Bayliner Trophy 18ft

foxer · 02-14-2004, 04:53 PM

Wife and I are thinking about one of these. Anybody own one or have anything to share? It will have 115hp Merc. Thx

sparse gray hackle · 02-14-2004, 05:08 PM

Great Boat! We had a 18 ft trophy . loved it [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] . However we live 4 Hr from the coast on the Rogue River. It didn't make sense to own a plastic boat and live on the river [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] so we sold it, and bought a willie's Predator

ProCastinator · 02-15-2004, 09:42 AM

I have a '99 model, which I purchased new. I love the boat, and use it all the time. It handles very well and rides great in rough water. I started taking it over the CR bar last summer, and it performed wonderfully.
The longer you own a boat, the more things you see that could be improved. My chief complain is the lack of anchor storage. I put a rubber mat in the bow to rest the anchor on, and a crate for the rope. It makes it pretty crowded up there. The positioning of the bow light and cleat would make for a lot of rework to install an anchor roller system like the one Motion Marine makes, but I'm still trying to find a way. The 18' is the only model in the line that is not self-bailing, which is my other major complaint. For these reasons, I'm considering upgrading to a 20'.
I have a 125HP outboard, and am not sure I would go with less horsepower than that. Make sure the 115 is big enough for you.
What year are you looking at? If it's new, I don't think it is truly a Bayliner anymore. Trophy was spun off as it's own division of US Marine a couple years ago, which I think is a good thing. I was told at the boat show that they are no longer made in Washington, and are now made on the East Coast.
Overall, I think it is a great boat that you'll be happy with. It feels a lot bigger than 18' when you're on board. Consider the 20' if you have the extra funds and ability to tow the weight. Hope this helps.

foxer · 02-15-2004, 09:59 AM

How do you have your anchor system rigged? Where does the line attach? The one i'm looking at is a 2001...

Crazy Fisherman · 02-15-2004, 04:36 PM

I got the 20 footer and love it. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] I have had it in some pretty nasty weather and it does just fine. The trophys are all great boats. I have never been concerned in bad weather with it. They are wide and low profile which makes them great for the ocean.

Salmonator · 02-15-2004, 06:16 PM

I do the same as procastinator. No big deal.

I never thought about it before but Procastinator is a great moniker and should have been mine if you were to ask my wife :blush:

[ 02-15-2004, 07:16 PM: Message edited by: Salmonator ]

salmonquest · 02-15-2004, 07:38 PM

Go and check out the Seaswirl Striper 1851 WA. It has great anchor storage on the bow and is fully self bailing. I haven't had mine over the bar yet, Just got it on friday. I am so stoked. I looked at the trophy but when I checked out the striper I was sold. This is gonna be a great fishing boat. I'm thinking of nameing her "Lucky 13" , because I got her on fri the 13th, and I have always liked the number 13. I spent all day rigging and still have about a day's work befor she is ready to fish. I can't wait, My wife isn't too pleased but she'll get over it. [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img]

ProCastinator · 02-15-2004, 11:16 PM

I don't have an anchor system installed as of yet. I'm just lifting the 26 lb., six feet of chain, and retriever ball over the rail each time. I run the anchor line through one of the rope guides, then tie off on the front cleat.

THE HAPPY HOOKER · 02-16-2004, 06:54 AM

IVE OWNED MY TROPHY 1802 FOR 5 YEARS AND ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT. MY FAMILY AND I USE THE TROPHY FOR EVERYTHING. WE CROSS BOTH THE COLUMBIA AND NEHALEM BARS QUITE OFTEN. RIDES VERY GOOD IN ROUGH CONDITIONS. PLUS ITS A FISH CATCHIN BOAT. SEE YOU ON THE WATERS. THE HAPPY HOOKER

THE HAPPY HOOKER · 02-16-2004, 06:55 AM

IVE OWNED MY TROPHY 1802 FOR 5 YEARS AND ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT. MY FAMILY AND I USE THE TROPHY FOR EVERYTHING. WE CROSS BOTH THE COLUMBIA AND NEHALEM BARS QUITE OFTEN. RIDES VERY GOOD IN ROUGH CONDITIONS. PLUS ITS A FISH CATCHIN BOAT. SEE YOU ON THE WATERS. THE HAPPY HOOKER

BigWaterBigFish · 02-16-2004, 08:48 AM

I looked at Trophy's for a long time, sure like some of the design ideas they have but after touring the Seaswirl Striper factory over in Culver, Oregon (just south of Madras on the way to Cove Palisades) and going across the CR Bar in both styles of boats, I hunted down an 18 1/2 Ft Striper and can't ask for a better boat. It's a bit heavier that the Trophy and has a deeper V, hand laid fiberglass with all composite stringers, all the fittings are stainless and bolted through ... I couldn't afford a new one but lucked upon a used one I could afford. There was a newer Trophy 18' at Sellwood on Sunday and I have to admit, it sure looked good, fished three guys very well and they seem to have all the toys (nice canopy, freshwater washdown, bait cutting station). Interestingly enough, there was a ProLine, Grady White, Trophy and Striper all at Sellwood on Sunday, real good chance to evaulate each side by side ... alot has to do with how thick is your wallet. Hayden Island Yacht Center has a couple of 2003 18' Stripers for sale at reduced cost and there isn't too much difference in features to the new model year.
Hey, Aquaglide ... congrats on your purchase!