Project Lowrider: From Backwater to Battle-Ready

By Matthew Grimsley | Outlaw Land & Flight Co.

Some boats you sell.
Some you build.
And then there’s one you keep.

This is Lowrider—an 18'6" Cobbett hull born for the flats, beat up over time, but built with more heart than polish. I picked her up with a vision: to transform this weathered custom into a lean, fish-hunting machine—perfect for guiding two guests across the skinny water of Northwest Florida, chasing reds, trout, and gigging flounder under moonlight.

This blog is my working journal. Not just about restoring gelcoat or rolling KiwiGrip. It's about breathing new life into a boat with soul—and getting her ready to earn her keep as the flagship of my new micro-charter service.

I'll document the process as it unfolds:

• Fiberglass repairs, epoxy work, and fairing

• Rebuilding the deck layout to stay flush and fishable

• Rethinking storage and weight balance

• Outfitting her with a poling platform, trolling motor, and simple electronics

• Painting and branding her with the Outlaw name she’ll soon wear with pride

Expect honest progress, setbacks, tips I’ve learned the hard way, and the real work behind making a small boat a serious guide rig.

Whether you're a fellow angler, a gear junkie, or just someone who loves seeing an old vessel rise again—welcome aboard. This is just the beginning.