Amanda Knapp
Flats boats are highly specialised fishing boats designed to navigate shallow waters. Flats boats are sometimes called skiffs and are not necessarily flat-bottomed. They are designed for fishing in waters as shallow as 14 inches deep. Most skiffs measure between 15 and 25 feet in length and are usually powered by outboard motors, although they can also be pushed forward with a pole.
When choosing a flats boat, it is important to consider the type of water you will be fishing in, the desired level of stealth, the type of fish you want to catch, and the desired level of comfort and convenience. Here are some of the best flats boats on the market:
- Maverick 18 HPX-V: One of the most versatile high-performance flats boats, capable of navigating both skinny shallow waters and choppy conditions.
- East Cape Evo: A fully customisable skiff that offers excellent performance and outstanding manoeuvrability in extremely shallow waters.
- Beavertail Strike: A versatile and multi-purpose flats boat with a built-in anodized platform for quiet poling and extensive storage options.
- Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition: Packed with convenience features, fishing-ready, and fully customisable.
- Hell's Bay Waterman 18: Designed for extremely shallow water poling, with a focus on quiet and efficient performance.
- Beavertail Air: A composite hull boat that handles both inshore and offshore fishing, with features like Livewells, anchor lockers, and ample storage compartments.
- East Cape Vantage: A spacious flats boat with ample seating, storage, and fishing-specific features.
- Sterling TR7: A stylish and functional flats boat with a unique non-slap hull design, a poling platform, and ample rod holders.
What You'll Learn
What to look for in a flats boat
Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are also sometimes called skiffs and are usually light enough to be pushed forward with a pole. When choosing a flats boat, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, think about the type of water you will be fishing in most of the time. If you intend to fish in shallow waters, you will need a quiet skiff with a hull designed to minimise sound waves. The flatter the bottom of the boat, the faster it will go with the same power. However, this can also lead to a rougher ride. If you plan to fish in choppier waters, look for a boat with a deeper hull design for a smoother and more stable ride.
The size of the boat is also important. Most skiffs measure between 15 and 25 feet in length. Boats over 20 feet long with a motor over 2hp must float level if swamped to meet USCG requirements. A typical flats boat will range from 14 to 18 feet in length, as anything bigger may be difficult to move with a push pole.
When it comes to features, look for a boat with ample storage space for fishing gear and personal items. Rod tubes and holders, livewells and baitwells, and fish boxes are also important considerations. Additionally, consider the passenger capacity of the boat, as some skiffs have a limit of two passengers.
Finally, consider your budget. Flats boats can range in price, with some more affordable options available from brands like Carolina Skiff and Mako. If you have a higher budget, you might want to look at brands like Hell's Bay Boatworks, Hewes, or Maverick.
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The best small flats boats
Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are sometimes called "skiffs" and are usually light enough to be pushed forward with a pole. Most flats boats are small, with few stretching past the 21-foot mark.
Beavertail 16 Micro
Beavertail Skiffs offers a range of larger flats boats, but their smallest, the 16 Micro, is a high-performing micro-skiff. It drafts a mere five inches with the engine up, weighs only 400 pounds, and requires no more than 30 horsepower. It combines a shoal draft, minimal weight, and zippy performance, thanks to its high-tech construction.
Dragonfly DGB 15' Skiff, 15' Marsh Hen, and 16' Emerger
Dragonfly Boatworks offers three models that count as true micro-skiffs: the DGB 15' Skiff, the 15' Marsh Hen, and the 16' Emerger. These hand-laid, all-composite boats are generally custom-built and can be rigged with special features and perks as per the buyer's preferences.
Solo Skiff
The Solo Skiff is a "fishing kayak on steroids." It is built with rotational moulded high-density polyethylene construction and has a two-layer hull that's over half an inch thick. It can plane out and reach speeds in the teens with just six horsepower on the transom and floats in as little as three inches of water. It includes features like an integrated cooler/storage compartment, two rod tubes, a seat with a stowage compartment, and a grab bar.
Maverick 17 HPX-V II
The Maverick 17 HPX-V II is a top-notch technical poling skiff, offering surprising open-water running capability and quiet and precise poling proficiency. It has more easy-to-access dry storage, a lighter hull, and is better balanced to match with smaller outboards like a Yamaha F70.
Yellowfin 17 CE (Carbon Elite)
The Yellowfin 17 CE (Carbon Elite) is a new and improved version of its 17 Skiff. It features a deeper deadrise and sharper entry for long runs across choppy water, along with new moulded-in spray rails and a single step in the boat's running surface for greater speed and efficiency.
Redfisher 18
The Redfisher 18 is a versatile, mid-sized skiff that has been a popular choice for backcountry anglers. It has been recently redesigned with features like a dedicated anchor locker, a new console accommodating larger electronic displays, and a clever cushion setup. The boat is built using vacuum infusion (VARIS) technology, resulting in a lighter, faster, and stronger hull.
Xplor Boatworks X7
The X7 is Xplor Boatworks' newest skiff, combining a functional design and a smooth- and dry-running hull. It offers numerous storage and livewell options and boasts integrated spray rails that channel water away from the boat while underway.
East Cape EVO
The East Cape EVO is a fully customizable skiff measuring 17 feet 9 inches in length and 79 inches in width. It can be outfitted with an engine ranging from 40 to 115 horsepower, and you can choose between an off-set center, center, or side console command center. You also have the option of a tiller or a tower.
Beavertail Strike
The Beavertail Strike is a versatile flats boat known for its high-quality components and onboard features designed for shallow-water fishing. It includes a built-in anodized platform for quiet poling, extensive storage options, and a hydraulic steering wheel for speed control.
Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition
The
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The best affordable flats boats
Flats boats are small vessels designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are usually lightweight and can be propelled by outboard motors or pushed forward with a pole.
Mako 18 LTS
The Mako 18 LTS is an excellent option for those seeking a versatile and affordable flats boat. It offers ample storage, an 18-gallon baitwell, and a provision for mounting a trolling motor. While the ride can be a little bumpy at times, the Mako 18 LTS delivers outstanding value for its price.
Redfisher 18
The Redfisher 18 is a mid-sized skiff known for providing a smooth and stable ride, even at high speeds. Its hull is constructed using vacuum-infusion technology, making it both lightweight and fast. However, it is priced higher than most boats in its category.
Beavertail Strike
The Beavertail Strike is highly regarded in the skiff community for its versatility and multi-purpose nature. It features an anodized platform for quiet poling, ample storage, and a hydraulic steering wheel for easy speed control. However, it has a low passenger capacity.
East Cape Vantage
The East Cape Vantage stands out for its spacious design, offering ample seating and storage. With a length of 19 feet and a width of 79 inches, it provides a more comfortable experience than traditional small skiffs. However, it is slightly pricier than other boats in the same category.
Carolina Skiffs
Carolina Skiffs offers a range of affordable options, particularly their E-Series models, which are straightforward and can be customized with optional features. Their flat bottoms make them ideal for shallow waters, and they are a popular choice among anglers on a budget.
Veer V 13
The Veer V 13 is a compact and affordable option for those seeking a flats boat. It comes as a package with either a gasoline or electric outboard and a trailer, starting at under $13,000. It features a rotomolded polyethylene construction, MarineMat foam padding, and standard amenities like rod racks and storage compartments.
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The best high-performance flats boats
Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are also known as skiffs and are usually light enough to be pushed forward with a pole.
Maverick 18 HPX-V
The Maverick 18 HPX-V is a versatile high-performance flats boat that can navigate both shallow and choppy waters with ease. It offers remarkable range and speed without compromising the draft length. It can be used for poling, shallow water fishing, casting fly rods and nets, and maneuvering tight spots and sharp turns.
East Cape Evo
The East Cape Evo is a highly customizable skiff that measures 17 feet 9 inches in length and 79 inches in width. It can be outfitted with an engine ranging from 40 to 115 hp, and offers features such as an off-set center, center, or side console command center.
Beavertail Strike
The Beavertail Strike is known for its versatility and high-quality components. It is designed for stealth fishing with its built-in anodized platform and has extensive storage options for fishing gear and personal items. The hydraulic steering wheel makes it easy to amp up the speed when needed.
Hell's Bay Waterman 18
The Hell's Bay Waterman 18 has an extremely shallow draft, making it ideal for poling in skinny waters. It is designed for quiet and frill-free fishing, with a Livewell-ready feature and a high-specification bilge pump.
Beavertail Air
The Beavertail Air is a high-performance flats boat designed for inshore and offshore fishing. It has a composite hull that makes it lightweight yet solid enough for open-water conditions. It can handle choppy waters and access shallow flats, making it a great choice for anglers targeting trophy fish.
Sterling TR7
The Sterling TR7 stands out for its aesthetics and functionality. It has a "non-slap" hull design, making it ideal for shallow fishing and stealthy approaches. The inner and outer hulls are chemically fused together for added strength, and it comes with features like a poling platform, trim tabs, and a hydraulic jack plate.
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The best flats boats for the money
Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are usually small, light, and powerful, and are equipped with features like livewells, rod holders, and casting decks. Here is a list of some of the best flats boats for the money:
Mako 18 LTS
The Mako 18 LTS is a serious shallow-water fishing boat built for hardcore anglers. It has a rapid-planing composite hull, an 18-gallon aerated bait well, ample storage space, in-console rod storage, hydraulic steering, a hydraulic jack plate, and a flip-flop helm seat with an integrated 72-quart cooler. It has a dry weight of 1,300 lbs, a fuel capacity of 28 gallons, a passenger capacity of 5, and a maximum power of 115 hp.
Key West 210 BR
The Key West 210 BR is designed for saltwater flats and shallow bays. It features a unique hull design that can absorb a bit of chop, a single-leg leaning post with a 72-quart cooler, hydraulic steering, a spacious console, fold-down transom seats, and a raw water wash-down kit. It has a dry weight of 1,900 lbs, a fuel capacity of 50 gallons, a passenger capacity of 7, and a maximum power of 250 hp.
Hewes Redfisher 18
The Hewes Redfisher 18 is a versatile, mid-sized skiff that has been a popular choice for backcountry anglers. It has a dedicated anchor locker, a new console for flush-mounted electronics, and a clever cushion setup. The boat is built using vacuum infusion technology, resulting in a lighter, faster, and stronger hull. It has a dry weight of 650 lbs, a fuel capacity of 28 gallons, a maximum power of 150 hp, and a draft of 8.5 inches with a 115 hp motor.
Beavertail Strike
The Beavertail Strike is known for its versatility and high-quality construction. It is designed for both open bays and shallow flats fishing. It features a anodized platform for quiet poling, extensive storage options, fly rod tubes, and rod racks. However, it has a low passenger capacity.
Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition
The Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition is a feature-rich boat with aft lockers that double as dry storage, a console cooler, a front deck locker, LED navigation lights, a 30-gallon live/release well, and high-capacity rod racks. However, you might get wet in windy conditions.
Hell's Bay Waterman 18
The Hell's Bay Waterman 18 has an extremely shallow draft, making it ideal for poling in skinny waters. It comes with a Livewell-ready design and a bilge pump with an 1100 GPH specification.
Honorable Mentions:
- Maverick 18 HPX-V: Versatile high-performance flats boat that handles both skinny shallow waters and choppier conditions with grace.
- East Cape Evo: Fully customizable skiff with excellent performance in shallow waters and outstanding maneuverability.
- East Cape Vantage: Spacious flats boat with ample seating, storage, and fishing-savvy features.
- Sterling TR7: Aesthetically pleasing flats boat with a "non-slap" hull design and high functionality and versatility.
- Redfisher 18: Offers a surprisingly stable and smooth ride even at high speeds.
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Frequently asked questions
Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are sometimes called "skiffs" and are usually light enough to be pushed forward with a pole.
Some good flats boats include the Maverick 18 HPX-V, the East Cape Evo, the Beavertail Strike, the Hell's Bay Waterman 18, the Beavertail Air, the East Cape Vantage, the Sterling TR7, the Mako 18 LTS, the Redfisher 18, the Dragonfly Grand Slam 17, the Hell's Bay Biscayne, the Egret 167, the Hewes Redfisher 18, and the Key West 210 Bay Reef.
Some good small flats boats include the Beavertail 16 Micro, the Dragonfly 15' Skiff, the Dragonfly 15' Marsh Hen, the Dragonfly 16' Emerger, and the Solo Skiff.
Some good affordable flats boats include the Carolina Skiff E18 JVX, the Mako Pro Skiff, and the Veer V 13.
