Description
18 Foot (5.5 m) Aluminum Utility Skiff Plans with Center Console
The 18 Foot (5.5 m) Aluminum Utility Skiff with Center Console is a strong, practical, and versatile welded aluminum boat designed for fishing, recreation, transport, and utility work. Its wide hull, substantial load capacity, and center-console layout provide a good combination of stability, usable interior space, and comfortable handling.
The boat is designed for 75–150 HP outboard engines and can carry up to five people. With a maximum draft of approximately 25 cm and a displacement of up to 850 kg at the waterline, this design is suitable for lakes, rivers, inland waters, and sheltered coastal conditions.
Main Features
- 18′ (5.5 m) welded aluminum utility skiff
- Center steering console
- Strong and durable aluminum construction
- Maximum crew: 5 people
- Designed for 75–150 HP outboard engines
- 20″ (508 mm) long-shaft transom
- 12° transom inclination angle
- Design Category C
- Suitable for fishing, recreation, transport, and utility work
Technical Specifications
- Hull length: 18′ (5.5 m)
- Hull width: 5′ 9″ (1.75 m)
- Dry hull weight: 1,069 lbs (485 kg)
- Maximum draft at waterline: 9.8″ (25 cm)
- Displacement up to waterline: 1,874 lbs (850 kg)
- Maximum crew: 5 people
- Design category: C
- Transom inclination angle: 12°
- Transom height: 20″ (508 mm) – long shaft (L)
- Recommended outboard engine: 75–150 HP
Center Console Layout
The center steering console provides a practical driving position and allows convenient movement along both sides of the cockpit. This arrangement works particularly well for fishing and utility use, while keeping the interior open and easy to adapt for different equipment and seating layouts.
The console can accommodate the steering system, engine controls, gauges, switches, and marine electronics.
Aluminum Construction
Imperial Version
- Sides, interior structure, console, and seats: 1/8″ aluminum
- Bottom: 5/32″ aluminum
- Frames: 3/16″ aluminum
- Keel and transom: 3/8″ aluminum
Metric Version
- Sides, interior structure, console, and seats: 3 mm aluminum
- Bottom: 4 mm aluminum
- Frames: 5 mm aluminum
- Keel and transom: 10 mm aluminum
Construction Method
The hull is built using welded aluminum plating with fully welded seams, creating a strong and durable structure suitable for demanding recreational and utility use.
The full plans include cutting information in both metric and imperial versions, together with additional construction details and options that allow the builder to create a practical and well-finished boat.
The construction instructions also explain the recommended welding sequence and techniques to help minimize heat distortion and reduce the risk of aluminum panels warping during fabrication.
Difficulty Level
Difficulty level: Medium.
This project is recommended for builders with basic to intermediate aluminum fabrication and welding experience. Previous boat-building experience is helpful but not essential for someone who is comfortable cutting, fitting, and welding aluminum plate and structural components.
Power and Transom
The boat is designed for a 20″ (508 mm) long-shaft outboard engine with a 12° transom inclination angle. The recommended engine range is 75–150 HP, providing enough power for different loads and operating conditions.
Perfect For
- Fishing on lakes and rivers
- Center-console fishing applications
- Recreational boating
- Transporting passengers and equipment
- Utility and workboat use
- Inland and sheltered coastal waters
- Builders with aluminum welding experience
Instant download available after purchase – start building today!
Didn’t find the boat you’re looking for? Need a customized version?
No problem. We can modify many of our existing boat designs or prepare a custom version based on your specific requirements.
Boat plans can be adapted to different dimensions, layouts, construction methods, and materials, including plywood, aluminum, steel, HDPE, wood, and fiberglass.
If you like this boat but would prefer a different size, interior layout, transom height, engine configuration, or construction material, contact us and tell us what you need.
We can advise you on the most suitable construction method and let you know whether your requested modifications are technically possible.
Please note that changes to the dimensions, structure, or construction material may require additional engineering and structural adjustments.
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