La Chingona: Then and Now!

Before she was La Chingona, or Isla Mas, this 43′ Merritt was originally built in 1972 as the Caliban III!

A very special vessel indeed, this was the 19th hull built by Merritt Boat and Engine Works. Actually built by Roy Merritt—the third generation owner—for his grandfather Frank—one half of the original owners! Roy Merritt acquired the factory in 1971, from his uncle (one of Franks sons) Buddy Merritt, and is still at the helm of the Florida-based company today.

She’s had a couple names throughout the years, starting as the Caliban III—the name Caliban coming from a sea monster in the Shakespeare play, The Tempest; but she has also gone by: Later Cosa, Sea Otter, Stood Up, Patients, and most recently as you’ve known her, the Isla Mas.

Even though this boat is technically 42 feet, the Merritt company marketed this line of boats as the 43′ series. The 43′ series was a type of hull that started a little bit before Roy’s ownership, in 1968, and continued on successfully through 1982. This era of boats was inspired the 42-foot Hopalong—the 13th, and longest, hull Buddy Merritt had designed at that time—built for Fletch Creamer and Capt. Buddy Lander in 1965. What set these class of vessels apart from the rest was the transition from framed to cold molded construction.

In January of 2025, Our Jefa, Kristen Salazar, acquired her as the 10th vessel in our Casa Vieja Lodge fleet. Her first solo purchase after the passing of our beloved Jefe, turning into an incredibly solid investment. She took a chance and we’d say it’s paid off well!

Since coming to Casa Vieja Lodge, we’ve completely retouched and revamped the entire boat from top to bottom, while keeping its original charm of course. Now, we can say with absolute confidence—even more than before—this is truly a vessel fit for a queen.

Have you set up your trip to fish on our all newly renovated La Chingona?? Call us right away and we’ll fix that for you ASAP if you haven’t yet!