Jones 1800 CF Sport vs Parker 1801

[tinkerbell]

Battle of the 18' center consoles. Very similar boats with top notch quality. I'm looking hard at both. Both 18' with a 7'6" beam and powered by a Yamaha F115. The big difference I see is the Jones has an 18 degree deadrise at the transom and the Parker has 14 degree deadrise (a more modified vee). Parker is 200 pounds heavier. Is there anyone who experienced both boats and can share their opinion?

Thank you

[gf2020]

Jones Brothers makes some nice boats but I would give the nod to the Parker in the 18' range. It's a better known commodity in these parts and will retain its value well.

For about the same money you can get in to a McKee Craft 196 (http://www.mckeecraft.com/boats/196CC.htm) with the Yamaha F115 or a Johnson 140 4-stroke. The McKee is bigger than either of those two boats, with comparable fit and finish and a better ride.

[zimmjas]

:eek: Maybe the Jones Bros. isn't "better known" in New England, but that takes nothing away from it. They're built in the Outer Banks region which is no more hospitable than in these parts. I've got the JB 1910 LT and can attest to its seaworthiness. Not 100% sure, but the Parker, which is an equally fine vessel, may be more affordable. There are plenty of guides who use both and will swear up & down about how great they are. A boat is like a baby and everyone thinks their's is the cutest.

McKee craft is very nice, but a deeper draft; depends how shallow you want to get.

You're only going to find out by testing them out on the water. Try to do it on a day with some wind where you can get them in the chop, but also, if possible, get it in some safe water where you can open it up. Really, you can't go wrong. I was in the same position as you - JB, Parker or Maritime Skiff. Just fell in love with that Carolina flare on the JB.

[gf2020]

I agree, the 1910 LT is a tremendous boat and there are several of them plying our New England waters. However, it is a lot more expensive than a Jones Brothers 1800 Sport or a Parker 1801. The price tag really puts it in a different category.

[Codfisher]

Since you would probably use these boats in shore (and not worring about heading in 20+miles when it turns snotty outside) and I would think the Mod V of the Parker would be slightly more stable on a drift in chop than the deeper V. However when running into the chop the deeper V wouldnt pound as much. Of course with trim tabs and or slowing down you can lessen the pounding.
Both are good boats you wont go wrong either way. To bad there isnt a perfect boat out there...always comprimises to be made. Good Luck.