CX 18 SS......real world feedback

[EJmagnum186-NH]

This model has peeked my interest and I am looking for some real world feedback from those who might be in the know. I will be coming out of a 2012 Ranger Z185 w/ an Etec 150HO. What I like about my Ranger is that it fishes big at rest on the front deck for an 18' boat and has a ton of storage for gear and tackle .....and I carry A LOT. What I am looking for feedback on the Caymas for is 1) can you fish 2 off the front deck 2) How is the ride......do you have to drive it wide open or just step on the gas....Also, what kind of #'s are you getting out of it 3) The storage compartments on the Caymas seem shallow and from what I can see there is only rod storage on the port side. What are your general impression of overall quality of construction and fishability?

In short, I want something that is stable at rest, has enough storage, easy on my aging bones and easy to drive and will get out of the hole and give me 52-55 mph. I only fish big water 1 week out of the year. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[Richie175]

This model has peeked my interest and I am looking for some real world feedback from those who might be in the know. I will be coming out of a 2012 Ranger Z185 w/ an Etec 150HO. What I like about my Ranger is that it fishes big at rest on the front deck for an 18' boat and has a ton of storage for gear and tackle .....and I carry A LOT. What I am looking for feedback on the Caymas for is 1) can you fish 2 off the front deck 2) How is the ride......do you have to drive it wide open or just step on the gas....Also, what kind of #'s are you getting out of it 3) The storage compartments on the Caymas seem shallow and from what I can see there is only rod storage on the port side. What are your general impression of overall quality of construction and fishability?

In short, I want something that is stable at rest, has enough storage, easy on my aging bones and easy to drive and will get out of the hole and give me 52-55 mph. I only fish big water 1 week out of the year. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

I hope this helps, I am an owner of a Caymas 18SS. So far the boat & trailer have been very reliable and to me it fishes great as far as stability and storage room. To answer your questions specifically, fishing 2 guys off of the front is no problem. Boat is plenty wide up there and is suprisingly stable. The ride is premium, even in rougher conditions. No spray and it takes very little steering effort. High-speed has always been impressive to me, it glides and planes out well. I did switch to a 23P prop to gain hole-shot and also helped top-end. (high 50's, less if the livewells are full). The 23p prop helps get it out of the water a lot quicker, seems like it should have come from the factory with this size. Never seen any chine walk with either prop. make sure and get it with the 150hp motor, anything less I feel it would be too small. The suspended seats provide a very nice ride for those who enjoy a Cadillac-like ride. The storage compartments are plenty big and the "no carpet" is a benefit for sure. Also, fit & finish seem to be very good on this boat even when you look close and everything seems to be built with high quality parts. I'd recommend you take a tour of the Caymas factory in TN, I did and it was eye-opening on how well these boats are designed & built. Hope this helped.

[EJmagnum186-NH]

I hope this helps, I am an owner of a Caymas 18SS. So far the boat & trailer have been very reliable and to me it fishes great as far as stability and storage room. To answer your questions specifically, fishing 2 guys off of the front is no problem. Boat is plenty wide up there and is suprisingly stable. The ride is premium, even in rougher conditions. No spray and it takes very little steering effort. High-speed has always been impressive to me, it glides and planes out well. I did switch to a 23P prop to gain hole-shot and also helped top-end. (high 50's, less if the livewells are full). The 23p prop helps get it out of the water a lot quicker, seems like it should have come from the factory with this size. Never seen any chine walk with either prop. make sure and get it with the 150hp motor, anything less I feel it would be too small. The suspended seats provide a very nice ride for those who enjoy a Cadillac-like ride. The storage compartments are plenty big and the "no carpet" is a benefit for sure. Also, fit & finish seem to be very good on this boat even when you look close and everything seems to be built with high quality parts. I'd recommend you take a tour of the Caymas factory in TN, I did and it was eye-opening on how well these boats are designed & built. Hope this helped.

Thanks for the feedback

[Grizzly]

I own a 2021 CX18ss with a Mercury 150 Pro XS. I have had the boat for one full season.

Love the boat. Layout, ride, stability at rest, it just checks all the boxes.

My boats sweet spot with top speed is 55-59. Above 59 it starts to get squirrely. I have a Fury 24p on it now. Holeshot is instant but rarely do I have a full tank of fuel or live wells filled.

Fit and finish is excellent. You will not be disappointed.

Caymas CX18ss.jpg

[d91]

Simply fantastic. I had a Nitro Z7 previously which I was happy with. But this boat outshines it in everything but rod storage. But rod storage is more than sufficient

[bbqpitboss]

The one thing that really stands out on these boats is the fit,finish and attention to detail. Look at the wiring under the driver console on a Caymas and then other brands. It screams quality. Not to mention all the attention the battery compartments get. Good luck!

[showmespec]

Looking to buy one myself...wanting dual console...my tournament partner has a CX20 & it's a dream rig.

If anyone knows of one for sale in Missouri, please let me know.

[EJmagnum186-NH]

Thank you guys for all the feedback. I pulled the trigger and will pick it up mid April once the snow is gone. I will post pics and feedback once I get it broken in.

[Grizzly]