New Guy with 180 fisherman

eegs2k · #1 04-06-2010, 08:31 AM

Hi,

I've been reading this forum and searching the topics on here for a while now. Great info on these boats! Just thought I'd introduce myself. I have an 83 180 fisherman with a 90hp Johnson. I have been using it to fish and hang with the family here on the lakes in PA. Boat spent most of its time on Barnegat Bay in NJ.

Are there many 18 CC guys on here? Do any of you run a 90? Seems a bit sluggish as I can only hit 30mph WOT.

Also do many of you have issues with water coming back up the drains in the deck? I plug them most of the time, but I even see a trickle when the boat is docked. Is that normal? I plan to move my battery to the console to try and help but I am still a bit concerned. Have any of you removed them and glassed over?

Thanks,
Dave

Blue_Runner · #2 04-06-2010, 09:38 AM

Hey Dave, welcome. I love the 18 cc's!!

On the deck drains maybe you should look into replacing them with ones that have a check valve. The kind that lets water out but not back in. I don't think I'd glass over them...unless they drain into the bilge anyway.

For the 90hp - you might be able to get a different prop to help out with your numbers. Do you know what diameter and pitch prop you have now?

chumbucket · #3 04-06-2010, 09:44 AM

Welcome.
Along with the info Blue_Runner asked for, your WOT RPM's would also tell if you're running the right prop and where to go from there.

Curapa · #4 04-06-2010, 02:31 PM

Eegs2k, I am a fellow Fisherman 18 owner.

I would expect around 30mph with that 90hp. I run a 130hp on mine and have maxed out at 42mph, that was with the current and the wind. I cruise around 30mph.

My boat is the same way with the water coming up through the deck drains. The floor is right above the water line so it is normal for it to happen. I second the check valve idea. I haven't added them to mine yet but plan to soon. Moving the battery should help a little.

I would be completely smitten with my boat if it had a 25in transom. I venture about 10 miles offshore regularly and those extra 5 in would make me a lot more comfy.

eegs2k · #5 04-06-2010, 05:24 PM

Thanks for the replies.

I think the prop is 14R 19. Does that sound right for a late 90s Johnson 90hp? I don't have a tach, so I cannot see RPMs. I suspect it is just a bit under powered with a 90 as Curapa said. Max hp is 150 according to the sticker. Would another prop make a difference?

Does anyone have a link to the drains with check valves?

Curapa · #6 04-06-2010, 07:34 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/T-H-MARINE-INLIN...item483935c355

macojoe · #7 04-06-2010, 09:01 PM

Prop can make all the difference in the world!! I was pushing a 5000 pound boat with a 175 Merc, after a few prop try's I used a 15 x 15 1/4 and could do 33 MPH before that I had a hard time getting out the hole!

Good Luck

reelapeelin · #8 04-07-2010, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curapa

http://cgi.ebay.com/T-H-MARINE-INLIN...item483935c355

Check the hose inside diameter on your boat prior to ordering...sometimes things get changed...

JohnnyO1 · #9 04-07-2010, 04:52 PM

Hi Dave,

I own an '90 18' cc. Also live in NJ and fish/cruise the Bar. bay. Tried for flounder twice so far at the Manoloking Bridge and got skunked both times. Thinking about going tomorrow! Got my fingers crossed! I haven't posted lately but have been reading the forums. As you stated there is a lot of useful information on this site, and a lot of friendly knowledgable members.

I share the same issue with the drains, but I also believe it would be a bad idea to close them. When I purchased the boat the previous owner had installed T-H Marine ball scuppers. They work ok but the previously posted check valve seem like a better set up. Not exactly sure how to install them, but I am definitely going to look into them.

I'm not sure what the original motor on my boat was but the previous owner changed it to a '97 150 hp Merc. Can't give you any cruise/WOT speeds, don't have any way to tell. Just ordered a new GPS so might have them soon. I currently have an aluminum prop(can't find any numbers on it. previous owner painted it and think the paint is hiding the numbers) but I am think of changing it over to SS.

I also was thinking about moving the batteries into the console to move the weight forward. I'm not exactly sure what that job entails but I think the gauge of the wire needs to increase depending on the distance from the motors. If you do it please let me know how it turns out.

Hope all members are doing well and wish you all a excellent/safe season.

..... me this morning. Can't believe how nice it is today!

nipper · #10 04-07-2010, 06:24 PM

Nice post JohnnyO! I am not one of the knowledgeable members, but I have also enjoyed this site. I have found lots of advice and information in the threads. Please keep visiting and posting. And I cannot say this with any authority or credibility given that I have posted ZERO) pix on the site, but bring on the pix of the boat and associated activities.