Parker 1801 question

[twistedfish]

Can anyone give me some performance and ride quality of the Parker 1801? I see Parker lists the draft as 7", but how shallow can you run the boat? Is a Yamaha 115 the best power option? I'm guessing the boat rides much better than a Carolina skiff. How does the ride compare to something like the 20' Hydra-Sport Bay bolt or similar bay boat? I'm in the Annapolis area and fish the Chesapeake but mostly interested in fishing shallow water and fly fishing. Also interested in fishing Pamlico sound for red drum.

I'm probably going to sell my Parker 2510 and downsize. The Parker 1801 is on my short list but i'm concerned about the lack of storage.

Thanks for the help.

 

[boondoggle]

I keep sprinkling fertilizer on my 1801 but it hasn't grown any at all.

115 is fine but add tabs for a better ride. Storage is an issue on any CC but all you need is a hand full of jigs and some BKDs.

 

[stinkbait]

I love my 1990 18 footer. It's a little underpowered with the 90 2 stroke merc, but not too bad. Runs 34mph with 2 people. I am putting tabs on it soon and this will help a lot with staying on plane at low speeds. Fabulous boat I wouldn't get rid of for anything.

 

[mildew2]

If you have the chance, compare the 2100se to the 1801. I had a 1801 and have fished a 2100se. The 21se is wider, more room, comes with trim tabs and better power. 115 vs 150 Yammy.21se is deeper also. JMO. The 21 doesn't draw much more water also.

 

[sydngoose]

Coming from a 25 I think you'll find storage very lacking. I agree w the 21 SE comment. Check one out. I think you'll be pleased.

 

[Waydown]

Just about the perfect boat for fishing shallow for drum/specks and the CBBT if you pick your days and be careful drifting between the pilings....they can mess up a good day on the bay real fast. I have a 1801 2004 model with a Yam. 115 and it is all you need IMO...anything bigger and you burn more fuel. There is quiet a bit of storage under console and mine has the 2 batteries for a trolling motor and on board charger. Check one out and ride one if you can...you won't be disappointed. They are well built boats and about the biggest 18 footer you will find. My oldest son also has a 1800 and he is in the bay fishing the bridge tunnels now...same week last year loaded up on 20-22" flounder...carried a small fridge to make his own ice each day and freeze his catch. Brought that freezer home full of flounder and spade. I plan on going in a few days...some of the best flounder fishing right now in the bay.

 

[twistedfish]

Waydown, do you have any pictures of your 1801 with the trolling motor on it? Is the battery for the trolling motor under the console? My interested in fishing shallows for drum and specks and stripers.

 

[Waydown]

Waydown, do you have any pictures of your 1801 with the trolling motor on it? Is the battery for the trolling motor under the console? My interested in fishing shallows for drum and specks and stripers.

Twistedfish...my motor is Minn kota Riptide 70 thrust with I pilot and for the shallows and back waters it gets it done...just set it and spend your time fishing...not having to worry about which direction you are going. What is so great about the I pilot is it will put you on a spot and hold you there even in wind and current. Just like dropping anchor. Works off my Hummingbird 998 which has the side imaging and GPS. Works off 2 batteries under console and the 2 batteries in rear hatches are for motor. My motor is Yam. 115 4 stroke with a jackplate which is a must for getting on plane and the shallows. Boat is 2004 that I found on craigslist in Florida and only has 335 hrs on motor, 3 month old Minn Kota, Hummingbird, jackplate, and new batteries. Got a great deal on it and boat looks like almost new...not a scratch on it. I am in North Carolina and my grandson and I drove down few weeks ago to get it...what a long drive to buy a boat that I had only seen pictures and hoping that it was what I had been looking. Been looking at 18 ft. Parkers for 3 years and finally pulled the trigger. You owe it to yourself to test one that is set up as it should be...think it is what you are looking for. Will have to try and post some pictures. Let us know what you get.