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
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.
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 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’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.
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 🤷♂️.
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
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.
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
@@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.
