Caymas 291

A sweeping sheer lends the Caymas 291 both stylish and clean design lines. Courtesy Caymas Visit Caymas Build Your Caymas Find a Caymas Dealer

The 291 represents the latest expansion in the Caymas line of high-performance, hard-fishing crossover bay boats, and I believe it will quickly capture a significant share of the hybrid boating sector. Why? Because it flawlessly integrates inshore agility with offshore robustness. Crafted under the masterful guidance of Earl Bentz, it stands as a hallmark of innovation in marine engineering. Bentz’s penchant for building high-performance fishing boats, plus his manufacturing team drawn from the best in the industry, help ensure this brand in general and this model in particular, are both hard to beat. Whether a fervent angler or a family searching for adventure, this versatile boat will surely please.

At the heart of the Caymas 291’s exceptional performance is its Michael Peters SVVT twin-step hull, offering remarkable efficiency and precise handling. The aft tunnel design adds to the dual steps’ aeration of the hull, reducing drag and increasing speed and fuel economy. At the same time, side walls of the tunnel enhance maneuverability by hooking up in turns, enabling sharp, secure and stable handling. We spun the wheel smartly to put the 291 in turns at speeds most boaters wouldn’t enjoy and kept feeding in rudder to see when the hull might slip out of the turn. Nope. The 291’s twin Mercury 300 hp outboards dug in thanks to the motors’ unique ability to sense load in turns and feed in throttle to compensate. The hull never lost its lateral grip. One trick to add comfort running in a dicey inlet is to trim up a bit to let the boat settle on its aft section—a technique that combats any ugly tricks of the seas like stuffing the bow. 

For those days when it’s not all about fishing, plush bow seating and a finely crafted removable snack table set the stage for a leisurely harbor cruise. Courtesy Caymas

The performance statistics are notable. The 291 cruises most efficiently at 4,000 rpm, posting 40.6 mph, consuming just 22.8 gph. It reaches a top speed of 59.2 mph at 5,800 rpm, planes in four seconds, and accelerates from 0 to 30 mph in a little over eight seconds. With the integration of Mercury outboards and active trim, manual trim adjustments are rarely needed. I found that the trim system was perfectly set for automatic control.

Moreover, the 291 gave us a dry ride even in rough waters, adeptly managing strong crosswinds. Its 18-inch draft allows for inshore fishing excursions and its 18.5 degrees of transom deadrise enable offshore escapades. 

The boat’s dual jackplate setup for twin ouboards supports shallow-water missions and efficiency, and the design allows sturdy installation of dual Power-Pole shallow-water anchors—a critical feature for position control or cast-netting aboard boats of this class.

The controls, switch panel, multifunction displays and integrated glass windshield tell you that the helm of the Caymas 291 is all about fishing. Courtesy Caymas

The carefully designed hardtop features eight rod holders, a glass windshield, an electronics box, life jacket storage and, on top, outriggers, making it an excellent choice for pelagic fishing adventures. Visibility was excellent through the three-sided windshield. 

The Caymas 291 is equipped for dedicated anglers with features like a highly practical rigging station that includes ample storage, a slide-out Frigid Rigid cooler, rigging rod holders and cupholders—rigging is a thirsty business. Storage compartments accommodate tools, tackle and leaders. The bow-mounted offshore-tough Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest trolling motor on our test boat offered precise control in varied sea conditions, complemented by Spot-Lock for stationary precision fishing over wrecks or deep reefs at sea or near a flats area known to hold fish. Its power system adds speed gradually so nobody is jostled about when the motor’s thrust is initiated.

Under-gunwale rod lockers maximize space efficiency, while the forward elevated decks provide an optimal platform for castnetting. Dual 35-gallon livewells ensure your bait remains robust and lively. And passageways from bow to stern are wide, allowing easy access when fishing or baiting up.

The 291 delivers a luxurious experience with its combination of comfort and power. Featuring Release brand console seats with fold-down armrests and plush cushions, they offer support even in turbulent seas. The hardtop incorporates grab rails for safe navigation across the boat. A spacious console dash houses two large Garmin displays along with a Mercury engine display. For extended trips, a fully enclosed head compartment is available, alongside access to electronics panels, fuses and circuit breakers.

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Twin captain’s chairs with flip-up bolsters and fold-down armrests offer abundant support while seated or standing at the helm of the Caymas 291. Courtesy Caymas

The front lounge further enhances comfort, providing beautifully upholstered seating with armrests, cup holders and the right contour for secure seafaring. Beneath the lounge, dry storage can be transformed into an additional fish box. Forward seat cushions hide windlass access, and all cushions can be removed and stowed to clear the deck for fishing. Earl Bentz’s extensive expertise is clearly evident in user-friendly features throughout the 291, like scissor hinges for easy hatch access, recessed safety rails for secure handling, and premium-quality hardware. A raw-water washdown, a fresh water supply, and engine flushing ports simplify maintenance.

The Caymas 291 excels by merging top-tier fishing capabilities, easy handling and family-friendly features, all while delivering exhilarating performance driven from twin Merc 300 hp V-8 outboards.

Specifications Length:29’1”Beam:9’6”Draft:1’6”Fuel:200 gal.Weight:4,500 lb.Max HP:700Price:Contact dealer Contact Caymas

Caymas Boats – Ashland City, Tennessee; caymasboats.com

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