I agree with warthog5 on the Fortress FX18 - it's what I have on my 2520 XLD. There was a comparison done a few years back of anchor holding power in the Chespeake Bay and the Fortress won hands down. I'll try to find the article and post a link.
Bought my first Parker, a 1990 1800 Sport with a Mariner 115 in 1996 for $8,000. Repowered with 115 Mercury Four Stroke, new gas tank, new electrical throughout and cosmetic work in 2018 (cost $17,500). Added 80# thrust Minn Kota trolling motor in 2021. I have this boat valued at $23k for...
A-K,
I think your history is pretty accurate. I have been a Parker owner for 27 years and currently own 2 - a 1990 1800 Sport with a 2018 Mercury 115 four-stroke and a 2019 2520 XLD with twin 200 Yamahas. Nansemond Marine in Suffolk, VA used to be our local Parker dealer and rigged and sold...
2019 2520 XLD with twin 200 XCA Yamahas, Reliance Series 14 1/4 X 18 in the sweet spot of 3800 rpm's, 2 people, full fuel, inside this is the best I can do. This is very much in line with the Yamaha Performance bulletin for this boat/motor combination.
Cap'n Dan
843,
I have owned my 1990 1800 for 26 years and still am absolutely in love 🥰 with her! They are very solid, BIG little boats. I have had mine 40 miles from the inlet when the air temp was 16°F and felt very confident the whole way. Even after getting my 2520 (which I also love), I still feel...
Hey Gill,
Check out Nansemond Marine in Suffolk, VA. They routinely rebuild older Parkers to "like new" condition with new Mercury power. They rebuilt my 1990 1800 in 2018 and she is ready for another 25 years of life. I'm not sure what they have available now, but worth a look...
No, not at all. Most of the time I end up with less slack than what is shown in the photos - It's just a matter of timing with the windlass switch. I'm pretty sure you don't want it too tight as it might damage the stopper and kinda defeats the purpose of having it in the first place.
Cap'n Dan
We use up to four of these on our 2520. Very comfortable, very light (they have straps to carry like a backpack), very cool mesh seat and back, and they fold very flat. We keep 2 onboard all the time - stowed in vee berth. I usually have one set up in my garage for being lazy in. West Marine...
052520,
I too was concerned about constant tension on the windlass. Here's what I did to solve the problem. Installed a 316 stainless chain stopper that I got off Amazon. So far very pleased with how it works.
Cap'n Dan
Hi Antidote,
I settled on a Fortress FX-11 for my 2520 after researching best anchors for the Chesapeake Bay. There was a test conducted up the bay using a large station keeping vessel equipped with dynamometer for measuring applied loads. The Fortress outperformed all other anchors tested...
Welcome to CP CobbFisherman! I'm down at the southern end of the bay. I can tell you from experience...you're gonna LOVE your 1800. I have had mine for 25+ years & she still gives me a thrill every time I take her out!
Cap'n Dan
Deadrise36,
That's the same lift that I have my 2520 XLD with twinn 200's sitting in. Like you, the lift was already there, so gotta roll with it. I gave detailed dimensions for my bunk set up on a previous post (same title) here...