Andros Tarpon 26

Exclusive FS photos of the Andros Tarpon 26.

Andy Eggebrecht, president of Andros Boatworks, brought the Andros Tarpon 26 down to Miami from Sarasota for a firsthand look. The Tarpon 26 can be described as a combination of stable offshore fishing craft and shallow-running flats skiff. A foam-filled under-deck provides positive flotation for the hull. At 26 feet, 2 inches and with the high-flared bow of a Caribbean panga, this boat handles well in offshore swells. Conversely, with only 10 inches of water needed to run, this boat can fish the flats.

Base features include composite, no-wood construction hull; 1,500 gph automatic bilge pump; 40-gallon baitwell in the transom; trim tabs by Lenco; 21-inch motor-mount PortaBracket; aluminum leaning post with four rocket launchers; two insulated fish boxes in the forward casting deck; and heat-shrink, sealed wire connections throughout.

Andros Boatworks is located in Sarasota at 1520 Northgate Boulevard.

Phone number: 941.809.3505

www.Androsboats.com

Specifications

Length: 26' 2"

Beam: 8' 0"

Dry weight: 3,400 lbs.

Draft: 10 inches

Max horsepower: 300 hp (twin engines available)

Fuel capacity: 110 gallons

Livewell: 40 gallons, lighted

Docked at the Sea Isle Marina in Miami. The hull comes with a 10-year transferable structural warranty and the gelcoat is guaranteed for at least seven years. This color hull is sea foam; there are many others available.

 

A look at the steering controls. Tournament-style console can be rigged with flush-mount electronics. Below, two-way console door slides out for easy access.

 

The basic aluminum leaning post consists of four rocket launchers and three cup holders. Stainless popup cleats amidships.

 

Currently being used as life jacket storage, in-deck castnet compartment can also be plumbed as a self-filling wet well. Andros boat decks feature easy-to-clean, nonskid surfaces. At top, leaning post supports are through-bolted in-deck before being bonded to the hull.

 

Forty-gallon LED-lit baitwell highlights the transom. Port and starboard compartments provide storage. This boat was maxed out with a 300 hp Evinrude E-TEC.

 

Andros Boatworks president Andy Eggebrecht shows off an enticing option for the Tarpon 26—the T-top tower. Cobia anglers should be drooling.

 

A close-up of the baitwell lid. All hardware is stainless throughout the boat. Hatches (not shown) feature double-back hinges so hatches lay flat when opened.

 

Easy access to plumbing, wiring and hydraulics.

 

A forward look at the Andros Tarpon 26. Notice where the hull begins to tunnel. Boat features a vinylester resin skin coat, Divinycell-cored decks, and overboard scuppers.

 

Andy Eggebrecht shows off what can be described as a “dual-station mini tower.” Andy stands on a custom platform above the helm controls, about 4 feet off the deck. A second set of controls up top allows him to control the boat while scouting the fishing grounds.

 

At left and right, two 7.5-foot-long, lockable fish boxes air out. A lockable, scuppered dry box sits at the center of the forward casting deck.

 

Console features backrest and cooler with seat. Frigid Rigid cooler keeps the ice frozen all day long.

 

A shot of the Tarpon 26 in front of the Miami Beach skyline—ideal angle to see the characteristic panga sheerline descend from the bow to the relatively flat running surface at the stern.