Contrary to what you may think, flats boats are not necessarily “flat-bottomed” boats. Their name has nothing to do with the shape of their hull, but more about where they run. Flats boats, which are sometimes called “skiffs,” are designed for fishing in shallow water flats. Their unique setup allows them to cruise through water that’s just 14 inches deep or less. Most skiffs measure anywhere between 15 and 25 feet in length and are usually outfitted with an outboard motor, although they are light enough to be pushed forward with a pole. Since these vessels are mainly designed for fishing, most of them come with a front casting deck and an aft poling deck to allow one individual to cast a line while the other pushes the boat forward with a pole.

So, what are the best flats boats, and how do you choose the best one? Here’s everything you need to know about them.

Coming in at #1 is the Maverick 18 HPX-V. It is one of the most versatile high-performance flats boats we’ve come across, bar-none. It is designed to navigate skinny shallow waters, as well as tough choppier areas in even the windiest of conditions. And it does it with amazing grace and elegance.

It delivers remarkable range and speed without compromising draft length. It can handle a wide range of activities, including poling, shallow water fishing, casting fly rods and nets, and maneuvering tight spots and sharp turns. The 18 HPX-V is nothing short of superb.

Pros

● Clean, sleek design

● Versatile and packed with loads of angler-savvy features

● High-performance in a wide range of conditions


Cons

● You might get wet at high speeds

For the complete rankings, check out the full article by Boat Safe here - https://www.boatsafe.com/best-flats-boats/