New to me 1801

[Tunachaser93]

Hi All,
I just got a new to me 2020 1801! Are there any accessories or modifications that you suggest I make right from the start? I was looking at some boat shade options as the Bimini top was removed.

 

[tomc585]

Welcome.
What's your boating experience?
What's the plan for the usage? Fishing? Pleasure? or both?
Trailering or wet slipping?
What features does the boat have now?
Pictures and current specs?

 

[Tunachaser93]

Welcome.
What's your boating experience?
What's the plan for the usage? Fishing? Pleasure? or both?
Trailering or wet slipping?
What features does the boat have now?
Pictures and current specs?

I currently have a 1969 Boston Whaler 16/17. That was my first boat, and have owned it the past two years. Figured the Parker is a nice step up while still being manageable. The boat will be docked at my home on the water in NJ. I would like to fish in both the bay and nearshore on calm days. Also plan to use the boat to go to local sand bars.

We just had our offer accepted yesterday so I did not yet take ownership of the Parker. It is loaded with options and extras and extremely well taken care of.
The boat has Fell Marine 1st Mate wireless kill switch, second Garmin, hydraulic steering, pop up cleats, rod storage, Gemlux deluxe rod holders, etc.
Loadrite Trailer has brand new wheels and a Kodiak full stainless brake kit.

 

[tomc585]

Well that boat looks like it has everything already. All I can see that it may need is some electric trim tabs. I love the seafoam color.

 

[Inshore Chaser]

Nice boat! I had a 2018 1801...very versatile little big boat. One shortcoming of most Parkers is storage. I added some Plano tackle tray holders under the gunwales fastened to the toe kicks. Check out Ocean Breezes or Deep Blue Marine for the holders. Both make great products and at a much more reasonable price than Boat Outfitters.

 

[Tunachaser93]

Nice boat! I had a 2018 1801...very versatile little big boat. One shortcoming of most Parkers is storage. I added some Plano tackle tray holders under the gunwales fastened to the toe kicks. Check out Ocean Breezes or Deep Blue Marine for the holders. Both make great products and at a much more reasonable price than Boat Outfitters.

Thanks for suggestion. I will look into those!

I see you are from NJ. How did you like your 1801 near the Barnegat inlet? I’m hoping to be able to get out in this on good days and do some near shore fishing. Did you have trim tabs?

 

[Inshore Chaser]

Thanks for suggestion. I will look into those!

I see you are from NJ. How did you like your 1801 near the Barnegat inlet? I’m hoping to be able to get out in this on good days and do some near shore fishing. Did you have trim tabs?

Had it out the BI only a few times. Did not have trim tabs....seemed like using the engine trim was sufficient. Mostly went out of the Absecon Inlet.... much more predictable in the afternoon coming back in as compared to the BI. Near shore is no problem on nice days. Enjoy!

 

[reellucky18]

I have the same boat, just older. Things I have added in addition to what you already have on yours.
1. Raw Water Washdown
2. Trolling motor (if you fish) + batteries & charger.
3. Trolling motor may require you to move your nav light. I went with Taco Surface Mount LED lights & love them.
4. Switch out that leaning post with something that has storage under the seat & a fold down foot rest (optional, but nice if you spend any amount of time in a no wake zone.
5. A nice to have is a ROKK Wireless Waterproof Phone Charger.
6. I personally have the Lenco (9X12" tabs & I find I use them all the time. I do have the 150HP on the back, but the tabs def help with weight shift as your crew moves around.

These are great little big boats for sure. I fish out of NJ as well and I've been in some pretty nasty unfavorable conditions & I never felt unsafe.

 

[Tunachaser93]

I have the same boat, just older. Things I have added in addition to what you already have on yours.
1. Raw Water Washdown
2. Trolling motor (if you fish) + batteries & charger.
3. Trolling motor may require you to move your nav light. I went with Taco Surface Mount LED lights & love them.
4. Switch out that leaning post with something that has storage under the seat & a fold down foot rest (optional, but nice if you spend any amount of time in a no wake zone.
5. A nice to have is a ROKK Wireless Waterproof Phone Charger.
6. I personally have the Lenco (9X12" tabs & I find I use them all the time. I do have the 150HP on the back, but the tabs def help with weight shift as your crew moves around.

These are great little big boats for sure. I fish out of NJ as well and I've been in some pretty nasty unfavorable conditions & I never felt unsafe.

Thanks for the info! It does have a raw water washdown. Needs a new pump though.

I think I will order a set of trim tabs. Did you install them yourself? Might look into a shop in NJ to handle it.

 

[reellucky18]

Thanks for the info! It does have a raw water washdown. Needs a new pump though.

I think I will order a set of trim tabs. Did you install them yourself? Might look into a shop in NJ to handle it.

I did not because I also had my shop do the cable to hydraulic steering at the same time, along with some other work I had done at that time. They are not difficult to install though. Hardest part is running the wires up to your console, but as long as you have a wire snake it is doable. Most other wires (motor wires, bilge pump wires, etc.) runs up the startboard side from the transom & make their way up to the console.

I take my boat to Spring Garden Marina in Millville. Those guys are very sharp & really know their Yamaha's, but also most other boat things related. But if you are up in Barnegat, I used to take my old boat to South Harbor in Waretown. That was over 10 years ago, so I am not sure if the people have changed over, but back then they were a very reliable operation (IMO).

 

[tomc585]

I did mine myself. Took plenty of time to lay it out. Figure 3 hours.
The thought of having someone else drill holes in my boat just doesnt sit well with me.

 

[offduty5]

I have a 1994 1800 and like most guys here are saying it’s a little “big” boat. I fish out of Atlantic Highlands NJ Marina and go to the Mud Hole and beyond on good days. Yes the weather men have been wrong on occasion lol but I have never felt unsafe. This boat is a little beast. The past few years I have added certain items to accommodate my style of fishing. Added a nice leaning post. Storage cabinet custom made under leaning post. Two draw storage on starboard side. Added a t top with radio box. Dual batteries under console. Led light bar in front,on both port/starboard and aft. Just added raw water wash down this year. Upgraded a lot . Mostly likely done because hopefully I will be placing an order for a custom made boat. My return gift to myself. But still keeping the Parker. Good luck.

 

[Ptobey]

Nice boat! I had a 2018 1801...very versatile little big boat. One shortcoming of most Parkers is storage. I added some Plano tackle tray holders under the gunwales fastened to the toe kicks. Check out Ocean Breezes or Deep Blue Marine for the holders. Both make great products and at a much more reasonable price than Boat Outfitters.

Inshore chaser,
Can you post or send a picture zoomed out of under the gunwales? I have a 2001 and would like to add storage similar to that. It would help to see the wide angle of that picture. Thanks

 

[Inshore Chaser]

Inshore chaser,
Can you post or send a picture zoomed out of under the gunwales? I have a 2001 and would like to add storage similar to that. It would help to see the wide angle of that picture. Thanks

Best photos I have. Sold my 1801 a few years back. Photo is of the same holders on my 2100 DVCC. Hope this helps!

 

[pelagic2530]

That boat sounds like it’s pretty well optioned already.

I know it’s exciting thinking about all the ways to make your new toy better, but I’d recommend running it for a bit before adding any modifications. That way, you can find what works best for you and the way you use the boat, rather than just doing what other people have found to be good for them. That will save you money and hassle in the long run.

That being said, all of the ideas above are good ones; it’s just a matter of finding out which ones will give you the best bang for your boating buck. Enjoy!

 

[Larry]

I have the same boat, just older. Things I have added in addition to what you already have on yours.
1. Raw Water Washdown
2. Trolling motor (if you fish) + batteries & charger.
3. Trolling motor may require you to move your nav light. I went with Taco Surface Mount LED lights & love them.
4. Switch out that leaning post with something that has storage under the seat & a fold down foot rest (optional, but nice if you spend any amount of time in a no wake zone.
5. A nice to have is a ROKK Wireless Waterproof Phone Charger.
6. I personally have the Lenco (9X12" tabs & I find I use them all the time. I do have the 150HP on the back, but the tabs def help with weight shift as your crew moves around.

These are great little big boats for sure. I fish out of NJ as well and I've been in some pretty nasty unfavorable conditions & I never felt unsafe.

 

[Larry]

4. Switch out that leaning post with something that has storage under the seat & a fold down foot rest (optional, but nice if you spend any amount of time in a no wake zone.

By chance would you have pictures and a source for your replacement. I would really like to make this change myself. Thanks.

 

[mattS]

I know I'm late since the entire NJ boating season has passed but I'll bet you, like me, you'll never stop searching for upgrades. I just listed my 2018 1801 for sale (going a little bigger next season). When I bought it in 2020, it was already nicely equipped with a bimini top, bow-mounted fishing seating, trolling motor, and a small tackle storage insert on the port side of the console. Since then, I have added a fishmaster T-Top, rocket launchers, electronics box, spray-shield, minor stereo upgrade, and two new speakers mounted in the T-top. The T-top was the biggest investment but my scalp burns were cured, so it was worth it. While I really enjoyed almost each one of those additions, my best addition was the last one I did, which was a small custom tackle storage box mounted under the leaning post seat. I had boat outfitters make it for me, and I mounted with some stainless sex-bolts. I've put the box-specs on here too.

Congrats on the purchase. Mine did well for me out of OCNJ. It did well for me in the bay, inlet and out to around 10 miles. I wouldnt hesitate to take it out a bit farther on a nice day. My boat is currently listed for sale at my local dealer. If you want to see some pics...