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A few days ago, I got my first look at an 18 and I was pretty impressed. It felt larger than I had imagined. I liked the wide gunnels with rod storage under, plus the additional interior freeboard. Within the last week I also got a chance to fish from a 20 SF and a 20 MA. I was very impressed with the ride and the layout of both boats.
The spec sheets on this forum say the 18 is 1'-6" shorter and 200#'s lighter that the 20 SF and MA. Any opinions on the difference in ride between the 18 and the 20 ? Also, any opinions on HP for the 18? The one I looked at had a 115 Suzuki 4S on it and the owner said he thought it was not enough.
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Unless you buy a new issue 20' or the older 20 "master angler", you will have to do significant work to the boat in order for it to handle rod storage under the gunnels (gunwales if you prefer).
The 18' is like a 20MA that was put in the dryer and shrank a bit.
When comparing my 18' and my 20', there is not a significant difference in ride quality, just a little bit of extra space inside the 20. They are very similar boats. The casting platform in the 18' is smaller than that in the standard 20', so the 18' has more space on the overall floor. The casting platform on the 18' is the same as that on the 20MA.
As to power, it all depends on how fast you want to go. The 115 that is on the boat you were looking at would certainly get you where you are going but you won't win any speed awards. The 140 on my 20 pushes it along at 40mph WOT. I generally cruise at about 27-30mph as it may make the pain at the pump less severe.
Both models are tail-heavy, so bear that in mind when selecting power or considering boats with heavy engines on them (providing they have their original height floors).
When having lunch with Bill Potter some time back, I think he put it most succinctly: "the 18' will do anything the 20' will do". That pretty much sums it up.