Looking at 1801 and Questions

[OCtuna1]

New member here, looking to potentially purchase an 1801 and I have few questions. I've been looking at boats that are primarily from 2004 to 2012 and most are powered by Yamaha f115s, do you all feel that is the right combination or should I look for one that is powered with a f150? Also, I'd really prefer a straight leaning post as opposed to the live well seat combination. It seems that most of the boats that I have looked at have the live well seat combination, has anyone removed and switched to leaning post? If so, was it difficult? If I stick with the leaning post, how does the boat handle with the f115 and live well full? Curious how the extra weight effects handling. Lastly, I've seen a few set up with dual batteries but most only have 1 battery. Is it necessary to add a 2nd battery when using the boat and running the basic accessories on the boat (GPS/FF, nav lights, live well, stereo, etc)?

Thanks and any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tomc585]

The 1801 is fine with the 115. If you plan to run with more than 4 people most of the time you'll be wishing for the 150.
Swapping out the well for a leaning post is easy to do and if done correctly will not permit water into the floor. Handling won't change much.
As far as batteries...You don't need dual but it's nice to have and I have dual on my 1801.

 

[warthog5]

A 2nd battery is a STANDARD safety item.
But there is more to it.... Search BEP Cluster Switch...

Saw a brand new boat recently....with 1 battery....This was a $90K boat.
Salesman said.."Oh.....They don't need dual batteries anymore."

I told the owner I'd Love to have a conversation with him. Guarantee it was in the pricing and omitted.....Profit being split with company and salesman.

 

[tomc585]

I should have mentioned that the concerns you question also are determined by how and where you plan to use the boat.

 

[OCtuna1]

Thanks for the replies. The boat will be used primarily on the upper Chesapeake Bay for fishing and crabbing with my kids. I definitely think adding a 2nd battery is the way to go.

 

[pelagic2530]

Thanks for the replies. The boat will be used primarily on the upper Chesapeake Bay for fishing and crabbing with my kids. I definitely think adding a 2nd battery is the way to go.

The reason for the second battery is that, if done properly, it allows you to have one dedicated battery just for engine cranking, and one battery to provide power to auxiliary electrical systems. When done in conjunction with a BEP cluster switch, the system will ensure that both batteries remain fully charged, and that the engine cranking battery will never be depleted to the point where the engine cannot be started.

Long story short: add another battery, move both into the console, add a BEP cluster switch. If you’re looking for some ideas, here’s how I did my 1700 (similar layout): 1997 1700 Overhaul Project

 

[rseate]

I have a 2300DV but I had a leaning post built to sit on top of the baitwell, worked out great.

 

[rseate]

And I agree with Wart & Pelagic, dual batteries & BEP cluster are the way to go.

 

[SamR]

Ditto. I added a second battery in the opposite jumpseat early on and am now moving them into the console with a BEP ahead of a repower. Livewell is a waste of space if you don’t use it. Maybe substitute a tackle station.

 

[1801Steve]

I've owned my 1801 for almost 8 years. Bought it new. I fish the James River exclusively, and almost always by myself so my use is a little different. The 115 does fine with just me. I have run with another person and can't tell the difference. On the rare occasions I've had 4 adults in the boat it takes little longer to get up on plane, but not a big deal.

 

[WhalerToParker]

I have a 1994 1800 and it came standard with the box/flip backrest. I hated it as it was too low. I swapped it last year and added trim tabs. I have a 115 and use it with myself and my wife and 2 daughters around Beufort,NC. No planing issues and the tabs are wonderful. Here are a few photos of my leaning post. I had it fabricated in Farmville,NC by Modlin’s welding. Love it and install was really easy. .

 

[offduty5]

1994 1800… 90 zuck… and customized..batteries in console with BEP cluster… it’s the way to go..

 

[reellucky18]

I have a 2006 1801 with a 2003 150 2-stroke with trim tabs & it will perform the same with me or 4 adults on board fully loaded, but typically it is just me. Just me or 1 other I cruise around 28-30 with a top end of 45 mph, but I very rarely hit that top end as the boat really isn’t designed for that kinda speed. I am fully loaded with trolling motor, 3 batteries (1 AGM for starting & all electronics & 2 lithium for the trolling motor. I also have a jump starter directly connected to my AGM battery if it ever runs low and cannot start (has never happened in the 100 hours I’ve put on it this year). On that battery I run the motor, 12” GPS screen, radio, auto pilot, 1stMate kill switch, NMEA 2000 network with 8 devices & waterproof phone charger & nav lights. I run all of that on an Interstate 31M-AGM battery.

My emergency start pack is as follows/
https://lithiumhub.com/product/emergency-start/
When I am back home & plug my onboard charger in, it will charge all three batteries and the emergency starter.

All three batteries + charger are in the console for weight distribution. That AGM battery is a BEAST & I believe it weighs something over 50 lbs, while both lithium batteries weigh closer to 30 lbs combined.

In a nutshell, get 2 batteries, or a jumper, AND a tow service.

As far as a leaning post goes, I ripped off my simple post which only served as a leaning post & added a new, wider (from 30” to 33”) post with backrest, under seat storage, & foot rest. I added 3 vertical rod holders in addition to the 4 that were already on the backrest. This helps keep rods out of the way when you are fishing & getting around the back/stern area. I have 21 rod holders on the boat. I don’t use all of them at once, but it comes in handy when you have friends that bring to many rods & when you need to move rods/nets, etc quickly.

Good luck with your boat. You’ll love it. It can handle a lot & you will be impressed with the overall platform & performance.

 

[Fcruz]

I have a 2006 1801 with a 2003 150 2-stroke with trim tabs & it will perform the same with me or 4 adults on board fully loaded, but typically it is just me. Just me or 1 other I cruise around 28-30 with a top end of 45 mph, but I very rarely hit that top end as the boat really isn’t designed for that kinda speed. I am fully loaded with trolling motor, 3 batteries (1 AGM for starting & all electronics & 2 lithium for the trolling motor. I also have a jump starter directly connected to my AGM battery if it ever runs low and cannot start (has never happened in the 100 hours I’ve put on it this year). On that battery I run the motor, 12” GPS screen, radio, auto pilot, 1stMate kill switch, NMEA 2000 network with 8 devices & waterproof phone charger & nav lights. I run all of that on an Interstate 31M-AGM battery.

My emergency start pack is as follows/
https://lithiumhub.com/product/emergency-start/
When I am back home & plug my onboard charger in, it will charge all three batteries and the emergency starter.

All three batteries + charger are in the console for weight distribution. That AGM battery is a BEAST & I believe it weighs something over 50 lbs, while both lithium batteries weigh closer to 30 lbs combined.

In a nutshell, get 2 batteries, or a jumper, AND a tow service.

As far as a leaning post goes, I ripped off my simple post which only served as a leaning post & added a new, wider (from 30” to 33”) post with backrest, under seat storage, & foot rest. I added 3 vertical rod holders in addition to the 4 that were already on the backrest. This helps keep rods out of the way when you are fishing & getting around the back/stern area. I have 21 rod holders on the boat. I don’t use all of them at once, but it comes in handy when you have friends that bring to many rods & when you need to move rods/nets, etc quickly.

Good luck with your boat. You’ll love it. It can handle a lot & you will be impressed with the overall platform & performance.

What size prop do you run on your 150?

 

[Cabe123]

I have a 1994 1800 and it came standard with the box/flip backrest. I hated it as it was too low. I swapped it last year and added trim tabs. I have a 115 and use it with myself and my wife and 2 daughters around Beufort,NC. No planing issues and the tabs are wonderful. Here are a few photos of my leaning post. I had it fabricated in Farmville,NC by Modlin’s welding. Love it and install was really easy. .

What size tabs are you runningI have a 97 1800 and want to add trim tabs
Thanks

 

[WhalerToParker]

Here is what I ordered from Hodges Marine online.

Bennett Bolt 1212ed Electric - Edge Mount Limited Space Trim Tab Kit - 12v - 12" X 12"


Thanks,

Brad