Fatherof4 Posted May 23, 2019 Report Share Posted May 23, 2019 Hello All. I need some advice. I have been fishing saltwater for over 30 years. Owned numerous boats. Last year, I bought my first brand new boat. It is an offshore style. I am looking for an inshore boat, and always wanted a Flats boat. I know ZERO about them. I, of course, know the Hewes/Maverick name, and the quality associated with them. I love inshore fishing as well. I am looking for an older/used flats boat. I would guess minimum of 18'. Thinking 21' would be great. Most of the time, would be 2 people fishing. My wife and myself. Occasionally, 3 people. I would like to be in the 10-12k neighborhood. Please feel free to offer any and all advice, thoughts, what to look for, what to stay away from, etc. I am in Central AL, but, can travel to pretty much anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Dave Posted May 23, 2019 Report Share Posted May 23, 2019 Where will you be fishing? Do you plan to sight fish and pole the boat? How important is shallow draft? All of these (and others) are important considerations. You can find a nice Maverick Master Angler or an HPX-V 17 or 18 on that budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatherof4 Posted May 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2019 I will primarily fish the FL Panhandle (Port St Joe/Apalachicola) as well as Mobile area. Shallow draft not a major concern, just 12" or more is fine. What is the diff in the MA vs the HPX series? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foulhook Posted May 23, 2019 Report Share Posted May 23, 2019 I haven't seen an 17 or 18 HPX-V in that price range. MA or an older Redfisher would be doable and fit your needs. I think they are similar hulls. Boattrader has some Redfishers, the older MAs are harder to come by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted May 23, 2019 Report Share Posted May 23, 2019 8 minutes ago, Fatherof4 said: I will primarily fish the FL Panhandle (Port St Joe/Apalachicola) as well as Mobile area. Shallow draft not a major concern, just 12" or more is fine. What is the diff in the MA vs the HPX series? The MA and the redfishers are more general flats boats. Theg are designed to do many things well. They are bigger (wider beam), heavier, more stable, and the MA is going to keep you very dry and comfortable when making choppy crossings of larger bodies of water. The HPX is a technical poling skiff and does what it does exceptionally well. It will run skinny, pole easily, and chase skinny water fish. It will be tippier, and depending on which model you get, may sacrifice ride confort a bit more than the gemeral flats boats might. Based on where you are fishing, either would be good boats, but I would lean towards the larger MA/RF models if you fish three often and based on your budget. I dont know that you need to go more than 18' though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatherof4 Posted May 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2019 Thanks for the advice, and from what little I have been reading, it seems like the MA or RF will be best for my needs. If you all know of anything that might fit my needs, I am a cash buyer. Please feel free to forward. My cell is 334 391 2880. Thanks and will keep looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted May 24, 2019 Report Share Posted May 24, 2019 10 hours ago, Fatherof4 said: ....What is the diff in the MA vs the HPX series? About a thousand pounds I would say...🤷♂️ And of course, all that comes with the heavy load 😬 so if you are doing any poling HPX for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatherof4 Posted May 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2019 No, no real poling. I do a lot of drifting and casting on the flats up in the panhandle. maybe a trolling motor, that, even rarely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polliwog Posted May 24, 2019 Report Share Posted May 24, 2019 Take a look at the Hewes Light tackle 20ft. It can handle heavy chop and easily have 3 people on board. You won't want to pole this baby very much for sure. I have owned one for 18yrs and use it on the CT Long Island sound fishing for stripers around all sorts of knarly rock structure. Use a tolling motor a lot and it handles quite well. With motor up it draws about 12in. They can be had for around your price with an older motor of the 150hp. It is a solid hull much like the MA. Worth a look anyway. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Dave Posted May 24, 2019 Report Share Posted May 24, 2019 Fatherof4, keep checking this Forum for Boats for Sale. They pop up all the time. You just need to be ready to pull the trigger when you find one that checks out and suits your needs. Might also keep an eye on the MicroSkiff Forum and The Hull Truth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatherof4 Posted May 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2019 Thanks all. I have found a MA on this site. Have been in touch with the owner. Agreed to a price. Sight unseen. Hopefully it will turn out alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted May 27, 2019 Report Share Posted May 27, 2019 10 hours ago, Fatherof4 said: Thanks all. I have found a MA on this site. Have been in touch with the owner. Agreed to a price. Sight unseen. Hopefully it will turn out alright. Get a marine survey on the hull and trailer and a Yamaha certified mechanic to run compression and a PC hookup. Also, send the VIN HUL number to Maverick and ask if any major repairs where completed. Good luck with buy. dc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polliwog Posted May 28, 2019 Report Share Posted May 28, 2019 X2 on wanaflatsfish. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.