Release Flats Boat

[Chris G]

Hey everyone, I’m trying to find some information on an old flats boat company from the 1990s and early 2000s. They built a couple of boats that I remember, including what I believe was a 17-foot and a 21-foot “Release” flats boat. I still see them pop up for sale from time to time, but I can’t seem to find any history, documentation, or information about the company anywhere.


From what I’ve heard, they were based out of Homestead, Florida, and went out of business in the early 2000s. I recently came across an old 21-foot Release hull for sale. It’s in rough shape and doesn’t have a title, but I was considering whether it could be used as a plug to create a mold. Before I went down that road, though, I’d like to learn more about the boat and the company behind it.


I know recreating an old hull design or “splashing” a boat can be a gray area, so my intention wouldn’t be to make an exact copy. I’d make modifications to the plug and create something of my own, but I’d like to know more about the original designer, owner, or history of the company before moving forward.


Does anyone have any information, old brochures, photos, contacts, or experience with Release flats boats? I’d appreciate any insight. Thanks in advance!

 

[Ike]

Is this what you are talking about?

This what is usually called a Texas Flats boat.

 

[Ike]

There were two. Both in Opa Locka FL. Neither of them make a Flats boat. They make sport fisherman boats. Release Boats https://www.releaseboats.com/ and Release Boatworks https://www.facebook.com/ReleaseBoatworks/

MIC:	SXE		Status:	In Business
Company:	RELEASE BOATS LLC		Company Official:	LUDOVIC, DEREK
DBA
Parent Company		Parent MIC:
Past Company 1:
Past Company 2:
Past Company 3:
Address:	4450 NW 128TH ST		City:	OPA LOCKA
State:	FL		Zip:	33054
Country:	USA		Phone:	(305) 953-9335
Fax:		In Business:	1/5/1976
Out of Business:		Date Modified:	8/24/2023
Type:			Additional Address:	POC: Samer Hisawi GERRITT WALSH PRESIDENT

[td]
​

RELEASE BOATS LLC​

[/td]​

MIC:	RLB		Status:	In Business
Company:	RELEASE BOATWORKS LLC		Company Official:	TURNER, JAMES
DBA	RAY BOATS (OOB)
Parent Company		Parent MIC:
Past Company 1:
Past Company 2:
Past Company 3:
Address:	2321 NW 149TH ST		City:	OPA LOCKA
State:	FL		Zip:	330543131
Country:	USA		Phone:	(305) 854-4665
Fax:		In Business:	9/16/2011
Out of Business:		Date Modified:	7/25/2023
Type:			Additional Address:	FACTORY THE SAME

[td]
​

RELEASE BOATWORKS LLC​

[/td]​

 

[Ike]

For Florida type Flats Boats see Top 8 Flats Boat Manufacturers of 2026 (Ranked) | Boatzon https://boatzon.com/blog/the-top-8-flats-boat-manufacturers/

 

[Chris G]

 

[Chris G]

Some people know them by the name Release Tarpon Bay 21. And then Release flats boat 21. They were very similar to a Lake and Bay. I was just trying to find some info on them. There’s a few floating around for sale. But I can’t dig up anything on them besides a few old forum posts on various websites.

 

[Chris G]

Is this what you are talking about?
View attachment 209748

This what is usually called a Texas Flats boat.

I posted some photos below of the boat I’m inquiring about.

 

[Ike]

Yeah, That's a typical Florida style Flats Boat. The first one has been in business since 1976. Maybe they made boats like that when they started.
Release Boats LLC has been in business since 2011. I don't know how the state of Florida allowed them to have a name virtually identical to a company that had been in business for 35 years, but that's another issue. I did an image search and a few things came up..

Customizing the Release 21 Fishing Boat with SeaDek® in Moonrock over Storm Gray – Florida Marine Customs at Next Level https://floridamarinecustoms.com/portfolio-item/customizing-the-release-21-fishing-boat-with-seadek-in-moonrock-over-storm-grey/

https://www.reddit.com/r/boatporn/comments/8hk75l/darcizzles_1999_21_release_flats_5356x2368oc/

Found Something on The Hull Truth. Its a good forum for this kind of question because many of the forum members are in Florida. https://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-...lats-w-2006-vmax-200-only-290hrs-17500-a.html
Another forum that popped up is Microskiff. Don't know anything about it. But it has thread about a Release Flats Boat Release 21 Flats https://www.microskiff.com/threads/release-21-flats.29953/?utm_source=duckduckgo&utm_medium=organic

 

[Chris G]

Yeah, That's a typical Florida style Flats Boat. The first one has been in business since 1976. Maybe they made boats like that when they started.
Release Boats LLC has been in business since 2011. I don't know how the state of Florida allowed them to have a name virtually identical to a company that had been in business for 35 years, but that's another issue. I did an image search and a few things came up..

Customizing the Release 21 Fishing Boat with SeaDek® in Moonrock over Storm Gray – Florida Marine Customs at Next Level https://floridamarinecustoms.com/portfolio-item/customizing-the-release-21-fishing-boat-with-seadek-in-moonrock-over-storm-grey/

https://www.reddit.com/r/boatporn/comments/8hk75l/darcizzles_1999_21_release_flats_5356x2368oc/

Found Something on The Hull Truth. Its a good forum for this kind of question because many of the forum members are in Florida. 1999 Release 21 Flats w/ 2006 VMAX 200 Only 290hrs! $17500 - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum https://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale/717255-1999-release-21-flats-w-2006-vmax-200-only-290hrs-17500-a.html
Another forum that popped up is Microskiff. Don't know anything about it. But it has thread about a Release Flats Boat Release 21 Flats https://www.microskiff.com/threads/release-21-flats.29953/?utm_source=duckduckgo&utm_medium=organic

Thanks for the info!