islamorada 18
The top selling skiff in south Florida and the Florida Keys
The boat that changed inshore fishing forever, the Islamorada 18 is without peer in the world’s most diverse and technically challenging shallow-water fishing environments. That’s why it remains the top selling skiff in south Florida and the Florida Keys, where long runs in big water, ultra challenging fish, and the best anglers in the world require the ultimate shallow-water fishing tool. Every aspect of this boat has been tested and refined countless times. From the spray rails and the running pad to the one-of-a kind hull shape that poles quiet and straight, spins and minimizes pressure waves, this boat is the result of a relentless pursuit of perfection. Available in a simple and efficient 3-hatch configuration or a 5-hatch layout for added livewell space, the 18 Islamorada is vacuum infused and offered in base carbon or full carbon laminates. Owners can further personalize their boat with a wide range of options and custom touches, including thoughtfully engineered metalwork that enhances comfort, convenience and functionality. When even the best is never good enough, this is the result.
Born in Islamorada. Built for every flat.
The Islamorada 18 was tested in Islamorada alongside legends of the sport like Billy Knowles. It has since become the most popular skiff in the Keys, but it's a universal tool for both coasts of Florida and up the East Coast. Backcountry redfish in the Everglades, oceanside tarpon in the Keys, bonefish and permit in between: it poles skinny and quiet in any condition, then makes a long, comfortable run across any open bay.
SPECS AND HIGHLIGHTS
*Specs and performance may vary
New, patented hull design with massive high-volume built-in spray rails, a staggered split chine below the waterline for silent poling, and a radius transom. No sponsons.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 18'0" |
| Beam | 6'8" |
| Deadrise | 12° |
| Pad | 8" |
| Weight | 535 lbs (unrigged, full carbon) |
| Fuel tank | 23, 32 or 38 gallons |
| Draft (full carbon) | |
| With 70hp | 7" |
| With 90hp | 8" |
| Top speed (full carbon) | |
| With 70hp | 43–46 mph |
| With 90hp | 48–52 mph |
| Power and build | |
| Max horsepower | 90hp |
| Engine options | Yamaha 70, Yamaha 90, Yamaha 90 SHO |
| Lamination | Base carbon or full carbon |
All Chittum Skiffs are water tested and checked by each department before delivery. Warranty and payment terms
Islamorada 18 FAQ
How shallow does the Islamorada 18 draft?
In full carbon, the Islamorada 18 drafts 7" with a 70hp and 8" with a 90hp.
How many anglers does it fit?
Two to three anglers is ideal, and it handles four just fine.
Islamorada 18 or Mangrove 18: what's the difference?
The deadrise. The Islamorada 18 carries 12 degrees of deadrise; the Mangrove 18 uses a 2-degree variable deadrise. The Islamorada gives up a couple of inches of draft for a more comfortable ride and better open-water running. If you cross open bays and big water, choose the Islamorada. If the skinniest water is your priority, choose the Mangrove.
What engines can it run?
Yamaha 70, Yamaha 90 or Yamaha 90 SHO. Maximum rated horsepower is 90hp.
How fast is it?
In full carbon, 43–46 mph with a 70hp and 48–52 mph with a 90hp.
3-hatch or 5-hatch layout?
The 3-hatch is simple and efficient. The 5-hatch adds livewell space.
Where is it built, and how long does a build take?
Every Chittum is built at our shop in Palm City, Florida, and water tested by each department before delivery. Current build time is 3–4 months.
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Standard motor is the Yamaha 70 4-stroke with stainless steel prop, premium shifter.
Gelcoat finish with a choice of six standard colors.
Oversized hatch gutters with rubber gaskets and exclusive latch gutter.
UFLEX hydraulic steering with high-speed 2.5 lock-to-lock/flush mounted pump under console.
Stainless steel 13” Edson steering wheel with ball bearing suicide knob, black or silver.
Two large dry storage boxes outboard on each side aft with easy access lockable hatches accessible from boat or trailer.
Large dry-storage under forward deck.
Anchor/dry storage/trash compartment center aft.
All hatches fitted with Gemlux 316 stainless steel flush-mounted positive tension latches, Gemlux 316 stainless steel hinges, and stainless steel gas shocks.
High-capacity carbon fiber rod racks under gunnels with large diameter flush fly rod tubes running fore and aft. Cockpit sides and rod racks made of carbon fiber and covered in Marine Mat.
23 gallon fully baffled aluminum marine fuel tank.
Poling platform anodized aluminum with SeaDek pad.
LED lights in all compartment lockers/hatches/console/bait wells/under gunnels.
LED Navigation lights: Billet Stainless Steel shark eye lights by Livorski. LED stern light.
V marine push-pole holders.
Engine manufactured fuel filter.
Console flush mount switches
12-volt Optima battery with on/off switch in console.
1500 GPH rule bilge pump, with ultra automatic switch.
Lectrotab 316 stainless steel 12”x 12” trim tabs.
Heavy duty rub rail.
Gemlux stainless bow and stern eyes.
All wiring is of the highest quality/tinned with heat shrink connectors.
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