Maverick flats boats - The Hull Truth

Bryan212 · 03-30-2006, 02:55 AM

anybody have any experience with these boats. I am about to order a 2006 with F150 Yamaha, completely rigged for inshore, just about every option. seems like a ton of money for an 18 ft boat, but I want to do this right.

Thanks

abacodan · 03-30-2006, 08:03 AM

I've been fishing a 1993 Maverick 18 Master Angler now for over 10 years, just repowered with a Yamaha F150. Tremendous boat, feel that I've gotten every bit of my money's worth out of it. The Maverick website is also a great source with their dedicated forum. That is how I found the right prop for my boat, and located different rod racks, and generally got to know other people with the same equipment. I think most importantly, you need to be sure that the particular design is appropriate for what you want to do with it 80% of the time. That is key. Every boat is a compromise.
Tight lines and good luck, you picked a great brand.

FlyTuna · 03-30-2006, 08:23 AM

I own a 17 Master Angler w/ a Yamaha F115. Love it, agree w/ abacodan, every boat is a compromise. I live in the Northeast & needed a skiff that could handle a little more chop vs. being able to float in 8" of water. Own a 31 Contender as well - workmanship similar - The Maverick is a tough little skiff...
Hope this helps,
Chris

In Too Deep · 03-30-2006, 09:43 AM

Great boat choice. Maverick's are one of the best flats boats out there, probably because they've been doing it for so long. I recently picked up a used 17MA and after several trips out I get more impressed with the ride each time, it has handled everything I would want it to.
Congratulations, now go spend some $$$ on all the accessories (if there's any left over you can buy Maverick logo items at www.skiffworld.com).

Chris

springman26 · 03-30-2006, 07:05 PM

My buddy has a Master 21 ft with a 225. This boat is sick! I think it hits 72mph. The boat is scary fast, nowhere to sit and nowhere to hold on. The entire poling platform basically cracked off the boat but other than that it's good.

Capt Flats · 03-30-2006, 07:10 PM

You can't do wrong with a Mav! Too bad you have to bolt on a four stroker for power. An old Yam carbed saltwater 150 would have pushed you another 10 mph! (and the Mav would have run 1" shallower.) Are you putting on a jack plate! I would highly recommend you do so.....

Bryan212 · 03-30-2006, 10:42 PM

I have been looking at the 185, but with all the accesories, that is one expensinve boat. I am now considering just sucking it up and going for the 21, but 57g's for a tricked out 21 footer is making me ill.

atl · 03-30-2006, 11:11 PM

These are fantastic boats. As has been said before pick the model that fits the type of fishing that you do 80% of the time. Also, if you are planning on poling the 21' Master Angler... well you better eat your wheaties, it's a beast. Also, do not hesitate to consider a used Mav; they hold up well and you can save yourself a lot of money versus new. I'm sure there are several lightly used 21's and 18'5"s on the boattrader for high $20K's.

Leo · 03-31-2006, 12:51 AM

I own a Maverick MA 18.5. Just repowered with a 150 E-Tec. This is the best riding flats boat on the market. It is not the shallowist running but it will handle the choppy water just fine. The quality is second to none and it has the highest resale value of any flats boat except maybe a Hell's Bay. You will not be disappointed.

jackaround · 04-03-2006, 08:13 PM

I have 21 master angler that i just put on the market loaded boat garaged and launched from fresh water 1998 w 200 yam boat is a 9