Thanks! People talk about better boats and no doubt there certainly are, but if you want something that gets the job done, brand new, for under 50k, I don't see many other options.
Love my 18 LTS. I have the 115 ProXS on mine it flys I build a custom fish finder mount on my console and have 2 10” displays. On back of my leaning post fab a custom bracket to allow 8 rod holders to be out the back without cutting holes in back deck. I have same trolling motor but mine move my boat amazing in some of the windiest days or heaviest of currents it holds me without fail. One thing I noticed on the trolling motor plug keep failing due to salt water I ran and direct wired my trolling motor I added my navigation lights onto my console because the stick light plug just had to keep changing it decided to do a permanent amount, direct wire solution
was looking at this boat in Spring of 2022 but ended up with a 2020 Key West 176 instead for mid 30k range (found a great deal). Either way it's all about being on the water. tight lines.
I have watched and enjoyed both of your videos about the Mako 18 LTS. I have one ordered and will be in any time now. Like you I fish. I don't care about going fast. I am not sure which 4 blade prop that mine is going to have on it from the factory. I am hoping for the 17 pitch instead of the 19p. Which prop did yours come with and how many rpms are your turning it at wide open throttle?
I’ve got some questions about your trim tabs. I’ve considered adding trim tabs to my 18 LTS but the shape of the transom does not make it easy to use the Bennett or Lenco tabs. I looked at a new LTS at Bass Pro and it appears there are no hinges on the factory tabs. It appears the plate is thru bolted under the hull but the tail end of it just flexes up or down bending the aluminum or stainless tab itself. Can you tell me if I am understanding this correctly?
It is not a question I have asked the salesman but I came to the same conclusion you have. I know one thing, this boat needs trim tabs and you will definitely love the performance when you install them. The front end does porpoise at high speeds and you need the tabs to jump on a plane faster or if you have a lot of weight (people) sitting toward the back. With the trim tabs and playing with the motor trim, you can definitely maximize speed.
I purchased this boat 2 months ago and have some issues getting on plane my boat came with a 3.75x19 prop can you tell me what size prop yours came with. Thank you!
At what depth or how shallow are you able to get in and out safely? I recently purchased a 2009 18LTS but I don't have a jack plate or trim tabs. I can drift in a foot of water and putter out with trim up but I am very curious about how much of a difference the jack plate makes. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Shallow fishing videos would be great too! Subscribed!
Same as you David. The trim tabs and jack plate just help getting on plane faster which can help in shallow water. I still wait until I get into a deeper hole to jump on a plane though.
I have a ‘21 model 18LTS with tabs,jack plate and a Cougar anti ventilation plate.Any depth over a foot and it will plane out.On plane it will run in 6 inches of water.
@@mikecamp6079 Good to know. I'm definitely going to add a jack plate and trim tabs to mine. Unfortunately I recently had issues with my trailer that required a new axle. $1400 worth of parts & shipping that could've gone towards the cost of a jack plate instead. Advice: make sure you check your oil filled hub caps before heading out (something I didn't do). Get your hubs serviced at the 1st sign of water in the oil. I'll be doing the axle swap myself so I'll save a bit there.
I need your help please. I have a 2022 Mako lts , the problem is with the bait well. When I turn the pump on setting still no water only when I'm moving. I saw where you turn the valve off. So every time you want to fill the bait well you have open and close the valve?
I have had problems with the bait well pump since I bought it. Yes if the valve is open when in a plane it will overflow bait well. My pump that pumps water in from the outside hasnt worked since I bought it and bass bro doesn't seem to have answers. I'm thinking that since water gets forced in on plane, it is somehow creating a problem with the pump. I have just manually filled the bait well with bucket and then use air stones and circulator
That should be plenty of trolling motor for your boat I’ve had that same trolling motor on a 21 frontier and it was plenty. Maybe your batteries aren’t so good 🤷♂️.
The engine will overheat due to not getting enough water in it when the jack plate is all the way up so you can't run it on a plane like that for long. But you can get by in a foot
@@mgsfishing thanks for the info been trying to find a boat that will float in a foot of water and won't break the bank my current boat needs about 16in to 2ft
You made the right choice with the engine. the mercury 75-115 all weigh the same. So if you would have went with a 90, you'd lose power and not float any higher.
@@mgsfishing More money for a used key west, pthfinder, or everglades is justied. The reason a new mako is cheaper is evident in the build quality and lack of features. A new boat isnt new after the fish bloody mackeral thrashes about on the deck. I'll never buy a new boat again. Kind of pointless.
@@mgsfishing modern four strokes are so good. A couple hundred hours and the rings are just seating. Anything built after around 2014 or so is gonna be solid, unless it's a merc.
Thanks for the follow up video and pointing out things to watch out for. Cheers!
Thank you for the review. Considering the mako 18 LTS myself.
Thanks! People talk about better boats and no doubt there certainly are, but if you want something that gets the job done, brand new, for under 50k, I don't see many other options.
Love my 18 LTS. I have the 115 ProXS on mine it flys I build a custom fish finder mount on my console and have 2 10” displays. On back of my leaning post fab a custom bracket to allow 8 rod holders to be out the back without cutting holes in back deck. I have same trolling motor but mine move my boat amazing in some of the windiest days or heaviest of currents it holds me without fail. One thing I noticed on the trolling motor plug keep failing due to salt water I ran and direct wired my trolling motor I added my navigation lights onto my console because the stick light plug just had to keep changing it decided to do a permanent amount, direct wire solution
Great review!
Thanks so much
thank you
was looking at this boat in Spring of 2022 but ended up with a 2020 Key West 176 instead for mid 30k range (found a great deal). Either way it's all about being on the water. tight lines.
good choice. modern mako boats are junk.
buy it
@@zero_to_1000 wring
I hope you are happy with your 18 LTS because I have had many problems with mine. Wish I could take it back!!
Sorry to hear about that. I have had nothing major but small annoyances.
Great video! It is a bit disappointing that Mako didn't identify these cons when designing. I mean, they are pretty predictable issues.
yeah I agree. It wasn't a huge deal to me but I can see for people who aren't as handy, this would be very frustrating.
You do a great review…. One question…. The space between the console and the Captain's seat…. is it enough room
Yes plenty big. Its sitting on the padded cooler so it is low.
I have watched and enjoyed both of your videos about the Mako 18 LTS. I have one ordered and will be in any time now. Like you I fish. I don't care about going fast. I am not sure which 4 blade prop that mine is going to have on it from the factory. I am hoping for the 17 pitch instead of the 19p. Which prop did yours come with and how many rpms are your turning it at wide open throttle?
Thanks so much Mike! Great questions Ill try to get back with you ASAP on that
I’ve got some questions about your trim tabs. I’ve considered adding trim tabs to my 18 LTS but the shape of the transom does not make it easy to use the Bennett or Lenco tabs. I looked at a new LTS at Bass Pro and it appears there are no hinges on the factory tabs. It appears the plate is thru bolted under the hull but the tail end of it just flexes up or down bending the aluminum or stainless tab itself. Can you tell me if I am understanding this correctly?
It is not a question I have asked the salesman but I came to the same conclusion you have. I know one thing, this boat needs trim tabs and you will definitely love the performance when you install them. The front end does porpoise at high speeds and you need the tabs to jump on a plane faster or if you have a lot of weight (people) sitting toward the back. With the trim tabs and playing with the motor trim, you can definitely maximize speed.
Great video! Thank you! How long is the shaft on this trolling motor?
56 inches
I purchased this boat 2 months ago and have some issues getting on plane my boat came with a 3.75x19 prop can you tell me what size prop yours came with. Thank you!
Mine came with a Spitfire x7 13x17p RH
Is the seating just in front and behind the center consul? Says it seats 5. I don’t see how.
They are assuming one in front of center console, two on cushioned collar seat behind console and one sitting on each side of the rear deck step up.
At what depth or how shallow are you able to get in and out safely?
I recently purchased a 2009 18LTS but I don't have a jack plate or trim tabs. I can drift in a foot of water and putter out with trim up but I am very curious about how much of a difference the jack plate makes. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Shallow fishing videos would be great too! Subscribed!
Same as you David. The trim tabs and jack plate just help getting on plane faster which can help in shallow water. I still wait until I get into a deeper hole to jump on a plane though.
I have a ‘21 model 18LTS with tabs,jack plate and a Cougar anti ventilation plate.Any depth over a foot and it will plane out.On plane it will run in 6 inches of water.
@@mikecamp6079 Good to know. I'm definitely going to add a jack plate and trim tabs to mine. Unfortunately I recently had issues with my trailer that required a new axle. $1400 worth of parts & shipping that could've gone towards the cost of a jack plate instead. Advice: make sure you check your oil filled hub caps before heading out (something I didn't do). Get your hubs serviced at the 1st sign of water in the oil. I'll be doing the axle swap myself so I'll save a bit there.
@@mikecamp6079you must be from the RGV?!
@@mikecamp6079whats the minimal you drift?
I need your help please. I have a 2022 Mako lts , the problem is with the bait well. When I turn the pump on setting still no water only when I'm moving. I saw where you turn the valve off. So every time you want to fill the bait well you have open and close the valve?
I have had problems with the bait well pump since I bought it. Yes if the valve is open when in a plane it will overflow bait well. My pump that pumps water in from the outside hasnt worked since I bought it and bass bro doesn't seem to have answers. I'm thinking that since water gets forced in on plane, it is somehow creating a problem with the pump. I have just manually filled the bait well with bucket and then use air stones and circulator
@@mgsfishing where did you get the plug for the boat , I have the same problem with water coming in backing up.
@@stevedraper857 I just twist the nozzle close in the livewell
@@mgsfishing I'm talking about the boat plug behind the seat and cooler, I can't find one big enough. Thanks
@@stevedraper857 oh yeah mine came with one. It appears to be just a kayak Skupper plug. Maybe a racket ball would work.
That should be plenty of trolling motor for your boat I’ve had that same trolling motor on a 21 frontier and it was plenty.
Maybe your batteries aren’t so good 🤷♂️.
How shallow will it run and how much water will it float in
The engine will overheat due to not getting enough water in it when the jack plate is all the way up so you can't run it on a plane like that for long. But you can get by in a foot
@@mgsfishing thanks for the info been trying to find a boat that will float in a foot of water and won't break the bank my current boat needs about 16in to 2ft
Does the dry boxes stay dry?
Not at all. Not really dry boxes, more just storage
Why no poling platform if you fish shallow?
Not really a polling skiff and I dont really pole much.
I don't think the 115 is any heavier than the 90 - they're built on the same engine block family.
02:52 did the ground slip you a $20 after?
Cheap date
You made the right choice with the engine. the mercury 75-115 all weigh the same. So if you would have went with a 90, you'd lose power and not float any higher.
90 hp jet putard
Mines a 60 2 stroke it’s a great wieght a 70 is a stretch I like the 4” motor up draft
Jets a pain all hands on u can’t motor and fish
The 90 and the 115 weigh the same
There are better boats for the money. You're just paying for the name when you buy a modern mako.
please give some examples. In my area, people were wanting way more money for old used boats
@@mgsfishing More money for a used key west, pthfinder, or everglades is justied. The reason a new mako is cheaper is evident in the build quality and lack of features. A new boat isnt new after the fish bloody mackeral thrashes about on the deck. I'll never buy a new boat again. Kind of pointless.
@@zero_to_1000 I see your point. For me I didn't want to buy someone elses problem, especially with a used motor
@@mgsfishing modern four strokes are so good. A couple hundred hours and the rings are just seating. Anything built after around 2014 or so is gonna be solid, unless it's a merc.
@@zero_to_1000 wróñg