Mako 18 Lts for Sale

Mako 18 LTS Specifications

The specification that defines the 18 LTS is its draft. At approximately 10 inches with the engine trimmed up, this is a boat designed to operate in water that would leave most centre consoles aground. On the Gulf Coast flats of Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, on the grass beds of the Carolinas, and in the tidal marshes of the mid-Atlantic, the ability to run in 12–14 inches of water and pole or drift in even less opens up vast areas of productive fishing territory that boat traffic rarely reaches. The shallow draft is not a compromise — it is the entire point of the LTS designation.

The 8-foot beam provides a stable platform for its length, and the 15-degree transom deadrise represents a sensible compromise between ride comfort and shallow-water performance. This is not a deep-V hull designed for offshore seas — it is a moderate-V bay boat shape that prioritises stability at rest, efficient planing, and the ability to slide onto a flat without grounding. In protected bays, inshore waterways, and coastal flats, the hull shape delivers the right balance of ride quality and capability.

The 26-gallon fuel tank is sized appropriately for inshore use. A typical day of flats fishing involves relatively short runs between spots, extended periods of drifting or poling at idle, and the occasional longer run to a distant flat or back to the ramp. At the Yamaha F90’s cruise fuel burn of approximately 4–6 GPH, 26 gallons provides a practical range of roughly 60–80 miles with a responsible fuel reserve — more than adequate for a full day of inshore fishing. The tank is deliberately kept small to minimise weight, which is critical for maintaining shallow draft and quick planing response.

Performance & Handling

Power: The Mako 18 LTS is offered exclusively with Yamaha four-stroke outboard power, typically the F90 (90 hp) as the standard engine or the F115 (115 hp) as the upgrade. Yamaha outboards are the most widely specified engines in the saltwater fishing market, and the F90 and F115 are two of the most proven, reliable four-strokes ever produced. The F90 is a 1,832cc inline four-cylinder that delivers quiet, smooth power with exceptional fuel economy. The F115 produces noticeably more torque, which translates to quicker time-to-plane and higher top speed — particularly when the boat is loaded with fishing gear, a full livewell, and two or three anglers.

Speed: With the Yamaha F90, the 18 LTS reaches approximately 30–34 mph at wide-open throttle with two adults and typical fishing gear. Comfortable cruise sits at 22–26 mph at 4,000–4,500 RPM. With the F115, top speed increases to approximately 36–40 mph, and the boat planes faster, accelerates out of turns more crisply, and maintains speed better in a headwind. For anglers who frequently run loaded, the F115 upgrade is worth the additional cost. For lighter-load fishing with one or two anglers, the F90 is perfectly adequate and delivers better fuel economy.

Fuel economy: At cruise, the Yamaha F90 burns approximately 4–6 gallons per hour — remarkably frugal for a saltwater fishing platform. A typical fishing day involving a run to the flats, six hours of fishing (mostly at idle or drifting), and the run home might consume 8–12 gallons. At current US marina fuel prices, that translates to $35–$60 per fishing trip. Over a 60–80-hour annual season, fuel costs typically run $1,000–$1,800.

Handling: The 18 LTS comes onto plane quickly with minimal bow rise — important for a shallow-water boat where you often need to plane off a flat before the depth drops away. At cruise, the hull tracks straight, turns responsively, and handles moderate wind chop without excessive pounding. The wide beam provides good stability at rest, which matters enormously when standing on the bow casting platform sight-fishing for redfish on a flat.

Limitations: This is an 18-foot inshore skiff rated for five persons. In protected bays, sounds, flats, and coastal waterways, the 18 LTS is superb. In open ocean conditions, offshore swells, or sustained winds above 20 knots in open water, the boat’s shallow freeboard and moderate deadrise make it unsuitable. Mako builds larger bay boats and offshore centre consoles for those missions. The 18 LTS excels because it is optimised for inshore fishing and does that one thing exceptionally well for its price.

Build Quality & Construction

The Mako 18 LTS is built with a hand-laid fibreglass hull — not aluminium, as some buyers assume given the brand’s association with the Tracker aluminium fishing boat range. The hull uses a multi-layer fibreglass laminate with a structural stringer system that ties the hull and deck together into a rigid, unified structure. The stringer grid distributes loads across the hull, reduces flex, and provides mounting points for the console, livewell, fuel tank, and casting platform supports. This is production-grade fibreglass construction built for volume — not the hand-faired, vacuum-infused layup you find on a premium skiff from Maverick or Hewes — but it is sound, proven, and backed by a manufacturer that builds more fibreglass boats than nearly anyone in the world.

Hull and deck connection: The hull-to-deck joint is mechanically fastened and sealed, a standard method in high-volume production. The result is a solid, rattle-free structure that holds up well to the demands of saltwater fishing: repeated trailer launches and retrievals, running across oyster bars, grounding on sand flats, and the general abuse that inshore fishing inflicts on a hull. Non-skid surfaces on the deck and casting platforms provide secure footing when wet — essential on a boat where anglers routinely stand and cast in spray and rain.

Hardware and fittings: The 18 LTS uses stainless steel hardware throughout, including the flush-mount rod holders, cleats, and console grab rail — a meaningful distinction on a saltwater boat where chrome-plated zinc deteriorates rapidly. The livewell uses a dedicated aerator pump with properly sealed through-hull fittings. Wiring runs are tinned copper, the marine standard for saltwater environments, routed through accessible channels for inspection and repair.

Build quality in context: The Mako 18 LTS is a value-oriented production boat, not a bespoke skiff. Fit-and-finish is good but not flawless — you may find occasional gel coat imperfections or cosmetic details that a $60,000 premium skiff would not exhibit. These are cosmetic observations, not structural concerns. The hull, stringer system, and core engineering are sound. For the price, the build quality is competitive with anything else in the sub-$35,000 saltwater segment.

Fishing Features & Deck Layout

The 18 LTS is a fishing boat first. The centre-console arrangement provides 360-degree fishability — two anglers can work the bow and stern casting platforms simultaneously while a third fishes from the cockpit, all with unobstructed casting arcs. Every surface is either a casting platform, a storage compartment, or a walking path.

Bow casting platform: The raised bow platform is the primary fishing station on the 18 LTS and the position from which most sight-fishing is done. The platform provides an elevated vantage point for spotting fish on the flats, a clear casting arc of nearly 270 degrees, and secure non-skid footing. Below the platform, a storage compartment holds tackle boxes, rods, and gear. The bow is pre-wired for a trolling motor with a mounting plate on the bow cap — a critical feature for anglers who use electric trolling motors to silently position the boat on a flat without spooking fish. A dedicated anchor storage locker at the bow point accepts a shallow-water push pole holder or traditional anchor.

Stern casting platform: The aft casting platform sits above the integrated livewell and provides a second elevated fishing station — one angler works the bow while the other works the stern, covering water in both directions. The platform also serves as the helm seat area when running, with a leaning post providing comfort during longer runs. Below the platform, the livewell holds approximately 15 gallons of aerated water — enough to keep a full day’s supply of live shrimp, mullet, or pinfish alive and active.

Centre console: The console is compact and functional, housing the helm with engine instrumentation, steering, and throttle controls. The dash is pre-wired for a Garmin fishfinder and chartplotter — essential for marking productive flats and navigating shallow waterways safely. A forward-facing windshield provides spray protection at cruise, a grab rail secures passengers, and internal storage holds personal items and small tackle. The console is deliberately kept small to maximise open deck area.

Rod storage and holders: Four stainless steel flush-mount rod holders are positioned in the gunwales, providing hands-free rod management while trolling, drifting, or soaking bait. Under-gunwale rod racks provide horizontal storage for rods when not in use, keeping them secure during transit and freeing up deck space. For an 18-foot skiff, the rod management system is well thought out — rods are always accessible but never underfoot.

Livewell: The transom-mounted aerated livewell is essential for inshore fishing where live bait — shrimp, mullet, and pinfish — is the primary terminal tackle for species like redfish, snook, and speckled trout. The 18 LTS livewell provides dedicated aeration that circulates and oxygenates the water, a drain system for easy cleanout, and sufficient volume for a serious day of live-bait fishing. The transom position keeps weight aft, helping maintain the boat’s shallow bow draft when running onto flats.

Running Costs & Ownership Considerations

The Mako 18 LTS is one of the most affordable saltwater fishing boats to own and operate in America. The boat-motor-trailer package means you start with everything you need in a single purchase — no separate engine buy, no trailer search, no rigging bill. You buy the package, register it, and go fishing.

• Insurance: 1.0–2.0% of hull value. On an 18 LTS valued at $20,000–$35,000, budget $200–$700 per year. Trailered boats typically qualify for lower rates than wet-slipped vessels, and many 18 LTS owners store their boats on the trailer at home, which further reduces premiums.
• Engine service: The Yamaha F90 and F115 four-strokes are among the most reliable and widely serviced outboards in production. Annual service — engine oil and filter change, gear lube, water pump impeller (every 2–3 years or 300 hours), and anode replacement for saltwater boats — costs approximately $250–$500 at a Yamaha-authorised dealer. Yamaha’s dealer network is extensive throughout coastal markets, ensuring parts and service availability wherever you fish.
• Fuel: At 4–6 GPH at cruise, the 18 LTS is exceptionally frugal. A 60–80-hour fishing season costs approximately $1,000–$1,800 in fuel at current marina prices. Many fishing trips consume less than 10 gallons, making the per-trip fuel cost $35–$50 — less than the cost of a guided fishing charter for a single person.
• Storage: The vast majority of 18 LTS owners tow and trailer, eliminating marina slip fees entirely. The boat and trailer fit in a standard residential driveway or garage, and the total rig weight is light enough to tow with a mid-size SUV or half-ton pickup. Home storage is free. For owners who prefer a marina, wet slip fees for an 18-footer range from $1,200–$3,500 per year depending on location.
• Bottom maintenance: Trailered boats avoid bottom paint and hauling costs entirely. For wet-slipped boats in saltwater, annual bottom paint runs approximately $400–$800 for an 18-footer. Most 18 LTS owners will never need bottom paint.
• Registration and taxes: Vary by state. Budget $75–$400 per year for registration, title, and applicable personal property tax.
• Approximate annual total: $1,800–$4,500 for a trailered boat with typical recreational fishing use. This is among the lowest total ownership costs in the saltwater fishing boat market and represents a key part of the 18 LTS value proposition.

The combination of a frugal Yamaha engine, a light hull, and a trailer-kept storage arrangement makes the 18 LTS one of the few saltwater fishing boats where the annual operating cost is genuinely comparable to maintaining a bass boat on a freshwater lake. For anglers crossing over from freshwater to saltwater, this affordability removes one of the primary barriers to entry.

Mako 18 LTS Used Market & Pricing Guide

New pricing: A new Mako 18 LTS boat-motor-trailer package with the Yamaha F90 starts at approximately $28,000–$32,000. Upgrading to the Yamaha F115 adds $2,000–$4,000. Adding optional equipment — trolling motor, upgraded electronics, powder-coated T-top — can bring the total to $34,000–$38,000. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s frequently offer seasonal promotions and financing incentives that reduce the effective price by $1,000–$3,000.

Used pricing (2018–2023): Pre-owned Mako 18 LTS boats trade at approximately $18,000–$28,000 depending on model year, engine hours, and condition. A 2020–2022 model with low hours (under 200) and the Yamaha F90 represents the value sweet spot at $21,000–$26,000 — the steepest first-owner depreciation has occurred, and the Yamaha engine has decades of service life remaining. Earlier models (2018–2019) are available from $18,000–$22,000.

Depreciation pattern: The Mako 18 LTS depreciates at a moderate rate — faster than premium brands like Boston Whaler but broadly in line with other value-oriented production fishing boats. Expect approximately 15–25% depreciation in the first two years, then 5–8% per year thereafter. The boat-motor-trailer package helps resale because buyers get a complete, ready-to-fish rig, and the Yamaha outboard brand supports resale — a boat with a Yamaha engine is easier to sell than one with a less recognised brand.

What to Inspect on a Used 18 LTS

• Yamaha outboard: Check engine hours via the gauge cluster or Yamaha Command Link system. Request service records and test compression. The F90 and F115 are exceptionally reliable, but saltwater use accelerates corrosion on anodes and lower units. Verify a saltwater flushing routine was maintained.
• Hull bottom: Inspect for grounding damage — common on shallow-draft boats. Minor gel coat scuffs from sand are cosmetic and normal. Deep gouges or cracks from oyster bars should be professionally assessed.
• Trailer: Inspect wheel bearings, bunks, winch, lighting, and tyres. Check for corrosion on springs and axles, particularly on trailers used at saltwater ramps. Budget $200–$400 for a bearing service if the last service date is unknown.
• Livewell and plumbing: Test the livewell pump and aerator. On saltwater boats, aerator pumps may need replacement due to salt crystal buildup. A replacement pump costs $50–$150.
• Electrical system: Test all switches, navigation lights, bilge pump, and livewell controls. Verify battery condition and check wiring for chafe or corrosion.

A professional marine survey is recommended for any pre-owned purchase above $15,000 — budget $300–$600 for a boat of this size. For lower-value boats with documented service histories, a thorough mechanical inspection and visual hull check may suffice. Given the Yamaha outboard’s proven reliability, used 18 LTS boats are generally low-risk purchases when basic due diligence is performed.

Mako 18 LTS vs Competitors

The 17–19-foot inshore fishing boat segment is one of the most competitive in recreational boating, spanning the full spectrum from budget-friendly production skiffs to premium hand-built flats boats. The Mako 18 LTS competes on total value: a complete boat-motor-trailer package at a price that undercuts most premium competitors by 30–50%, backed by the largest outdoor retail network in America. Each competitor takes a different approach to the inshore fishing mission, and the right choice depends on your priorities, budget, and how you weight features against price.

18 LTS vs Boston Whaler 170 Montauk

The Boston Whaler 170 Montauk is the premium benchmark in the small centre-console market and the boat most frequently compared to the Mako 18 LTS. The Whaler offers Unibond foam-core construction that makes it genuinely unsinkable, a legendary brand name, and resale value that is virtually unmatched in the segment. A new 170 Montauk with engine and trailer runs approximately $30,000–$40,000 — a meaningful premium over the 18 LTS. The Mako counters with a larger platform (18 ft 4 in vs 17 ft 2 in), a similarly shallow draft, comparable Yamaha power, and the complete boat-motor-trailer package at a lower total cost. The Whaler is the choice for buyers who prioritise premium construction, unsinkable safety, and maximum resale value. The Mako is the choice for anglers who want more boat for less money and are comfortable with conventional fibreglass construction. Both are excellent inshore fishing platforms.

18 LTS vs Robalo R180

The Robalo R180 is an 18-foot centre console that straddles the line between bay boat and general-purpose inshore boat. At approximately $28,000–$38,000 with engine, the Robalo is priced similarly to or slightly above a comparably equipped 18 LTS. The R180 offers a deeper cockpit, slightly more freeboard, a wider range of engine options, and a hull shape that is arguably better suited to rougher bay conditions. The Mako counters with shallower draft for flats access, the boat-motor-trailer package convenience, Bass Pro Shops availability, and typically lower out-the-door pricing. The Robalo is a more versatile boat for buyers who split time between inshore fishing and general coastal cruising. The Mako is the better pure inshore fishing platform for skinny-water anglers on a budget.

18 LTS vs Scout 175 Sportfish

The Scout 175 Sportfish is a family-oriented centre console from a respected South Carolina builder. At 17 feet 6 inches, the Scout is slightly smaller than the 18 LTS but commands a higher price — new Scout 175 Sportfish models run approximately $35,000–$45,000 with engine and trailer. Scout uses NuV3 composite construction, offers a 10-year structural warranty, and delivers a higher standard of fit-and-finish than the Mako. The Scout is a dual-purpose boat that handles both fishing and family outings well. The Mako is more focused on the fishing mission, offers more deck area for the money, and costs significantly less. For pure inshore fishing value, the Mako wins. For a family boat that also fishes well, the Scout merits strong consideration.

18 LTS vs Grady-White Fisherman 180

The Grady-White Fisherman 180 occupies the top of the 18-foot centre-console market. A new Fisherman 180 with engine and trailer runs approximately $45,000–$55,000 — roughly 40–60% more than a comparably equipped 18 LTS. For that premium, Grady-White delivers arguably the finest fit-and-finish in the segment, a proven SeaV² hull design with superior rough-water capability, exceptional resale value, and the confidence of a brand that has set the standard in centre-console construction for five decades. The Mako cannot match the Grady-White on build quality, ride quality in chop, or resale value. What it can match — or beat — is the pure fishing capability per dollar. For a budget-conscious angler who wants a capable flats boat and does not need the premium badge, the 18 LTS delivers 85% of the Grady-White experience at 55–65% of the cost. That value equation is the reason the Mako sells in volume that premium builders cannot approach.

For a full interactive comparison between the Mako 18 LTS and other inshore fishing boats, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool, where you can overlay pricing trends, track seasonal demand, and benchmark value retention across the bay boat and skiff segments.

Who Should Buy the Mako 18 LTS — and Who Should Look Elsewhere

The 18 LTS is an excellent choice for:

• First-time saltwater boat owners: The boat-motor-trailer package removes the complexity of assembling components separately, the fixed pricing eliminates negotiation anxiety, and the Bass Pro Shops retail environment makes the purchase accessible for buyers who have never set foot in a marine dealership.
• Value-conscious inshore anglers: If your primary use is sight-fishing for redfish on Gulf Coast flats, drifting for speckled trout in coastal bays, or soaking live bait along mangrove shorelines, the 18 LTS delivers exactly the platform you need at a price that does not require a second mortgage.
• Freshwater-to-saltwater crossover anglers: Bass anglers and other freshwater fishermen crossing into saltwater will find the 18 LTS familiar in concept. The Tracker-heritage package pricing and Bass Pro Shops retail experience mirror what freshwater anglers already know.
• Budget-minded families: While primarily a fishing boat, the 18 LTS handles family coastal outings, sandbar trips, and island hopping in protected waters perfectly well. The casting platforms double as sunning areas, and the trailer makes vacation travel simple.
• Second-boat owners: Experienced anglers who keep a larger boat for offshore work often add an 18 LTS as a dedicated inshore skiff — its low cost, easy trailering, and shallow-water access make it an ideal complement to a larger centre console.

Consider other options if:

• You need offshore capability: The 18 LTS is an inshore boat. If your plans include running inlets or nearshore reefs, look at 20–24-foot centre consoles from Robalo or Sea Hunt in the value segment, or Boston Whaler and Grady-White in the premium segment.
• Premium build quality is a priority: If you value hand-faired hull work and boutique craftsmanship, consider premium skiff builders like Hewes, Maverick, or Pathfinder — at a correspondingly higher price.
• Resale value is your top concern: Boston Whaler and Grady-White hold value significantly better. If you plan to sell in 3–5 years, the premium upfront cost may result in a lower total cost of ownership over the hold period.
• You frequently boat in rough water: The 18 LTS’s shallow-V hull is optimised for calm to moderate conditions. If your home waters regularly see 2–3 foot chop, a deeper-deadrise hull with more freeboard will provide a meaningfully better ride.

The Mako 18 LTS is not the best-built 18-foot fishing boat on the market, nor the fastest or strongest-reselling. What it is, definitively, is the best value — a complete, capable, Yamaha-powered saltwater fishing platform delivered with a trailer at a price that makes boat ownership accessible to anglers who might otherwise sit on the dock and watch other people fish. That accessibility is the entire point of the Mako brand under White River Marine Group ownership, and the 18 LTS delivers on that promise as well as any boat in the lineup. For the inshore angler on a budget, it is difficult to find a more sensible place to start.