The original Tashmoo skiffs were developed by Dan West, who drew inspiration from a traditional wooden lobster boat discovered around Martha’s Vineyard and translated their simple, seaworthy lines into fiberglass production. Built through the 1980s and 1990s, the boats earned a loyal following across the Northeast for their durability, practicality and distinctive character. Now, decades later, that legacy is being revived with the launch of the new Tashmoo 18.
A growing number of boaters are looking for something with more identity than a typical center console. This is where the Tashmoo 18 comes into its own. The project is led by Florida-based Tashmoo Boatworks, founded by David Reiter who explains: “A lot of modern fishing boats have become highly technical and efficient, but they can feel a bit sterile. We feel that the Tashmoo models offer a balance between performance and something with more personality.”
Prospective buyers of the Tashmoo 18 are likely to be those who have already gained some on-water experience. This could be a yacht owner in the market for a distinctive tender or an individual with a center console or bay boat who wants a second boat that feels more personal and design-driven, as is ideal for weekends and cruising with families. Reiter adds: “It’s similar to choosing a vintage SUV over a brand new one. You’re not just buying utility; you’re buying something with a bit more presence.”
Built with the support of Mark Castlow at Dragonfly Boatworks in Vero Beach, Florida – who has been building skiffs since 1979 – the new generation of Tashmoo models maintains that workboat heritage while benefiting from a modern build process.
The original Tashmoo boats were constructed with a highly practical mindset which focused on durability, strength and getting the job done. Although the same philosophy drives the Tashmoo approach today, it is executed differently.
While the original molds are preserved in the build (honoring Dan West’s original design) the construction of the Tashmoo line has been successfully modernized through the implementation of advanced foam core technology. Built from durable and easy-to-maintain fiberglass, this delivers the same structural integrity and toughness for which the original Tashmoo line was known, but with meaningful improvements. The Tashmoo 18 is lighter, more efficient and better performing than its predecessors.
Staying true to the clean simplicity and seaworthiness of classic New England workboats, the Tashmoo 18 features clean hull lines, practical layouts and a design built for coastal use. Each boat is fully customizable and built to order. From colors and materials to seating arrangements, deck configurations, power setup and electronics, owners can configure the boat around how they plan to use it. Whether conceived as a stripped-back cruiser or a fully equipped fishing platform, each build reflects a highly personal vision.
The Tashmoo 18 is equally at home in the coastal waters of the Northeast, the tropics of the Bahamas and South Florida, and even the Great Lakes. Thanks to its shallow draft, it is ideal for bay cruising and inland fishing, allowing access to areas that remain out of reach for many larger boats. Its pronounced bow enables it to handle choppier conditions with confidence, delivering a dry and comfortable ride even in more challenging weather.
As for the Tashmoo 18’s competition and reception so far in the industry, there is nothing quite like it, as Reiter explains. “For us, it is less about competing with like for like models, as Tashmoo really sits in its own lane. It is about offering something you do not typically find in today’s market. The focus is on design, craftsmanship, proportion, and heritage. It’s a boat that fathers look forward to the day they pass them on to their children, and so on. Each boat is built with a level of care and finish that is hard to replicate at scale.”
For future owners, the choice of a Tashmoo 18 is less about direct specification comparisons and more about personal connection. With additional models already in development, the line is set to appeal to those who value character, quality and a meaningful story behind what they own. Tashmoo Boatworks; tashmooboatworks.com
Specifications: Tashmoo 18 Skiff
LOA: 18′ 4″
Beam: 6′ 7″
Draft: 8″
Fuel: 20 gal.
