable fact that Hell’s Bay is committed to providing a first-class product that’s able to withstand the test of time.
The skilled craftsmen that make anglers’ dreams come true clearly focus their efforts on cutting edge designs and quality construction techniques utilizing only the finest materials. Built with 100 percent vinylester resin, the vacuum-bagged hull features Core Cell construction throughout the entire structure.
While it’s the Estero’s fishability that attracts most anglers, the level of safety and comfort passengers also enjoy should not be overlooked. Every feature on the Estero is there to make the boat safer and easier to operate, including ample lighting throughout the vessel. For night-time endeavors chasing snook and tarpon along dock lights and bridge pilings, Livorsi LED running lights, cockpit and locker lights keep you in the game. Anglers also find peace of mind when running the livewell, trolling motor and other electronics with an Optima high-performance battery bank and management system.
Additionally, features that are often costly after-market options with other manufacturers are standard on a Hell’s Bay. The long list includes a custom aluminum trailer, Lenco trim tabs, jackplate, Milspec breaker switches and SeaStar hydraulic steering.
If you’re in the market for a bay boat that can do it all, you’d be hard pressed to look past this soon to be legend. One thing is for certain; with the introduction of the Estero Hell’s Bay continues to push the envelope with an ideal platform for every shallow water fishery. Hell’s Bay Boatworks, Hellsbayboatworks.com
SPECS:
– L.O.A. 24’10”
– Beam 8’6″
– Draft 13″
– Fuel Capacity 80 gal
– Weight 3,100 lb
– Max HP 400
– MSRP $110,000
*Model may be shown with optional features
Yeti Tundra 105
Soon to be one of the most in-demand bay boats, the Estero is packed to the gills with high performance YETI products designed for long-term ice retention. Besides four custom cup holders that perfectly fit Rambler Tumblers, housed within the leaning post anglers will find a YETI Tundra 105. Mounted to a slide out tray and purposely built to provide increased storage through a taller design with a smaller footprint, the Tundra 105 is built with one-piece rotomolded polyethylene construction and features 2-inches of polyurethane foam insulation, durable T-latches, leak-proof drain plug, dry goods rack, and lockable lid design. Capacity for 59 cans with recommended 2:1 ice ratio..MSRP: $479.99, Yeti.com
