The X18 boasts predictable handling, and reassuring secondary stability, coupled with massive carrying capacity for both paddler and gear. The rocker profile has been kept quite flat to maximise the waterline length (and therefore cruising speed). It is the fishing ski equivalent of an expedition tourer from the sea kayak world, anglers of all abilities will feel at home on this one and it is the perfect choice for anglers needing to cover distance to get away from the crowd or those navigating strong currents to get to where they need to be. 

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What layups are available for the X18?

Surf:

Boats in this layup are a combination of  basalt, innegra and fiberglass reinforcement with lantor Coremat® used to increase stiffness. This is the comparable layup to most imported fishing skis, but with some premium reinforecment materials to added to give more strength in key areas.  These boats give priority to strength and durability at a competitive price point. They are the perfect choice for people 'hard on their gear' or those looking for a budget friendly option to maximise value. These boats are slightly heavier than the other layup schedules, but can take some rough and tumble and are straightforward to repair if you do manage to break it. These are a great option for beginners and for those developing their technique for surf launches and landings. 

Weight: 29Kg

From $3,695

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Ultra VIRT:

Boats in ultra VIRT layup are are built using Vacuum Infused Resin Transfer,  and are a 50/50 hybrid construction of fiberglass and kevlar cloth. A Soric ® SF core is used to increase stiffness . These boats have great impact resistance for a lighter craft weight and are the perfect choice for people using their boats in bumpy water and want a good balance of weight and strength. Kevalr boats are in our opinion the best option for paddlers transiting surf zones as the kevlar maintains more structural integrity than carbon after big impacts. This is our most popular layup and suited to the majority of users, particularly those wanting an upgrade from a standard fiberglass ski.

Weight: 27Kg

From $4,695

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Elite VIRT:

We understand that not all ski paddlers are transiting surf zones where they fish - some have access out front from sheltered harbours or do most of their fishing in bays and estuaries but want a fast paddle craft for covering distance in tidal waters. Like the Ultra layup, our elite boats are also built using Vacuum Infused Resin Transfer, but this time giving priority to weight reduction over all else. The VIRT process is used to provide optimum wet-out of fibres and very consistent boat weights. This layup utilises carbon fibre cloths combined with the use of premium core materials, resulting in the lightest, stiffest layup we offer.  These boats are also good option for those loading on a high vehicle, but will require more care and are not recommended for use in big surf conditions. ​​

Weight: 25.5Kg

From $5,195

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How the X18 came about

 

Having sold, repaired, owned or tested the fishing skis of most available brands since our inception, we've gathered a wealth of feedback both our own, and from other anglers about almost every fishing ski on the market. We got tired of waiting for other companies to address the issues with their products, so we decided to just make our own ski!

This allowed us to refine a design to address the main bug-bears anglers had with other skis on the market and control the quality of the end product. These are the main issuses anglers flagged for us to address:

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• Some boats on the market being up to 20% heavier than their advertised weights.

• Hull slap in choppy waters.

• Handles failing due to self tapper screws pulling from boat.

• Flush mount rod holders too small to fit heavier offshore rods with gimbal ends.

• Twist livewell hatches installed on curved surfaces and not being recessed making them hard to close.

• Line tangles around the rudder/cover plates on the underside of the ski.

• Lack of access to key areas to install backing plates/bolts for customisation/fitout of the ski.

• Slow turning; difficulty turning upwind/lack of maneuverability in the surf.

• Pedal rails not lining up/hard to adjust when not on dry land.

• Not enough space in the fish hatch.

• Having to turn around to use a livewell on the rear deck.

• Lack of options for installing transducers.

• Inability to access rudder mechanism on the water without tools.

• Skis absorbing water and gaining weight over time.

• Hull going soft/flexing resulting in cracks when carried on roofracks/trailers. 

• Lack of space for shoes/booties in footwell when layering up for winter fishing.

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What are we doing differently?

• We don't bond our boat components with pouring foam so they don't absorb water, gain weight and fail in critical areas over time. Our boats are built to last more than their warranty period with structrual components glassed in place by hand.

• Our front fish hatch is open to the whole width of the ski giving more space (for 1 piece paddles, nets, or kayak carts) as well as easier fitout and rigging to suit your needs.

• Our recessed rudder and flush fitted components on underside of the ski help prevent line tangles.

• We were the first composite fishing ski manufacturer to offer a dedicated port for transducers.

• Only fishing ski to offer a magnetic tackle tray for hooks and livebait gear.

• No drag from livewell when not in use with recessed hardware.

• Slide adjust pedal system that is standard issue in the ocean ski world and can be tweaked in seconds.

• Handles are mounted to the ski via bolts & threaded backing plates, not using self tapper screws. 

• Larger diameter trolling rod holders that do not require the butts of your favourite offshore rods to be shaved down.

• Twist hatch rudder housing gives easy access to the rudder system on the water without the need for a screwdriver.

• Fully recessed pedal rails to allow more space for shoes/dive boots & dry pants when fishing in cooler climates during winter. 

• Custom options available to give you the end product you want - our elite ski comes in any colour you like!

• The X18 is Australian designed and Australian made, so by not having to pay import/duty & dealers we can offer our ultra and elite constructions at a significantly better price point than the equivalent from imported competitiors - you could buy a Shimano Stella with the savings!

 

Whats new on the Gen 2 X18?​

 As well as adressing the items above,  on the Gen 2, the front deck is reshaped to give a flatter look, reducing windage and making paddle storage easier. The nose has been re-worked extending the keel line to increase waterline length (hull speed) and give even better tracking in the bumps. Its shape still cuts into the water nicely, reducing hull slap, but has more volume in key areas to help prevent submarining when paddling in on steeper waves. The seat bucket is now a little deeper to further increase stability and we have added both a front and rear carry handle recess. The rear deck also has some curvy new lines and we've added a little more rocker to the rear end.  We've relocated the transducer scanport out from under the livewell, further rearward to avoid your paddlestroke interfering  with the sidescan beam when underway.  You still get massive storage areas including a fish hatch up front, but now you have the added bonus of it coming in a quicker lighter ski. For those who go with a livewell option, we've utilised flush hardware for our livewell system meaning no venturi scoops on the underside of the ski to create drag when the livewell is not in use. Don't want a livewell? - no problem, we've got you covered! You can opt for a central tackle hatch or keep the standard full open fish hatch instead! 

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