Tested by Capt. Ron Svoboda

The entry-level 1802 WA incorporates big boat ideas into a tough little package. Practical and economical, the 1802 offers first time owners the same functionality as a seasoned angler would expect. In fact, this model is a legend around the Trophy factory. And for good reason, the popularity of this boat has a lot to do with her simplicity and ruggedness.

As you might expect, the bow is kept simple for space sake. But, a molded fishing seat makes for easy casting over the 1802’s stainless bow railing. The foredeck space is adequate, allowing enough room to work the anchor and access the bow cleat and chocks.

Cockpit Layout

Inside the cockpit, there are two steps that lead to the side decks. The walk to the fore deck is capped off by a stainless steel bow railing that will provide you with added stability while transitioning. Conveniently centered between the captain and companion seats, is a hatch for the self-draining fish box. It is on the small side, but it sure beats using a portable cooler!

The cockpit seating is cozy and equipped with a pair of post- mounted swivel seats. The sturdy accommodations adjust and provide good driving support, but the hard plastic armrests tend to be unforgiving when moving about the cockpit.

Behind the Wheel

The helm is about as user friendly as it gets. With a thick aluminum dash panel that houses toggle switches and large gauges for speed and tach. Smaller gauges display fuel level and battery voltage. Topping it all off is a 3-inch Danforth compass, mounted to a non-glare surface.

The Cabin

Access to the cabin is through a bi-fold acrylic door. The interior of the cabin is fully carpeted and provides enough room for overnight trips. The optional porta-potti gives you more time on the water and is semi-concealed with a center cushion.

At the stern, you’ll find a clean design used for the transom. A large engine well is sandwiched between two sizeable aft compartments. Covered by hatches, these compartments provide space to house the battery, engine lube, and more. Trophy also knows were you want your gear, four rod holders are mounted in the center of the transom, ready for quick access.

Specs

Trophy’s entry-level walk-around fishboat has an overall length that measures in at 18 feet even. Her beam is 7 feet, 6 inches wide with a hull weight of 1,975 pounds with the standard engine attached. That standard engine comes from Mercury and is rated a 90 horsepower, but you can opt for more power, all the way up to 135 horses. Mercury’s most efficient technology in the Optimax, Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), will deliver that fun.

Performance

Cranking up the Mercury outboard to 5,800 rpm, we recorded a top speed of 38.2 miles per hour. At 3,500 rpm we achieved our best cruise speed, which clocked in at 17.4 miles per hour and returned a miserly fuel burn rate of only 5.1 miles to the gallon. Considering the boats 52-gallon fuel capacity, you can expect to travel some 240 miles before having to refuel. With economy like that, and a simple, straight- forward design, there is no doubt that the1802 is a great starter boat.

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions