I just ordered a 2025 H18. Please let me know what you like/dislike about this boat and what additions you have added. Also, how do you check your hours for break in and has any one added a trim switch on the front. My first tin boat so anything you guys can help me with is much appreciated.
I have a '23 but probably no difference where it matters. I highly suggest going with a hydraulic jackplate because where you want to be in calm and moderate chop is very different from where you want to be in bigger swells. Also, mine came with a powertech ptr3-21 and it was completely wrong at least for my setup with ultrex up front and lithium in back. Was also a safety hazard with no jack plate because it wouldn't pop the front up like it needed to in big swells causing me to go through them VS over them. Motor drank a ton of gas with that prop too because it wasn't providing much lift in the midrange. The general consensus is xpress hulls prefer a 4 blade stern lifting prop like a trophy or 4 blade turbo so I put a powertech nrs4 in 21p on and it's a totally different boat for the better. Lost 1-2mph up top bet gained everywhere else and quickly paying for itself in fuel savings.
For loading and unloading...you'll figure out what works best for you. I had to spray my bunks with ceramic wax because the 115 won't push the boat up the bunks without lubrication where the trailer needs to be to keep from loading crooked on the ramps I use but also have a crooked ramp at my home lake.
Breaking in the motor I just kept track with the clock on the console graph. Did the first two hours all at once then ran business as usual after. Business as usual for me is wot only in short bursts so no problem there.
On compartment lids you will want to put foam or neoprene in strategic places to quiet the lids down. Still prefer seadek over carpet. Also, the plastic bins in the compartments make it easy to mount stuff and do wiring when removed. If you have to run wires between the console and bilge get you one of those $10 fish tapes from hobo freight. Best tool we've found for running wires through the 90° bend in corrugated tubing.
2023 Xpress H18 with 115 SHO that's optioned to fit my wants and pulled by a little Ram.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. Just smile and walk away.
Just got to see one in person at a local boat show. Nice boat for sure. I'd like to get the crappie model myself man that would be nice! I had a 2013 H18 years ago and it was rated for a 150. Wonder why they are only rated for a 115 now?
they are nice boats when dialed in. Tough and stable platform too. My friend's dad keeps asking me why I didn't get the crappie model. Well, for starters the bass model fits how I fish betterOriginally Posted by RyanJ
Probably rated for a 115 to keep the price point lower. I do know of an x18c that recently got a 225 efi put on it but the owner is kind of a rebel.
2023 Xpress H18 with 115 SHO that's optioned to fit my wants and pulled by a little Ram.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. Just smile and walk away.
Thanks for the information. Did you run wires to the bow for a graph or use what is supplied. I'm have live scope and I'm not sure about the power to the bow. I also would like to put a trim switch on the front. What other upgrades have you done?
10g wire going to bow from factory. Also 10g going to console. I keep saying I'll put in a front trim switch and probably will next time the front graphs come off. Once you dig in you'll find it's an easy boat to work on. Oh, also have trick steps and ramp n clamp for trailer. Need to put a ladder on but on the fence about which one to get.
2023 Xpress H18 with 115 SHO that's optioned to fit my wants and pulled by a little Ram.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. Just smile and walk away.
Thanks so much for the help. March is going to be a long month.
what kind of speed are you guys seeing with a 115 on this boat?
NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST!!!!!!
I have the 2012 with a 115 but if I install hydraulic steering I can put a 150. The new ones are less than 18ft and have a significantly smaller gas tank.
XPRESS H 18 SS, YAMAHA 115
they say 18 gallon but doubt it's a drop over 14.
2023 Xpress H18 with 115 SHO that's optioned to fit my wants and pulled by a little Ram.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. Just smile and walk away.
Fastest was 53.4 in perfect conditions with dealer installed Powertech ptr3 21p. Currently seeing 50 on a good day with a 21p Powertech nrs4 but at least i have a usable midrange and can steer without blowing out. Also way better in rough water. Oh, the stern lifting 4 blade is quickly paying for itself in fuel savings.
2023 Xpress H18 with 115 SHO that's optioned to fit my wants and pulled by a little Ram.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. Just smile and walk away.
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