What We Build

Heritage in the Hull. Performance in Every Layer.

At Tensaw Boatworks, we build skiffs with soul - boats that carry the DNA of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta but are engineered for the waters of tomorrow. Every model we produce reflects our heritage-forward design philosophy, blending timeless lines, rugged simplicity, and Gulf Coast tradition with modern performance, precision, and purpose. We don’t chase trends… we chase fish. And that means every design choice matters. Every Tensaw skiff is laid up using a carefully balanced composite formula, developed through hands-on testing and real-world feedback. By weighing the strengths of advanced fibers like carbon and basalt, we fine-tune each hull for stealth, stiffness, and durability. The result is a ride that’s quiet when poling, solid underfoot, and strong enough to handle whatever the flats throw your way - without compromising the feel of a true Delta boat.

What Heritage-Forward Means at Tensaw

  • Low-sheer profiles = Inspired by classic flats boats - subtle, elegant lines that slice through skinny water.

  • Quiet hulls = Designed to track silently over the shallows for stealthy redfish pursuits.

  • Modern composites = Lightweight, durable materials that outperform traditional wood and fiberglass - less maintenance, more miles and more eco-friendly.

  • Smart, functional storage = Built for serious fishing - not clutter. Every hatch, every locker, every square inch has a job to do.

  • Walkable deck and casting platform = Wide surface areas, walkable, and rigged for action. No raised cleats, no exposed hardware - just flush hatches, non-skid finish, and 360° casting freedom.

A stylized line drawing of a fish with scales and a dorsal fin.

Tensaw 186 – The Custom Flats Boat

Introducing the Tensaw 186 - our signature custom flats boat, designed to perform in skinny water and built to reflect the soul of the Gulf Coast. At 18 feet, 6 inches long and drafting just 7 inches with a 115HP motor, she’s made for chasing redfish through the shallows, whether you're pushing deep into the Florida Everglades or cruising the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.

Close-up of a boat with the name Tensas and a fish logo, showing part of the boat's side.

Crafted from premium vinylester basalt fiber, the Tensaw186 is as tough as it is light. Every build is custom from the ground up -choose your hull and deck colors, your preferred outboard motor brand, speakers, GPS, SeaDek, cushions and more. No two Tensaw186’s are alike.

Close-up of a light blue boat seat with a white cushion and a backrest that has the logo 'Tensaw Boatworks' with a fish symbol above it.

Standard features include:

  • 5 custom-built dry storage hatches

  • Custom poling and casting platforms with large live well

  • 24-gallon fuel tank - fuel efficiency of 6 miles per gallon

  • Up to 44 mph top speed (motor-dependent)

The image shows the dashboard of a boat with a steering wheel, a SIMRAD display screen, a throttle control, a key with a red safety switch, and two cup holders.

This boat is the ultimate shallow-water fly fisherman’s dream - fast, fuel-efficient, and built with intention.

Where the fish thrive, she thrives.