Backwater 18

NOTE: Abaco Marine has ceased operations. Our molds and other assets are for sale. Please see more information on our home page.

The Flats Skiff that Eats Inlet Slop for Breakfast

With a poling draft of just 7”, the Backwater 18 can fish the same skinny water flats and creeks as conventional poling skiffs, but that’s where the similarities end. Her sharp entry, self-bailing cockpit, and high, flared bow add up to rough-water capabilities that other skiffs simply can’t compare with. If you dream of poling the shallows in the morning, transiting a sloppy inlet without fear of stuffing the bow, and then fishing the reef in the afternoon, this is your skiff.

The Backwater 18’s capacity and layout also differentiate her from other flats skiffs. Rated for 5 adults, she features an open layout with a recessed casting deck forward. Aft dry storage compartments feature lift-out buckets for easy bilge access, while a large round livewell holds plenty of bait. Add optional forward-facing backrests to the casting deck, and you’ve got comfortable seating for 6.

Specifications

1,425LBS

DRY WEIGHT

800Lbs

WEIGHT CAP

24G

FUEL

18'4"

LENGTH

130HP

MAX POWER

6'0"

BEAM

5Persons

PERSON CAP

7"

DRAFT

Backwater 18 Key Features

    • 10-year structural hull warranty

    • 100% composite – no wood construction

    • Transom integrated stringer system

    • High-density Coosa/fiberboard transom

    • Custom yacht style easy-to-clean nonskid

    • Foam filled under deck – Unsinkable

    • Closed-cell foam cored for strength

    • 100% hand-laid biaxial structural fiberglass

    • PVC cored sandwich constructrion – superior strength

    • Stainless rub rail (white base w/ 1/2″ insert)

    • Decks are fused to the hull and stringers

    • Optional tops and towers are thru-bolted

    • Hydraulic steering

    • Custom trim tabs by Lenco

    • 26-gallon LED lighted bait well in transom

    • Tournament -style console

    • Built-in console cooler with seat and backrest cushions

    • Large front deck dry storage

    • Dry storage inside console

    • Glovebox in console door

    • Separate anchor locker holds 200′ of line

    • 316 stainless hardware throughout

    • Flush-mounted double-back hinges

    • Three stainless pop-up cleats

    • Three-spoke steering wheel with assist knob

    • Stainless removable garboard boat drain in transom

    • Stainless bow and transom D rings

    • Waterproof switch panel

    • Pop-up circuit breakers for every switch

    • LED navigation lighting

    • Heat-shrink sealed wire connections throughout

    • Hand wired – meticulously organized under the console

    • Easy access rigging tubes for futurs additions

    • Custom scupper system

    • Stainless deck drains

    • All hoses double clamped with premium stainless

    • Automatic bilge pump– 800gph

    • Float switch for safety – wired hot

    • Rule tournament bait pump – 800gph

    • High-speed water pick-up with shut-off ball valve

    • Inline bait pump filter

    • 24 gal coated aluminum fuel tank

    • Vented and pressurized stainless fuel fill

    • Raycor fuel filter with clear well and easy-release plug

    • Fire-resistant fuel hose

    • Fuel gauge to match selected engine gauge