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I live on the east coast of New Jersey and would go in out of the the Manasquan Inlet, and was thinking about purchasing a 18 foot CC Parker '99 and a 2005 150 Yamaha engine. My question is that on flat days and West wind days is this boat capable of heading out of the inlet into the Ocean perhaps 1 or 2 miles, of course (weather permitting as previously mentioned. Thanks... HAVE grammer school aged children and just want to make sure this type of boat could do what I was looking for. Thanks
Sounds like a nice match. I used to go out of Manasquan in a small, 17' Montauk (and even a 16' Sandpiper Skiff). I even took a 16' Carolina Skiff out a few times...but I was younger and crazier then! Now I head out of Shark River Inlet, a little closer to home.
Pick your days, watch the weather/tide, and don't look back! If the inlet looks a little rough out there, I'd wait for a larger boat and just follow them out. They'd flatten out the waves, making the ride out much smoother. I've seen much smaller boats out there, 14' Jon boats, kyaks, etc...just be smart and have fun!
DaveS
__________________ If you think education is expensive, try ignorance
..."Vegetarian - old Indian word for bad fisherman."
Weather is one thing, sea conditions another. To be sure, when you get to the inlet hail boaters offshore and ask for sea conditions. Periodically tune the VHF to the weather channel, things can change. A fast approaching summer squal can soon change 1 to 2 miles into an eternity.
If you are talking about running 2-3 miles out to Fluke fish in July & August, no problem as long as it is blowing 10 mph or less; even a West wind of 15-20 will churn up bigger waves 1-2 miles out than you will want to be in on an 18' boat, especially with kids. Get you safety gear in order too.
Never been impressed with the quality of Parker, with this economy you can buy a lot better boat at a very very good price in the 18' range. I'd rather have a 25 year old 17' Whaler.
Never been impressed with the quality of Parker ......ever been on one?I have owned starcrafts, cobias, hydra-sports ,been on the water since I was 8 and by far the best boat I have owned is my Parker 2520. fit and finish is good, hull is solid bilge hasn't come on since I have owned it tightest deck I have stood on. I put 200 hours a year in NE waters and would say you won't have any problem as long as you keep a watchful eye on the weather that boat will do anything you ask of it.
[quote=giggyfish;2720114]Never been impressed with the quality of Parker ......
I have been on Parker and I think they are pretty solid boats. The finish work is not as fancy as some of the higher priced boats but it seems to be a very reliable brand. Ther are many in my marina with satisfied owners after several years of use
Legendgw, I cannot agree with you more, Parker boats are solid reliable craft. For the money you will not find a better boat. About the only complaint I have is they could use more storage space. I guarantee you will stay a lot dryer than any whaler you might ride on.
Thanks for all who assisted me with my question. I am wondering aloud if a 2 foot bigger boat 21 foot Sea Pro CC w/ 150 Hr Yamaha, is better or stick with smaller 18 Foot Parker.
I have a 186 Key West CC with a Honda 90 and have no problem taking the wife and grandkids out to the Isles of Shoals off of Portsmouth on a nice day (6 Miles). Watch the weather and pay attention to whats around you and you shouldn't have a problem.
All your comforts increase when you go up in size, everyone is happier. More room, better ride. 18 feet gets very small, especially with children. But if this is your first boat, then starting out small and keeping it simple to see if everyone likes it, might be best.
Thanks for all who assisted me with my question. I am wondering aloud if a 2 foot bigger boat 21 foot Sea Pro CC w/ 150 Hr Yamaha, is better or stick with smaller 18 Foot Parker.
IMO, a little bigger in that size range, unless you are using it as a flats boat, is always better. I think the ideal size for a single engine family boat is 21-22' - enough room for 6 people plus some gear, small enough to trailer with a mid-size suv, the same cost to maintain, and if buying used, not a lot more money to buy.
I wouldn't buy a CC that wasn't big enough to have a small porta-potti in the console - most 18's aren't.
I have to agree with the others....not that an 18 foot can't do it, it can, but boats get smaller when you put them in the water, then again when you put your gear on it, then again when everyone boards.
The problem with trading up shortly after buying is you take a beating on the money.
I feel 23 foot is an ideal sized boat, a great inbetween, trailerable and able to move with 1 motor, a boat you can go a long time without outgrowing.
I would recommend a 21 footer as a minimum, you won't regret going up a size for what you want the boat for, and something with a decent amount of freeboard.
Enough Boat? 
