Looking for advice on a Lund 1800 Fisherman ITS

[tater140]

Thanks for the replies so far. Is the loss of room the only downside to an Inboard motor? I only have experience with outboards. Are they anymore or less trouble to work on? I would assume they may be less maintenance then a 2-stroke outboard?

[Polar Eyes]

Tater --

I have an 18' Deep Vee Polar Kraft (SC model) that has a similar hull to the Fisherman. A friend of mine has the 1800 Fisherman and we measured hulls one day and dimensionally they are very similar in terms of depth, width, and length. I live in Maumee, OH and fish Lake Erie a ton and do not have problems on most days with my boat, so with a Lund, I'm sure you'll have no problems either. Obviously, there are limits, but for most fishing where an SCA isn't posted, you'll be fine.

A note on the motor, though. Besides space, I believe that inboards have a more rigorous winterization routine and are more prone to block freeze damage. If you're like me, I'm pushing the limits each year with getting out early and fishing late into the season. In fact, I've lost count as to the number of trailer tail lights I've had to replace due to breaking ice at the ramp. With outboards, they are very easy to drain the water. I ***THINK*** (but don't know for sure) that inboards and I/O's won't drain soley by gravity and therefore you may have to be more cautious about when you end your season and how early you start. Some of the big guys (charter boat captains, big boat owners, etc...) who have I/O's or Inboards can probably give you more info on what they do.

[labrat]

I had to replace the floor on my 99 Lund,something you may want to check on this boat