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In the same boat
By MIKE SCARANTINO The boats are scattered throughout the sleepy hamlet near the Chassowitzka River. They are tucked under plastic canopies, out behind small cottages, and clustered at the only marina at the end of W Miss Maggie Road. The boats of Chassowitzka are a special breed. They're wide, long, flat, and of shallow draft for the river and its delta area. During winter, if an operating vessel won't run in less than 10 inches of water, it isn't going anywhere. If there is an east wind during the low tides, there's no point in even trying to get out. These skiffs, built by hand in numerous styles, get the job done in fine fashion. Most lend themselves to the same basic underbody mould. It's their top-side configurations and deck layouts that set them apart from one another. Constructed from wood for simplicity's sake, the boats are built at a fraction of the cost of fiberglass versions. The people of the riverside village who produce the vessels reflect the same laid-back simplicity of their boats -- nothing fancy, just pure practicality. Even in the late afternoon, visitors can sense a relaxed feeling about the place. You can see it in the casual way the people live. Cricket Roush, a native local fishing guide, has built many of the shallow skiffs. His last boat was laid up in 1998. "I only build 'em when somebody asks for one," Roush said. His father settled in Chassowitzka at the behest of Roush's uncle, a longtime angler who built many of the boats. There were others creating the vessels, such as the Strickland family, which settled in Chassowitzka in 1910. Today's skiff designs come from a collaboration of sorts. "There's no plans to speak of," Roush said. "We just build 'em the way folks want'em. Sometimes they are 24 feet, sometimes 25 or 26. "The beam or width varies but not by much. It just depends on how long they are," he said. "Sometimes the beam measures 7 feet. Sometimes they wind up being 8 feet." In this high-tech, fast-paced world, one might think these boats would have no appeal. Yet because of their practicality, many have been around a long time. That the skiffs are made entirely of wood might lead some to think they won't last as long as fiberglass boats. "Heck, if you take care of them right, most live well beyond 10 years," Roush said. "Matter of fact, there's one boat the Strickland family built in 1961 that is still running the river today." The greatest asset is the boat's ability to maneuver in shallow depth. Depending on load weight, and with the motor up, the skiff doesn't appear to draw any water. There is a 51/2-inch deep tunnel in each boat that allows it to run excitingly skinny. "Like an airboat, if there's about two inches of water standing over a soft bottom -- providing there are no rocks in the way -- these boats can run right over the top if you know how to handle them," Roush said. The vessels have emerged as a favorite in the area and perform multiple functions. Some people fish or guide from them. Because of their long, flat shape, they're perfect for carrying four anglers without drawing too much water. Other folks use the boats for ferrying materials to and from remote homes on the river and its small islands. Capt. Karen Orr uses her skiff as an eco tour vessel. "My boat can handle six or more passengers comfortably for the trip down the river," Orr said. Her skiff has been in operation for two years and hardly shows any wear and tear. "I'll have her hauled out this winter for a sprucing-up and to make a few improvements, but she really doesn't need anything major at all," Orr said. A ride downriver on Bottoms Up showed the boat's ability to handle tight quarters and the small coves and tributaries. Orr had a section of the hull fitted with plexiglass so passengers could watch all the action beneath the surface -- a vibrant glimpse of life on the river. -- If you have a question or comment, call Capt. Mike Scarantino, (352) 683-4868.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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