1801 or 21SE?

[xmako]

I am currently looking at two used Parkers. As it says in the subject, an 1801 and a 21SE. The 1801 is a 2002 and has a Yamaha 115 2 stroke on it. The 21SE is a 2000 and has a Yamaha 150 Saltwater Series 2 on it. The price on the 1801 is a couple grand cheaper, but it has not trailer, so when all is said and done, they will probably be about the same $-wise. I plan to use the boat in and around Northern Barnegat bay, between Manasquan Inlet and Barnegat Inlet, and in the ocean out to maybe 3 miles or so, mostly for fishing, occasionally crabbing and other activities when friends and relatives come "to the shore". Barnegat bay has a consistent 2 to 3 foot close together chop (read: boat wakes) all summer. The ocean, well, that can be anything obviously, and I would pick my days for heading out there. Barnegat Inlet is an improvement over Barnegat inlet of old, but it cans till get sketchy with an outgoing tide and an incoming groundswell.

With all that being said, if you were me, which boat would you chose?

(And for the record, I have been on boats in this area my whole life (i'm 43) in anything from a 17' Aquasport, 20' Grady White Overnighter, and Steiger Craft 23 Miami (current boat)).

Thanks for the responses.

 

[fish46]

Bigger is always better.

 

[SEA YA]

I have the 1801 down here on the Lower Barnegat and the Great Bay. It's a good bay boat but leaves a little to be desired for the ocean and is good for only 3 people tops. You would be happier with the larger boat from what your usage description says.

 

[gw204]

21SE no doubt. The increase in lenght, weight and freeboard will all help knock down those seas and it's just plain bigger for when you have the family in town. Besides, I think 2000 was the first year for OX66 fuel injection on the 150. That would be a big plus for me.

 

[Burtona]

I've had both boats in the past and I'd suggest getting the 21SE for the use you describe. I used both boats up in the creeks and up to 40 miles offshore and the 21SE is much more the versitle boat and better in the ocean. Also lots better for more than 2 people.

 

[Megabyte]

Both are great boats and both of those motors are GTG as well.
Since the prices will end up being comparable, I'd seriously look at the 21SE first.

 

[johnsw]

I'd recommend the 21. I've got a 2120. Seaside Heights down to the inlet is one of my regular routes. You'll get more than boat wakes headed to or from BI marker once the wind picks up (or if it's just from the wrong direction). And if you plan on going out of Barnegat Inlet, bigger is definitely better and you'll still need to plan your days (and tide) unless you like to get beat up. Conditions at Manasquan Inlet tend to be better. Been out to the reef from BI no problem, which is about 3 miles.

But the 18 is a good bay boat, and I've seen a few of them fishing by the jetties along the light and outside IBSP on good days so it will still get the job done. But I'd still feel more secure in the 21 given the way conditions can quickly change down by the light.

 

[xmako]

Thanks Everyone.

I looked at the 21SE this weekend and put a down payment on it. Next is survey and sea trial. Thanks for all of the advice.

Johnsw, that is my regular route also, from Seaside park down to Barnegat Inlet and out into the ocean with the current boat. There is that area approaching the BI from the north where Barnegat's "sea" state can change depending on the wind. But the worst part of that bay is still the area where boats cut across to Tices. Talk about confused seas...

 

[Burtona]

If your 21SE does not have trim tabs by all means get them added. They are not as necessary on the 18 as the motor trim is more effective than the 21, but the trim tabs make all the difference on the 21 especially in a little chop. The motor trim helped but not nearly as effective as tabs.

 

[xmako]

Burtona,

Thanks for the tip. It does have trim tabs. I was happy to see them when we went to look at the boat.

 

[xmako]

Just an update, we purchased the 21SE and are picking it up Friday. The sea trial was in sustained 20kt winds and while we were a little sheltered, I did find some slop to run it through. I was impressed with the ride, as I expected the shallower dead rise to beat me up a bit more. I'll spend a couple weekends cleaning it up, painting the bottom and fixing a few minor issues the surveyor pointed out. I am excited to get it in the water.

Thanks for all of the input. This is my first Parker.

 

[Megabyte]

Congratulations!

 

[Sully]

Congrats!!
Pics Pics Pics Pics Pics! :lol:

 

[jacksdad]

Congrats man!

One thing i'll warn you though, the biggest 'bang' i've ever done with my 23SE short of one particular scary *** trip through the inlet was in the sheltered bay hitting a bagel boat wake.

 

[xmako]

Congrats!!
Pics Pics Pics Pics Pics! :lol:

Sully,

I would post some pics if I could figure out how. The "Upload Attachment" functionality is not working for me.

 

[xmako]

let's see if this works...

if it does, there are two views of the boat, starboard side bow and starboard side stern. The third picture is a joke my brother played on me on Easter Sunday. he, my father and I are all part owners of a 23' Steiger Craft Miami. My brother decided we should only have Steiger Crafts in the family I guess...

 

[Megabyte]

That's pretty good.

Take your dad and brother fishing this year.
I think they will be pleasantly surprised. :wink:

 

[CraigS]

Xmako,
I have a 2000 21SE (bought it 2 years ago) and I hope you enjoy your boat as much as I enjoy my Parker. Like you, I find the ride on the SE much better then I expected. Mine has a carb’ed 175 Yamaha, and it is a little thirsty.

Craig

 

[Steve08753]

Good luck with your new ride. I recently sold my 1800 and purchased a 21SE with an F200, the difference is unbelievible, just 3 trips so far but I hope you enjoy yours as much as I am mine.