Heron 18
Run With the Big Dogs
The Heron 18 sits near the upper limit of size for a technical skiff — 18’6” long and 6’5” wide with generous freeboard, massive dry storage, a 25-gallon livewell, and the ability to easily carry a 90 hp outboard.
Still, it’s very much a poling skiff, as opposed to a flats boat. A 650 lb. dry weight and 6˚deadrise translate to an 8–10” draft — depending on power and load — while an innovative Variable Radius Transom improves water flow around the aft corners for poling performance on par with skiffs a foot and a half shorter.
Inside, a large center console — with or without a jump seat — provides plenty of rigging space with easy access through a side door. A single large hatch forward conceals the 22-gallon fuel tank, trolling motor rigging, and ample dry storage. Aft, a pair of cavernous dry storage compartments flank a livewell that can easily accommodate a pair of top-of-the-slot reds.
Heron 18 Specs
650lbs
Dry Weight
6˚
Deadrise
8-10”
Draft
22gal
Fuel Cap
60hp
Min Power
90hp
Max Power
4
Person Cap
77”
Beam
18’6”
Length
$45K
Boat-Motor-Trailer Starting Price
Unique Variable Radius Transom
The result of two years of R&D, the Heron 18’s rounded transom design improves poling efficiency and handling by allowing water to slip more smoothly around the aft corners rather than creating turbulence. The drawback of rounded transoms — aside from being harder to build — is that they’re less efficient at planing speeds. The Heron 18 addresses that with an innovative step design that keeps the rounded surface clear of the water above displacement speeds.
From Oceanside Tarpon to Belly-Crawling Reds
The Heron 18 occupies the sweet spot for maximum versatility in skiffs. At 18’6” x 6’5” with generous freeboard forward, it can fish three with ease, confidently transit open water, and keep you dry and comfortable on the anchor without running for shelter at the first whitecap. At the same time it remains a true technical skiff — a boat that’s a pleasure to pole, not a chore. Want to head to the sandbar with the kids, dogs, and a few chairs? Or throw in the kids, the dogs, and couple beanbags and head for the sandbar.
Top Tier Performance for Tens of Thousands Less
You can easily pay upwards of $100,000 for an 18-foot poling skiff these days. And if you do, you’re going to be buying a great boat — easy on the eyes, smartly laid out, well built with state-of-the-art materials, meticulously rigged and finished, lightweight, and strong. Or you can pay tens of thousands less for a skiff that ticks all the same boxes. Head-to-head, the Heron 18 gives nothing up against any skiff in its class in terms of performance or quality — only price.
Standards & Options
Each Heron 18 is built custom to your specifications. Colors, finishes, power, rigging, and accessories are up to you. For those who prefer to provide their own power and trailer, the skiff can be built hull-only with the standard features outline below. At the other end of the spectrum, your customization options are almost endless, from platforms and seating to trolling motors and Power-Poles to sophisticated electronics and lighting. We also offer two pre-configured boat-motor-trailer packages — a basic fish-ready package with a Suzuki 60 hp and a premium performance package with a Suzuki 90 hp and 6’ Power-Pole.
Standard Features
Forward deck hatch
Two aft dry storage lockers
25-gallon centerline livewell aft
22-gallon aluminum fuel tank
Center console w/ side access door
Hydraulic steering
Trim tabs
LED nav lights
Bilge pump w/ float switch
Friction hinges
Poling platform
Popular Options
Two-tone gelcoat
Powder coating package
EVA decking
Casting platform
Console grab bar
Trolling motor
On-board charger
LED interior lighting
Underwater lighting
Power-Pole
Fish-Ready B/M/T Package
All standard features plus Suzuki 60 hp and Float-On aluminum trailer,
$44,800
Heron 18 Gallery
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