We are going to review the top flats boats manufacturers of 2024. We are not going to rank them because there are so many different requirements when looking for a flats boat. For example, a boat buyer may be in need of a very shallow draft or a backcountry angler may not be concerned about choppy waters.
When a boater is looking for a flats boat, they will sometimes notice a mixture of bay boats being displayed as well. There are some similarities, but the two are also very different. Flats boats are a bit more specialized for inshore fishing and shallow waters, where a bay boat is more versatile on the water. I’ve personally fished waters in my flats boat in less than 6 inches of water. However, some bay boats can sneak in shallow waters as well. I wouldn’t get into less than 16 to 18 inches of water in a bay boat, you never knew then that rock or structure may appear. Bay boats are designed to run on open bays and on calm days, drive through an inlet and head out to the open sea. Now keep in mind, when we say “open sea”, we don’t mean 20 miles out in 4 to 5 foot seas, although some experienced anglers may disagree. Bay boats typically range from 19 feet to about 26 feet.
Many manufacturers make flats boats ranging from 15 feet to approximately 22 feet. I think once you cross that 22 feet or so mark, you are heading to different boating category and needs.
We are going to go over the top 8 flats boats manufactures and give feedback from real anglers and boat owners. There are many articles on the internet with the same traditional manufacturers and reviews, but we are going to uncover a few manufacturers who make great boats that are not household names yet.
The Top 8 Flats Boats Manufacturers
- Maverick Boats
- Hewes Boats
- Hell’s Bay Boatworks
- Chittum Skiffs
- Beavertail
- Sterling
- East Cape
- Mako
1. Maverick Boats
One of the flats boats legends, Maverick Boats have always been the go-to for serious anglers. The current line of Maverick Boats offers three models, the 17 HPX-V, 17 HPX-S and the 18 HPX-V. Maverick Boats use superior and advanced materials, lamination, and construction techniques available in the industry. But they are not cheap.
A day out fishing with a friend, you can expect to be safe in about a 8 inch draft. Maverick Boats are a high performance boat as well. I am a Maverick flats boat owner and I probably shouldn’t say this, but on a calm summer day here in South Florida, I have taken my Maverick flats boat out to the open ocean to fish for kingfish or even sailfish.
If you like aesthetics, Maverick Boats are very sleek and beautiful boats.
I want to make a comment on some boating politics. Maverick Boats acquired our next reviewed flats boat, Hewes Boats. You’ll notice their websites are very similar and both use the best construction in the industry.
Scores ( 10 being best)
Fishing – 10
Performance/Ride = 10
Fine Touches / Amenities = 10
Fine Touches / Amenities = 10
View Maverick flats boats for sale on Boatzon
Check out Maverick Boats website
2. Hewes Flats Boats
Another flats boat legend, Hewes flats boats have always been a leader for backcountry and inshore anglers. The current line of Hewes flats boats offers three models, the Redfisher 16, the Redfisher 18 and the Redfisher 21. Hewes flats boats also utilize and build with the most advanced materials and construction techniques available in the industry.
I can tell you from experience, you’re not going to get a great draft like a Maverick flats boat. Expect at least a 10-inch draft with the Hewes models. However I will admit, Hewes boats are a little bit “dryer” than riding on a Maverick flats boat if you’re going to sneak into choppy waters.
I like the storage on Hewes flats boats as well. I’m going to say that you may have a little bit more storage space and option with a Hewes flats boat.
If you like aesthetics, Maverick Boats are very sleek and beautiful boats.
Scores ( 10 being best)
Fishing – 10
Performance/Ride = 10
Fine Touches / Amenities = 10
View Hewes flats boats for sale on Boatzon
3. Hell’s Bay Boatworks
Maybe not a “household” name to some boat buyers, but Hell’s Bay flats boats are fishing machines. Their models lineup in the 16 feet to 18 feet range. Hell’s Bay flats boats are big performance boats in a small package.
Expect at least an 8-10 inch draft with these Hell’s Bay flats boat models. These are very “dry” boats, and you can be confident and safe in choppy waters.
Aesthetically, Hell’s Bay flats boats are very simple, clean, and sleek. I’m a big fan.
Scores ( 10 being best)
Fishing – 10
Performance/Ride = 10
Fine Touches / Amenities = 10
View Hell’s Bay for sale on Boatzon
Check out Hell’s Bay flats boats website
4. Chittum Skiffs
Chittum Skiffs flats boats are popular with fishing guides and are fishing machines. They manufacture three main models starting with the Challanger 18, the Islamorada 18, and the Islamorada 21. These are extremely light boats, starting at 345 pounds unrigged, but offer a great, sturdy drive as well. Chittum Skiffs will easily sit in a 6-inch draft as well.
I have fished on their most celebrated model “Islamorada”, and I loved it. Simple layout, very sleek, great storage, and a great driving boat.
I’ll give you a little history of Chittum Skiffs, because I am also a fan of Hell’s Bay. Hal Chittum, legendary guide and boat builder, started Chittum Skiffs. However, he was also one of the founders of Hell’s Bay Boatworks. Hal sold Hell’s Bay Boatworks in 2002 but seemed unhappy with the new management and went off to start Chittum Skiffs. Still seems to be a little bad blood between the competitors as ChittumSkiffs.com comments “best design and the latest high-tech composite materials and solve all of the problems we had tried to fix at Hell’s Bay Boatworks.”
A must check out in my opinion if you are in search of a flats boat.
Scores ( 10 being best)
Fishing – 10
Performance/Ride = 10
Fine Touches / Amenities = 10
View Chittum Skiffs flats boats for sale on Boatzon
Check out Chittum Skiffs website
5. Beavertail Skiffs
Aesthetically, I love Beavertail flats boats. If you like to stand out, this may be the boat for you. Every time I see Beavertail flats boat, I am heavily impressed. Even their website has a statement “Beavertail Skiffs Color Inspiration”.
I’ve been fishing with a guide on a Beavertail flats boat, and I was impressed with the ride as well. The boat was sleek, simple in design, and very well constructed. You’ll quickly notice the fine details when it comes to the upholstery and stitching as well.
Beavertail flats boats are built with a composite material, which makes them a lighter boat as well. You’re going to be able to get in very shallow waters in this boat, as low as a 6 inch draft.
Scores ( 10 being best)
Fishing – 10
Performance/Ride = 10
Fine Touches / Amenities = 10
View Beavertail flats boats for sale on Boatzon
Check out Beavertail flats boats website
6. Sterling Flats Boats & Shearwater Hybrid
I referenced both Sterling flats boats and Shearwater flats boats here because they are owned by the same parent company and Shearwater makes a hybrid flats a bay boat at 22 feet that is beautiful. Sterling flats boats start at 17 feet and range up to 22 feet.
Some people will say Sterling is the most beautiful, aesthetic flats boat. I won’t argue that, they really have nice lines and the larger models like the 220XS are really a head-turner on the water.
I’ve never driven a Sterling flats boat, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about the ride. You can also benefit from plenty of storage space on Sterling boats.
Scores ( 10 being best)
Fishing – 10
Performance/Ride = 10
Fine Touches / Amenities = 10
View Sterling flats boats for sale on Boatzon
7. Eastcape Flats Boats
Escape flats boats are quickly gaining popularity among serious inshore anglers. I have never driven an Eastcape flats boat, but I’ve heard great things about them. They state on their website that they have as low as a 4-inch draft, which is amazing.
The design looks extremely simple, but sleek. Everything I have read; everyone says the drive is solid.
I may come back to this review if I talk to an owner of an Eastcape flats boat.
Scores ( 10 being best)
Fishing – 10
Performance/Ride = 8
Fine Touches / Amenities = 7
View Eastcape flats boats for sale on Boatzon
8. Mako Flats Boats
The hardcore inshore anglers might ask “why is Mako on this list?”. Let’s take a deep breathe.
I fished on the Mako 18 LTS flats boat and was a little impressed. But was more impressed by the price. You can get into a new Mako flats boat in the $35,000 price range.
However, I didn’t like the draft. You need a good foot of water for this flats boat. But overall, a solid boat.
Some people will say Sterling is the most beautiful, aesthetic flats boat. I won’t argue that they really have nice lines and the larger models like the 220XS are really a head-turner on the water.
I’ve never driven a Sterling flats boat, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about the ride. You can also benefit from plenty of storage space on Sterling boats.
Scores ( 10 being best)
Fishing – 7
Performance/Ride = 7
Fine Touches / Amenities = 6
View Mako flats boats for sale on Boatzon
Check out Mako flats boats website
Wrapping Up The Best Flats Boats
As you see, there are a wide variety of flats boats manufacturers. Saying “the top 8 flats boats” or “the best flats boats” is sometimes tricky, as everyone’s needs, requirements, and budgets are different. We hope this flats boats article and review was helpful and hope to see you on the water! Visit our website for more information and to research all flats boats and brands for sale.
