Flats Skiff or Center Console Fishing Boat? Try a Gause Built 23.
The Gause Built 23 was the second design built by Gause Built Custom Boats, and took their quest to create the perfect fishing boat to the next level. A step closer to a small flats skiff, but retaining the usability of a larger center console fishing boat, the Gause Built 23 incorporated several new features. The original Gause Built 26 had been very successful and accomplished all that the Gause family had originally hoped for, but after a few years of using and selling the 26 they had some thoughts on how to produce a boat that was even better. They also saw a market for a slightly smaller boat. The Gause Built 23 took all the important features of the 26; shallow draft, comfortable seating, smooth dry ride and the tower, and it added wider gunnels, more flair in the bow section to promote an even drier ride, more storage and a new tower design. The result was a boat which raised the bar for fishing boats in this size. The first and most important parameter for the new 23 was to create a boat which could go where a flats skiff could, but have room to accommodate as many as 5 or 6 people. While it almost seems impossible for a boat with a tower, high sides and a deep V bow to float in 9.5 inches, thats just what this boat will do. The key is a strong, lightweight hull which is the result of modern composite construction. The beam is generous for a boat of this size creating a stable platform for the tower and a boat that will run across the flats like a much smaller skiff. Designed from the beginning with this very goal in mind, the Gause Built 23 represents the perfect execution of the Gause family vision.
One of the significant improvements incorporated in the Gause Built 23 was a bow with more flare. Not only did this give the boat a more attractive look, it created a much drier boat. When you spend as much time fishing and boating as the Gause family does, a dry comfortable ride isnt just a pleasant feature, its a requirement. Most boats built to run as shallow as this one sacrifice ride quality and can tend to be rather wet , but the carefully crafted bow of the Gause Built 23 offers a ride much more like you expect from a larger center console fishing boat.
Another feature introduced on the Gause Built 23 is the wider gunnels. You can easily walk around the entire boat on the gunnels which are non-skidded and have flush Pop Up Cleats , rod holders and a flip up bow light. Wide and stable enough to stand on while using a cast net to catch bait, the wide gunnels make everything easier from getting into the boat in the morning, to tying up at the end of the day. Whether you are moving around another angler or simply looking for a comfortable place to sit, the wide gunnels are a popular feature which everyone likes.
The Gause Built 23 has a top loading anchor well which makes anchoring a breeze. Designed to hold an appropriately sized anchor and plenty of rode, this top loading well makes anchoring the boat easier, quicker and cleaner. The door has a notch for the anchor rode to exit so that it remains flush when the anchor is down, never upsetting your footing should you need to walk across the bow of the boat. Inside the anchor locker is a beautifully crafted holder for the anchor which keeps it securely in place while traveling, and quickly at hand when youre ready to stop.
The forward seating area was improved in the 23 as well. With significantly larger seats, and a more ergonomically desirable seating position, the 23 offers better passenger amenities than most bay boats. The whole forward area was designed so that it could easily and efficiently be covered with a dodger, and the seats are long enough to act as berths, so that the boat could even be used for an overnight trip. One owner has ordered a custom dodger which incorporates rear doors with mosquito netting windows so that the entire forward area becomes a well ventilated but covered berth for two people to camp in. Available Custom Options:
One of the neatest custom options available on the Gause Built 23 is lockable rod storage. On each side of the boat an enclosed locker is created with purpose built storage for three rods. The door to this locker is secured with a locking latch assembly. When closed and locked 6 rods can be stored out of sight and secure, inside these beautifully finished cabinets. When fishing a tournament there is no longer a need to carry all your expensive rods up to the hotel room each night, just leave them where youll need them next, right on the boat.
The deck of the Gause Built 23 was designed with a dodger in mind. There is a raised lip which serves as the area where the bottom of the dodger attaches to the boat. This allows the water to be channeled away creating a very well protected area beneath the canvas. The dodger can be lowered, and fold down securely just outside of that slightly raised lip in such a way that it is very unobtrusive. The dodger can be ordered with removable windows at the front and sides, and Gause Built Custom Boats has even created one with doors at the back creating a completely enclosed area which could be used for sleeping overnight out on the water.
Many of the boats are equipped with Lenco Trolln Tab kits which can be mounted under the optional Swim Platforms. Even with the Trolln Tabs installed there is still room for a stowing swim ladder to be mounted below the swim platform. This ladder remains securely stowed out of site and out of the way when not being used, but quickly releases and drops down for use when youre ready. All these features and many, many more are available for your next Custom Built Gause Boat. Give us a call or come out for a ride and let us demonstrate just how well this 23 foot design works, and how we can build the "perfect" boat for you. Flats Skiff? Center Console Fishing Boat? Get both and more in a Gause Built 23!
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