Why a classic Martha’s Vineyard skiff is making a comeback decades later

Decades after production stopped, a legacy is being revived with the launch of the new Tashmoo 18. The original Tashmoo skiffs were developed by Dan West, drawing inspiration from a traditional wooden lobster boat discovered around Martha’s Vineyard. West translated the lobster boat’s lines into fibreglass production. Built through the 1980s and 1990s, the boats earned a loyal following for their durability, practicality and distinctive character.

Now a revival project with a twist is being led by Florida-based Tashmoo Boatworks.

“A lot of modern fishing boats have become highly technical and efficient, but they can feel a bit sterile,” says David Reiter. “We feel that the Tashmoo models offer a balance between performance and something with more personality.”

Why Tashmoo believes boaters want more character

He says that prospective buyers are likely to have already gained some on-water experience. “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,” says Reiter. He believes it has more ‘identity’ than a typical centre console.

Built with the support of Mark Castlow at Dragonfly Boatworks in Vero Beach, Florida, the latest iteration of Tashmoo maintains a workboat heritage but benefits from a modern build process. Original Tashmoo boats were constructed with a highly practical mindset focused on durability, strength and getting the job done.

While the same philosophy is said to drive the Tashmoo approach today, it’s executed differently. The construction of the Tashmoo line has been modernised through the implementation of advanced foam core technology. Built fibreglass, Tashmoo Boatworks says the line has structural integrity and toughness but is lighter, more efficient and better performing than its predecessors.

Built for shallow waters and personalisation

Thanks to its shallow draft, it’s being marketed as ideal for bay cruising and inland fishing. The pronounced bow enables it to handle choppier conditions with confidence and whether conceived as a stripped-back cruiser or a fully equipped fishing platform, each build reflects a highly personal vision.

The manufacturer believes there is nothing quite like it.

“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.