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  1. #1
    Member Finlander's Avatar
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    Aug 2013
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    St. John's, FL
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    711

    618 rod locker length?

    Small Florida garage has me shopping the sub 19’ class boats, love the Phoenix features but not sold on the 618 yet. Need to know rod storage limit and length?

  2. Member
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    Jan 2014
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    #2
    locker is rated to 8ft. I only have 7'9 rods and stores them well. in the official rod locker, the antlers store 10 or 11 rods. You can remove them and put in more. The issue I have with this is it becomes a big mess of rigs and hard to find what I want. Instead, I keep my antlers and use the drivers side box as well. I have 4 7'5 rigs on the driver side and locker is empty; could take many more. I pull these 4 rods out at the start of each day. Then I take or replace rods from my formal rod locker as I need them. I keep my rods on the driver side when on deck to give me more room to stand and also to make getting into the rod locker easier.

    I have a 618 for the reasons you suggest. the small adaptations above work for me. Was on Big O all of last week. I only caught fish on 2 rigs though I tried 10. My last day I had only 2 rigs on deck.
    2024 Phoenix 818
    2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947

  3. Member
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    Sep 2016
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    Shell Knob/Owasso
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    #3
    I took the tubes out of my 618 locker and went with rod socks. My rods go up to 8' and no problem. I have a 618 for same reason. Garage size and need a single axle trailer so I can move it some by hand. My buddy has an 819. He's a little faster, but honestly I think they fish about the same. Love the boat.

  4. Member Ray Co. Hank's Avatar
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    Sep 2008
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    Ray County MO
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    #4
    The decks (and rod boxes) are the same length as the 619/719/819/919 (all 19'8" models).

    The 618 is a great boat, you'll be surprised how big she'll fish.

    Like mentioned, removing the rod tubes makes it easier to get the long ones in and out.

    Good luck!

  5. Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Grand Prairie TX
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    162
    #5
    Took the storage system out of mine, use rod socks and have 16 in port side. It could hold a few more. I can be a little OCD so I use a label maker and mark the butts with what they are, makes it a lot easier to find what your looking for. I keep my spinning gear (5 or 6) in the starboard side but I like "davidsa" idea, may try that as well.

    It's a great boat and fishes bigger that what you would think!!! Good luck in your quest.

  6. Member
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    Jul 2011
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    Gatineau Qc Canada
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    #6
    I've got several 7,11" rods in mine
    Shawn.D
    2015 Phoenix 618pro w/ 150 Evinrude Etec HO

  7. Member Finlander's Avatar
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    Aug 2013
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    St. John's, FL
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    711
    #7
    Thanks guys...rod storage is important and it sounds like the 618 gets it done. 16 rods un-tubed more than meets my needs.

  8. Mike Lamb
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    Jan 2010
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    raleigh, nc 27603
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    #8
    I am looking hard at the 618. Well it is btwn the z518c and the 618pro. Main thing is the storage in the garage. Problem is I cant find 618 anywhere local. Of course I could order one.
    all I want is 618 / single axle / 175 Pro XS. that seems very hard to find in NC.
    Michael Lamb
    2017 / Ranger 518c 200 Mercury Pro XS
    Raleigh, NC

  9. Member
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    #9
    Mike- I looked hard at he 518 which in 2014 came in two models. I came from a ranger and had never heard of Phx. When I saw one I realized it had Hardware of the much more expensive Ranger yet price of lower cost ranger. Having owned for 3 years price is forgotten, the layout makes the bird win. Cooler in the step and tackle storeage in the middle.

    I would call Weida's Marine which is just south of Cincinnati.
    2024 Phoenix 818
    2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947

  10. Mike Lamb
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    Jan 2010
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    raleigh, nc 27603
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    #10
    Problem is I am not close to Cincinnati at all.
    Michael Lamb
    2017 / Ranger 518c 200 Mercury Pro XS
    Raleigh, NC

  11. Member
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    #11
    Multiple guys from ny and dc area have done it and recommend it. I get your POV
    2024 Phoenix 818
    2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947