Question for the Parker 18 guys.

[chesbay]

Hey All,
I'm new here, just found the site as I was researching for a new boat for the family.
I think I've settled on the Parker 18 CC ( a couple of years old ). I'm going to use it as a family boat, fishing, cruising and skiing.

Does the 115 Yami have enough power to pull a skier up quickly?? Other main question is a 2 vs 4 stroke? I've searched and read alot, but I'd like some input based on how I'll be using the boat.

Thanks
Pete

[Bruce W]

First - WELCOME to THT! Lots of great folks and info on here!

At 1,950#'s (dry) + a 60gal. gas tank + "family" + water toys + ice/drinks + misc., I'd be reluctant to put a 115 (2 OR 4-stroke) on that boat - especially for skiing! A "115" is gonna' really burn some gas trying to "ski" and the hole shot needed for it.

That 18 is a HEAVY boat and NEEDS a "150", IMO - a "140-150/4-stroke" would be a PERFET match for all you want to do! It will push the boat a LOT more efficiently, the motor won't have to "work" as hard, and therefore, it will last longer!

Not much more frustrating than being "underpowered" or if you decide to sell it down the road, the "140 or 150" would be more desireable to a buyer.

I think the "max hp rating" on the "18" is 150?

NICE boat - good luck!

Regards,

[chesbay]

Bruce,
Thanks for the Welcome.

Its been hard to find a parker with anything but a 115. We are in no rush, so I'm holding out for the right boat.

[Mrossfly]

I owned an 18 Parker with 115 Four Stroke. Definatly not enough engine for skiing. Actually the hole shot was lousy as well. Hold out for a 140-150.

[Josh]

Bah, the Parker 18 will preform fine with a 115 unless you plan to ski a whole lot, but if you wanted a ski boat you would buy a ski boat not a Parker. I'd find a lightly used 18 with a Yamaha F115. No, it won't be a rocket, but it will preform fine (top end near 40) and be very efficient. Don't let the power heads on THT scare you. I've been on an 18 Parker with an F115 and it was plenty for me.

[Steve 08753]

I own an 18' Parker with a 115 2 stroke. The boat is borderline for skiing IMHO but I fish and its good for me. I think you will have a very hard time finding a used one with a 150, I know most come rigged with 115's and in NJ the few that come on the used market sell very quickly (I had 2 sold out from under me before I got mine).

[chesbay]

Steve,
What other boats were you considering when you got the Parker?
What do you like and dislike about your 18.

Thanks,
Pete

[jobowker]

I had a Parker with a 115 and it was perfect for fishing, but that was an older 2 stroke. Newer four strokes are going to be heavier and have less acceleration.

You don't need to ski at 40 mph - you can buy it with a 115 and for the 3 times you take someone skiing, throw a low pitch 4 blade on there to pull skiers up fast.

With my brother & I, full tank, clean bottom, and some gear, we topped out at 40.

[Steve 08753]

I use my boat almost only for fishing live bait for striped bass. I considered an 18' Maritmie skiff but changed my mind as I felt the Parker was way more boat for the same dollars, I would have bought a Jones Brothers or a Steiger Craft as I feel they are very simillar to the Parker. I have no regrets on the Parker purchase and I find it a little funny as I read posts here it's all about moving up yet my 18'er is the perfect boat for what I do and I would recomend it highly.

[rockn n rollin]

we have a 19ft maycraft with a 115 yamaha four stroke. the hull weight is 1900 lbs and to me it performs just fine. tops out around 40 to 42 mph with 2 people and plains quick enough for me with 4 people onboard and the mpg is great. wanted a 150 but the salesman said wouldn;t be enough difference in performance to justify the difference in the cost and would porpoise at high rpm;s so there goes more money for trim tabs or whatever. we don;t ski just fish. i know i am not talking about a parker but the weight is close enough that i thought this might give you some insight on a differen;t boat that was close to comparison in weight and construction but a lot of difference in the price.

[paxfish]

Yep - That's the right motor for that boat. The 150 is perfect for the 21SE.

The low deadrise make for an easily-driven hull. It should ski fine, and having a lower pitch prop around for those weekends when you havea lot of folks skiing might make sense too.