The Layton
Backwater 16
Simple. Capable. Unstoppable.
The Layton Backwater 16 is built for anglers who go further. With a shallow draft, rock-solid stability and a no-nonsense layout, it gets you into skinny water and keeps the focus where it belongs — on the fish.
16'
Length
12"
Draft
75 HP
Max Horsepower
34 MPH
Top Speed
Fish | Explore | Escape
Skinny Water. Wide Possibilities.
Designed For What Matters.
The Backwater 16 delivers the confidence to go farther with a simple, proven design. It’s built to float in inches, run smooth, and keep you focused on what you came for — more time on the water.
Skinny-water Performance
Confidently access places other boats can't reach.
Simple & Reliable
A clean, no-nonsense design built to fish, not complicate.
Shallow Draft
Just 12" of draft gets you into skinny water.
Easy Handling
Responsive and stable, with predictable control.
Built To Fish
A straightforward layout with everything you need and nothing you don't.
The Backwater 16
Purpose-Built For Real Adventures.
From maze-like marshes to open backwaters, the Backwater 16 is designed to handle the conditions that matter most. It’s easy to run, easy to maintain, and ready for whatever the day brings.
- Shallow draft for maximum access
- Stable, confidence-inspiring ride
- Clean, functional center console layout
- Ample casting space front and back
- Built with Layton's legendary fit and finish
Go Further. Stay Longer.
The Story Behind The Boat
A Proven Design. A Family Legacy.
Meet the perfect center console to fish the creeks, marshes… and the Backwater!
The Backwater is an age-old design, drawn by David Sintez of New Orleans. Dave designed hundreds of boats — more than 600 designs in all — including Coast Guard and other government vessels, commercial fishing boats and pleasure boats.
My father and I started Layton’s Boatworks in 1999 doing repair work only. In 2002 we built our first 40-foot Sportfisher, designed by David. We went on to build several of his designs — a few 45s, a 50-footer — and then the Layton Bay, all drawn by Dave.
One day at his shop in New Orleans I saw the 16 and immediately fell in love with it. I bought one, brought it back to Edenton, rigged it with a 50 horse Yamaha and ran it for several years. I’ve never been on a 16-foot boat that could perform the way this one does. I ended up selling it, and I regretted it ever since.
Dave’s health declined and he stopped building boats. After he passed, the molds were bought by one of his other builders — a man I’d met at Dave’s shop. A few months ago I gave him a call, and we arranged for me to buy 16s, have them shipped to Edenton, and rig them out here as a dealer. We named it the Backwater, and we’re very proud to sell it.
They’re lifetime boats — rot-proof construction, no wood to go bad, built to last generations.
The Ride
Smooth. Quiet. Efficient.
27
Easy Cruise (MPH)
34
Top Speed (MPH)
10.3
MPG at Optimal Cruise
100+
Mile Range
At 25 MPH she glides across the water effortlessly with minimal to no engine noise. Top speed of 34 MPH is with a full tank of fuel and two adults.
Cruise and fuel-burn figures were taken in choppy conditions with light wind and a full tank. Optimal cruise was 4,500 RPM at 22.5 MPH with a burn of 10.3 miles per gallon — over 100 miles of range.
Backwater 16
Standard Equipment
- Standard Color White
- Hydraulic Steering
- 4 Rod Holders
- Load-Rite Trailer w/ swing tongue
- Forward Casting Deck
- Running Lights
- Bilge Pump
- Leaning Post with Rocket Launchers
- SS Rubrail
- 2 Cup Holders
- 4 Cleats
- 2 Rear Hatches
The Details
Practical By Design.
A proven hull, a simple layout and the features that matter. The Backwater 16 is built for real-world conditions and real anglers.
16'
Length
12"
Draft
17"
Freeboard
12°
Dead Rise at Transom
Make It Yours
Optional Equipment
- 12V Minn Kota Trolling Motor Package W/ 27 Series Deep Cycle battery & charger
- Leaning post live-well
- Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler Under Leaning Post
- 6ft Power-Pole
- 8ft Power-Pole
- Additional Rod Holders
- Forward Pedestal Seat
- Jack-Plate
- Bimini top
- Deck Rod Storage
- 75HP Engine Upgrade
- Road-King Trailer Upgrade
- Garmin Depth/Fish Finder Combo (Echo-map vhd740cv, US Blue Chart G3, T24 Transducer)
- Swim Ladder
- Trim Tabs
- Console Cooler Seat w/ Cushion
- Bluetooth Audio / 2 Speakers
Backwater 16 w/ Tiller Package
Tiller Package
Standard Equipment
- Forward Casting Deck with storage
- Black Rub-Rail
- Bilge Pump
- 4 - Cleats
- 2 Bench Seats (1 in back & 1 midship)
Optional Equipment
- High Quality LED Running Lights
- Rod Holders (each)
The Numbers
Backwater 16 Specifications
| Length w/ Bracket | 16′ |
| Beam at Transom | 6′ |
| Maximum Beam | 6′ 8″ |
| Draft | 12″ |
| Freeboard | 17″ |
| Dry Weight w/out Engine | 1,000 lbs. |
| Fuel Capacity | 12 Gal. |
| Engine Weight | 229 lbs. |
| Maximum Power | 75HP |
| Top Speed | 34 mph |
| Easy Cruise Speed | 27 mph |
| Dead Rise at Transom | 12° |
| Trailer w/out swing tongue (ball to engine) | 22′ |
| Boat, Motor & Trailer Combined Weight | 2,050 lbs. |
The Backwater 16
Your Next Adventure Starts Here.
Build your Backwater 16, get a quote, or connect with a dealer and get on the water sooner.
