Rosborough RF-22 Seaskiff
More photos of the RF-22 (this 2002 used boat is for sale at the factory)
We are happy to announce the re-introduction of the RF-22 Seaskiff which has been on hiatus from the line for a couple of years. This should prove to be an outstanding boat considering the higher fuel costs we're facing today and the need to tow with perhaps a smaller vehicle. The RF-22 has an easy running semi-displacement hull but that's not to say it won't run at higher speeds but rather it's designed to give the best economy at mid-range speeds (like 8 to 12 knots) where most modern v-hulls are struggling (certainly 18 to 20 knots (or beyond) is possible but you'll burn more fuel for sure). This boat allows folks to slow down and enjoy the scenery or slow down to a comfortable speed in rough conditions. I should also mention that slowing down (in a boat able to do so) is the best way to get better economy. [This discussion about hull shape, speed, fuel economy and such is always a bit problematic. The boat has a very wide speed range potential (idle to over 30 knots) but if you focus on the higher speeds I think you're missing the point of the boat. The thing this hull will do that few other will is allow you to slow down (say below 15 knots) without the stern dropping into a giant hole, pitching the bow up so that it blocks the view forward, and sucking huge amounts of fuel in the process. Most recreational boats today have deep-v hulls and due to the nature of the beast they just can not operate in the below 15 knot range well (or at all almost depending on the specific boat). So while the RF-22 can really get up and scoot when you want it to I prefer to emphasize its ability to handle well in a rough conditions at reasonable speeds or to conserve fuel at lower speeds while cruising or heading for the fishing grounds.]
Length: 22' Cabin headroom: 6'3"
Beam: 8' V-berth length: 6'3"
Draft: 2' Fuel capacity: 80 gallons
We're super-enthusiastic about this boat! But one model that was missing for us was a Sedan version with a longer cabin so we asked Rosborough to produce that model for us. They already have a 2-foot longer cabin top available for the Wheelhouse version (much like the cabin top on the RF-246 Wheelhouse which it shares in common with the RF-246 Sedan) so the new RF-22 Sedan will be that top with the cabin lengthened to meet the rear bulkhead (just like the RF-246 Sedan). This will give us enough room to offer several different interior floor plans and with the engine bracket there is still 5 feet of cockpit out back.
The Wheelhouse model is available with or without a solid aft cabin bulkhead. For now the Sedan is just available with a bulkhead so that the entire cabin is enclosed.
We're going to fit out the interior on each boat on an individual basis so we can tailor it to each customer's wants and desires. We've gotten lots of requests and we have several ideas for layouts so please don't hesitate to ask about a custom arrangement. We can do this on the Wheelhouse or the Sedan model; the Center Console and T-Top models are pretty much "as is" (though there's a bit we can do on either of those).
We're going to recommend the Honda BF135 as a good all-round choice for power. One could opt for something much smaller if the need is for a slow cruiser but most folks find they like to have some speed in reserve to deal with situations like getting in before dark, the weather is worsening, or there's lots of current. With the EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) that the BF135 has you do not pay a fuel penalty for slowing down and taking it easy; you'll still get great economy at modest cruise speeds. The BF135 will allow you to get up and go if you need to and it will allow you to handle a heavy load and rough water, but it's very quiet and very efficient.
Wheelhouse Center Console
T-Top
