Boat Reviews - Ocean The Ocean Skiff 27 by Ocean Master Marine

he new Ocean Skiff 27 from Ocean Master of West Palm Beach is an all-purpose blue water boat, bay boat and flats boat in one attractive and affordable package. Mark Hauptner, president of Ocean Master, is excited about his new all-in-one-do-every-thing-27-footer.

Ocean Master Ocean Skiff 27 at the dock

This addition to the company’s line has to be fished to really appreciate how spacious, maneuverable and comfortable it is. Mark claims the ride and dryness of this craft are phenomenal and you won’t need a big 4WD to tow it or pull it out of the water.

A Boat That Can Handle All Situations

Mark makes frequent trips to the Islands but also likes to fish the bays and flats of Florida. Even though his boat building company makes four different models for the blue water, bay and flats, he wanted one boat that could handle all situations. He wanted a boat that had the capability and flexibility to handle all his needs. After 14 months of design and construction, the Ocean Skiff 27 made its debut. It turned out to be the forerunner of a new Ocean Master line. It’s not a boat you will see at every marina, at least not yet.

It is built from the mold of his 27-foot model. That’s where the similarity ends. Specifications show this boat weighing 3,000 pounds vs. 5,000 pounds for the 27-footer. The weight difference is in its foam core construction that lightens the boat but does not diminish the strength or integrity of the craft. The weight savings results in easier towing with a smaller vehicle and fuel economy.

Shallow Draft

An innovative hydraulic engine lifter lets the boat operate in as little as 15 inches of water without tilting the engine. The boat is designed specifically for single outboard power and can reach top speed of up to 50 mph making a trip to the Islands a breeze. At a more moderate speed of 25 mph, gas consumption and economy are as good and better than many much smaller single use flats boats. Note: Diesel engine option now available for even greater fuel economy

Porta hydraulic engine bracket which enables extremely shallow draft capabilities (parallelogram design raises and lowers the motor with no change in drive angle).

Performance

At a sustained speed of 35 mph it should get 3 1/2 mpg. With its 130 gallon tank the range is over 400 miles. A center console design offers room for a marine head while the 130-gallon fish box, the 32-gallon live well, and 170 gallons of dry storage will hold everything you need. All fittings are 3/16 stainless steel and there are lots of special features. It is built the way you would do it for yourself if you could and did. And of course the boat can be customized to your specifications.

Ocean Skiff 27 helm and leaning post. Plenty of road stroage, room for electronics and large baitwell. Head in console.

Semi-custom, Rigged to Your Exact Specs

The Ocean Skiff 27 comes complete with standard rigging, T-top helm seat, and a 250 hp outboard. Of course buyers can have it their way and customize to their heart’s content. Mark is following in the footsteps of his father Edward. Edward Hauptner built racing boats, and Mark has many racing championships to his credit, but Mark took a more practical approach to business. His award winning Ocean Master line of center console boats are available in diesel and outboard models.

Ocean Master History - Started With a Legendary Hull

It was in 1974 that a customer set Mark’s future course. The customer wanted a large outboard powered center console boat capable of making the 2,200 mile round trip through the Caribbean Island chain. There was no such boat on the market so Mark designed and built the prototype. It became the legendary Ocean Master 31’ and is still popular today. Mark said that, “It was the first large sports fisherman built to fish well offshore and compete with the best inboard sports fisherman available.”

30+ Years in Business

Mark runs a hands-on operation and is at the Ocean Master factory most days. He told me that, “Visitors are encouraged to come to the factory and see how well our boats are built.”

Call Mark Hauptner at his West Palm Beach factory for more information.

The number is 561-840-0448 or go to his web page at www.oceanmasterboats.com.

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