Skiff Talk Episode 6: MAVERICK HPX-S (FEAT. Capt. Cam Pappas)

To fish with Cam and see his Maverick HPX-S in action, visit the link here: bit.ly/4aR4noA
To fish with Conner and see his Hell's Bay Guide in action, visit the link here: bit.ly/3ua5sIC
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Written overview by Capt. Conner Bryant
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As we continue our Skiff Talk’s in Wilmington we have Capt. Cam’s Maverick HPX-S. This is the second HPX-S we have done in this series, although they are the same hulls they have both been modified to fit each guides preference. To check out out the first one click the link below:
bit.ly/3RjCz56
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Maverick Boatworks has made quite an impressive name for itself and after seeing Capt. Cams HPX-S in action I definitely see why. Simple, tough, light- weight, and floats in a few inches of water. These skiffs are a perfect for navigating the oyster mine fields and spartina islands of the Carolina’s. This skiff is owned and operated by Capt. Cameron Pappas of BlackBird Guide Service in Wilmington NC.
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General Specs of the Maverick HPX-S:
Length: 17’8”
Draft: 6”
Weight: 1175 lbs
Fuel: 19 Gal
Max Person: 3
Max Horsepower: 70
From Bow to stern:
As I approached this skiff my eyes were immediately drawn to the bow. The custom toe rails going around the bow of the skiff added a great cosmetic appeal, but is very functional as it helps with fly line management as well as keeping clients inside of the boat. This is one of many custom features Capt. Cam has on his skiff. After getting a closer look at the bow you’ll see a large compartment hatch. This compartment has deep gutters to keep water out, and provides ample space for storage and equipment. The 19 gallon fuel tank is visible with a fiberglass plate forward of it to help with corruption prevention. One thing to note in the front compartment is that it seamlessly drains under the cockpit deck and into the bilge.
Wide gunnels with forward and after facing rod storage tucked underneath is another notable feature. The podium consoles are great because they offer the option of removing the jump seat and opening up the cockpit space. The console has a simple layout, with a large compartment under the helm that allows access to console storage and provides a view of all wiring within.
The aft deck of the Maverick HPX-S has two flip up seats mounted forward of the compartments and features four compartment hatches aft of them. These include: a center forward compartment with an 18-gallon livewell for keeping bait alive; a center aft compartment for bilge access and motor rigging; a port side large open storage compartment with a deep gutter draining hatch; and a starboard side large open storage compartment with a deep gutter draining hatch. A custom step added to the front of the poling platform that is clear of the compartments and motor was a great addition in my opinion. The skiff has a 6’ Atlas Micro jackplate and is powered by a Yamaha F-70 engine. Cruising speed is in the low to mid 30 mphs and a maximum speed of around 40 mph - depending on the load in the boat and environmental factors.
These skiffs are a great, reliable, even coveted platform by many shallow water anglers, and for good reason. Lightweight, dry, durable, and easy to maneuver, this is a great example of a skiff designed for longevity and reliability. Huge thanks to Capt. Cam for showing us his Maverick HPX-S
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Chapter Index:
00:00 Intro
00:27 Skiff Overview
00:40 Bow
01:37 Front Hatch
03:22 Front Compartment
04:52 Fuel Cap
05:24 Cockpit
06:49 Aft Seats
08:25 Center Console
09:45 Aft Deck
10:20 Poling Platform
10:58 Aft Compartments
13:56 Motor
14:35 Prop
16:12 Jackplate
16:36 Trim Tabs
19:00 Underway Performance
21:20 Outro
21:58 Capt. Cam’s Info

[@benfleye-craft9976]

Best new fishing series on RUclips. I want to see the previous owners current skiff next!

[@LucasCLarson]

Love the skiff talks!

[@anycreek]

Thanks, Lucas!

[@DEVanderbiltCecil]

Is balancing on
that platform fun?
Have you taken
a nose dive yet?

[@anycreek]

Very fun! It's amazing how much more you're able to see underwater from a poling platform! Most people fall at some point...