Caymas 281 HB: 2023 Boat Buyers Guide

The 281 HB serves up a comfortable fishing experience.
Caymas 281 HB near shore
The 281 HB provides a luxurious and dry ride. Courtesy Caymas

Earl Bentz brought his vision, experience and reputation as a bass-boat pioneer to the game when he founded Caymas Boats in Ashland City, Tennessee, in 2018. The company is dedicated to the distinguished design and meticulous construction of the highest-quality custom fiberglass fishing boats—for fresh or salt water.

In freshwater bass boats, Caymas continues to raise the bar in dry ride, maximum speed, comfort, superior safety, and effortless performance.

The saltwater line, for both inshore and offshore fishing, is based on the Michael Peters-designed, patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel Hull (SVVT), which boosts speed and fuel economy, and provides a more luxurious and drier ride.

Caymas 281 HB

Caymas’ Hybrid Boat line features models that blend the best of bay boat and center-console, ready to head offshore for pelagic species or inshore in waters less than 16 inches deep.  

The 281 HB—the newest member of that three-boat fleet—has its trademark huge, nonskid casting deck; massive storage compartments and 35-gallon livewells; and a backlit console display large enough for two 12-inch screens. It’s powered by twin outboard engines up to a combined 600 hp, from your choice of three manufacturers and fed by a standard 120-gallon fuel tank, with a 35-gallon auxiliary tank available. 

Caymas 281 HB cruising
The 281 HB meets the needs of family as well as anglers. Courtesy Caymas

To meet the needs of family as well as anglers, the 281 HB offers U-shaped bow seating, center-line flip-up seating, high freeboard, deep gunwales, premium stereo options, and what the company calls a “butter-soft” ride. It has a pair of swim platforms, one with a ladder.

Other options include a 35-gallon portside livewell, marine-grade porcelain head with holding tank, a 16-gallon freshwater tank, and additional house batteries.

Manufacturer’s Remark

The 281 HB allows you to stay on the water longer, go ­farther, and be more comfortable than ever before.

Editor’s Recommended Options

  • Power Available: Mercury or Yamaha outboards
  • Optimal Power: Dual 250’s balance horsepower and weight
  • Most Favored Options: Hardtop with outriggers and ­ bow-mount trolling motor

Specs

LOA:27’11”
Beam:9’4″
Fuel Capacity:200 gal.
Dry Weight:4,300 lb. plus power
Max HP:600

Editor Says

The 281 HB’s Michael Peter-designed Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel Hull delivers outstanding fuel efficiency. Combined with a 120-gallon fuel capacity and the safety of dual engines, this hybrid can confidently carry you offshore and back to pursue inshore species, with a shallow draft of just 16 inches.  -Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor Boating and Fishing Group

More Info

caymasboats.com