Maverick HPX-S The Skiff Holy Grail?

Maverick Boats: The Maverick HPX-S is the most complete super skinny water tool ever developed.

© Capt. Jay Withers with Silver Lining Charters

That’s a BOLD statement. Maverick claims their HPX-S has cracked the code in skiff building by providing a super shallow draft while still providing comfort, range and poling performance. This was achieved by combining a crack skiff design team with the latest in CAD designed naval architecture, and advanced aeronautic technologies & materials. The result? A skiff that floats in less than 6″ inches of water, performs like a luxury sports car while keeping its occupants exceptionally dry and comfortable, and poles with precision and complete stealth. Essentially…The Skiff Holy Grail.

Sounds too good to be true? We went in search of proof by the only way we know how; to find a knowledgeable, experienced waterman who can back up these claims.

Introducing Captain Jay Withers with Silver Lining Charters

Captain Jay is one of the premier fishing guides in Florida, operating in SouthWest Florida. From sight casting to tailing redfish to wrestling 400lb goliath grouper, and everything in between, Capt. Jay offers wide variety of fishing styles and targets numerous species of game fish. We couldn’t have found a better person to give their account leading up to and now after having purchased a Maverick HPXS. You can learn more about fishing with Captain Jay on his Maverick here: Silver Lining Charters

Capt. Jay and the
Maverick HPX-S in his own words…

So back in 2015 I spent some time fishing a few tournaments over in Mosquito Lagoon with a friend Aaron Dill. He had the Maverick HPX-S powered by the Yamaha F70. I quickly learned what that skiff will do running in very shallow water along with how quiet it was poling up to some tailing redfish.

For me, that was enough to make a decision to get the HPXS for my style of fishing over in Charlotte Harbor where I guide year round. I felt it was the perfect skiff for what I needed out it. The days of negative tides and also for the occasional open water crossing to Pine Island, I knew this skiff would fit any circumstance I put it into.

The HPXS has some really cool features that make the skiff what it is. The incredibly dry ride in open chop is probably my favorite because I hate to get wet. Many of my anglers are shocked that such a small skiff will handle the chop and stay dry as this skiff does. With this skiff being a Sub 6” draft, it gives me the confidence to run and shut down in places where many skiffs just simply cannot float.

Furthermore, this skiffs ability to turn while polling is amazing. With a simple push from the side the skiff can easily do a 180 degree turn while maintaining its quiet nature. There have been many times Ive poled clients up to tailing redfish close enough for them to “Cane Pole” the fish.

Beyond its fishability, the Maverick HPXS is a blast to drive. With its specialty designed hull this skiff drives like a go kart. Lots of fun driving in and around turns without sliding and if you want to run skinny, just run that jackplate to the top and trim it out. You too will be shocked just how shallow you can run.