Hell’s Bay boats, known as the Ferrari of flats boats built right here in sunny Florida, offer customizable boats tailored to your fishing needs.
Taking a tour of their manufacturing facility is a must to truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind these remarkable boats. We placed our order for the Marquesa in 2018 and have put it to the test over the past few years. Currently, it takes 18 months from the date of your order until you take delivery. In this article, I’ll share what works and what doesn’t work with this boat, as well as what to expect while your boat is being built. Remember, when ordering your boat, it’s crucial to get it right from the start!
Building your own custom Hell’s Bay boat is an enjoyable experience. Witnessing your boat take shape in various stages during the construction process is reminiscent of the way Jeep Wrangler owners customize their rides, knowing that each one is unique. We chose Kingston gray for the bottom and a white top deck for our boat. While the options for customizing your boat are virtually endless, it’s essential to keep in mind that excessive customization can extend the delivery deadline.
Let’s start with the trailer, which may not seem like a crucial aspect to modify when ordering a Hells Bay boat. Initially, these boats come with an impressive and sleek trailer. However, the importance of customization becomes apparent when you encounter an unexpected flat tire on the freeway. Unfortunately, we found ourselves in this predicament, forced to leave the boat short of our intended exit. The spare tire, inconveniently, is located beneath the front bow, making access challenging, and if the bolts are rusted and don’t come out youre out of luck. When ordering your new Hells Bay boat with a trailer, ensure the spare tire’s location is easily accessible. We plan to weld a new mount on the side for improved convenience. We’ve expressed our concerns to Hells Bay Boatworks, and while they are aware of the issue, it can be challenging to implement changes when ordering in bulk. Make sure to discuss relocating the spare tire with them.
Another change we should have made was opting for a white-colored engine. In the Florida sun, a black engine absorbs heat and can become scorching. I enjoy resting my feet on the engine, but it gets uncomfortably hot with a black engine. A white engine not only stays cooler but also blends in better and looks cleaner. It may come with a small additional cost, but it’s definitely worth it.
Built-in GPS units, on the other hand, should be approached with caution. It’s better to buy a unit that can be easily dismounted. This way, you can take it with you when traveling to prevent theft and have more flexibility in choosing the unit when that times comes to replace with either different brand or newer model.
When it comes to cushions, make sure to invest in upgraded ones. Our cushions started to deteriorate after just one year of use. Our second replacements we upgraded with two types of foam to make sure they don’t wear out so fast as the last ones. Price tag to replace all 6 cushion peaces will set you back at $1600, and that’s not the silicone material.
Adding another line that runs from the center console to the additional batteries is a smart move. The center console has a battery for the motor, while the front hull boasts three batteries for the trolling motor. Florida’s climate can be harsh on batteries, typically lasting around three years. A breakdown on the water can be a nightmare. We keep our boat’s batteries on trickle charge when not in use, but we once found ourselves unable to start the boat due to a dead center console battery while the trolling batteries remained fully charged. To avoid such scenarios, consider having an additional wire, like a jumper cable, running to the trolling batteries from the beginning. While we carry jumper cables in the boat for emergencies, having this feature from the start offers added peace of mind.
In summary, we are highly satisfied with both the design and the performance of our Marquesa. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a durable flats boat that retains its value over time, unlike many other boat brands. We hope you’ve gained some valuable insights from this brief article and consider making necessary improvements sooner rather than later, as adding or redoing things in the long run can be a considerably more expensive endeavor.
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