[PT_KNPP22]

Have you ever had a project take so long you wondered if it would ever be complete? You ask yourself, “is it worth it?” Let me introduce you to Swamp Rabbit. “Rabbit” is a tempered 2002 Dolphin Renegade. When our relationship started in 2016, it became apparent to me she had some previous work done. Now I’m not the type of guy who lets some “enhancements” ruin a perfectly good relationship, but I need to work on getting a keen eye for trouble before committing myself.



Rabbit and I started our relationship in the marsh of Grand Isle, Louisiana. Within the first few dates, her ability to silently slip into a duck pond with gin clear water loaded with reds, had my heart racing. She continued to stroke my ego with the ease she let me pole her around in the swamps around Ponchatoula. Let me tell you though, she is shallow…but its okay with me, its what I want. Meanwhile, while I was falling in love, little did I know, problems were developing.



Just after one short year the 2006 Yamaha 70 (tiller) decided it had enough. This created a strain between Rabbit and I, but not enough to call it quits. She understood my financial situation and agreed that we could see others but would occasionally go out on slow, long trolls down the beach. Kayaks filled the void but never truly replaced her.



It was apparent that she felt neglected over the next five years, hell I would have too. Occasionally, I tried to remind her that I loved her by buying her nice things. To her credit, she never turned up her nose at me, deep down though it was apparent that all she truly wanted was a new engine.



After finishing my life in Louisiana, it was time for a change. Where else would these two go, other than the Florida Keys? As an aspiring guide, it definitely seemed like the place to be. Some may have left Rabbit in Louisiana, but those people don’t understand our connection. There I was dragging my one true love behind me to Florida, promising her a better life. Sure enough, shortly after arriving here, by the grace of God and the love of a sister who recognized our connection, I received some help to fit Rabbit with a new engine. We decided on a 2021 Tohatsu 60 (tiller) and the two were quickly mated.



After the refit, we started to rebuild our relationship. Yes, there were trust issues on both sides, but you could tell that we had a mutual love for each other. Just like a woman though, she needed a little more convincing. After a month of exploring the Keys together, she had a previous fiberglass crack that wasn’t repaired right re-expose itself (nothing I knew about before). Rabbit was taking on water when we went out together. She wanted to know if I truly loved her. The decision was made to put her in the fiberglass shop immediately and get her repaired properly. We also decided to give her a boob job and go from tiller to remote steering.



The process has taken just under a year but she is fitted, looking better than ever. Just the other day we went out for a ride. It was great, she was fast, smooth, and handled everything I threw at her with ease. The love affair is in full blossom again. Yes, there were times during the upgrade we had our disagreements, but in the end it’s been worth it. I have a feeling that she will test me from time to time but one thing is for sure, I love my Swamp Rabbit.

 

[jboriol]

Good read 👏. However I’m a simple man and need more pics of Rabbit.

In this day of disposable everything it’s cool to see a classic like this live on to another adventure.
I’m a sucker for a dolphin skiff, hands down one of the most impactful designs ever. Talked to the original hull designer a few times and it’s crazy to think about how many other skiffs branched out from this original hull design.

 

[UpStateAngler]

Fantastic read, phenomenal skiff. Nicely done, she’s a beaut.

 

[PT_KNPP22]

Thank you! I understand the need for more photos but admittedly know I’m bad at that so I need to take more pics of her. The only other thing I have is video and don’t seem to be able to load that. I will get some more pics of her when I return from my trip.
Someone was just telling me the other day that the original designer/builder lives down the road from me, I haven’t had the pleasure but agree, she is a fine boat.

Good read 👏. However I’m a simple man and need more pics of Rabbit.

In this day of disposable everything it’s cool to see a classic like this live on to another adventure.
I’m a sucker for a dolphin skiff, hands down one of the most impactful designs ever. Talked to the original hull designer a few times and it’s crazy to think about how many other skiffs branched out from this original hull design.

 

[Clamfoot]

I've owned only one "not old", foam core boat in my life out of a total of 7 boats of all kinds sizes. Sail, offshore, bayboat and now a skiff. When they say "they don't make'em like they used too" they are talking about boats. When looking for my latest ride (we relocated to central PA landlocked for a few year a few years back) I knew I wanted something built when fiberglass was layed up thick, before vacuume bagging and foam core gunnels.

I'm not knocking the kids or the new tech but I've always respected the old dudes in old boats. You see that guy putting by, unshaven, old gear, in no hurry, boat never been waxed and no plotter, You know he's killing them. Goose egg days for him are rare.

Old dudes and old boats are just better. There is no need to know why.