Author
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Topic: 18 outrage bait tank / t-top
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craigm |
posted 07-26-2000 12:44 PM ET (US)
Great forum. I'm negotiating to buy a clean 87 outrage. I appreciate any input on the following:1. I would like to add a bait tank (kodiak or pro-flow style - 25 gals or so) for So Cal fishing. Any ideas on location of tank or plumbing. I'm assuming I will need a transom mounted bait pump (no thru hull). Boat has two coolers/seats in front of splash well that could be removed but I may consider putting tank in front of console - also a cooler/seat there. Can I run tubing through tunnel? 2. I also want to add a t-top. Any hints on type, mounting, etc. Are there OEM or pre-fab t-tops for 18 outrage that may be cheaper than a full custom aluminum top? 3. Owner has wiring for tducer,etc going through drain holes - is this ok? Thanks very much. Craig
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Tom Byrum
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posted 07-26-2000 11:06 PM ET (US)
Hi Craig I got an 18 outrage with a home made 25 gallon anchovie tank. I have swamped my boat twice with it mounted on the transom and if I mount it up front the bait takes a pretty good pounding on the way out to the fish. Im leaning towards a smaller transom mounted tank maybe. I too am interested in any input for a t-top anyone has. I would reroute the wire over the transom. I like lots of open holes when I got a boat full of water. By the way swamping my 18 outrage is no big deal at all. Just gets your feet wet is all. |
hauptjm
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posted 07-27-2000 04:45 PM ET (US)
As far as a t-top goes, my good buddy here in New Orleans just had a custom top put on his 18. I have never heard of a pre-fab. Of course, that doesn't mean they can't be had. If you decide to go with a custom job, KNOW YOUR YARD. My guy had his entire deck removed, structural locations for mounting built up and reinforced to handle the forces of a t-top. This was no "deck mounted" operation. You can screw up a Whaler faster than you-know-what if you don't do your homework. The 18 is a fantastic craft. If you treat her right, she'll perform like a dream. |
tarbaby
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posted 07-27-2000 05:15 PM ET (US)
Spend some extra money on a custom. The Pre-fab ones are cheaply made. If you do get a custom one, have them mount it to the floor and also to the center console. This will seem to tighten both and for sure keep the T top from wiggling. I saw a cool trick on a new boat, the canvas that streches across the t top was sewn as a pocket with a zipper in the rear near the rocket launchers are located. The boat that I saw had the life jackets inside. Just a thought. |
David Reid
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posted 08-07-2000 02:46 PM ET (US)
Craig, as to the live bait issue for our '85 O/R 18', we settled on a pair of 7 gallon white plastic "paint buckets" located inside the rear splash well. Each is fitted with a BaitSaver brand 12V rotor/enclosed aeration rig and a livewell top with hatch that snaps onto the bucket. This allows us to keep both shrimp and minnows separate and healthy for a typical six to eight hour outting. We do not circulate water other than by adding a few handfuls of ice every hour or so to keep the water friendly for the bait. This rig may not meet a professional's desires but it requires no holes in the hull, it certainly wasn't expensive, and it meets our needs without excessive weight or using any of the deck space. Good luck. |