Rigging a new Lund 1800 fisherman

[larrym]

The new boat just arrived and I'm making some rigging decisions.

1. Will be powered by a 135 opti which I know is on the low end of the powere range suitable for this boat. We'll be trying out SS props when the ice is gone but, in the meantime, the rigger is suggesting we start with mounting the motor as low as it will go. Says that is what Lund recommends in his rigging training. Most of what I've read on this board suggests one or two holes up. Guess we can always change it but wanted to start as close to right as we can. Thinking we will use a 19" ballistic prop to start with. I'm not very concerned about speed but do want plenty of bow lift and a decent hole shot for occasional tubing with the grandkids.

2. With the bow rails on this boat it's clear the trolling motor will likely bang on the boat if not supported. What are most of you using...Ram etc?

3. Where are you mounting your VHF radios and antennas? Hate to screw more holes than needed in the dash....anyone mounting on the inside wall and slightly under the driver console? (down by your feet) Other suggestions?

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[REW]

1. As far as the motor is concerned, I would start with the 2nd or 3rd hole up - with this motor. You might have to drop it down, but I would start at that location.

2. With respect to the radio mounting, side mounting under the console on the side of the boat, works quite well for some folks.
It is a bit inconvenient to use, but it is mainly out of the weather.

Another thought is to mount it in a box under the dash - unless you have knee clearance problems, which is common on many boats.

3. If this is a walk through windshield boat, about the only reasonable spot for the antenna is mounted beside the driver on the gunnel, so that - when not being used, the antenna can lay flat on the gunnel of the boat.
The downside of this installation is that when getting into the boat, it is easy to step on the layed down antenna.


4. Depending on what kind of trolling motor you are using -- it sounds line you might be using a minnkota electric steered motor -- if so, the use of the ram mont or equivalent is an excellent choice for tying down the motor.

Take care
REW

[Westy]

Larry:

I own a 2002 1800 Fisherman with a 175 Yamaha VMax HPDI and Yamaha 8 hp kicker. Perhaps it isn't apples to apples to your 135 Opti, but, I too started in the lowest hole based upon the recommendation of my dealer. I am running a 21 P Yamaha Pro Series 3 blade SS prop and have hydraulic steering. My kicker is linked to the big motor. I changed my big motor set-up and ended up raising it two holes. It improved my RPM's and steering and handling at speed. The real reason I began tinkering with the height was after getting some advice from SeaStar regarding the motor height and the excessive steering torque. Raising it made a big difference with the steering torque and raised my RPM's to the point that I am now running at the max RPM's for 90% of the boating conditions I am faced with (load, number of people, etc...). To me, the boat seemed to ride a little higher too, but hard to really prove. I am not sure how your boat will perform, but based upon my experience, I would certainly consider raising the motor. Either way, you can always raise it later or lower it later if you aren't satisfied with the results. You mentioned a 19P Ballistic. I ran a 19P Ballistic on my 99 1850 Crestliner Sportfish with a 125 Merc and it worked great. The Lund is no lightweight, but I think it will serve your needs as you stated them.

Next, I have my VHF radio mounted on the side wall down near my feet with the antennae just like REW mentioned. I fold the antennae back and have it attached with a snap from the antennae to the boat to keep it from flopping around when not in use.

I have a 62lb Minkota Autopilot on the front of the boat. In the up position, it lays just inside of the hand rails and barely moves. I don't support it, although I have thought about it. If I was going to do it, I would consider a RAM mount. But, I just take a golf club driver cover and slide it over the head and down the shaft and it works great.

I have installed RAM mounts for rod holders around the boat and I really like how they get the rods up and away from the boat. They seem to allow for better clearance and a multitude of angles for rod placement.

Hope this helps, good luck with your decision. Feel free to ask any other questions.

[work2fish]

wrt 2):

Here are some photos of a 65AP of a Fisherman 1700 using a RAM mount for stabilization:

http://www.pbase.com/image/21866754
http://www.pbase.com/image/21866755

Regards,

[REW]

In addition to the note above:
Rather than using a strap to hold down the antenna, you can purchase a rubber clip that is sized for the end of the antenna.
Basically it looks like an open ended C that is sized for the end of the antenna.
Small compact and mounts with a couple of screws, or nuts and bolts through the gunner.
When you lay back the antenna, slightly spread the rubber mouth of the C clip, and it snaps and holds the antenna in place.

Take care
REW

[Prchjerker]

If youre going to do any skiing or tubing, with a Fisherman youve got to mount the motor all the way down.I dont know how many times over the years that weve had them in and out of the shop fighting prop slip and cavitation while skiing.The only cure weve found is lower the motor and go to a stainless prop.Been there done it.

[eyedoktr]

I would think if you want to tube or ski you should buy the 1800 Tube and Ski model The Fisherman is for fishing. Man, you guys know how to ruin a good fishing boat. LOL

Seriously though, I am buying either a Fisherman 1800 or an Alumacraft so these posts are informative to me. BUT......my boat will NEVER be used for skiing or tubing.

[Grampa_Joe]

One thing to add to Rew’s comment. If you do mount the VHF on the side of the gunnel, make sure you have enough angle to allow water to clear itself from the speaker grill. It won’t hurt the speaker, but if you mount it vertical your buddies will sound like they’re gargling unless you get down on your knees and blow out the water now and then.

A point to make in regards to Westy’s post. The Yamaha he runs has a shorter shaft length than your Merc, so I would tend to agree with him in running it higher right off the bat. I typically see a lot of Lunds with the motors mounted too low as well.

Joe Carlson

[NWBuck]

I pick up our new 1800 on Saturday. We chose it because it's a pretty good combination fish/ski boat. To be honest, if I'd only wanted a fishing boat I'd have gone with the Pro-V. Even though it's called the "Fisherman" I think it's about as good of a combo boat as is out there. Like the dealer said: "The only perfect boat is 2 boats." :)

Mine will be rigged with a 150 Yami 4 stroke starting on the bottom hole, but this could change. I've moved my 65 lb. AP from previous boat to this one...along with the RAM mount. I highly recommend it for both highway travel and rough water. Good luck...sounds like alot of new Fisherman will be on the water this spring.

NWBuck