18 ride compared to 20? - Page 3

gofastsandman · #21 02-14-2013, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishfullthinking

Also do you need to run trim tabs to really improve the ride. Thanks.

Yes x3. 7% tongue weight or so.

Snookerd · #22 02-14-2013, 09:15 PM

The 18's do not need tabs unless personal preference or too heavy a motor requires it. A 115 opti should be a great weight/power set-up. A v4 130 Yamaha is the lightest and best performance, but it is a used 2 stroke.

infanterene · #23 02-14-2013, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofastsandman

Yes x3. 7% tongue weight or so.

What does that mean? I am probably buying an 18' next week and am researching as much as I can before buying.

The boat has a 1989 200hp Yamaha that weighs 416lbs, the same as a Yamaha 150. From the pics it doesnt look like it sits low in the water. I believe the transom has been raised to 25". It doesnt have any trim tabs.

I hope it rides as good as my 20SF with I/O Mercruiser 888.

DonV · #24 02-15-2013, 09:28 AM

Sandy's talking about the weight of the boat/trailer on the tow vehicle's traier hitch. Too light and the traier will "fishtail" like crazy. You need more weight in front of the axle on the hitch. You were going to use the same trailer as you did for another boat, make sure you have adjustments available to work with on your trailer and that it's not too short.

Snookerd · #25 02-15-2013, 01:49 PM

That weight 416 should be good! You are over powered but you should be fine.

uncleboo · #26 02-15-2013, 06:12 PM

Howdy INFANTERENE! I have a suzuki 140 which, I believe weighs about 410 and I'm happy with the performance of the boat except that I have the 20" transome and wish it were 25". I have a bulkhead in front of the splashwell which helps alot, but, when I board her, the scuppers are under water. The only problem I have with it is that the rigging is under water when the boat is loaded. I have plans to raise the transome to 25" and raise the floor a couple of inches all the way back to the transome as well. That will put the scuppers a couple of inches higher which will satisfy me. I absolutely love my boat. Took it 25 miles out, (on a bluebird day) and slayed the dolphin! BEST DAY EVER! I'm confident you will thoroughly enjoy her. BTW, WE NEED LOTS OF PICS.