618 vs 919

[tnsportsman86]

I fish out of a 285 pro xl now. I’m looking hard at the 618 and 919. I always told myself I would get a 19 ft boat for my next one but really like the 618. My biggest concern is front deck space. How much more room are you gaining between these two models? Price difference is between 12-13k. Any help is appreciated.

[mactlman]

919 is a premium model 19 footer and the 618 is a base model 18 footer I believe so std equipment lots more on 919. 919 tandem trailer and lots more bells and whistles

[mactlman]

http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=464768

[FD209]

I can’t speak for the 618 but I love my 919. I had a TZX190 before and I can tell you the wider front deck is nice. I really liked the layout and features of the 919 also. The Phoenix has lots of little things that you really won’t appreciate until you spend some time in the boat. Also I’m not sure where performance falls on your list of needs but the 919 runs good and handles like it’s on rails. My boat is faster than most boats out there with a 250.

[MichPhoenix77]

I fish out of a 285 pro xl now. I’m looking hard at the 618 and 919. I always told myself I would get a 19 ft boat for my next one but really like the 618. My biggest concern is front deck space. How much more room are you gaining between these two models? Price difference is between 12-13k. Any help is appreciated.

I think the gain in space is in the back of the boat in the rear deck area. I would not ignore the Phoenix 819 as a possible option also. It has the exact same hull as the 919 only with a few less extras such as dual bilge pump's, wiring and some chrome upgrades. I'm sure I'm missing some other options. The biggest difference is the engine, it is 200hp but still will run in the 70's. If you are going to spend 919 money you should consider going up to a 721. Then you will really get some space and ride comfort.

[Bob_Fish]

I fish out of a 285 pro xl now. I’m looking hard at the 618 and 919. I always told myself I would get a 19 ft boat for my next one but really like the 618. My biggest concern is front deck space. How much more room are you gaining between these two models? Price difference is between 12-13k. Any help is appreciated.

I came from a Stratos 282 similar in size to the 285. I went to the 919 and very pleased with the boat. It has a softer side in rough water than my Stratos. Front desk is very roomy with a lot of storage for tackle, rods and any thing else. IMO go with the 919.

[Bluelinefishing]

Several people have said get as much boat as you can afford and store. Wise advice because I had an 18ft boat by another brand that had a 115. Great starter boat but I quickly realized I needed more boat and room. When kayaks pass you up you are too slow.... When my son or I got close to the gunnel the boat leaned because it was a smaller boat. With my 819 this is not an issue and not nearly as noticeable. If the $10-$12K is too big of a leap between the 618 and 919 you might like a 819. Both hulls impressed me with the ride and quality.

[DMart1]

Personally, I would look at the 819 vs. 919 and ditch the 618 alltogether. MUCH better ride with the longer, bigger boat. I personally went with the 819 as it was more inline with my budget and the extra 4-5 MPH wasn't worth another $5k.

[Coke]

Well I'm gonna throw my opinion in here. Back at the beginning of 2011, I decided to get a new boat (my 18 year old Procraft had served me well), and had no idea what it would be. I'm 6'3" and 250lbs., fish alone most of the time, and don't fish any really big lakes. I wanted something that had plenty of room, handled good, and would serve my needs for a long time. I decided on a 618 with a Merc 175 ProXS, and couldn't be happier. If I was going to replace my boat tomorrow, I would get another 618.

[davidsa]

Budget plays a big part. No doubt bigger is better in open waters. For me, price was not the issue. I went 618 for a number of reasons (1) fits in my garage. The 618 is actually a 18'11 boat with a 10 inch jackplate on it. Takes as much room in my garage as my old 19'6 ranger. (2) the 618 is as much weight as I want to run on a single axle trailer and I have moved to Load D tires even on the 618. I can't put a dual in my garage or carport in Florida without major hassle. (3) Finally I fish alone 60% of time. No need for larger boat

After 5years fishing mostly Ohio River and Lake Okeechobee florida, I'd get the 618 again. Rides great, +60mph, and meets all my needs

[boomow610]

I have a 618 with a 175, tandem trailer, padded decks...basically loaded. It serves my needs just fine. I fish Lake Palestine mostly, but, I make a few trips to Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend every year. As said above, the 618 actually rides like a 19.5ft boat. Also, it isn’t tippy from side to side as was alluded to in a previous reply. My tourney partner is a big boy and he doesn’t rock the boat. My only dislike is that a 7’ or longer rod hangs off the rod box on the passenger side. It isn’t a problem on the driver side because the console has a padded space for rod tips. When I looked at the 819 and 919, I took some rods with me. Guess what, the same thing happens on the 819/919. Personally, I couldn’t justify the extra $$ for an almost negligible difference in deck length (yes, it is wider). For the 919 money, the 721 is a better deal. My 618 is paid for, but, if I ever get a new one, it will be a 721.

[Lape0019]

Almost bought an 819 but ended up in another brand. The major difference (other than length) is the amount of beam the 919 carries onto the front deck. The 618 slopes inward quite fast after the consoles and if memory serves me right, is about 3 inches narrower on both side at the bow. That may not sound like much, but that translates to more width at the butt seat which if it is in, makes it a whole lot easier to walk around the deck on.

[tnsportsman86]

Thanks for all the replies it gives me a lot to think about.

[Ray Co. Hank]

I've had both. The characteristics between the 2 are very similar. I loved my 618- fished from it for 5 years: she still made me smile in that time. My 919 is that much more going on 3 years of ownership. It personally is my dream rig.