As a rule, the Atlas Boatworks 23F is designed to be simple. The idea is that we are all about a clean, hardworking, easy-to-maintain boat that will last for generations to come. To that end, we often forego some of the fancier things in exchange for ease of mind. Well, we are going to toss all of that out the window as we talk about all the things that we are willing to break those guidelines for. In our opinion, these are the things worth the hassle, extra wiring, additional cleaning, and longer maintenance times.
That being said, the whole reason we exist as a semi-custom boat builder is because not everyone has the same opinion on what make a great boat. So, take this list as inspiration, and then let us help you build your own perfect boat.
Ramblins'
Prior to purchasing the molds for the Atlas Boatworks 23F, I spent a morning with Captain Ben Geroy. He is a charter captain who runs a 23F out of Naples, Florida. As we were talking about why he chose the options that he did, he said that he, quote, “Hated towers on boats.” That surprised me because I’ve heard other captains who love having a higher viewpoint and a place to manage their clients from. A little later in the trip, as we were flying around a tight corner and all ducking to avoid mangrove branches hanging over the water way, he casually mentioned that he had that exact spot in mind when he decided not to get a top on his boat. It made a little more sense to me after that.
We are going to talk through some of our favorite exceptions to the nice, clean, and simple design rule below:
Trolling Motors
Look, we’ll be the first to admit that hanging a trolling motor on the front deck of the 23F disrupts the aesthetic. However, the advantages outweigh the downsides, in our opinion. Here’s why:
Enhancing Control and Efficiency
When it comes to maximizing your fishing experience, integrating a trolling motor becomes a game-changer. These compact yet powerful motors not only provide enhanced control but also open up a realm of possibilities, especially with GPS-enabled features like Spot Lock.
Spot Lock: Precision Anchoring in a Dynamic Environment
One of the standout advantages of trolling motors is the revolutionary Spot Lock technology. Imagine effortlessly anchoring your boat at a specific GPS coordinate with the push of a button. This feature utilizes GPS to maintain your boat’s position, combating wind and current, and allowing you to focus on casting, reeling, and, most importantly, catching fish.
Effortless Fishing
Spot Lock simplifies fishing in challenging conditions. Whether you’re targeting a prime spot or battling against currents, this technology keeps you precisely where you want to be without the hassle of traditional anchors.
Tight Navigation:
Apart from Spot Lock, GPS-enabled trolling motors offer precise navigation capabilities. Seamlessly move through intricate waterways and locate hidden fishing spots with ease, enhancing your overall angling experience.
Enhanced Safety:
In unfamiliar waters, the GPS features provide an extra layer of safety. Mark waypoints, chart routes, and navigate confidently, ensuring you stay on course and avoid potential hazards.
Conclusion:
Investing in a trolling motor for your 23F isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking precision and control. The Spot Lock and other GPS-enabled features redefine the way you approach fishing, making every trip more enjoyable and successful. With technology at your fingertips, you can focus on what matters most – reeling in the big catch.
Power Poles
Enhancing Control and Precision
Gone are the days when anglers relied solely on traditional anchors to secure their boats. Today, the savvy fisherman understands the value of precision, and that’s where shallow water anchors, like the Power Pole, come into play.
Effortless Navigation
Navigating through shallow waters requires finesse, and traditional anchors can be cumbersome. Power Poles eliminate the need for manual anchoring, allowing anglers to effortlessly position their 23-foot fishing boat with unparalleled precision.
Quick Stops for Stealthy Approaches
In the pursuit of elusive fish, abrupt stops can make the difference between a successful catch and a missed opportunity. Shallow water anchors, with their swift deployment, enable anglers to make quick stops, ensuring stealthy approaches without disturbing the underwater ecosystem.
Optimizing Casting Angles
An Atlas Boatworks 23F fishing boat equipped with Power Poles becomes a versatile fishing platform. These anchors facilitate optimal casting angles, enabling anglers to reach prime fishing spots and presenting lures with pinpoint accuracy.
Stability in Drift Fishing
Drift fishing is a popular technique, but maintaining stability in shifting currents can be challenging. Shallow water anchors provide the necessary stability, allowing anglers to focus on the fishing experience rather than constantly adjusting their position.
Reduced Noise, Increased Success
The subtlety of fishing is often disrupted by loud anchor splashes. Shallow water anchors, with their quiet deployment, reduce noise disturbances, increasing the chances of a successful catch.
Conclusion: Precision Meets Performance
For owners of the Atlas Boatworks 23F, integrating shallow water anchors like Power Poles is a game-changer. From effortless navigation to optimizing casting angles, these anchors elevate the fishing experience by combining precision with performance, ultimately leading to more successful and enjoyable outings on the water.
T-Tops and Towers
Surprisingly (or not), the majority of Atlas 23F’s have been built so far without T-Tops or towers. Most owners are opting to keep with the simple design. In case you do want a top or tower, we embed aluminum mounting plates into the build to ensure a solid foundation. Some of the benefits that come with a T-Top include shade, extra storage, additional lights, additional rod holders, and a mounting place for your anchor light that keeps it out of the way.
The next step up (literally) after a T-Top is a 1/2 tower. In this configuration, you stand on top of the console, giving you another 4-ish feet of height to operate the boat from. You can incorporate as much or as little as you want into the 2nd station. This includes everything from steering and throttle to electronics, stereos, trim tabs, and seating.
As you can imagine, adding either of these options complicates the build some, but may be worth it. The first time that you stand up in your 1/2 tower and spot that redfish/tarpon/tripletail, you’ll know for sure.
Porta Brackets
We talked about our love for Porta Brackets in another blog post (find it here), but they are the best. Huge setback and huge vertical travel, they are the most versatile jackplate option we have found. Add in the fact that they can come all ready to mount Power Poles and we are smitten.
Trim Tabs
If you are counting total numbers of holes drilled in the stern, trim tabs take the number one spot. That being said, they are indispensable part of the Atlas Boatworks 23F. The 23F is a flatback-style boat which means it is pretty flat-bottomed. Flat bottomed boats are notorious for having rough rides in choppy water. The 23F, however has a sharp entry and reverse chines which work together to knock down the chop and provide a smooth, dry ride. The trim tabs are key to controlling how the boat reacts to the chop. A quick “tab down” brings the bow of the boat down and allows the sharp bow to split the waves.
Another advantage of trim tabs is to level out the boat if you have uneven weight distribution or a stiff breeze from the side of the boat. Having total control over the attitude of the boat is a huge advantage of having trim tabs.
One last advantage comes when you are trying to get on a plane in extremely shallow water. Equipped with a Porta Bracket, the 23F is able to lift the outboard high in the water column. Combined with a little “Bow down” on the trim tabs, the boat will get on a plane with almost no bow rise, allowing you to get in and out of places that most 23-footers couldn’t think about.
