FEATURED 2026 Vexus Defender 189

2026 Vexus Defender 189 

About this model

With a 8’ 4" rod box, pair of tournament-grade fiberglass livewells, wide-open interior, and all-welded, high performance pad hull, our Defender 189 has everything you’d expect in a serious rig – except the higher price. Plus, this affordable, 18’ 7” machine is packed with bonus features.

Built on our exclusive Dense Base™ superstructure, the design includes a beefy transom, engineered for the added convenience and versatility of shallow water anchors. The front deck includes 3-across seat bases, a wider interior for mounting spider rigs, and a forward livewell/baitwell.

The helm of the Defender 189 is equipped with smooth, BayStar™ hydraulic steering as well as speed, tach, fuel, and trim gauges. There’s also room for flush-mounting up to 12” electronics. High performance bucket seats center the layout, while the cockpit includes a world of leg room and an easy in/out cockpit design. Oversized, fiberglass storage boxes feature raised lips with rubber trim seals and compression latches for the ultimate wet-weather confidence. The 189 also comes with a Minn Kota Edge, upright, level flotation, our exclusive Hard Case™ paint with clear coat protectant, stainless steel pop-up cleats, a wide choice of outboards and electronics, and a custom-matched trailer with Victor Shield™ protective coating.

The Defender 189... From price to performance, here’s a serious design engineered to put you on fish and keep you there.

Why We're Different

Fiberglass console

We don't stop at simply putting a fiberglass console in our boat. These Glass-Infused Aluminum Hybrid™ designs benefit from the looks, strength, and quality of fiberglass throughout the rig. The console is built with a cantilever design that improves legroom and overall feel. No sharp edges and plug-and-play wiring make additional rigging simple.

Oversized gelcoat/fiberglass rear storages

No more flimsy, plastic drop-in boxes held down with wood screws. Our fiberglass boxes are generously oversized while being sealed and foamed into each boat. It's a solid combination that reinforces our notably quiet, solid, and responsive feel. Additionally, the raised lid openings provide an even drier seal, delivering added protection from water and weather.

Oversized pedestal bases

Others use a ¾” diameter base to hold the fishing seats in place. We believe in going a step farther. Our 1.77” diameter base is stronger and will last longer.

Compression lid locks

One key to providing drier storage is to help ensure the lid completely seals. We accomplish this by using compression locks that pull the lid tight against the rubber seal.

Hard case™ paint

Many aluminum boats receive the same paint that's applied to a cheap utility trailer. Instead, we paint the entire hull showing no raw aluminum and the matching color is protected by a Hard Case™ clear coat. This provides a lasting finish that ensures a great look for years to come and ultimately increases resale value.

Solid state wiring & lit tip switches

There's no room for cheap, snap locks and failure-prone fuses in our wiring harnesses. Instead, waterproof connectors and resettable breakers are coupled with our heavy gauge wiring for the ultimate in confidence and reliability.

Custom upholstery

Comfort is critical and a focus of ours. You'll find that the custom driver and passenger seats not only look great but feel the same way. Why shouldn't the boat be built to fit you, not the other way around? Coupled with matching fold down fishing seats our rigs are ready for those long days on the water.

Tournament-grade fiberglass livewell

When money's on the line it's comforting to know that our livewell system is designed to keep the day's catch healthy and safe. We incorporate a valve system that makes changes easy, no more sticking your hand in cold water to drain the livewell. Additionally, the well is equipped with recirculating aeration, a pump-out system, and Splash Guard technology.

Additional standard upgrades

• Humminbird Helix 5 at Console
• Smooth BayStar™ Hydraulic Steering
• 6x2 Charger
• Full-Size SS Ladder
• Custom Rod Straps
• Aluminum Prop
• Custom Aluminum Wheels

All-welded high performance pad hull

Our groundbreaking high performance pad hull enjoys a running surface with less drag, increased bow lift, and superior overall handling and performance. The manufacturing processes we use create a consistent running surface not found in other brands.

Custom built vexus® trailer

Don't settle for a trailer built by the lowest bidder. Ours are built in-house, alongside your boat. But we don't stop there. An ultra-strong channel frame, UV-protected polyurea coating, LED lights, and aluminum wheels highlight the unparalleled package.

Raised lip and oversized seal for lid openings

Our raised lips and oversized seals force water away from the lid openings. Evacuating the water is critical to keeping your gear dry.

Vector force™ transom

Our Vector Force™ Transom is constructed of .125” aluminum and reinforced with 60% more material than the industry standard.

Wood-free design

Knowing that your boat doesn't rely on any type of wood reinforcement is more than comforting. It's Wood-Free Confidence that translates into worry-free outings. Now, you can leave the regret of corner-cutting composites and squeaky, rotten plywood far behind.

Stainless pull-up tie cleats

Stop breaking rods and tearing clothing. Our stainless-steel pull-up cleats stay out of the way until they're needed.

Features May Include:

Performance and engineering

• Vexus® V2 Technology
• Available with Power of Choice Professionally Rigged Outboards
• All-Welded High-Performance Hull (.125” bottom thickness)
• Vector Force™ Solid Transom
• Dense Base™ Superstructure Design
• Aluminum Prop
• Crank Battery includes Battery Tray and Tie-Down
• BayStar™ Hydraulic Steering
• Flush Mounted Remote Throttle Control
• Tournament Grade Fiberglass Aerated Livewell with Anti-Splash Ring, Divider and Pump-Out
• Bow Livewell/Baitwell
• Bow Trim and Navigation Light Switches
• Speed, Tach, Fuel, and Trim Gauges
• Balanced Weight Distribution & Design
• Trac-Tight Handling
• 26-Gallon Fuel Tank

Advanced electronics

• Custom Factory-Rigged Electronics
• 4-Gauge Trolling Motor Wiring
• Minn Kota Edge 70 45" Trolling Motor
• 6 X 2 On-Board Battery Charger
• USB & 12V Power Outlets
• Bilge Pump
• Integrated LED Bow Lights with Removable Stern Navigation Light
• Master Switch and Breakers
• Lit-Tip Toggle Switches with Convenient Resettable Breakers
• LED Light Under Driver Console
• Integrated Horn Assembly

Comfort and convenience

• Custom-Contoured High Performance Bucket Seats with (2) Fishing Seats
• Wide Open Spacious Interior
• Oversized Fiberglass Storage Boxes with Raised Lip Dam and Weather Trim Seal
• Greater Deck, Leg, and Console Room
• Aluminum Decks and Floors
• Compression Lid Latches
• Stainless Steel Bow and Stern Eyes
• Lockable Storage and Rod Boxes
• 3-Position Livewell Control
• Front Deck Step
• Upright Level Flotation
• Stainless Steel Pop-Up Cleats
• Center Tackle Storage
• Port Side Rod Storage
• Injected Closed Cell Foam with Sound Dampening Advantage

Handcrafted details

• Hard Case™ Paint with Clear Coat Protection
• Custom Fiberglass Console
• Marine Grade Carpet
• Three-Across Front Deck Seat Bases
• Painted Underside of Lids
• Large Diameter SS Seat Bases
• Integrated Recessed Trolling Motor Pedal Tray
• Wood-Free Construction

Trailer features

• 3" Channel Frame
• 13" Aluminum Wheels with Radial Tires
• Skid-Resistant Step Pads
• LED Lighting with Back-Up Lights
• Trailer Tongue Jack
• Swing-Away Tongue
• Leaf Spring Axle
• Wire Protection Housing
• Forged (not cut) Transverse Channel Support Beams
• Custom-Fitted Bunks
• Integrated Load Guides
• Victor Shield™ UV-Stable Polyurea Coating
• Hybrid Oil Hubs
• Custom Aluminum Spare Tire