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Skiff Review

Editorial Rankings

Skiff Review Rankings

Our top skiffs in every shallow-water category — independently ranked by the SkiffReview team based on hands-on testing, owner feedback, and long-term performance. Updated regularly as new models come through our reviews.

Chittum skiff profile view
Top 5

Best Overall Skiff

Our highest-scoring technical skiffs across build, ride, and fishability.

  1. Chittum Islamorada 18
  2. Hell's Bay Professional 17.8
  3. Drake NV-SL
  4. Maverick 17 HPX-V II
  5. East Cape 18 EVO
East Cape skiff profile view
Top 5

Fastest 150hp Skiffs

Top-end speed, cross-bay efficiency, and the hulls that stay planted there.

  1. East Cape VHP – 62mph
  2. Maverick 18 HPX-V – 61.5mph
  3. Hell's Bay Marquesa – 59.5mph
  4. Beavertail Lightning – 58mph
  5. Dolphin 18 Back Country – 55mph
Value skiff profile view
Top 5

Best Value Skiffs

Real performance without the boutique-skiff price — dollar-for-dollar picks.

  1. Salt Marsh Heron 16 - $26,300
  2. Lancha 18 - $27,999
  3. Dragon Fly Emerger 16 - $26,499
  4. Skimmer 16 - $28,115
  5. Ankona Caicos - $25,720
Light poling skiff profile view
Top 5

Lightest 18–19 ft Poling Skiffs

The lightest dry-weight 18–19 foot hulls in our data — the ones that stay quiet and planted on the pole.

  1. Chittum Challenger – 400lbs
  2. Hell's Bay Glades Skiff – 440lbs
  3. East Cape Caimen – 550lbs
  4. Lancha 18 – 575lbs
  5. Floyd Skiff 7 WT – 625lbs
Technical poling skiff profile view
Top 5

Best Poling Skiff

Skinny-water first. Stealth, platform stability, and true poling draft.

  1. Chittum Islamorada 18
  2. Hell's Bay Biscayne
  3. Maverick 17 HPX-V
  4. East Cape 18 EVO
  5. Floyd Skiff 10 WT
Drake skiff profile view
Top 5

Lightest 16–17 ft Poling Skiffs

The sub-18-foot, minimal-weight poling skiffs in our data — tiller, micro, and true skinny-water tools.

  1. Drake Outlaw – 330lbs
  2. Hell's Bay Eldora – 350lbs
  3. East Cape Glide – 370lbs
  4. Beavertail Micro – 400lbs
  5. Salt Marsh Heron 16 – 400lbs
Drake hybrid skiff profile view
Top 5

Best Hybrid Skiff

Skiffs that cross bigger water without giving up shallow-water manners.

  1. Chittum 21R
  2. East Cape 21 EVO
  3. Egret Moccasin 21
  4. Hewes Redfisher 21
  5. Lake & Bay Boca Grande 20
Solo skiff profile view
Top 5

Best Solo Skiff

One-person launch, one-person rig, one-person fish — without compromise.

  1. SaltMarsh SM 1444
  2. Gheenoe 13
  3. Skimmer 14'6"
  4. Solo Skiff
  5. Crescent Cres-Craft