chittum yachts

The Chittums Skiffs Story:

Adapt, evolve & perfect.

By Tom Murray

It began as a quest for perfection.

Hal Chittum co-founded Hell's Bay Boatworks in 1996 because there were no boats in the shallow-water fishing marketplace that came close to satisfying his exacting standards for design and performance.

Just a few years later, more than a thousand Hell's Bay skiffs were on the water, and the legendary entrepreneur, guide, and boat builder sold the company, as he was justifiably recognized and commended for launching a revolution with a skiff known as the Whipray.

Not one to sit idle, Chittum and renowned captain George Sawley promptly created another company, Chittum Skiffs , and immediately began the task of making Hal’s vision become a reality—a state-of-the-art flats skiff, superior to everything else on the market. And after what Chittum described as nearly a year of “chopping, cutting, adding, removing, de-rigging and re-rigging,” he and his team proudly introduced the Islamorada 18, or as Chittum prefers to call it, “the best damn skiff in the industry.”

So while perfection was always the ultimate goal, the success of the Chittum brand is also the result of adapting, evolving, and never being satisfied, while relentlessly striving for constant improvement. That’s consistently been the case during every stage of production in the factory, and now it also applies to the recently invigorated campaign of managing the company through a transition and elevating the exposure of the brand.

This explains the hiring of Stephen Cunningham as CEO of Chittum Skiffs in August 2023. Cunningham has decades of experience as an entrepreneur, launching six start-up companies during his career. However, Cunningham quickly realized that this company and the Chittum brand were different from previous projects he had been involved with. At Chittum, both the reputation of the product and the passion of the personnel for building world-class boats was unlike anything he had experienced.

“It is amazing,” Cunningham says, “especially when you consider Chittum has only been around for seven and a half years. Hal and George combined to change the game of boat-building with the first design ever that meets all the needs of the best anglers out there, and the recognition and appreciation are enormous. The inshore angling community has been incredibly supportive of and complimentary about this boat, and it is a privilege to build on that history of innovation.”

Realizing the weight of the brand and the respected clientele using Chittum skiffs, one of the first steps Cunningham took as CEO was the formation of an Advisory Board of captains, which brought together a trio of respected and renowned fly fishing guides—David Mangum, JT Van Zandt, and Dustin Huff. While Chittum had worked closely with respected fishing guides from the start, this official formation solidified the company’s commitment to making the best product possible for the inshore flats aficionado.

“Before Chittum came along, to really fish the entirety of the Keys, you needed two boats to do it,” says Huff. “One boat would have too much draft to get as shallow as you needed it to. And the boats that could get super shallow didn't ride well at all in rough water. When we were going 60 or 65 miles an hour, it would start to chinewalk and beat you to death.”

This is when Huff came up with an ingenious thought: Might adding a running pad to the Chittum keel eliminate the issue?

“Other boats previously had a padded running surface,” Huff hastens to clarify. “That idea was not mine at all. It was just my idea to incorporate it onto a Chittum hull, so, I worked out a deal with Hal and George to flip our tournament boat over and have them work a pad into the existing hull, and it was very successful after we did that.”

How successful was the change? Just ask IGFA Trustee Andy Mill, a long-time advisor to Chittum, who’s won more tarpon tournaments than anyone on the planet, and is one of only two people to have also won premier tarpon, bonefish and permit tournaments on fly.

“It was a game-changer,” Mill asserts. “I saw those boats and thought these things are Ferraris, not only in speed, but they were the most magnificent boats I've ever seen. And they changed the tournament world, which has always been based on fast boats to pass other boats and get into your spots quicker. So in theory, if you can gain an extra hour on the field of fishing over a five-day period, you got five extra hours. It's a numbers game: The more fish you can throw your fly to, the more fish you can catch.”

And while Mill, Huff, and many other tournament anglers strive to, as Huff explains, “go faster, safer,” in various tournament fishing events, speed is not the only characteristic anglers and guides are looking for from their skiff. Stealth and the ability to approach a target without being seen or heard is an extremely important component to building a great flats skiff, as renowned guide JT Van Zandt explains.

“The middle Texas coast is where I fish,” he explains, “and you're visually hunting fish and only casting when you see that target. It is basically hunting on the water with a fly rod, and you need a boat that's light enough and stealthy enough to be able to float and pole around in that sort of aquatic wilderness. And when it comes to achieving that goal, the Chittum is the highest evolved shallow water vessel on the planet.”

Along with his talent as a fly-fishing guide, Van Zandt is an accomplished craftsman, who once operated a woodworking business with more than 20 employees, creating everything from customized boats to exquisitely designed cabinets, furniture and millwork. For him, it’s no big leap to compare the artistry that once prevailed in his wood-working shop to what he sees with the production crew at the Chittum factory.

“It's a very rewarding team atmosphere when you work in a shop where everyone is doing something a little different, but all dedicated to one task,” Van Zandt says. “What’s so cool at Chittum is it took those crazy mad scientists and sea pirates, Hal and George, to bring the design together. And they end up with this ragtag crew of characters, all with an individual skill that add to a team that is world class in producing this fine custom thing, which happens to be a skiff that’s really hard to take your eyes off of. It's a very compelling piece of manufacturing.”

Cunningham, a basketball aficionado, compares the current Chittum operation to the halcyon days of the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, when the team’s two three-peats added up to six NBA championships.

“Of course they had Michael Jordan,” he says, “but there was also Dennis Rodman, who was an incredible rebounder, along with all those idiosyncrasies of his. But those two guys were world class together, and everyone else coalesced as a team, and that's how I'm trying to manage the place, recognizing that there are different strengths and weaknesses to all of the players. But if I do my job right, I'm going be able to engage with the Rodmans as well as with the Jordans.”

All signs indicate Cunningham is off to an encouraging start.

“I've been here for 100 days,” he says, “and production has been at its highest peak in the history of the company. In that time we've gotten close to 30 boats out of the door, which is a tribute to the capabilities of our managers, who have the freedom to maximize the output in their respective arenas.”

Cunningham is also determined to raise the profile of the Chitttum brand throughout the industry.

“The advisory Board of Captains is a big part of that strategy, of course,” he says. “If we can engage with people of this caliber, with their thinking and experience, it’s a real validation of the company’s products.  But I don’t just want to do well with Chittum from the business standpoint. I want to do good, too.”

Which is where the recently created Conservation Advisory Board comes into play.

“There are an array of great organizations in the market leading various conservation and environmental initiatives,” Cunningham says, “and we are committed to supporting them. Our greatest accomplishment will be to execute on their ideas to conserve coastal waterways.”

J.T. Van Zandt and Andy Mill are among the board members who will help guide Chittum’s conservation efforts.

“We all have an impact on how we use and exploit the outdoors,” Van Zandt says. “To have a voice that could potentially influence people to make conscientious decisions about their interaction with aquatic ecosystems is invaluable.”

It’s been a frenetic first few months for Cunningham and his new management team, all committed to taking what they already view as the best carbon fiber skiff in the world to the next level of excellence and performance.

“The company went through some pretty dramatic transitions,” the CEO concedes, “but through it all, everyone was so proud of the boat they were producing, and where we’re going as a team.”

For JT Van Zandt, the unparalleled excellence of the product assures success.

“You can’t just hire someone off the street and bring them in and say, now build a boat,” he says. "It's a learned skill. At any stage, if you drill a hole in the wrong place or you cut this one piece too short, it's easily messed up. So every time one is built, you’re depending on the execution, the repetition, the excellence of everyone in the shop. So I would say that within the factory walls of Chittum, you're looking at one of the last custom, hand-built, non-automated, American manufacturing facilities, at its very finest.”

"So I would say that within the factory walls of Chittum, you're looking at one of the last custom, hand-built, non-automated, American manufacturing facilities, at its very finest.”

- captain jt van zandt.

Van Zandt’s appreciation of the sheer creative skill that goes into every phase of producing a Chittum skiff is beyond reproach, but leave it to Andy Mill to summarize the changes at the company, and its prospects in the days ahead.

“I've always gravitated to and associated myself with companies at the upper tier,” Mill says. “I’ve had contracts with Range Rover and Rolex watches. So I want to be related to and associated with the cutting edge of companies, and that is Chittum. We build the finest, most sophisticated flats skiff ever designed. It's a company that's continuing to grow, and that's a company I want to be with.”

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The Chittums Skiffs Story: Adapt, Evolve & Perfect

• January 9, 2024
• By The Fishing Wire

By Tom Murray

It began as a quest for perfection.

Hal Chittum co-founded Hell’s Bay Boatworks in 1996 because there were no boats in the shallow-water fishing marketplace that came close to satisfying his exacting standards for design and performance.

Just a few years later, more than a thousand Hell’s Bay skiffs were on the water, and the legendary entrepreneur, guide, and boat builder sold the company, as he was justifiably recognized and commended for launching a revolution with a skiff known as the Whipray.

Not one to sit idle, Chittum and renowned captain George Sawley promptly created another company,  Chittum Skiffs , and immediately began the task of making Hal’s vision become a reality—a state-of-the-art flats skiff, superior to everything else on the market. And after what Chittum described as nearly a year of “chopping, cutting, adding, removing, de-rigging and re-rigging,” he and his team proudly introduced the Islamorada 18, or as Chittum prefers to call it, “the best damn skiff in the industry.”

So while perfection was always the ultimate goal, the success of the Chittum brand is also the result of adapting, evolving, and never being satisfied, while relentlessly striving for constant improvement. That’s consistently been the case during every stage of production in the factory, and now it also applies to the recently invigorated campaign of managing the company through a transition and elevating the exposure of the brand.

This explains the hiring of Stephen Cunningham as CEO of Chittum Skiffs in August 2023. Cunningham has decades of experience as an entrepreneur, launching six start-up companies during his career. However, Cunningham quickly realized that this company and the Chittum brand were different from previous projects he had been involved with. At Chittum, both the reputation of the product and the passion of the personnel for building world-class boats was unlike anything he had experienced.

“It is amazing,” Cunningham says, “especially when you consider Chittum has only been around for seven and a half years. Hal and George combined to change the game of boat-building with the first design ever that meets all the needs of the best anglers out there, and the recognition and appreciation are enormous. The inshore angling community has been incredibly supportive of and complimentary about this boat, and it is a privilege to build on that history of innovation.”

Realizing the weight of the brand and the respected clientele using Chittum skiffs, one of the first steps Cunningham took as CEO was the formation of an  Advisory Board  of captains, which brought together a trio of respected and renowned fly fishing guides—David Mangum, JT Van Zandt, and Dustin Huff. While Chittum had worked closely with respected fishing guides from the start, this official formation solidified the company’s commitment to making the best product possible for the inshore flats aficionado.

Continue reading at Igfa.org

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Chittum Update

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Since some folks are inquisitive about the status of production at Chittum following the recent "instagram escapades" (and this is DEFINITELY NOT directed to the few posters who want to argue with everyone who tried to honestly answer their questions in a previous thread), I received -- unexpected and out of the blue -- a video today of the on the water test of my new skiff. They have been tweaking the tunnel on the 18' hull, and my new build -- the first Challenger with a tunnel -- was built with the enhanced tunnel, and the video showed a closeup of the transom and lower unit at speed. I was very impressed, but since the majority of my experience lies with pad-vee hulls and offshore-type boats, I forwarded the video to Smackdaddy53 for his input. He was, of course, aware of the modifications to the tunnel, and indicated that in his (favorable) response to my message, which had made no reference to the tunnel mods. Following the video, I received a call from George Sawley to gauge my response to the video, and to clarify a couple of requests I had made a while back regarding the build. I changed one of my requests, due to a new option I had been unaware of, and George advised that the skiff will be ready for delivery either next week or the week after, but likely next week. As you can see, production is on track. I had specified a couple of components to the build that were responsible for some delays, but those delays were beyond Chittum's control and I was aware of that going in. As far as I can see nothing has changed at the plant; it's business as usual and nobody's trying to torpedo the company's reputation or production quality. For what it's worth: In my humble opinion you can order a new build from Chittum with full confidence. And no, I do not owe any allegiance to Chittum and I receive no compensation for my assessment. Oh, and one more thing: George sent some photographs of the boat. It's one pretty son of a bitch! I was struggling between Courtesan Blue and Tortuga Green; I'm sooooo glad I went with the Courtesan blue. It was a close call, and either one would have been gorgeous. If any of you guys down in the Rio Grande Valley want to kick the tires and poke the hull or ask questions (once I get it down here, it'll be going to Smackdaddy53's shop for a ZCC pickup and a Power Pux installation first)), hit me up. I'll be glad to show it and give you Stephen Ford's (the Chittum rep up in Rockport) contact info. I ain't after Stephen's job and I don't want to pretend to be a Chittum representative.  

Are you coming down to pick it up, Or is you boat being delivered to TX ?  

I'll probably have to have it have it delivered. I have a doctor's appointment that has taken months to get; I can't reschedule it. It's looking like the schedules will conflict. The girlfriend and I were looking forward to the trip (but not 32 hours of windshield time, LOL), but it's always something.......  

If things change and you come down, Lets meet for lunch/ dinner.  

SouthernAngler said: If things change and you come down, Lets meet for lunch/ dinner. Click to expand...

Good news! What motor did you go with?  

Great news. Hopefully the Dr works out and you'll be fishing ASAP  

Saw that video, looks damn nice. Going to be a helluva Laguna Madre scooter  

Would love to see that video or a screenshot of it if you/Chittum don’t mind sharing! Glad to hear it’s smooth sailing with your build and the company itself.  

rvd said: Good news! What motor did you go with? Click to expand...

CKEAT said: Saw that video, looks damn nice. Going to be a helluva Laguna Madre scooter Click to expand...

Id love to see more pictures! Is the tunnel vented?  

Yako said: Id love to see more pictures! Is the tunnel vented? Click to expand...

New video by Clinton Keating

That is super cool. Love how clean the flow is coming out from underneath. What size are those tabs?  

That’s not boring at all!! Kinda of amazing actually. congrats on the skiff, love the color. Ckeat thanks for the vid link.  

MikeCockman said: That’s not boring at all!! Kinda of amazing actually. congrats on the skiff, love the color. Ckeat thanks for the vid link. Click to expand...

very cool rig for down south  

Impressive.  

Thanks Clint, I'm really excited about it. It'll be worth the wait. The water's been so low I can't get up on the flats with my Skull Island, and I've been having to fish all of the deeper stuff. It'll be interesting to see how shallow I can get up on plane without mowing grass.  

Next time I am in your neck of the woods with the LMII I will come fish with you if you’re available. I’m good for a long day of poling and I bet that boat will be a breeze to pole.  

I'm going to have to get down there sometime and check it out!  

Sick!  

CKEAT said: Next time I am in your neck of the woods with the LMII I will come fish with you if you’re available. I’m good for a long day of poling and I bet that boat will be a breeze to pole. Click to expand...

m32825 said: That is super cool. Love how clean the flow is coming out from underneath. What size are those tabs? Click to expand...

They are Lectro 12x12 316 stainless polished. I bent one and replaced it, I was shocked at how much a single polished tab plate was. 😬  

In the video they still have the film over the high gloss polished finish  

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Founded in 2003

Timmerman Yachts is a Russian builder of quality luxury motor yachts. Based in Moscow, it is owned by a group of Dutch and Russian investors and operates out of Moscow Shipyard. Several noted naval architecture and yacht design firms are involved with Timmerman, including Vripack, Guido de Groot Design, Ginton Naval Architects, Jon Bannenberg Ltd., and Francis Design Ltd.

Founded in 2003, the company was named for 17th century Dutch boat builder Franz Timmerman who brought Dutch boat manufacturing techniques to Russia and co-founded the Russian navy. Timmerman Yachts has more than 1,000 employees working at the Moscow Shipyard.

Timmerman has delivered a number of semi-custom luxury yachts between 26-47 metres in length, including TM26 and Timmerman FD-51, designed by Francis Design Ltd. Other notable Timmerman yachts include Victoria M, Alexandra (now Latitude) and Olsten 125′.

One of the 10 largest yacht builders in the world, Timmerman is focused on building high-quality luxury yachts at more competitive prices. Its Russian-Dutch partnership provides great yacht-building capabilities. Timmerman builds yacht to the highest standards and holds DNV, MCA and Russian River Register certification. The company reportedly has more than a dozen yachts in some phase of construction.

Yachts built by Timmerman

Ferretti Yachts and Riva to attend Moscow Boat Show 2013

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Written by Zuzana Bednarova

To be represented by Premium Yachts, Ferretti Yachts and Riva , two prestigious brands of the Ferretti Group, will be present at the Moscow International Boat Show 2013, displaying motor yacht Ferretti 530 as well as Riva Iseo yacht tender.

Luxury motor yacht Ferretti 530

Luxury yacht Ferretti 530 was very keen to undertake in collaboration once again with AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology, Ferretti Group Engineering Division and Studio Zuccon International Project . The compact dimensions, 16 meters long and almost 5 meters wide, allow the 530 yacht to deliver grand Italian luxury and cruising immersed in such comfort until now unheard of in a yacht of this size.

Ferretti 530 yacht boasts three revolutionary innovations: the full beam master cabin with chaise longue and two large open view windows that make it a real suite at sea level bathed in light, tones and the natural essences of teak. Moving the galley from the center to the aft section creates a unique open space that includes the saloon, galley, cocktail bar and the dining area, the cockpit area continues thanks to the tilting window. The roll bar free sky lounge and the spoiler allow the 530 a sporty appearance combined with elegantly formal lines.

Ferretti 530 Yacht - Interior

Riva , the iconic Ferretti Group brand, presented a new model at the historical Lake d’Iseo shipyards in July 2011. Featuring elegance and ease of transportation as its distinctive characteristics, Iseo superyacht tender , a 27 foot runabout, is destined to become a must-have for those who love cruising on both lakes and the sea, and, most importantly, design enthusiasts. It is also perfect for anyone wishing to enhance their yacht with an exclusive tender that will never go unnoticed.

Riva Iseo superyacht tender

Due to its ease of manoeuvrability and size, Iseo yacht tender is also ideal as a tender for large yachts. Innovative and elegant, it can also guarantee comfort in bad weather conditions. Besides the electrohydraulic bimini top, it was also designed with a waterproof, automobile-style soft top which protects those on board against water and the wind during cruising.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Ferretti Yachts and Riva to attend Moscow Boat Show 2013".

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