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Composite Research, Inc.

Composite Research, Inc.
Makers of Sundance, Sea Born, and Spyder Boats

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Boat Buying, News

Meet the Spyder FX16 Flats Boat: Compact, Capable, and Built to Fit More Budgets

Spyder - FX16 Wisp w/ Tiller

Press Release
Blackshear, GA – 8/19/2025 – Composite Research, Inc., the company behind Sea Born, Sundance, and Spyder Boats, is proud to unveil the newest model in the Spyder lineup: the FX16 Wisp. This compact skiff brings big-water performance to a smaller, lightweight, and more attainable package.

The FX16 Wisp was built with shallow-water adventure in mind, offering crisp, responsive handling on the flats. Constructed with hand-laid bi-axial glass and high-density foam, the Wisp combines strength and durability with agility—making it simple to tow, launch, and store while maintaining the quality that defines Spyder Boats.

Designed to complement the FX17 Flicker and FX19 Vapor, the FX16 Wisp is the most accessible model in the series. It’s an ideal entry point for new owners or a smart addition to any fleet where a lightweight poling skiff or simple recreational utility boat is needed.

“We’d been planning a smaller Spyder with a tiller for years, but the timing never lined up. Now that the market has settled into a steady rhythm, we’re excited to introduce the Wisp. It’s fun, versatile, and at a starting price of $28,400, we believe it opens the Spyder brand to even more anglers.” – Wally “Seaborn” Bell Jr., CEO, Composite Research, Inc.

Affordable Flats Boat, Premium Spyder Quality
Starting at $28,400, the FX16 Wisp delivers Spyder performance and reliability at a price point within reach of more anglers. Features include:

  • 10-Year Limited Hull Warranty
  • All-Composite, No-Wood Construction
  • Safety Grab Rail at Helm
  • Extended Tiller Arm
  • Gunwale Rod Holders
  • Poling Platform with Integrated Rod Holders

With its combination of performance, durability, and affordability, the FX16 Wisp positions Spyder squarely against other compact skiffs on the market, while delivering the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have made Composite Research a trusted boat builder since 1994.

About Composite Research, Inc.
Founded in 1994, Composite Research, Inc. manufactures Sea Born, Sundance, and Spyder boats from its Blackshear, Georgia facility. The company’s portfolio spans flats boats, center consoles, offshore, and bay boats, distributed through a wide network of marine dealers across the Southeast, Gulf States, Northeast, and Central Texas.

Media Contact:
Sean A. McCoy
CMO / CTO
Composite Research, Inc.
912-449-0033 (Ext. 500)

Where can I add a transducer on my stepped-hull boat?

When installing a transducer on a stepped-hull boat, proper placement is critical for accurate sonar performance. The ideal location is typically just forward of the first step and slightly off center, on the starboard side of the keel. This positioning helps ensure the transducer remains in clean, undisturbed water flow, which is essential for reliable readings at speed.

Key Guidelines:

  • Avoid stepped surfaces: Mounting on or near a step can disrupt water flow and cause turbulence.

  • Stay below the waterline: Ensure the transducer is fully submerged at all times.

  • Avoid trailer bunks or strakes: Be sure the transducer is not placed where it could be damaged during loading or unloading from a trailer.

  • Consult the hull manufacturer if unsure: Every hull design is different, and it’s best to verify recommended mounting areas with your boat’s manufacturer or a certified installer.

Proper installation enhances sonar clarity and reduces signal loss or erratic depth readings. When in doubt, professional installation is recommended.

I have more water than usual coming from my Spyder’s drain plug. What should I do?

Your vessel is equipped with an automatic bilge pump which ejects water out of the aft starboard. With that, should the bilge be inoperable or have an issue, it’s possible to see more water than usual. Your vessel also has scupper plugs throughout which all drain into the bilge. Over time, these plugs may become brittle and thereby no longer channel water efficiently. In either case, we recommend you take your vessel to the nearest Spyder dealer or marine service center for service.

As a reminder, your first point of contact for all issues or parts requests should always be your local CRI dealer. As an OEM, we do not provide direct-to-owner support as this interferes with the vital role our dealers serve. Should your local CRI dealer at anytime have an issue which they can not resolve, that issue can be escalated to us on your behalf.

Can you tell me how the battery switches work within my boat?

  1. Charging System: Both the house and engine batteries are charged by the engine. In boats with mechanical engines, a transfer switch is used. This switch monitors the voltage of both batteries and directs the charge to the one with lower voltage. For Suzuki and Yamaha Digital engines, a dual output alternator is used instead. This alternator can charge both the engine and house batteries separately, eliminating the need for a transfer switch.

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  2. Battery Usage: The house battery powers most of the boat’s functions such as bilge and fish box pumps, electronics, and lights. Meanwhile, the engine battery is responsible for starting the engine and powering the power assist steering.

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  3. Crossover and Safety: A crossover switch is available for emergency situations. If either the engine or house battery runs low, this switch acts like a set of jumper cables, allowing one battery to assist the other. However, it’s important to return this switch to the off position after use to avoid draining both batteries.

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  4. Factory-Installed Battery Charger: Typically, the factory-installed battery charger is set up to charge only the trolling batteries. If a boat doesn’t have trolling batteries, or if an additional charger is added, the setup can be reconfigured to also charge the house and engine batteries. This is particularly useful when the boat is docked in water for extended periods, ensuring that essential functions like the bilge pump remain operational without draining the batteries.

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