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Author Topic:   18-foot Hull

jimh posted 02-16-2000 12:42 AM ET (US)
Now that there is good documentation on the website for the 13,15,16-17 hulls, it seems logical to turn to the 18-foot hull as the next "project". So please search your archives and look for information on the 18-foot hulls.
Specifically:
What year were they first introduced?
What models were offered?
Is the 18-foot hull a case (like most of the other hulls) where the hull stayed relatively the same, but different interior or different liners were mated to it?
Information welcome!
--jim
bigz posted 02-17-2000 02:01 PM ET (US)
Jim,
I know I'll be corrected if I am wrong but these are the only "18" foot hulls I believe BW has built
Outrage 18 in the 80's
Dauntless 18 in the 90's
Rage 18 in the 90's
the Outrage being the new deep V hull developed with the Outrage 20 in 1978, the real classic hulls would be the 19 and 20 Revenge and Outrage prior to 1980 I think -- the deep V is a "classic" but that was the transitional hull for the bigger center consoles, cabins and cabin boats going into the '80's ---
If i am wrong appreciate for someone to fill me in --- thanks Thomas

Tom Byrum posted 02-18-2000 12:26 AM ET (US)
Well I just bought a new 19' 1989 outrage today so everyone start talking so I can learn something about my new moneypit! After all its all you guys writing about how great whalers are that got me in this position.
Clark Roberts posted 02-18-2000 05:58 AM ET (US)
Tom, congratulations on you purchase of the 18'6" (19') Whaler... you now own, what in my never to be humble opinion, is one of the best hulls on earth!!! It's size belies its capabilities and it will continue to amaze you with its rough water handling and ride. It is one of Whaler's hulls that I have never owned.. but have logged many hours in the 18'6"!! Have fun and don't look back!!!! My bet is that few will disagree with the above! Happy Whalin'.. Clark
kingfish posted 02-19-2000 12:34 AM ET (US)
Congratulations, Tom-
You are going to love that boat! I had 2 Montauks and jumped to a 22' Outrage a little less than a year ago. I second everything Clark said - that is truly a classic hull.
Welcome aboard!
kingfish
Tom Byrum posted 02-19-2000 01:19 AM ET (US)
Thanks you guys. It has already amazed me during the test drive. We went under the Golden Gate with a big outgo and I couldnt believe how it handled. Ive been in rough water in my buddies Mantauk but the Outrage was in a whole nuther class. Totally unreal. Bring on the rough stuff!
Russ posted 02-19-2000 02:14 PM ET (US)
Jim,
I have an 18.5' Outrage that was made in 1981. The year was questionable, so I emailed BW, providing the hull id#, asking for verification. I received a reply from Chuck Bennett of BW the next day stating that Boston Whaler started producing the 18' Outrage in May of 1981, and that mine was an '81, based on the hull number. Now I wonder if mine was the first one. Also, thanks bigz for letting me know about this forum!
Russ
jimh posted 02-19-2000 03:13 PM ET (US)
Now that I have been thinking about this for a few days, it seems like in the larger boats in the "Classic" category, there wasn't so much a distinction along hull-length lines, but more along model lines.
It looks (at first glance) like there were specific models, like "Outrage" or "Revenge" which were then produced in various size hulls from 18-28 feet.
So perhaps a better system of categorization would be along model lines, instead of by footage.
What's the response to that idea?
bigz posted 02-20-2000 10:23 AM ET (US)
A Capital Idea Jim,
Thomas
kingfish posted 02-20-2000 06:02 PM ET (US)
Jim,
That idea has my vote.
Organizing by the model type is how I've done it in MY head, but I'd like to hear some of the heavies like Clark and Larry weigh in-
kingfish
Tom Byrum posted 02-21-2000 09:51 PM ET (US)
Does anyone know where I can find a picture of a 18' or 19' Outrage with the bimini top installed. I am having a hard time trying to figure it out on my own. Thanks
Peter posted 02-22-2000 02:00 PM ET (US)
Tom, I don't have a picture, but I can tell you how my Mills Suntop is installed on my 1987 18' Outrage. There are two sliding tracks which are probably about 1 to 1.5 feet long mounted to the gunnel just forward of the last stantion for the bow rail. The suntop mounts to the slider in the track. Eyes are provided just forward of the next stantion and aft near or behind the mid-ship cleat. If you are thinking of installing a bimini and haven't bought one yet, check out Mills Canvas in Greenport, NY. I think they have a web site. They made the canvas for Whaler during the golden years. I bought a suntop from them two years ago -- came with all stainless hardware, sunbrella material and an engineering drawing of the 18' showing where to drill the holes. It looks great because it was designed for the boat. In fact, I've had a number of inquiries from other boat owners asking where I got it. Good luck, hope this info helps.
Peter posted 02-22-2000 04:58 PM ET (US)
Tom, one thing I forgot to mention is that the tracks allow the top to be slid forward for storage under the bow rails, and slid backwards to more or less center the top with the console when the top is up.
lhg posted 02-22-2000 09:27 PM ET (US)
Tom: Many have heard me say this before, but no matter what style of canvas you go with, go with Mills. They will sell & ship directly to you. Their stuff was specifically designed for, and in conjunction with, Boston Whaler, and it is the best, period! Considering your Marine West Coast climate out there, I'd seriously consider the Mills/Whaler Flying Top System, which includes Forward Shelter(makes a cabin in the front of the boat), Flying Top (bimini top) and connecting windshield, all with boots. This gives you true all weather protection and comfort. I have this on both my 18 & 25 Outrages, and I'll swear by it. You can also buy side curtains and a rear curtain to completely enclose the boat if you wish, and it all fits together perfectly, with full installation instructions. The Sun Top, which is not compatible with above, is also available and described by others above, but not really the best for cooler, or inclement weather situations. It is longer, in the bow-to-stern direction. If you want to start with something just for sun protection, I'd get the shorter Flying Top, and then you can add the other components as you see fit.
Tom Byrum posted 02-22-2000 10:46 PM ET (US)
Thanks again everyone. I thought I had a Bimini but now I'm not sure. It seems bigger than a Bimini. I did a search for Mills website but I couldnt find anything. I did find the address and phone number. I will call them tomorrow.

Wm. J. Mills & Company 74100 West Front Street
AWNINGS - BOAT CANVAS - CUSTOM CANVAS PRODUCTS. Superior craftsmanship and dedication to customer service have been family traditions for five generations at Wm. J. Mills & Co., where quality, professionalism and prompt delivery have been business as usual since 1880.
Greenport, NY 11944 Phone 516-477-1535 or 477-1500

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Byrum posted 02-22-2000 11:04 PM ET (US)
Found it
http://www.millscanvas.com/what.html
pmb posted 04-28-2000 07:42 AM ET (US)
your hull is probablly the best all around hull ever made.i owned one for 6 years.easy to trailer and launch.dry and decent soft ride.i bought mine when it was 5 years old, used it for 6 years and sold it for same amount i bought it for.same boat motor and trailer.if you take good care of your boat you can do the same.i now own a 71 model 22 outrage low profile center console.bottom has minor web cracks.i want to re-gelcoat but very expensive(10,000).anyone have ideas?
Peter posted 05-06-2000 11:47 PM ET (US)
Tom
Just saw a picture of your Little Bear in the CETACEA section. Looks great. I see that hydraullic steering is advertised as the next project. Thought you might like to know that I just had the hydraulic steering replaced on my 1987 18 Outrage which is powered by a Johnson 150 (its 1987 also). The old system sprung leaks at the actuator and steering pump. Basically the seals gave out after 13 years of service. My system was so old it wasn't worth replacing the seals, that is if you could find the parts. The cost of the complete replacement system (pump, actuator, hoses) including labor was well over $1000.
Tom Byrum posted 05-07-2000 12:33 AM ET (US)
Thanks Peter. What brand of steering did you buy. Did you do it yourself or was the price you quoted an installed price?
bigz posted 05-07-2000 06:30 AM ET (US)

Tom,
The Teleflex SeaStar system is pretty darn decent, in fact Whaler used them as options for years. We have it on our 27 with twin Yamaha's which is 13 years old. I also understand they are pretty easily installed, on an 18 should be a snap. You can find them here for $625 or so plus shipping http://www.surplusunlimited.com/welcome.htm
which is the best price I have found anywhere!!
Hope this information helps,
Thomas
dfmcintyre posted 05-07-2000 10:30 PM ET (US)
pmb -
When you mentioned you've got a 22 low profile Outrage, are you talking about the ribbed hull 21'? At a later time, when the factory modified the hull and eliminated the ribbed sides, they also cae out with a 19'. This Outrage could be ordered as a low profile model, which was the elimination of the upper hull skin, i.e. the skin above the rubrail, for commercial use.
Regarding the re-gelcoating. Unless you like to sand, or spend alot of money having someone sand the hull, I'd avoid. Instead, have it repainted with a high quality polyurthane that is mixed to match, and have a few coats of a clear poly put on top. And NEVER beach her. That way any nicks or scratches will hit the clear, and not the color.
Needless to say, you'll also have to strip the boat completely, a good time to check the electronics and wiring, and check the transom for dry rot.
BTDT with a 1973 21' Outrage. Came out good though. Picture of White Water is in the archives.
Best - Don
Peter posted 05-08-2000 01:27 PM ET (US)
Tom
It's a Teleflex SeaStar system. I had it installed because I don't have the time or patience to do it myself. Besides the shop that services the motor does excellent work, much better than I could if I had all the time and patience.
Peter
David Reid posted 05-08-2000 01:40 PM ET (US)
On the steering issue, I repowered my '86 O/R 18'last fall with a new Johnson 150. Thought about upgrading to hydrolic steering, but the rigger gave me some good advice. On that hull, a twin cable system works great and costs a lot less than hydro. That's what we did. Made sure the new motor was well trimmed, and a little girl can steer it. Sure, hydrolics are more silky smooth (a friend has it on his '93-18', and it is nice), but you can go with twin cables and spend the savings on something else (just so's you spend it on the boat!).
Peter posted 05-08-2000 09:49 PM ET (US)
David,
I've heard that is a pretty good system. In fact, my mechanic suggested replacing the hydraulic with a twin cable no-feedback mechanical system. However, I vetoed it because my boat already had hydraulic, so I was already spoiled by it.
Is your 150 a FICHT or carb model? I assume it is a carb model because Johnson stopped offering the FICHT about a year or so ago. I've got an old 1987 150 that just keeps ticking, probably because its never really working very hard to push the boat. The top end isn't what it used to be but most of the time I can't run it at more than about 3500 rpm anyhow. However, I realize that some day I am going to have to replace it. Would like to hear your comments on the Johnson.
Tom Byrum posted 05-08-2000 10:17 PM ET (US)
I have twins and they are not counter rotating. I think I better stay with hydraulic. Has any one installed a hydraulic system themslves? How big of a job is it?
bigz posted 05-09-2000 09:59 AM ET (US)
Tom, maybe Clark Roberts will reply to your installation question -- he just installed a TeleFlex SeaStar -- purchased it at the place I mentioned above, that's how I got the lead!
Thomas
David Reid posted 05-09-2000 02:32 PM ET (US)
Peter, ditto your experience with the older OMCs. I just sold my old Montauk with a 1985 Johnson 90hp that still ran super. Kept after the semi-annual and preventive maintenance but she never gave a lick of trouble on the water over the years. The new motor on my 18'is a 2000 model Johnson Ocean Pro 150 VXSS; cost $6,850 in the box. The OMC white looks great with the BW Desert Tan. Both my mechanic and the OMC dealer advised against the 2000-model version of the Ficht injection as un-proven, so we went with the carb. It's much quieter than I'm accustomed to, especially given its a 2-Cycle. New ignition system starts immediately even after a week or two off the water, tops out at about 46 mph in the 18' @ 5,000 rpm and just me in the boat. Nice little improvement is the tilt switch on the motor housing that lets you do all the trailering work from the back of the boat. Fuel consumption in the new 150hp seems surprizingly about the same as in the older 90hp for my average fishing trip. Go figure? Really an all around super product. After about 30 hours on the motor, we're very satisfied.
Clark Roberts posted 05-10-2000 07:22 AM ET (US)
Tom, re: hyd steering installation -
not a hard job... but cut out a day for it as the hardest job I had was taking out the old steering system... follow the instructions precisely! Last step is bleeding the system of air and you will need one person at the helm to pour in the oil, one person at the engine to operate the bleed valves, and a THIRD person to stand by in case either or both of the first two need help! Don't get your wife to operate the bleed valves!!! I did and she dropped the wrench, I had to leave the helm pouring position and the funnel slipped, spilling hyd fluid all over the deck... so with sand on the wrench, oil all over everything (and a lot of shouting from me) we completed the job... clean-up was another story! Yes, we are still married! happy Whalin' .. Clark ,,,, Spruce Creek Navy - Domestic Quality Time Division
Peter posted 05-10-2000 08:25 AM ET (US)
David
Thanks for your reply. Sounds like a good engine. I've heard good things about the 60 degree V6. Its a loop charged engine so it should deliver better fuel economy than my cross-charged V6. OMC has received a lot of bad press over the FICHT system. I've been told that FICHT stands for "Found In Channel Hailing Tow". When the time comes, I'll probably go with the carb version, if they still have it at that time -- although it doesn't have the same low fuel economy, low oil consumption or hydrocarbon emissions, it seems less complicated and probably more reliable. Besides, it would probably take 10 years to pay off the difference in price between the Ficht and carb with the savings in fuel and oil. Again, thanks for the info.
kent posted 05-10-2000 11:34 AM ET (US)
If you are looking for some major input from users of the Optimax engine, or any other engine for that matter, go to:
http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/boats_motors/index.html
Type the word Optimax in the Search for Title box. You will get all the information you ever wanted to know, and some you won't care to know.
If you look around on the board, you will find that there are several different forums, some that you can take or leave. There are several people there that go off on some pretty silly tangents. There is a really good prop forum. Some good information, if you can overlook some of the crap.
lhg posted 05-11-2000 10:16 PM ET (US)
Tom: First of all, your 18 Outrage looks great, and so does the teak work. One of the very few around with twin engines. Regarding hydraulic steering, DO IT! I have to disagree with David's mechanic on the twin cable setup. Mine came with Teleflex twin cable, and it was a dog, particularly with twin engines. When I ordered the boat new in 1986, a Whaler engineer, upon hearing I was planning a twin engine installation, told me to go with the hydraulic, but I cheaped out. As they say, you either pay now or pay later. Steering torque is a big issue, and hydraulic really pays for itself here. My twin cable, even though I maintained it, finally corroded out after 5 years. And tension adjustment was always a problem. Steered hard, and I hated it! I did the whole hydraulic conversion myself, and it was no big deal. Like Clark said, getting rid of the old system & cables was the biggest job. It should not cost you more than $700 in parts, including a special helm plate you will need for the conversion. I used Teleflex's SIDE MOUNT cylinder, which goes into the tilt tube like mechanical steering. The cylinder nicely mounts between the two engines and barely shows. Just for good measure, I installed a new tilt tube to receive the steering cylinder, and used the
"Steersman" ss grease fitting nut. Very nice installation, with a minimum of hardware & fittings, and I've had NO tilt tube corrosion at all. If you need detailed info or pictures, drop me an e-mail.
At the same time I did the steering change, I re-installed the engines on 12" setback jack plates (about $300 each), freeing up the splash well area for coolers or tackle boxes.
And the boat runs much better besides.
Tom Byrum posted 05-13-2000 09:08 PM ET (US)
Thanks all for the info and comments on my boat. Larry send me all the help on the hydraulic steering you can or better yet why dont you post it on the new reference section for everyone. Im lucky I own the same boat you do cause I know you have every piece of info available for the 18' Outrage.
wds posted 05-21-2000 10:14 AM ET (US)
Whaler made an 18 (18'6") hull in both a GTX with a Merc I/O and as an outboard, called an Outrage, in the mid 1980's.
This was the classic hull with the smirk. The GTX only sold for a few years. You still see the 18 Outrage. It was rated for a 150 HP outboard, and it went as fast as the GTX which had a 260 HP I/O (the I/O engine weighed almost 1000 pounds).
The hull was good, but a little wide for it's length and didn't handle steep, close waves (the kind we get on Lake Champlain) very well.
They've used the name Outrage on so many boats now, and even an 18 footer might be 17-1/2 or nearly 19', it's hard to track. So
perhaps we ought to state the exact length to identify a particular hull.
queenlives posted 07-29-2000 09:04 AM ET (US)
hello all,
the post immediately previous to this post mentioned a GTX. just this week i've decided to sell my 87 gtx ski boat. please private email me if you're interested.
thx,
hal

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Author	Topic: 18-foot Hull
jimh	posted 02-16-2000 12:42 AM ET (US) Now that there is good documentation on the website for the 13,15,16-17 hulls, it seems logical to turn to the 18-foot hull as the next "project". So please search your archives and look for information on the 18-foot hulls. Specifically: What year were they first introduced? What models were offered? Is the 18-foot hull a case (like most of the other hulls) where the hull stayed relatively the same, but different interior or different liners were mated to it? Information welcome! --jim
bigz	posted 02-17-2000 02:01 PM ET (US) Jim, I know I'll be corrected if I am wrong but these are the only "18" foot hulls I believe BW has built Outrage 18 in the 80's Dauntless 18 in the 90's Rage 18 in the 90's the Outrage being the new deep V hull developed with the Outrage 20 in 1978, the real classic hulls would be the 19 and 20 Revenge and Outrage prior to 1980 I think -- the deep V is a "classic" but that was the transitional hull for the bigger center consoles, cabins and cabin boats going into the '80's --- If i am wrong appreciate for someone to fill me in --- thanks Thomas
Tom Byrum	posted 02-18-2000 12:26 AM ET (US) Well I just bought a new 19' 1989 outrage today so everyone start talking so I can learn something about my new moneypit! After all its all you guys writing about how great whalers are that got me in this position.
Clark Roberts	posted 02-18-2000 05:58 AM ET (US) Tom, congratulations on you purchase of the 18'6" (19') Whaler... you now own, what in my never to be humble opinion, is one of the best hulls on earth!!! It's size belies its capabilities and it will continue to amaze you with its rough water handling and ride. It is one of Whaler's hulls that I have never owned.. but have logged many hours in the 18'6"!! Have fun and don't look back!!!! My bet is that few will disagree with the above! Happy Whalin'.. Clark
kingfish	posted 02-19-2000 12:34 AM ET (US) Congratulations, Tom- You are going to love that boat! I had 2 Montauks and jumped to a 22' Outrage a little less than a year ago. I second everything Clark said - that is truly a classic hull. Welcome aboard! kingfish
Tom Byrum	posted 02-19-2000 01:19 AM ET (US) Thanks you guys. It has already amazed me during the test drive. We went under the Golden Gate with a big outgo and I couldnt believe how it handled. Ive been in rough water in my buddies Mantauk but the Outrage was in a whole nuther class. Totally unreal. Bring on the rough stuff!
Russ	posted 02-19-2000 02:14 PM ET (US) Jim, I have an 18.5' Outrage that was made in 1981. The year was questionable, so I emailed BW, providing the hull id#, asking for verification. I received a reply from Chuck Bennett of BW the next day stating that Boston Whaler started producing the 18' Outrage in May of 1981, and that mine was an '81, based on the hull number. Now I wonder if mine was the first one. Also, thanks bigz for letting me know about this forum! Russ
jimh	posted 02-19-2000 03:13 PM ET (US) Now that I have been thinking about this for a few days, it seems like in the larger boats in the "Classic" category, there wasn't so much a distinction along hull-length lines, but more along model lines. It looks (at first glance) like there were specific models, like "Outrage" or "Revenge" which were then produced in various size hulls from 18-28 feet. So perhaps a better system of categorization would be along model lines, instead of by footage. What's the response to that idea?
bigz	posted 02-20-2000 10:23 AM ET (US) A Capital Idea Jim, Thomas
kingfish	posted 02-20-2000 06:02 PM ET (US) Jim, That idea has my vote. Organizing by the model type is how I've done it in MY head, but I'd like to hear some of the heavies like Clark and Larry weigh in- kingfish
Tom Byrum	posted 02-21-2000 09:51 PM ET (US) Does anyone know where I can find a picture of a 18' or 19' Outrage with the bimini top installed. I am having a hard time trying to figure it out on my own. Thanks
Peter	posted 02-22-2000 02:00 PM ET (US) Tom, I don't have a picture, but I can tell you how my Mills Suntop is installed on my 1987 18' Outrage. There are two sliding tracks which are probably about 1 to 1.5 feet long mounted to the gunnel just forward of the last stantion for the bow rail. The suntop mounts to the slider in the track. Eyes are provided just forward of the next stantion and aft near or behind the mid-ship cleat. If you are thinking of installing a bimini and haven't bought one yet, check out Mills Canvas in Greenport, NY. I think they have a web site. They made the canvas for Whaler during the golden years. I bought a suntop from them two years ago -- came with all stainless hardware, sunbrella material and an engineering drawing of the 18' showing where to drill the holes. It looks great because it was designed for the boat. In fact, I've had a number of inquiries from other boat owners asking where I got it. Good luck, hope this info helps.
Peter	posted 02-22-2000 04:58 PM ET (US) Tom, one thing I forgot to mention is that the tracks allow the top to be slid forward for storage under the bow rails, and slid backwards to more or less center the top with the console when the top is up.
lhg	posted 02-22-2000 09:27 PM ET (US) Tom: Many have heard me say this before, but no matter what style of canvas you go with, go with Mills. They will sell & ship directly to you. Their stuff was specifically designed for, and in conjunction with, Boston Whaler, and it is the best, period! Considering your Marine West Coast climate out there, I'd seriously consider the Mills/Whaler Flying Top System, which includes Forward Shelter(makes a cabin in the front of the boat), Flying Top (bimini top) and connecting windshield, all with boots. This gives you true all weather protection and comfort. I have this on both my 18 & 25 Outrages, and I'll swear by it. You can also buy side curtains and a rear curtain to completely enclose the boat if you wish, and it all fits together perfectly, with full installation instructions. The Sun Top, which is not compatible with above, is also available and described by others above, but not really the best for cooler, or inclement weather situations. It is longer, in the bow-to-stern direction. If you want to start with something just for sun protection, I'd get the shorter Flying Top, and then you can add the other components as you see fit.
Tom Byrum	posted 02-22-2000 10:46 PM ET (US) Thanks again everyone. I thought I had a Bimini but now I'm not sure. It seems bigger than a Bimini. I did a search for Mills website but I couldnt find anything. I did find the address and phone number. I will call them tomorrow. Wm. J. Mills & Company 74100 West Front Street AWNINGS - BOAT CANVAS - CUSTOM CANVAS PRODUCTS. Superior craftsmanship and dedication to customer service have been family traditions for five generations at Wm. J. Mills & Co., where quality, professionalism and prompt delivery have been business as usual since 1880. Greenport, NY 11944 Phone 516-477-1535 or 477-1500 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Byrum	posted 02-22-2000 11:04 PM ET (US) Found it http://www.millscanvas.com/what.html
pmb	posted 04-28-2000 07:42 AM ET (US) your hull is probablly the best all around hull ever made.i owned one for 6 years.easy to trailer and launch.dry and decent soft ride.i bought mine when it was 5 years old, used it for 6 years and sold it for same amount i bought it for.same boat motor and trailer.if you take good care of your boat you can do the same.i now own a 71 model 22 outrage low profile center console.bottom has minor web cracks.i want to re-gelcoat but very expensive(10,000).anyone have ideas?
Peter	posted 05-06-2000 11:47 PM ET (US) Tom Just saw a picture of your Little Bear in the CETACEA section. Looks great. I see that hydraullic steering is advertised as the next project. Thought you might like to know that I just had the hydraulic steering replaced on my 1987 18 Outrage which is powered by a Johnson 150 (its 1987 also). The old system sprung leaks at the actuator and steering pump. Basically the seals gave out after 13 years of service. My system was so old it wasn't worth replacing the seals, that is if you could find the parts. The cost of the complete replacement system (pump, actuator, hoses) including labor was well over $1000.
Tom Byrum	posted 05-07-2000 12:33 AM ET (US) Thanks Peter. What brand of steering did you buy. Did you do it yourself or was the price you quoted an installed price?
bigz	posted 05-07-2000 06:30 AM ET (US) Tom, The Teleflex SeaStar system is pretty darn decent, in fact Whaler used them as options for years. We have it on our 27 with twin Yamaha's which is 13 years old. I also understand they are pretty easily installed, on an 18 should be a snap. You can find them here for $625 or so plus shipping http://www.surplusunlimited.com/welcome.htm which is the best price I have found anywhere!! Hope this information helps, Thomas
dfmcintyre	posted 05-07-2000 10:30 PM ET (US) pmb - When you mentioned you've got a 22 low profile Outrage, are you talking about the ribbed hull 21'? At a later time, when the factory modified the hull and eliminated the ribbed sides, they also cae out with a 19'. This Outrage could be ordered as a low profile model, which was the elimination of the upper hull skin, i.e. the skin above the rubrail, for commercial use. Regarding the re-gelcoating. Unless you like to sand, or spend alot of money having someone sand the hull, I'd avoid. Instead, have it repainted with a high quality polyurthane that is mixed to match, and have a few coats of a clear poly put on top. And NEVER beach her. That way any nicks or scratches will hit the clear, and not the color. Needless to say, you'll also have to strip the boat completely, a good time to check the electronics and wiring, and check the transom for dry rot. BTDT with a 1973 21' Outrage. Came out good though. Picture of White Water is in the archives. Best - Don
Peter	posted 05-08-2000 01:27 PM ET (US) Tom It's a Teleflex SeaStar system. I had it installed because I don't have the time or patience to do it myself. Besides the shop that services the motor does excellent work, much better than I could if I had all the time and patience. Peter
David Reid	posted 05-08-2000 01:40 PM ET (US) On the steering issue, I repowered my '86 O/R 18'last fall with a new Johnson 150. Thought about upgrading to hydrolic steering, but the rigger gave me some good advice. On that hull, a twin cable system works great and costs a lot less than hydro. That's what we did. Made sure the new motor was well trimmed, and a little girl can steer it. Sure, hydrolics are more silky smooth (a friend has it on his '93-18', and it is nice), but you can go with twin cables and spend the savings on something else (just so's you spend it on the boat!).
Peter	posted 05-08-2000 09:49 PM ET (US) David, I've heard that is a pretty good system. In fact, my mechanic suggested replacing the hydraulic with a twin cable no-feedback mechanical system. However, I vetoed it because my boat already had hydraulic, so I was already spoiled by it. Is your 150 a FICHT or carb model? I assume it is a carb model because Johnson stopped offering the FICHT about a year or so ago. I've got an old 1987 150 that just keeps ticking, probably because its never really working very hard to push the boat. The top end isn't what it used to be but most of the time I can't run it at more than about 3500 rpm anyhow. However, I realize that some day I am going to have to replace it. Would like to hear your comments on the Johnson.
Tom Byrum	posted 05-08-2000 10:17 PM ET (US) I have twins and they are not counter rotating. I think I better stay with hydraulic. Has any one installed a hydraulic system themslves? How big of a job is it?
bigz	posted 05-09-2000 09:59 AM ET (US) Tom, maybe Clark Roberts will reply to your installation question -- he just installed a TeleFlex SeaStar -- purchased it at the place I mentioned above, that's how I got the lead! Thomas
David Reid	posted 05-09-2000 02:32 PM ET (US) Peter, ditto your experience with the older OMCs. I just sold my old Montauk with a 1985 Johnson 90hp that still ran super. Kept after the semi-annual and preventive maintenance but she never gave a lick of trouble on the water over the years. The new motor on my 18'is a 2000 model Johnson Ocean Pro 150 VXSS; cost $6,850 in the box. The OMC white looks great with the BW Desert Tan. Both my mechanic and the OMC dealer advised against the 2000-model version of the Ficht injection as un-proven, so we went with the carb. It's much quieter than I'm accustomed to, especially given its a 2-Cycle. New ignition system starts immediately even after a week or two off the water, tops out at about 46 mph in the 18' @ 5,000 rpm and just me in the boat. Nice little improvement is the tilt switch on the motor housing that lets you do all the trailering work from the back of the boat. Fuel consumption in the new 150hp seems surprizingly about the same as in the older 90hp for my average fishing trip. Go figure? Really an all around super product. After about 30 hours on the motor, we're very satisfied.
Clark Roberts	posted 05-10-2000 07:22 AM ET (US) Tom, re: hyd steering installation - not a hard job... but cut out a day for it as the hardest job I had was taking out the old steering system... follow the instructions precisely! Last step is bleeding the system of air and you will need one person at the helm to pour in the oil, one person at the engine to operate the bleed valves, and a THIRD person to stand by in case either or both of the first two need help! Don't get your wife to operate the bleed valves!!! I did and she dropped the wrench, I had to leave the helm pouring position and the funnel slipped, spilling hyd fluid all over the deck... so with sand on the wrench, oil all over everything (and a lot of shouting from me) we completed the job... clean-up was another story! Yes, we are still married! happy Whalin' .. Clark ,,,, Spruce Creek Navy - Domestic Quality Time Division
Peter	posted 05-10-2000 08:25 AM ET (US) David Thanks for your reply. Sounds like a good engine. I've heard good things about the 60 degree V6. Its a loop charged engine so it should deliver better fuel economy than my cross-charged V6. OMC has received a lot of bad press over the FICHT system. I've been told that FICHT stands for "Found In Channel Hailing Tow". When the time comes, I'll probably go with the carb version, if they still have it at that time -- although it doesn't have the same low fuel economy, low oil consumption or hydrocarbon emissions, it seems less complicated and probably more reliable. Besides, it would probably take 10 years to pay off the difference in price between the Ficht and carb with the savings in fuel and oil. Again, thanks for the info.
kent	posted 05-10-2000 11:34 AM ET (US) If you are looking for some major input from users of the Optimax engine, or any other engine for that matter, go to: http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/boats_motors/index.html Type the word Optimax in the Search for Title box. You will get all the information you ever wanted to know, and some you won't care to know. If you look around on the board, you will find that there are several different forums, some that you can take or leave. There are several people there that go off on some pretty silly tangents. There is a really good prop forum. Some good information, if you can overlook some of the crap.
lhg	posted 05-11-2000 10:16 PM ET (US) Tom: First of all, your 18 Outrage looks great, and so does the teak work. One of the very few around with twin engines. Regarding hydraulic steering, DO IT! I have to disagree with David's mechanic on the twin cable setup. Mine came with Teleflex twin cable, and it was a dog, particularly with twin engines. When I ordered the boat new in 1986, a Whaler engineer, upon hearing I was planning a twin engine installation, told me to go with the hydraulic, but I cheaped out. As they say, you either pay now or pay later. Steering torque is a big issue, and hydraulic really pays for itself here. My twin cable, even though I maintained it, finally corroded out after 5 years. And tension adjustment was always a problem. Steered hard, and I hated it! I did the whole hydraulic conversion myself, and it was no big deal. Like Clark said, getting rid of the old system & cables was the biggest job. It should not cost you more than $700 in parts, including a special helm plate you will need for the conversion. I used Teleflex's SIDE MOUNT cylinder, which goes into the tilt tube like mechanical steering. The cylinder nicely mounts between the two engines and barely shows. Just for good measure, I installed a new tilt tube to receive the steering cylinder, and used the "Steersman" ss grease fitting nut. Very nice installation, with a minimum of hardware & fittings, and I've had NO tilt tube corrosion at all. If you need detailed info or pictures, drop me an e-mail. At the same time I did the steering change, I re-installed the engines on 12" setback jack plates (about $300 each), freeing up the splash well area for coolers or tackle boxes. And the boat runs much better besides.
Tom Byrum	posted 05-13-2000 09:08 PM ET (US) Thanks all for the info and comments on my boat. Larry send me all the help on the hydraulic steering you can or better yet why dont you post it on the new reference section for everyone. Im lucky I own the same boat you do cause I know you have every piece of info available for the 18' Outrage.
wds	posted 05-21-2000 10:14 AM ET (US) Whaler made an 18 (18'6") hull in both a GTX with a Merc I/O and as an outboard, called an Outrage, in the mid 1980's. This was the classic hull with the smirk. The GTX only sold for a few years. You still see the 18 Outrage. It was rated for a 150 HP outboard, and it went as fast as the GTX which had a 260 HP I/O (the I/O engine weighed almost 1000 pounds). The hull was good, but a little wide for it's length and didn't handle steep, close waves (the kind we get on Lake Champlain) very well. They've used the name Outrage on so many boats now, and even an 18 footer might be 17-1/2 or nearly 19', it's hard to track. So perhaps we ought to state the exact length to identify a particular hull.
queenlives	posted 07-29-2000 09:04 AM ET (US) hello all, the post immediately previous to this post mentioned a GTX. just this week i've decided to sell my 87 gtx ski boat. please private email me if you're interested. thx, hal