by Ron Gorka
The first C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff boats are beginning to arrive at Sunset Dreams Boat Sales, Service and Storage on Pine Island Road NW on Pine Island. The dealership, recently announced by Custom Fiberglass Products of Bailey North Carolina, plans to slowly build an “in stock” inventory of several sizes and configurations of both C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff boats. The C- Hawk line in particular offers a very complete custom line of center console and sport cabin models designed to meet the demands of both seasoned charter captains as well as serious inshore and offshore fishermen. C-Hawk boats have been manufactured since 1977 with a brief pause in 2009 when ownership was transferred to Custom Fiberglass Products. CFP published this description of their product:
“We believe in the keep it simple philosophy and our design is enhanced by the battleship toughness of our construction. Since many of our boats are used in commercial applications, they must be built to withstand an environment that is much more non-forgiving than that of the recreational environment.
We use high quality ArmorFlex gelcote to prevent cosmetic problems. Our laminate schedule calls for alternate layers of woven and chopped mats which are hand-rolled by a team with over 30 years’ experience in lamination. All core materials are “no rot” Perma Ply Marine Core to add to the structural integrity of our hulls. Stringers are 100% encapsulated in glass and resin and our “Unistructure” system bonds stringers, floors and transforms into a single unit providing for additional structural strength.
The coastal environment brings with it corrosion, at C-Hawk, we take extra measures to fight Mother Nature’s dislike for metal. We use only the highest quality 316 stainless steel deck hardware. All of your wiring harnesses are custom made in house from the finest trimmed copper wire.
Providing you with a quality product and many years of boating pleasure is the goal of each employee at Custom Fiberglass. Their dedication, craftsmanship and pride in their work continue the tradition of excellence started in 1977. The tried-and-true C-Hawk construction methods have proven to withstand the most severe applications.”
Sunset Dreams currently has a 19’ C-Hawk center console in inventory with more on the way. Additional inventory build ups are scheduled to include both 23’ and 25’ models. Also in inventory are 17’ center console tournament model Mitzi Skiffs. The Mitzi Skiff line of shallow water boats includes 15’, 16’ and 17’ models, perfect for inshore and fly fishermen. They prowl the flats, loaded with engine, gear and two persons in as little as 6” of water.
Sunset Dreams is located at 5149 Pine Island Road NW, 1⁄4 mile east of the 4 way stop on Pine Island. In addition to being a dealer for C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff boats, Sunset Dreams provides a full service marine facility, a 140 slot storage yard for boats and RVS and consignment boat sales.