[Floridian FLY]

Ok I'm sure this will be a hot topic.
I'm looking to buy a new skiff and have narrowed it down to...
Hells Bay Marquesa or Maverick 18 HPX V
These boats both fit my needs more so than any other skiff I have looked at.
I fish the Indian river lagoon system mostly with a handful of traveling trips per year. Mostly Fl. Keys, Everglades, Biscayne Bay.
I also like to run the beach for tarpon and snook during mullet run.
I have 2 kids and a wife that like to go to the sandbar as well.

Last weekend I was able to put hands on both of these boats.
I did not run either but thoroughly went through them both.
Now I want your opinion.
Please!
I want to hear from everyone!

 

[devrep]

Ok I'm sure this will be a hot topic.
I'm looking to buy a new skiff and have narrowed it down to...
Hells Bay Marquesa or Maverick 18 HPX T
These boats both fit my needs more so than any other skiff I have looked at.
I fish the Indian river lagoon system mostly with a handful of traveling trips per year. Mostly Fl. Keys, Everglades, Biscayne Bay.
I also like to run the beach for tarpon and snook during mullet run.
I have 2 kids and a wife that like to go to the sandbar as well.

Last weekend I was able to put hands on both of these boats.
I did not run either but thoroughly went threw them both.
Now I want your opinion.
Please!
I want to here from everyone!

One is a tunnel hull and one isn't. Big difference.

 

[MariettaMike]

Ok I'm sure this will be a hot topic.
I'm looking to buy a new skiff and have narrowed it down to...
Hells Bay Marquesa or Maverick 18 HPX T
These boats both fit my needs more so than any other skiff I have looked at.
I fish the Indian river lagoon system mostly with a handful of traveling trips per year. Mostly Fl. Keys, Everglades, Biscayne Bay.
I also like to run the beach for tarpon and snook during mullet run.
I have 2 kids and a wife that like to go to the sandbar as well.

Last weekend I was able to put hands on both of these boats.
I did not run either but thoroughly went threw them both.
Now I want your opinion.
Please!
I want to here from everyone!

I think you meant 18 HPX V, and sorry that comparison is a dead horse.

Here's a link to the thread.

http://www.microskiff.com/threads/hb-marquesa-mbc-18hpx-ecc-vantage-evo.34807/

PM Creek Runner for specifics.

 

[Bluwave]

Two completely different boats. You're better off comparing maybe the 18' professional/waterman to the 18 hpx t.

 

[el9surf]

You either have a typo or really bad research.

 

[DBStoots]

Ok I'm sure this will be a hot topic.
I'm looking to buy a new skiff and have narrowed it down to...
Hells Bay Marquesa or Maverick 18 HPX T
These boats both fit my needs more so than any other skiff I have looked at.
I fish the Indian river lagoon system mostly with a handful of traveling trips per year. Mostly Fl. Keys, Everglades, Biscayne Bay.
I also like to run the beach for tarpon and snook during mullet run.
I have 2 kids and a wife that like to go to the sandbar as well.

Last weekend I was able to put hands on both of these boats.
I did not run either but thoroughly went threw them both.
Now I want your opinion.
Please!
I want to here from everyone!

There is no "18 Maverick HPX T".

 

[Fish_specialist]

I went with the Marquesa- the thread linked above was mine.... Looks like I'm in your area too

 

[Floridian FLY]

Sorry guys.
Major Typo!
I'm looking at the HPX-V
Sorry for the confusion

 

[Floridian FLY]

I went with the Marquesa- the thread linked above was mine.... Looks like I'm in your area too

So what was your deciding factors that made you choose HB

 

[Floridian FLY]

Anyone tell me what the advantages of recessed verse non-recess trim tabs?

 

[Fish_specialist]

So what was your deciding factors that made you choose HB

Keep in mind, this is what tipped the scales for me. Your needs may differ slightly.
-I wanted a tad more freeboard for "offshore days"
-HB gets the nod for rigging.
-the Marquesa poles better
-draws slightly less water

The HPX18 is less money, and will run faster with the same power-

You need to wet test them both-

 

[MariettaMike]

Anyone tell me what the advantages of recessed verse non-recess trim tabs?

From what I've seen it lets you trim the bow up higher on the Maverick and outrun a Marquesa to the spot.

 

[Limp Shrimp]

Anyone tell me what the advantages of recessed verse non-recess trim tabs?

It's a decrative thing, you probably get more leverage off the back of the hull but I don't think it makes much difference. .. your decision is going to be made mostly on apperance, they both do basically the same thing... I personally like brunettes, but I couldn't make a good argument as why they are better...

 

[Floridian FLY]

Does one skiff ride dryer than the other?

 

[Limp Shrimp]

Are you looking at the new non-sponson Marquesa or the previous version?

 

[Floridian FLY]

Are you looking at the new non-sponson Marquesa or the previous version?

New Build

 

[el9surf]

I have heard of some of the newer mavericks having issues with bow platforms causing indentations in the deck due to a light lam schedule. That's a rumor though. I do notice a lot of mavericks that have flanged feet on their bow platforms and have even seen metal pucks where the platform feet contact the deck, which supports the rumor.

I do like the maverick hull design a lot but I think hb gets the nod in build quality, rigging and overall attention to detail.
Having been a customer of both builders I can say that HB customer service wins hands down by a mile. Mavericks dealers do a good job, but if you have any issues that require interaction with Maverick directly good luck. You will need it.

 

[Harlieb3]

I'm in the same spot you're in. I think the marquesas is the over all winner but it comes with a price. I think the HB Fraternity, customer service and the skiff itself justify the additional cost. It love the HPX-18 but I think it is too bow high to be a great poler. Fit and finish go to HB also but not by a mile. Resale also goes to HB. To be clear, it's very close and if money is an issue, I don't think you can go wrong with the HPX but if you can afford the difference, you can justify it Just my 2 cents.

 

[DBStoots]

You can't go wrong with either. Go test both of them and then make your decision based on how you plan to use the boat, personal preferences, what you like/dislike about each, pricing, etc.

 

[fishn&flyn]

I was just at HB and the Marquesa with 115SHO is one awesome setup. I previously owned a HPX 17V and now I am in a Whipray. They are both great boats but nothing except a canoe will go where the Whipray does. What a great problem to have deciding whether to get a new Marquesa or 18HPX! Congrats man!