{"id":6946,"date":"2025-04-01T10:02:27","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T10:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=6946"},"modified":"2025-04-01T10:02:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T10:02:27","slug":"boat-test-2025-mako-18-pro-skiff-backwater-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=6946","title":{"rendered":"Boat Test: 2025 Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>    Boat Test: 2025 Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    <!-- no image --><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><\/p>\n<div>\n<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/\/rmzDxPAhhZY\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignwide has-custom-font-size has-medium-font-size is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"makoVisit\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.makoboats.com\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Visit Mako<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"makoBuild\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.makoboats.com\/build-your-own.html\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Build Your Mako<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"makoDealer\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.makoboats.com\/dealers.html\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Find a Mako Dealer<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n<p>The newly redesigned Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater \u00adEdition is a light-tackle \u00adangler\u2019s dream. It\u2019s a skinny-water boat that\u2019s packed with standard features that will help you find and chase fish.<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-1-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image disable-lazyload\" alt=\"Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition heading out to fish\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-1.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition is easy to pilot in open water as well as skinny water.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Mako Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p><iframe id=\"wxuzj5efbz\" src=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.dragonforms.com\/wxuzj5efbz\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width:100%;height:165px;border:none;overflow:hidden;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engine<\/h2>\n<p>Running with two aboard and a 22-gallon fuel load, we pushed the 18 Pro Skiff to 52 mph, reaching 30 mph from idle in 5.8 seconds. For a relatively flat-bottomed boat, it held true in hard-over turns at planing speeds, never slipping or blowing out the prop. It climbed onto plane in 2.4 seconds. The standard jack plate lets you raise or lower the engine\u2019s running height to keep on plane in skinnier water. With a draft of just 12 inches, you can get shallow and deploy the standard Minn Kota Terrova electric trolling motor and maneuver to find the fish. Also, you can stake out in waters up to 8 feet deep with a standard \u00adPower-Pole Pro Series II.<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-2-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition helm\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-2.jpg 1707w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The helm is well-appointed and free from clutter.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Mako Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p>Some of the performance attributes can be credited to this boat\u2019s construction. Mako builds a closed-cavity foam-filled hull that\u2019s bonded together right in the mold. It\u2019s rugged and durable, but it doesn\u2019t need a stringer system, which helps it shed weight to float in shallower water. Mako\u2019s Rapid Planing System design creates a little pocket in the running surface at the transom that allows water to flow to the prop no matter how high you raise the jack plate. Mako installs a tube in the bilge that flows air into the pocket to ventilate it and enhance the flow.<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-3-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition console\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-3.jpg 1707w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">A 7-gallon baitwell resides under the seat just \u00adforward of the console.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Mako Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interior and Accessories<\/h2>\n<p>What about the fishing features? The spacious bow and stern casting platforms feature camo decking for comfort underfoot. Fold-down cleats \u00adminimize line snags. A \u00ad26-gallon livewell resides in the aft deck, with a second 7-gallon well under the seat forward of the console. Three vertical rod holders line each side of the console, as well as three undergunwale rod racks per side that are long enough to stow fly rods. There are two more vertical holders in the removable helm bench backrest.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read Next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/mako-414-cc-bluewater-family-edition\/\">Mako 414 CC Bluewater Family Edition<\/a><\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-4-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition bow platform\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-4.jpg 1707w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The spacious bow and stern casting platforms feature camo matting for comfort underfoot.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Mako Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p>Besides being a fishing machine, this boat just looks cool. Its army-green hull with Mako Sand accents and camo decking stand out at the ramp and help it hide in the mangroves. The scalloped hullsides above the waterline are a nod to the sleek profile of a real mako shark.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How We Tested<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<strong>Engine: <\/strong>Mercury 175 Pro XS<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Drive\/Prop:<\/strong> Outboard\/Mercury Tempest 14 1\/2\u2033 x 19\u2033 3-blade stainless steel<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Gear Ratio: <\/strong>1.85:1 <strong>Fuel Load: <\/strong>22 gal. <strong>Crew Weight:<\/strong> 400 lb.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High Points<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Standard jack plate, Power-Pole and Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor make this boat ready for skinny-water duty. Scalloped hullsides are inspired by a \u00adreal-life profile of a mako shark.<\/li>\n<li>Standard Wet Sounds stereo with four speakers lets you pump up the jams.<\/li>\n<li>Trailer comes standard, so you can head straight to the launch ramp.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Low Points<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>You can pole it in skinny water, but it\u2019s best-suited for trolling-motor duty.<\/li>\n<li>Could use grab handles near the aft jump seats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Toughest Competitor<\/h2>\n<p>The Maverick HPX-V is more of a true poling skiff that\u2019s lighter and has a shallower draft, but the price jumps significantly to $84,088 with a Yamaha 150.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pricing and Specs<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Price:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>$63,995 (as tested)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>LOA:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>18\u20196\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Beam:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>7\u201910\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Draft:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>1\u20190\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Displacement:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>1,740 lb.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Transom Deadrise:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>13 degrees<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Bridge Clearance:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>6\u20190\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Fuel Capacity:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>37 gal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Water Capacity:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>0 gal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Max Horsepower:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>175<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Available Power:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Single Mercury \u00adoutboards to 175 hp<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speed, Efficiency, Operation<\/h2>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-specs.jpg?resize=800%2C515&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition performance data\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-specs.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-specs-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/BTGBBG25-FSH-Mako-18-Pro-Skiff-Backwater-Edition-specs-768x495.jpg 768w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition Certified Test Results<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Boating Magazine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size aligncenter is-style-fill has-medium-font-size\" id=\"makoContact\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.makoboats.com\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Contact Mako<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Mako Boats<\/strong> \u2013 Springfield, Missouri; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.makoboats.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">makoboats.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/boats\/2025-mako-18-pro-skiff-backwater-edition-boat-test\/\">Boat Test: 2025 Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/\">Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    Pete McDonald<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/boats\/2025-mako-18-pro-skiff-backwater-edition-boat-test\/\">Go to boatingmag<\/a><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Boat Test: 2025 Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition Visit Mako Build Your Mako Find a Mako Dealer Overview The newly redesigned Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater \u00adEdition is a light-tackle \u00adangler\u2019s dream. It\u2019s a skinny-water boat that\u2019s packed with standard features that will help you find and chase fish. The 18 Pro Skiff Backwater [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3492,1511,1512,126,148,1515,3493,3463,352],"tags":[127],"class_list":["post-6946","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-10-20ft","category-1511","category-boat-tests","category-boatingmag","category-boats","category-fishing-boats","category-mako","category-may-2025","category-outboards","tag-boatingmag"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6946"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6946"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6946\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6946"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6946"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}