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I'm ordering a new H18. Wondering if anyone who has one could tell me if they are, or are not, running a jack plate and or hydraulic steering? Current order has neither. Also any idea on what those might cost? Im guessing $5-$600 on a 6 manual plate but no idea on steering. I'm not looking for the fastest boat around but do want one that handles well and is easy to run. Thanks
A 6" manual plate should be perfect with a 150.
Steering is up to you. I run a 01 X19 with a Vmax Hpdi 150 and it will run 59 loaded all day,the dual cable is fine. 200 hp? I would want hydraulic Steering.
X 18 owner but go with the hydraulic steering upgrade for sure if you can afford it just much easier to steer. Jack plate will mainly make it easier to dial in for best ride, speed and handling.
Hydraulic steering I highly recommend as stated, I see you are just east of me so if you are deciding to fish the Mississippi River I also recommend the Hydraulic jack plate also.
FYI, the new H18 has a max HP of 115 while the X18 has the max HP of 150 per their website. Hydraulic steering and jackplate are worth the money!
I wouldn't own a boat without hydraulic steering unless it was a tiller steer. Cj
I appreciate all the feed back. I ordered it with hyd steer, a 6 inch manual plate, and dual raptor 8' poles. Lithium TM batterys will help offset the weight of the poles. I have a 2021 Phoenix 921 Elite also and will use the Xpress as a prefish/knock around/crappie boat.
Did you order through Bob's Marine?
I would for sure get hyd steering on it....on the H18 a 6'' manual jack is fine (I had one setup that way) but if I was ordering a brand new boat I would have them put on the hydraulic jack personally.
I did buy it from Bob
I just bought an H18 and it’s an excellent fishing machine. Love everything about it and I came from 20 foot Phoenix.