Rethinking the Details
In engineering the Palometa, we re-examined every detail of poling skiffs, and if we could make something better, we did. For example, you won’t see a single hinge or screw on any hatches; they’re all hidden as well as magnetic holds on jump seat lid and bilge door. Around the hatches, deep gutters quickly and effectively drain water directly overboard — not into the bilge or cockpit — via fiberglass troughs under the integrated spray rails. Aft hatches drain overboard through the transom splash well. Every aspect of water management has been designed to drain efficiently.
You won’t see a transom drain plug either. The Palometa’s bilge is completely watertight. Water that reaches the cockpit collects in a small well amidships, where it can be pumped out or drained overboard through the drain in the running surface recess. An optional 35 quart insulated bucket can be installed as an option in place of the standard glove box under the passenger jump seat. This can be used for storage, cooler, or livewell and drains into the bilge sump.
Forward and aft storage maximize usable space and are finished in Awlgrip topcoat for a durable, easy to clean finish. The forward storage houses the 15 gallon fuel tank and hidden fill along with a battery shelf for a trolling motor. The deck has a 36 inch ruler molded into the nonskid at the forward hatch opening. Aft storage contains the starting battery and the heart of the electrical system.
Center console and tiller models have 8 aft facing rod holders which accommodate all style rods, and the side console will have 4 aft and 2 forward facing rod holders. All rod holders have tapered opening tubes which prevent rods from rubbing on hard edges and are secured by our color matched fiberglass racks with an exclusive latching system. The robust floating side console and lengthy cockpit permit easy rod storage under gunnel.
The Palometa has an industry leading weight of 380lbs permanently capped, interior painted, and including all lids. This statement is backed by years documenting weights of skiffs with a certified digital hoist scale. The finished weight is less than all competitors with identical rigging.