A Sheaffer S-240V Built to Perfection

Joe Paskoski Sr. has been building boats his whole life. When it came time to choose his own vessel, a custom Sheaffer S-240V was the winner

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Joe Paskoski Sr. takes his new Sheaffer S-240V out for a cruise. Photo by George LaBonte
Joe Paskoski Sr. takes his new Sheaffer S-240V out for a cruise. Photos by George LaBonte

Palm City resident Joe Paskoski Sr. has a lifelong history of South Florida boating experience ranging from building airboats for hunting to buying and overhauling a wide range of fishing boats. According to his son Joe Jr. (whose Egret was featured in this magazine about a year ago), his dad has always been a hands-on guy with the ability to fix, build, and rig anything that floats or runs. Subsequently, the pair have always enjoyed boating together on Joe Sr.’s latest completed project boat.

The boat’s helm, featuring a 12-inch Simrad NSS evo3S display unit. Photo by George LaBonte
The boat’s helm, featuring a 12-inch Simrad NSS evo3S display unit.

When he retired from the lumber business a few years ago (he owned Florida Cypress & Fence for more than 30 years), Paskoski decided it was time to treat himself to something special. His last boat would also be the very first boat he would purchase brand new from a custom builder—and it made perfect sense that he’d land on Ben Sheaffer’s doorstep. Sheaffer, owner of Sheaffer Marine of Tampa, is also a hands-on guy and, like Paskoski, he is a perfectionist from the school of thought that suggests “anything worth doing is worth overdoing.” The combination of Sheaffer’s design ability and work ethic, paired with what would prove to be the perfect hull style for Paskoski’s boating requirements, resulted in a purchase order for a custom Sheaffer S-240V.

Paskoski opted for a ¾-tower model, which is fitted with a second Simrad NSS evo3S unit. Photo by George LaBonte
Paskoski opted for a ¾-tower model, which is fitted with a second Simrad NSS evo3S unit.

The S-240V is available in a number of configurations, and for Paskoski’s style of fishing, a ¾-tower full molded hard top with second station controls was just the right fit. 

Paskoski and his son share a passion for chasing tarpon and cobia on the beachfront, and the elevated platform with controls offers a visibility advantage over Joe Jr.’s Egret 2011 Bay model. After undergoing surgery to replace both knees and hips, Paskoski also enjoys the Sheaffer’s extra stability and space that allows him to stretch out a bit. An elevated forward casting deck adds visibility for sight casting along with dry storage and a large, insulated fish box below deck. A 70-gallon live well is incorporated into the lower helm seating. 

Aerial view of Paskoski on his new boat. Photo by George LaBonte
Aerial view of Paskoski on his new boat.

For electronics, Paskoski opted for a pair of Simrad NSS evo3S units—a 12-inch display below and a smaller slave unit in the tower. To assist with navigation on the St. Lucie River before first light, a Sionyx Nightwave night vision camera was integrated into the Simrad display. For quietly stalking fish on the beach or fishing around bridges and docks, a Minn Kota Ulterra 36V trolling motor was bow mounted. And for power, she features a Yamaha F300 mounted on a Porta Bracket jack plate.

The S-240V is powered by a Yamaha F300 mounted on a Porta Bracket jack plate. Photo by George LaBonte
The S-240V is powered by a Yamaha F300 mounted on a Porta Bracket jack plate.

The clean layout and simplicity of this classic West Coast–style guide boat combined with her sweeping, elegant lines draws admiration everywhere she goes. And for Paskoski, when it came time to put the building of his dream boat in someone else’s hands, there could not have been a better result.

Power File

Length: 24 feet

Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches

Draft: 13 inches (hull)

Deadrise: 14 degrees (variable)

Weight: 3,200 (without power)

Fuel: 100 gallons

Max HP: 300

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