[ngarcia11892]

Hey guys! I know this isn't the introduction part of the forum but I have several questions as well! So first of all Hi Im Noel I've been fishing all my life, and fly fishing heavily for 5 years about and finally getting my own skiff upgrading from a side console aluminum boat.

So first question, I put the down payment to hold my spot on an Ankona Native SUV 17 and I have a while to go before it gets built but im already day dreaming, what are some extra little things you'd recommend for a skiff other than the normal safety gear, I got almost every feature on the Native you could need but like little extras any recommendations from the experts?

Also any advice for skiffs in general that maybe different from other boats, tips tricks stuff you don't normally get told and figure out by error.

 

[Fishshoot]

Welcome! With your build info, engine gps etc, people could chime in a little more on suggestions

 

[ngarcia11892]

The Im going with a 40 tohotsu, gps and trolling motor I have not decided yet. Not sure if they can put those on as well and just lump it all together.
As far as features its the tournament edition, center console, 12g aluminum tank, poling platform, push pole holders, electrical, bait pump, trip tabs, trolling motor prewire, and micro power pole.

Granted it is very very early so things can change which is why im asking these questions!

 

[Panama1one]

I built a 2015 Native 17 and I have yet to run out of the extra little things. Lol. I like having the rod holder Ankona has mounted to console. There are a few major items I have an opinion on. Motorguide xi5 trolling motor. I fish solo most of the time and am on polling platform all the time. Setup works well for me. GPS I like Lowrance for mapping options. You don’t say where you plan on fishing most of the time. If it’s the Florida coast to Louisiana I recommend Florida Marine Tracker. I do recommend putting house battery and battery switch under console. Trolling battery in front hatch.

 

[djfishes1]

I built a 2015 Native 17 and I have yet to run out of the extra little things. Lol. I like having the rod holder Ankona has mounted to console. There are a few major items I have an opinion on. Motorguide xi5 trolling motor. I fish solo most of the time and am on polling platform all the time. Setup works well for me. GPS I like Lowrance for mapping options. You don’t say where you plan on fishing most of the time. If it’s the Florida coast to Louisiana I recommend Florida Marine Tracker. I do recommend putting house battery and battery switch under console. Trolling battery in front hatch.

Do you have a jack plate and do you feel one is necessary?

 

[Panama1one]

Yes, I have a jackplate. So far I like it. I installed it in late August and hurricane hit October so I haven’t had a chance to run it enough to know if it’s worth the money. I also have a Bob’s Machine Shop cavitation plate and a worked power tech 4 bladed prop that I have had a couple of years. The combination of those 2 items made a world of difference in performance and handling.

 

[Lagoonnewb]

First question, have you wet tested the native? If you didn’t know they have a tendency to bow steer which can be nerve wracking at first if your not expecting it.
Lowrance is a must for the GPS, get a 9in version of whatever model and make sure to get the FMT chip if you are in an area that it covers. One thing I wish I had was a usb charger for my phone, if for some reason my gps quits working I would have to rely on my phone and having a charger would be nice. I don’t think a jackplate on the native is necessary although nice to have unless you are running shallow most of the time it’s just added stern weight. If you can spring for more power then get it, most 40 and 50hp motors weigh the same or are at least close to the same and who doesn’t want to go a little faster.

 

[ngarcia11892]

First question, have you wet tested the native? If you didn’t know they have a tendency to bow steer which can be nerve wracking at first if your not expecting it.
Lowrance is a must for the GPS, get a 9in version of whatever model and make sure to get the FMT chip if you are in an area that it covers. One thing I wish I had was a usb charger for my phone, if for some reason my gps quits working I would have to rely on my phone and having a charger would be nice. I don’t think a jackplate on the native is necessary although nice to have unless you are running shallow most of the time it’s just added stern weight. If you can spring for more power then get it, most 40 and 50hp motors weigh the same or are at least close to the same and who doesn’t want to go a little faster.

I havnt wet tested them but i have heard that, my current boat does it now so nothing im not used to but i appreciate the heads up!
I definitely want a GPS but im not sure on model i currently have a garmin and like it, i have buddies with hummingbird and like those. I have heard very good things about lowrance but have no first hand experience with them. Would 9in be too big for that skiff? Also what is the FMT?
Definitely wanna get a usb charger and maybe some speakers with an aux cord.

 

[Panama1one]

FMT- Florida Marine Track. Check out their website or FB page. It’s like Navionics but 100 times better.
9inch gps screen would be the smallest I would get.

 

[Lagoonnewb]

I havnt wet tested them but i have heard that, my current boat does it now so nothing im not used to but i appreciate the heads up!
I definitely want a GPS but im not sure on model i currently have a garmin and like it, i have buddies with hummingbird and like those. I have heard very good things about lowrance but have no first hand experience with them. Would 9in be too big for that skiff? Also what is the FMT?
Definitely wanna get a usb charger and maybe some speakers with an aux cord.

I agree 9in is the smallest I would get, it’s really the perfect size for boats in that length range. I’m running a lowrance elite 9ti and it’s great, FMT will run the best the bigger screen you get and look into units with the most resolution as that makes a difference. For similar money you can get the new advent which has a better ride and is more dry.

 

[redfish5]

I understand everyone says get the biggest screen you can afford... but I checked them out in West Marine yesterday and the 12” screens were huge. I can’t imagine running that on a small skiff. The 7 —> 9” was a small jump, the the 9 to 12” seemed substantial.

I ended up with a 9”. However, if someone is interested in larger—Defender is running a deal on a reman Simrad 12”, just FYI.

 

[ngarcia11892]

Im going to call tomorrow to check but are they able to install things not on their price sheet? such as the quick disconnect for a trolling motor or speakers?

 

[Godzuki86]

Im going to call tomorrow to check but are they able to install things not on their price sheet? such as the quick disconnect for a trolling motor or speakers?

They would install a cow on the boat if you arranged to get it to their shop.

 

[ngarcia11892]

well idk how helpful a cow would be on the flats but good to know! haha

 

[Shadowcast]

Im going to call tomorrow to check but are they able to install things not on their price sheet? such as the quick disconnect for a trolling motor or speakers?

Yes we can install whatever you want on your skiff. Your best bet is to buy the unit, ship it down there and then you'll just pay for the installation labor. As far as the bow steer goes, I've had 2 Natives (2011 and 2013) and yes in the right conditions with speed, it can bow steer. I would take wet tests out and that would always come up. I would show clients how it happens and what to do to not allow it to happen...which is just slow down.

 

[paulrad]

I have a shadowcast. I think the beauty of it is the simplicity. No tabs, jackplate, remote steering, etc. Only thing I would suggest: Get a GPS with FMT. Figure out how you want it mounted and get whatever conduit needed installed during the build.