Seeking input, re: Lund Fisherman 1800

[EyesnSchnapps]

I am considering purchasing a 2002 Lund 1800 Fisherman. The boat currently has a 2002 Mercury 125 hp 2+2. The rig is on a Shorelandr trailer. I am very familiar with the boats owner, and know that the rig has been very well taken care of and is in excellent shape.

My questions are:

1. Is the merc 125 hp enough engine for this rig?

2. What would be a fair price for this set up?

Any advise, help, or input would be greatly appreciated.

[EyesnSchnapps]

Does anyone have any opinions or insight?

[bobberal]

I love my Lund Fisherman 1800..I think a 125 is a little light but you can call me and I'll tell you all about my experience with this boat.

320-203-9269

[Valv]

125hp should be ok, but on the light side, if you can get a 135hp or 150hp it would be better.

[bobberal]

125 on that boat is OK if you want to take forever to plane out and have 14 foot boats with 20 HP motors pass you.

[Shorelunch]

A 125 EFI will get you to point A to point B though which is what matters. The boat should get on plane fairly easily.

A friend had a Merc non EFI 125 on a 18' Sportfish and his motored around just fine.

If you re-power, I'd follow the 80% of max hp rule of thumb. The 1800 Fisherman's max hp is 175, so I really wouldn't go below a 135hp. I'd also recommend a stainless prop for getting on plane, speed and handling.

As far as price, I'd check NADA or look on other dealer's web sites or ads and look for comparable packages and go from there.

[ChuckN]

You should be ok with a 125 even though it's on the weaker side. My friend has a 125hp on a 17.5 glass boat and they are quiet for a 2 stroke, but he has the 2+2 engine.

Are you sure that the motor is a 125, because I've never seen or heard of a Mercury 125 with EFI. The 125 is their "classic" carburetor motor. They have a good history as they've made this motor a long time.

[EyesnSchnapps]

ChuckN

I double checked the engine information, and you are correct. The 125 hp on the rig is the 2+2.

Thanks for everyones input. Keep the comments comming please.

[CabinBoy]

My previous boat was a 1800 Fisherman with the 125 2+2. Honestly, the boat performed very poorly in rough water. There just wasn't enough hp to get the hull out of the water. Very wet, rough rides for such a big boat. Didn't have a stainless on but I don't think it would have made enough of a difference for the $. Nothing wrong with the motor, it ran great. I'm sure a 150 would have made a world of difference.

[bobberal]

Well said cabin boy...I have a 150 on my 1800 Fisherman and it pushes the boat like a dream through rough water. I also noticed that the 150 jumps the boat out on plane very fast too.

[EyesnSchnapps]

CabinBoy,

When you had your 1800 Fisherman, what was the reasoning you used originally to put the 125hp on it? Just curious. Does anyone have any input on fair price for a rig like this?

[bobberal]

Never had a 125 on my 1800 Fisherman, but I did on my 1800 Pro V. The hulls are similar and I knew when I purchased my 1800 Fisherman I was going to power up and never make the under power mistake again.

[CabinBoy]

The main reason - $$$$$. The boat was also pre-rigged with the 125 and priced w/ a Shorelandr trailer. If you do decide to go with this rig, if the Shorelandr doesn't have load guides on it I would suggesting investing in a pair. That boat was a bugger to get on the trailer straight if you had a little wind to contend with. I sold the boat, motor, trailer (all 2000 models) in '03 for $15,000 - also had 2 Lowrance locators, minnkota on bow, rod holders, cover, spare tire. The boat you are looking at should be similar in price I would think.

[EyesnSchnapps]

CabinBoy

Thanks for the inside scoop. I am dealing with a very similar situation. I greatly appreciate your input.