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 and versatile welded aluminum boat designed for fishing, recreational boating, transport, and utility work. Its practical hull proportions provide good stability, useful carrying capacity, and a spacious interior for passengers and equipment.
This version is equipped with a center steering console, providing a comfortable driving position and easy access along both sides of the boat. The design is intended for 75–150 HP outboard engines and can accommodate up to five people.
Main Features
- 18′ (5.5 m) welded aluminum utility skiff
- Center steering console
- Strong aluminum hull construction
- Good stability and load-carrying capacity
- 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 use
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 console creates a practical and functional cockpit arrangement. The steering position is located near the center of the boat, leaving clear passage on both sides and allowing easy movement between the bow and stern.
The console can accommodate the steering system, throttle controls, switches, gauges, and marine electronics. This layout is particularly suitable for fishing, where unrestricted movement around the boat is important.
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 constructed from welded aluminum plating with fully welded seams. The combination of 4 mm bottom plating, reinforced frames, and a heavy-duty keel and transom creates a durable structure suitable for demanding recreational and utility applications.
Full cutting-file plans are available in both metric and imperial versions. The plans include the information required to cut, fit, and assemble the main hull components as well as additional construction details and options.
The building instructions also explain the recommended welding sequence and fabrication techniques to help reduce heat distortion and minimize warping of the aluminum panels during welding.
Difficulty Level
Difficulty level: Medium.
The 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, tack welding, and fully welding aluminum structures.
Power and Transom
The skiff is designed for a 20″ (508 mm) long-shaft outboard engine and a 12° transom inclination angle. The recommended engine range is 75–150 HP, allowing the builder to select the appropriate power depending on expected load and operating conditions.
Fishing and Utility Use
The open center-console arrangement leaves plenty of usable cockpit space for fishing gear, storage, coolers, batteries, seating, and other equipment. The hull is designed to provide good stability and practical carrying capacity while maintaining a safe and comfortable ride.
With room for up to five people and a displacement of up to 850 kg at the waterline, the boat can be used as a fishing platform, recreational boat, transport boat, or general-purpose utility skiff.
Perfect For
- Lake and river fishing
- Center-console fishing applications
- Recreational boating
- Utility and workboat use
- Transporting passengers and equipment
- Inland and sheltered waters
- Builders with aluminum welding experience
Instant download available after purchase – start building today!
Don’t have aluminum welding experience?
No problem. Many of our boat designs can be adapted for different construction materials, including aluminum, steel, plywood, HDPE, wood, and fiberglass.
If you like this boat but would prefer to build it using another material, let us know. We can advise you on the best option or prepare a modified version of the plans for your project.
Material changes may require structural adjustments, so we recommend contacting us before starting the build.
Contact us about a custom version
Prefer email? Write to us at info@aluminumboatplans.com
