American Angler 18 Phantom
By Capt. Rob Smith
American Angler, part of the Smoker Craft family of boats, is one solid fishing machine. This model is designed with raised consoles for better view underway, better performance with lifting and turning strakes and fishing features to make it easy for you to concentrate on catching fish.
Starting at the bow, our test model had rails. I rarely see it, but this model has a jam cleat to grab the anchor line which is easy to set and release when you are in a hurry. Showing her utilitarian features, there are strips of aggrieve grip tape for sure footing on a damp deck. You won’t have a hard time finding the bow light when needed, the Phantom has it stored in clips under the lid of the bow storage box. The full framed windshield has a flip-over walkthrough with a snap-on lower air dam to keep the cold air from reaching the cockpit on chilly mornings.
Stepping into the cockpit, you have two pedestal seats that are cushioned well for comfort and have slide and swivel adjustments. The raised consoles and high windshield provide great view and protection from spray and wind. The navigator/companion side has a glove box to store your wallets and fishing licenses as well as other items you want to keep dry. There is a drink holder for your companion’s coffee or cold drink and a grab handle for an extra measure of security when it gets rough. Below the dash is a tray with vinyl edge cover on the lip to keep loose items corralled. A storage box at the floor level can hold spare batteries, trolling motor batteries or a bunch of loose items like gloves and sun screens.
Moving over to the driver’s station, you also have a raised console with good visibility all around. The standard gauge set includes speedometer, voltometer, tachometer and fuel gauges. If you want to add additional electronics, like a fish finder or GPS, you have plenty of landscape around the dash. Switches are protected by push button breakers and steering is standard no-feedback with padded tilt wheel. Another tackle tray is built in under the dash and a matching box to the companion storage is at floor level.
The cockpit is spacious for working lines, pots or trolling gear. You will really appreciate the Endurance flooring when time to clean up after a heavy day of fishing. Under the starboard gunwale is a three rod rack and side tackle tray to keep your favorite gear ready. Over on the port side on our model was a folding jump seat, another three rod rack and a livewell in the seat base. Folding down the seat back gives you easy access to another rod rack and tackle tray on the port side. Gunwale tops are plenty sturdy to add additional equipment like electric reels and trolling gear. Ours had electric gear already installed with plugs in the aft wall corners. The aft wall is also wide enough to use as a walkway from the gunwales. In each corner are rod holders for trolling or storage between fishing holes.
When you need to check the batteries and pumps, access couldn’t be much simpler than the snap on cover across the stern. Overhead we had a bimini for protection from the sun and rain. I would prefer to see quick releases on the bimini so I can easily leave it behind when I don’t want to carry the weight or need the protection.
The 18 Phantom measures 18’2” length overall. She has a stable 85” beam width. She is rated for a maximum 150hp outboard with a 38 gallon fuel tank. This model weighs only 980 lbs without the engine and has a capacity of 1400lbs people and gear.
I tested the Phantom on a very windy inland Lake Wawasee in Indiana. She handled very well around the docks but did seem to be easy to blow out or cavitate in turns. At typical speeds and normal turns, she handled well. She was very quiet for an aluminum design. I found her top speed to be around 42.7mph at 5000rpm. Her best cruise on that day measured 29.4mph at 3500rpm for a maximum range of 191 miles on a full tank.
If you enjoy the rough waters, hard fishing and simple life, the 18 Phantom will certainly provide more than expected.
