Thompson Boatworks Bandit 18

Hey everyone, I’m Drew Byrd from Boca Raton, FL. I run a marine electronics business and fish inshore whenever I can, mostly the Keys and Everglades, since our local options are limited. After losing my classic Hewes Redfisher last year to structural issues, I found myself with a garage full of top-tier gear, a motor, and a trailer - but no hull.

I reached out to John Thompson after hearing great things about his boats. Unlike other builders who tried to gouge me on price or wouldn’t work with me because I’d be handling my own rigging, John was helpful, honest, and accommodating. He offered a custom hull and truly worked with me every step of the way.

From day one, the experience has been more personal than I expected. I got to choose my own custom gel coat colors, provide feedback after a sea trial, and see that feedback directly reflected in the build. The quality is outstanding—thick layups, clean fit and finish, excellent access for rigging, and smart design throughout.

Compared to my Hewes, which had tons of hidden issues, this Thompson is solid, wide open, and thoughtfully built. The ride is what you’d expect from a low deadrise skiff - fast and nimble. Onboard I was surprised how stable it was and blown away by the freeboard even fully loaded.

We’re nearing the end of the build now, and I’ll post updates as we rig it out. John even hand-delivered my console early so I could get started. If you’re considering a new skiff and want a builder who truly cares, give John a call.















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That’s one good looking sled ya got there. Be slimy in no time.

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Welcome aboard and congrats @Byrdsmarine Sounds like a great working relationship with John. I’m not sure if he’s on here yet, but we’d love to have him as well.

Sweet hull. I’m going to move this to Bragging Spot. Please keep the updates coming!

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Welcome neighbor! I’m from Boca also. What is the name of your electronics shop? Beautiful sled!!! I look forward to seeing that baby wet!

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Thanks for sharing–encouraging to hear of a good experience thus far. Keep us apprised of the process on your skiff and welcome to the forum!

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@Byrdsmarine - welcome aboard! You have great marine electrical experience based on your quick post, make suee you post up in the street cred thread.

Beautiful boat - I rememeber seeing John first post up his prototype (?) on MS years ago, glad to see he is still producing and doing quality, personalized work!

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Good to hear I got some people from my area on here! Company is called Byrd’s Marine, check us out on facebook or instagram

Great lookin’ skiff!

Congrats on the build! Just put the 20 hours on my Bandit this past week. I 100% agree with your statements on John. I had zero clue what I was getting into and John thoroughly explained the build, what to look for, specs, and what not. Now if any of it retained is another story. Heck I’m still hitting him up with questions today and he quickly responds. I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him.

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@Byrdsmarine left a message on your VM. Call me back. :+1:

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The guys over there have been grinding away to get this thing done and they are really coming to an end, hatches down, rubrail on, tank is in, plumbing is in. She is looking incredible and im beyond excited to get her on the water.

Big shoutout to john, I told him I wanted something special for the cushions and he took it to a whole new level. Color matched stitching and the design is top notch, I couldn’t have come up with anything to beat that.








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Also a little work on my end over the weekend, console is completely rigged and we utilized deutsch plugs to make this true plug and play once the hull is rigged out. I got some awesome tech on here that is going to make this thing really well equipped.


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Man, what a beautiful hull. What’s your timeline to delivery?

That cushion and back rest is on point. Good looking boat so far!