Clint Hebert Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 So I’ve been been focused on purchasing a 18 RF, but now the 18 MA is of some interest. I’m in Texas and fish bays and some lakes. Any thoughts why one over the other? Power recommendations either boat? Thanks in advance for the feedback! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloch776 Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 I’ve had an 18rf Lappy and been on a 17 and a 21 Ma. I think the master anglers are built better and feel a lot more solid. Better deck layout and more storage. But that depends on what year redfisher your looking at. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 Master Angler of course. But...admittedly...I am a tad prejudiced because I love mine. 175 SHO Yamaha would be suggestion for power 🐎 😎 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clint Hebert Posted April 3, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 I’ve looked at an 08 and 13 RF with Yamaha 150. Looked at a 04 MA with 115 SHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 8 hours ago, Clint Hebert said: So I’ve been been focused on purchasing a 18 RF, but now the 18 MA is of some interest. I’m in Texas and fish bays and some lakes. Any thoughts why one over the other? Power recommendations either boat? Thanks in advance for the feedback! I have owned a 2003 RF 18 with 115 4 stroke...and now a 1995 MA 17 with 115 two stroke (95)... I would not trade my MA17 for any other skiff for the $$$. I paid $11.5 and put another $3.5K into her with repairs to trailer and upgrades....Trolling motor and PP I don't count as I would have them anyways on either boat. Ride MA17 cuts the chop like nothing....very stable....draft is 11-12", like the RF....but, I just like ride and simplicit of the hatches etc. for the make and model year. Ride in them, walk the gunnels, and then decide. dc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linesider 159 Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 Really just depends on the budget, I had a 2013 hewes 18 and liked that boat (it had a 115 so was balanced better). If youre looking in the mid 2000 range id pick the master angler because I like the deck layout, but the newer hewes have a much more refined and modern finish which I prefer. While it could be totally a fluke, you read of a lot more master angler issues vs hewes redfisher issues. Just an observation. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarpon1215 Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 MA may get fished a little harder because they can be.🤪 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convertible13 Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 I bought a MA 21 and the next day I won Powerball, began dating a super model and can now fly. Just sayin... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 16 minutes ago, Convertible13 said: I bought a MA 21 and the next day I won Powerball, began dating a super model and can now fly. Just sayin... What does that all mean ? Nothing to do with RF and MA, just sayin..... Both just great boats. Been on both. I’d go MA for layout and ride JMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convertible13 Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 28 minutes ago, fin-addict said: What does that all mean ? Nothing to do with RF and MA, just sayin..... Both just great boats. Been on both. I’d go MA for layout and ride JMO Lighten up. It was meant to be a joke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.N Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 I'd be happy with either one. Both are nice boats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drummer Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 I have a 2000 Light Tackle, the hull that became the Redfisher 18 in 2001. Great boat. My bro has a 95 Redfisher 18 and a 2002 MA17. I fish out of all these boats. In my opinion the MA has the best ride. The 95 Hewes is easiest to pole and is the stealthiest with very iittle hull slap. The 2000 LT is the biggest and best for 3 anglers, even 4. MA has a 115 Yamaha 4 stroke, performs admirably, and gets 6 MPG. Both Hewes have Yamaha 2 strokes, 115 and 130, not the best mileage but power is great. I think it boils down to how you want to fish and how many anglers will accompany you. Storage is great on all. LT has insulated coolers up front which is a huge plus. Also, port aft compartment can be plumbed for a release well and is also insulated. Just find a boat that has been well maintained and take the plunge. They are all excellent vessels, all cruise comfortably in the mid 30s, all top out in the upper 40s, LT touches 50 sometimes. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurricane Posted April 5, 2020 Report Share Posted April 5, 2020 The MA will ride better. 150 on both is perfect. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clint Hebert Posted May 1, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2020 So after much consideration, I have landed on the MA 18!! Super excited about it and THANK YOU ALL for assisting with you knowledge and experience! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted May 1, 2020 Report Share Posted May 1, 2020 3 hours ago, Clint Hebert said: So after much consideration, I have landed on the MA 18!! Super excited about it and THANK YOU ALL for assisting with you knowledge and experience! Holy smokes, what a beauty! Welcome to the MA cult!! Can you give us some details on her? Year, comdition, etc? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted May 1, 2020 Report Share Posted May 1, 2020 Congrats, good clean looking sled. Best of luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneyB Posted May 1, 2020 Report Share Posted May 1, 2020 Very nice sled ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Island Style Posted May 1, 2020 Report Share Posted May 1, 2020 WOW! thought it was brand new for a sec!! you wont be disappointed!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redzone1 Posted May 1, 2020 Report Share Posted May 1, 2020 Where did you find that unicorn?!?!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clint Hebert Posted May 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2020 So it’s a 2004 hull with only 33 hours, found it from a local guy here in Texas! Replaced the original 90 2stroke with the 2018 115 SHO (10 hours). New jackplate, powerpole, trolling motor and hummingbird unit. Not a scratch on it! I’m still pinching myself, seems like a dream! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanjj Posted May 2, 2020 Report Share Posted May 2, 2020 Beautiful rig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted May 2, 2020 Report Share Posted May 2, 2020 Dude, that is an absolute unicorn. Take good care of her, there seem to be fewer and fewer of these in good condition! And if you ever decide to sell her, please list here first. There are a lot of folks looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveC Posted May 4, 2020 Report Share Posted May 4, 2020 Awesome man! Good looking boat for sure, you'll love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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