Let’s take a closer look at the Ankona Caicos 16 in this boat review.
A lightweight carbon/Kevlar layup schedule and resin infusion process enables the Caicos 16 to run efficiently with a mere 40-HP.
Brand new for 2021- and a venture into the next level in quality construction for this brand is the latest offering from Ankona Boats- the Caicos 16. This is the first offering from Ankona that is entirely vacuum bagged and resin infused- a process widely incorporated into the construction of only the best boats available today.
This is a key step in the process for producing the most consistent resin to fabric ratio when you lay up a boat hull or a part. The resulting effect is the strongest bonding and a layup absent of voids along with consistent strength and lighter weights.
Ankona uses the lightest and strongest materials in their laminates including various combinations of Glass, Carbon, and Kevlar cloths in appropriate proportions to provide the best combination of strength to weight in every part of the build.
The Caicos 16 is a true technical poling skiff in every sense of the word designed to float in 5 inches of water with two people aboard- one poling from the tower and an angler casting from the bow. At 350 pounds she will get you into honest single digit depths with ease without the need to exit the boat to push yourself over the bar.
For a skiff measuring 16-feet 7-inches by 66-inches wide she offers impressive stability and features a slight 3-degree deadrise at the transom transitioning into a 12-degree bottom at the point of the forward bulkhead to smooth the ride.
The Caicos is rated for up to 30-HP in a tiller package or 40-HP for a remote steering option which is plenty of power to get you on plane quickly and to the spot early while sipping fuel along the way. The Caicos 16 is a true cutting edge technical skiff that you can build new for under 20 thousand dollars which is a value price in 2021.
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Length: 16-7
Beam: 5-6
Draft: 5”
Deadrise: 3 degree (transom) 12 degree @forward bulkhead
Weight: 350
Max HP: 30 tiller 40 remote
Fuel: 12
Base price: 18,295
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- A true poling skiff in every sense of the word, the Caicos is effortless to push in single digit depths.
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- Along with efficiency at only 40-HP, speed is not an issue either on the Ankona.
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- A draft of only 5-inches allows access to the maximum amount of fishable water possible along inshore flats.
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- A view from the water up highlights a wide gunwale cap and spray rail designed to keep you dry running in the chop.
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- An aft deck compartment provides access to pumps and filters as well as additional storage.
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- Carbon/Kevlar finished hatches reveal access to a roomy storage compartment.
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- Staggered under gunwale rod holders keep your back up outfits out of harm’s way while not in use.
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- Remote steering option and the side console mount allow a comfortable helm experience and room to transit the deck more freely.
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- A clean uncluttered deck and wide gunwales allows an angler to move freely around the boat while fighting a fish.
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- The transitional deadrise bottom on the Ankona Caicos shifting from 3-12 degree blends stability and a smooth ride nicely.
