Maverick HPX-S and V models
- Dave LeGear
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 28
Maverick HPX-S and V models are great little all-around Skiffs that do many things well! I am a fan of the larger center console design for flush mounting of all your electronics (just not in all cases), as I want to be able to remove them when traveling naturally. You may want to consider this (also) when shopping for your next Skiff.
And I agree with the observation on using the 115 Outboard in the video below. In most cases, they have nearly the same weight as a 90HP, but you can swing a larger prop for better launch and cruise numbers. The test runs I made on the Maverick made the 115HP SHO Motor shine!
And here is a good little walk-through of the 17 HPX S model, with some great upgrades and ideas for your present or future Skiff, from our friend here on Flats Nation, Captain Tommy Derringer:
Our findings from other reviews and experience mostly for the 18 HPX-V model...
Overview & basic specs for the 18 HPX-V (see the MBG site for the 17 Models)
Length & Beam: 18′ 4″ LOA, 6′ 8″ beam. Draft is just 9″ with a 150 hp engine—super shallow for poling or sneaking into skinny water
Weight & Power: Roughly 1,460 lb with F150. Capable of handling up to 150 hp, but many run it easily with a Yamaha 115
Fuel: 29‑gallon capacity, a comfy range without lugging a giant tank around.
Performance
Speed & Handling:
With a Yamaha F115, cruised at ~37 mph and hit mid‑40s without much fuss. Yamaha data suggests it could hit 50+ mph at wide open throttle pending load and fuel onboard.
The hull design—bow flare and spray rails—keeps you dry and stable even in some choppy waters.
Poling & Shallow Water
Built as a “technical poling skiff,” it performs well on the pole—nimble yet rock‑steady as reported on the 18 and the 17 models do not appear to be much different and suspect how 17's is loaded.
Various enthusiastic pilot reviews highlighted its ability to handle rough and skinny water, hold three anglers, and run fast.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Versatility: Handles everything from calm creeks to windy offshore—your all‑rounder tool.
Dry ride & stability: The hull keeps you comfortable and in control.
Great for guides: Popular among professional anglers—fast transit times make a big difference!
Shallow draft: Only 9″ with F150, and even shallower with smaller motors.
Cons:
Engine trade‑offs: While a 115 hp motor works fine, it’s less punchy. Owners generally recommend a minimum of 90 or 115 hp which (the 115) is the only option now seen on the MBG site. The 70hp is a much better fit for the 17 foot models.
Price tag: New models hover in the $80–105k range fully rigged—investment boat, not casual the weekend toy for sure...
Some Real‑User Takeaways from forums and reviews we were able to find on the 18 HPX-V:
“I routinely fish three people out of it comfortably… Love the versatility (and fuel economy).”
“If smooth ride in choppy waters … is a high priority for you, then the 18 HPX‑V is a great choice.”
She (the 18 HPX-V) is best for from our research and observations:
Anglers who split time between poling skinny flats and blasting across chop to fish-able grounds.
Guides needing fast, reliable transit and stable performance for clients.
Fishermen wanting a trim, polished skiff with room for three and all their gear.
And if you would like to see how one of these handles some Seas while making a run to the Marquesas Keys (bucket list item for sure!) while in search of Poons, these past shows you should enjoy!
Off the Chain, for sure!
Capt Tommy Derringer was gracious enough to send me some pictures of his Maverick 18 HPX V that you may have seen in some other videos...
We have posted a Podcast / Chat with Capt Derringer on the Flats Nation Podcast section, covering not only the State of Flats fishing in NE Florida... But also his experiences with Maverick Skiffs since he has owned several models. He had some cool upgrades to better fit his needs for guiding in that ecosystem.
Was awesome to pick his brain and get some ideas to better help you choose your next Skiff as well as, some killer upgrade ideas for your present one no matter which builder or model you own!
That Podcast you can listen to by clicking Here
Or from YouTube channel by clicking play below...
Photo Credit for these great shots goes to Cody Rubner.
Love those 4 bladed props! Sure it lost a few knots of the top end, but they launch so much better, and from everyone that I have run they are very smooth...
Now that is my kind of office view for sure. And I think it is time to find a nice waterproof keyboard case for my iPad, for some real-time Flats Nation article creation 😎
Enjoy, and do feel free to ask questions! If I cannot answer them, I have quite a few professional contacts that can...
Some more pictures (actually a great slide show) of one of Captain Tommy's builds while she was under actual construction. This is from Kent at MBG who is an awesome artist in his own right, and was helpful with this article. Just click on the link below to start the slides:
Makes me itch just looking at some of these pictures!
And much easier to install the wiring, Power Pole Charge system, etc. etc. when building one as you can see! And something you might want to consider, having the factory add on (some) gear during the build process, rather than later on...
Final thoughts:
The Maverick 18 HPX‑V is a traditionalist’s dream: built tough, rides dry, poles well, and hits the flats at speed. It's one of those skiffs that reliably does it all. Yes, it's a premium rig, but if you're serious about versatility, performance, and comfort, money well spent.
Thanks again to Captain Tommy and for help with this one!
In the meantime,
We invite you to take in a few Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go by clicking Here:
Represent "The Nation" and enhance your stealth on the water by choosing our readily available Flats Nation Technical Wear. Explore our latest Casual and Technical collections by clicking Here:
Tight Lines, and God Bless!
Dave and the Team
