Flats Boats: Best Value Options For Your Money

Flats boats are highly specialized vessels designed for anglers to access distant hotspots and fish in shallow waters. They are powerful yet lightweight, and typically small in size, with a draft of around 14 inches or less. When choosing the best flats boat, it is important to consider factors such as intended fishing locations, type of fish, hull design, features, and budget. While some flats boats can be expensive, there are also affordable options available from smaller brands and used boats to consider.

Best flats boats for customisation

Flats boats, also known as skiffs, are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are usually small, light, and powerful, with a range of angling features like livewells, rodholders, and casting decks.

East Cape Evo

The East Cape Evo is a highly customisable skiff that is 17 feet 9 inches in length and 79 inches in width. You can mount an engine with anywhere between 40 and 115 horsepower. It offers a range of customisable features, including the option to get a boat with an off-set centre, centre, or side console command centre. You could also opt for a tiller and get a tower installed.

Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition

The Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition is a highly customisable next-generation skiff with a host of built-in features. Some notable ones include aft lockers that double up as dry storage, a console cooler with a 360-degree cooler seat, one locker on the front deck, and four hatches on the aft deck. It also has LED navigation lights, a 30-gallon live/release well, and high-capacity rod racks.

Beavertail Strike

The Beavertail Strike is a versatile skiff with a host of onboard features designed to elevate your shallow-water fishing experience. It offers extensive storage options and a built-in anodised platform ideal for quiet poling. It also has plenty of fly rod tubes and rod racks.

Mako 18 LTS

The Mako 18 LTS is a serious shallow-water fishing boat with a range of standard features, including an 18-gallon baitwell, RPS transom, ample storage in the fore and aft, and a provision for mounting a trolling motor. It offers outstanding performance in shallow and choppy waters at an affordable price.

Redfisher 18

The Redfisher 18 is a mid-sized skiff that offers a surprisingly stable and smooth ride, even at high speeds. Its hull is built using vacuum-infusion technology, making it lightweight and fast while providing a comfortable ride. It can comfortably seat up to four people and boasts high-quality construction and finish.

Hell's Bay Waterman 18

The Hell's Bay Waterman 18 is designed for shallow water poling, with the least amount of noise and frills. It has the shallowest draft among the flats boats mentioned here and is Livewell-ready, with a bilge pump that has an 1100 GPH specification.

Best flats boats for versatility

Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters, and they are also known as "skiffs". They are usually small in size, ranging from 14 feet to 18 feet in length, and are often powered by outboard motors. When choosing a flats boat, it is important to consider the type of water body you will be using it on, as well as factors such as performance, features, and versatility. Here are some of the best flats boats for versatility:

Maverick 18 HPX-V

The Maverick 18 HPX-V is a versatile high-performance flats boat that can navigate both skinny shallow waters and tougher choppier areas with ease. It offers a remarkable range and speed without compromising draft length, making it ideal for various activities such as poling, shallow water fishing, casting fly rods, and maneuvering tight spots.

East Cape Evo

The East Cape Evo is a fully customizable skiff that stands at 17 feet 9 inches in length and 79 inches in width. It offers excellent performance in extremely shallow waters and outstanding maneuverability. You can mount an engine ranging from 40 to 115 horsepower, and choose from various customizable features such as an off-set center, center, or side console command center.

Beavertail Strike

The Beavertail Strike is known for its versatility and is made from high-quality components. It features an anodized platform for quiet poling, extensive storage options, and a hydraulic steering wheel for speed control. The Strike can accommodate your fishing accessories and personal gear, making it a great choice for those who need a stealthy and adaptable boat.

Mako 18 LTS

The Mako 18 LTS is a versatile and affordable option, offering various features that make it ideal for multi-purpose use. It has an 18-gallon baitwell, ample storage space, and a provision for mounting a trolling motor. The Mako 18 LTS can handle both shallow and choppy waters, making it a great choice for anglers on a budget.

Hell’s Bay Waterman 18

The Hell’s Bay Waterman 18 has an extremely shallow draft, making it perfect for poling in skinny waters. It is designed for a quiet and frill-free experience, and it is also Livewell-ready, with a bilge pump that has an 1100 GPH specification.

Beavertail Air

The Beavertail Air is a custom-designed flats boat that can navigate both choppy waters and shallow flats. It has a composite hull that makes it lightweight yet solid enough for open-water conditions. The Beavertail Air offers plenty of fishing-savvy features, including Livewells, anchor lockers, and ample storage compartments, making it a versatile choice for anglers.

Best flats boats for performance

Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are powerful yet light, and usually have elevated poling platforms for pushing the boat forward while sighting fish.

Maverick 18 HPX-V

The Maverick 18 HPX-V is one of the most versatile high-performance flats boats. It can navigate skinny shallow waters as well as tough, choppy waters, even in windy conditions. It delivers a remarkable range and speed without compromising draft length. It can handle poling, shallow water fishing, casting fly rods and nets, and maneuvering tight spots and sharp turns.

Hell’s Bay Boatworks

Hell’s Bay Boatworks offers one of the broadest lineups in the industry, with nine different models ranging from 16’4” to 18’4”. Most of their boats draft just 4.5”, and one model, the Whipray, has a draft of only 3.5”. They use cutting-edge materials and construction methods, including carbon/Innegra (olefin), carbon-fiber stringers, vacuum-infusion, and Core Cell coring, to minimize weight and maximize performance.

Hewes Redfisher 18

The Hewes Redfisher 18 is known for its smooth ride, even at high speeds. It has a lightweight hull built using vacuum-infusion technology, and its deck and cockpit layouts maximize fishability. It has a dedicated anchor locker, a new console that can accommodate flush-mounted electronic displays up to 12 inches, and a clever cushion setup.

Beavertail Strike

The Beavertail Strike is known for its versatility and high-quality components. It has a built-in anodized platform ideal for quiet poling, and extensive storage options for fishing gear and personal items. Its hydraulic steering wheel makes it easy to amp up the speed.

Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition

The Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition stands out for the number of onboard features it offers, including aft lockers that double as dry storage, a console cooler with a 360-degree cooler seat, a locker on the front deck, and four hatches on the aft deck. It also has LED navigation lights, a 30-gallon live/release well, high-capacity rod racks, and more.

East Cape Vantage

The East Cape Vantage is notable for its spaciousness, with more room than most conventional skiffs. It measures 19 ft. 2 in. in length and is 79 in. wide, providing ample seating, lots of storage, and plenty of fishing-savvy features.

Best flats boats for affordability

Flats boats are designed for fishing in shallow waters. They are usually small, light, and powerful, with a unique setup that allows them to cruise through waters as shallow as 14 inches. They are often built by smaller brands and can be expensive. However, there are some great options for anglers on a budget. Here are some of the best flats boats for affordability:

Carolina Skiffs

Carolina Skiffs offers a range of straightforward and simple boats that are ideal for anglers on a budget. Their E-Series, in particular, provides excellent value for money. These boats are pressed into duty by many flats anglers due to their low cost and shallow draft. The E-Series can be ordered with or without optional features, allowing buyers to customize according to their budget. They are available in "kit" form as just a hull and deck, giving buyers the flexibility to build the boat as they like.

Mako Pro Skiffs

Mako's Pro Skiff line offers a range of boats from 13 feet to 19 feet in length, with prices ranging from under $20,000 to around $40,000. These boats are an excellent option for anglers looking for a shallow-water fishing boat without breaking the bank. The Pro Skiffs have a draft of 8 or 9 inches, making them ideal for shallow waters. They are sold as complete boat-motor-trailer packages with a full suite of fishing features, including an 18-gallon aerated bait well, ample storage space, and in-console rod storage.

Veer

The Veer V 13 is a 13-foot, two-person skiff made from rotomolded polyethylene and filled with foam. It comes with a limited list of standard features, including fishing rod racks, navigation lights, integrated storage compartments, beverage holders, and a bench seat. The Veer V 13 won a 2023 National Marine Manufacturer Association Innovation Award and is available as a package with either a gasoline or electric outboard and a trailer, starting at under $13,000.

Jon Boats

Jon boats are another affordable option for anglers. While not specifically designed for flats fishing, they work relatively well in shallow waters and provide a lower-cost alternative.

Solo Skiff

The Solo Skiff is a "fishing kayak on steroids." It is a one-person fishing machine with a rugged, rotationally molded high-density polyethylene construction. It can reach speeds in the teens with just six horsepower and floats in as little as three inches of water. It includes an integrated cooler/storage compartment, two rod tubes, a seat with a storage compartment, and a grab bar. The Solo Skiff is significantly less expensive than most other micro skiffs.

Best flats boats for saltwater fishing

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. Here are some of the best flats boats for saltwater fishing:

Maverick 18 HPX-V

The Maverick 18 HPX-V is one of the most versatile high-performance flats boats. It is designed to navigate skinny shallow waters as well as tough, choppy waters. It delivers a remarkable range and speed without compromising on draft length. It can also 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 fully customizable skiff that is 17 feet 9 inches in length and 79 inches in width. It can be fitted with an engine ranging from 40 to 115 horsepower. It offers various customizable features, including the option to have an off-set center, center, or side console command center.

Beavertail Strike

The Beavertail Strike is a versatile flats boat made from high-quality components. It features an anodized platform for quiet poling, extensive storage options, and a hydraulic steering wheel for speed. It also has plenty of fly rod tubes and rod racks.

Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition

The Chittum Islamorada 18 Legacy Edition is a next-generation skiff with a host of built-in features. It includes aft lockers that double as dry storage, a console cooler with a 360-degree cooler seat, a locker on the front deck, and four hatches on the aft deck. It also has LED navigation lights, a 30-gallon live/release well, and high-capacity rod racks.

Hell's Bay Waterman 18

The Hell's Bay Waterman 18 has the shallowest draft among the flats boats mentioned here, making it ideal for poling in skinny waters. It is designed for quiet and frill-free operation and features a Livewell-ready option and a bilge pump with an 1100 GPH specification.

Beavertail Air

The Beavertail Air is designed for both inshore and offshore fishing. Its hull is made from composite materials, making it lightweight and solid enough for open-water conditions. It features a stepped hull design to keep the boat dry at high speeds and includes fishing-savvy features like Livewells, anchor lockers, and storage compartments.

Redfisher 18

The Redfisher 18 from Hewes is a mid-sized skiff that offers a surprisingly stable ride, even at high speeds. Its hull is built using vacuum-infusion technology, making it lightweight and fast while providing a comfortable ride. It can comfortably seat up to four people.

Mako 18 LTS

The Mako 18 LTS is a serious shallow water fishing boat that delivers outstanding value for its price. It features an 18-gallon baitwell, RPS transom, ample storage, and the ability to mount a trolling motor. It offers a smooth ride and handles both shallow and choppy waters well.

Other Options

Other notable flats boats include the East Cape Vantage, Sterling TR7, NauticStar 215 Bay, Ranger 2360 Bay, and Scout 231 XS. These boats offer spacious seating, ample storage, and various fishing-specific features.

Frequently asked questions