Atlas Boatworks 23F
In early 2024, Atlas Boatworks, a Chapel Hill, NC-based custom boat builder began work on a new 23′ center console bay boat which would become their demo boat for the year. The Atlas Boatworks 23F is a clean, classic-looking, 23′ bay boat with an intentionally simple layout. Higher gunnels are an aesthetic nod to a bygone era and keep you, kids, guests, or clients comfortably in the boat. A 10” draft rivals most flats or bay boats and gets you to the fish. With this center console bay boat outfitted specifically for you, you get to choose what is important and skip what is not.
The Atlas Boatworks 23F by the Numbers
Just like its style, the Atlas Boatworks 23F is built to last for generations. The hulls are built with premium gelcoat, hand-laid fiberglass, and vinyl-ester resins. The center console and livewell are attached to a composite deck and stringer system. There is no wood anywhere in the boat. Aluminum backing plates embedded in the deck support T-Top or tower options. A Coosa transom supports the Porta Bracket, Power Poles, and swim platforms. The simple, clean, design is meant for low maintenance and ease of ownership.
- Length: 23’
- Beam: 8’ 2”
- Hull dry weight: 1,800 lbs
- Suggested horsepower: 150hp
- Max horsepower: 200hp
- Deadrise at stern: 3°
- Fuel capacity: 58 gallons
- Livewell capacity: 38 gallons
- Engine shaft length: 25”
- Length on trailer: 31′ 6″ (Hitch to back of outboard (Tohatsu 140hp))
Flatback Inspired
Flatback is the nickname given to some of the first center console fishing boats that were produced in the late 1960’s. The nickname came from the almost total lack of deadrise at the back of the boat (Check out our blog post on deadrise here). The bottom was essentially flat at the back, hence “Flatback.” Easy enough, right?
The flatback is a wide-beamed, stable, and efficient boat design. It runs in very shallow water for its size and has a higher bow and deeper gunnels than your traditional bay boat, making it a great choice for guides and families.
The relatively wide beam coupled with the flat bottom results in a very stable boat that can fish multiple people along one side with ease. That beam combined with the flat bottom also allows the boats to run efficiently with lower horsepower motors. They are solid, economical platforms for fishing, diving, and even some commercial operations.
Atlas Boatworks 23F Demo Boat Build
The 2024 demo boat was built specifically for fishing. Dual power poles, 12″ Garmin MFD, and a Minn Kota GPS-enabled trolling motor round out some of the fishing-specific options. The company’s blog documented the build as well as an in-depth dive into the options.
Contact:
Atlas Boatworks, Chapel HIll, NC