Author
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Topic: 1981 Outrage 18'6"
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ccd |
posted 02-23-2001 08:38 PM ET (US)
I recently purchased an '81 model outrage.It had all the original parts.It was poorly taken care of, I paid $2,800. for boat and single axle aluminum trailer.I completely stripped the boat down and cleaned thoroughly.I had any scratches in hull repaired.I have just completed refinishing the teak wood.I decided to re-do the console w/marine board instead of the original plywood, but left the remaining teak pieces in place.I am currently putting back together and have the following questions:Is a 130 Honda four-stroke a good engine for this boat?Is boat worth all the work I have invested?I need misc. items such as seat cushions,replacement rail sections, where can I look for such items?Any help or other suggestions would be appreciated.Thanks
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David Reid
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posted 02-24-2001 12:03 AM ET (US)
ccd, welcome to the Forum and congratulations on what sounds like a great purchase. Without an enginee and in need of only cosmetic repairs and lots of elbow greez I'd guess you paid maybe $5,000 under market by Gulf coast standards. That rig should finish out beautifully for you. Consider restoring that console as close to original as possible both for your future enjoyment as well as re-sale value. There's a great woodworking shop that can do the job for you listed in the OEM section of this site. They may seem pricey, but their work is beautiful. As to the engine choice this site has lots of past strings that compare the four strokes with 2-cycles. I still like the lighter weight of the 2-cycles and recommend you power to the max rated for the hull. With all that said, send Jim some pics as your project progresses so we can all share in the fun. |
maverick
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posted 02-24-2001 05:40 AM ET (US)
CCD - Wow, what a STEAL. Cosmetics on a solid Whaler hull are a small concern, and on an 18.6 hull, I'd guess you paid about $5k less than market. Yes, I agree with David - recover the seat and refinish as close to original as possible - a hundred dollars here and there is small for the overall package. As far as power goes, I have a 150 J on my 1985 18, carbureted. It's a rocket, and impressive in ever detail of design and performance, to include towing. I believe this hull to be the best all around boat Whaler has ever made; offshore, inshore, fuel economy, ride, roominess, aesthetics, it has it all. If you're interested, I can email you an inside drawing I made of mine, as I removed the floor, console, replaced gas hoses and wires underneath, etc on a complete refit. Welcome to the Whaler family and this forum - you'll be pleased with that hull. Best, Maverick in Aiken, South Carolina |
ccd
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posted 02-24-2001 11:36 AM ET (US)
Thanks for the replies.I am looking for someone in my area-SW Louisiana to finish the job for me.I want it done right!If you know of anyone, please let me know.Thanks again.
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lhg
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posted 03-01-2001 04:26 PM ET (US)
ccd: You must have purchased one of the very first 18 Outrages produced. They were introduced as a 1982 mid-year model, so a few must have late 1981 ID plates on them. They first appeared in Whaler's 1983 catalog.Although almost all were powered with 150HP by the dealers, they will run well with 115Hp and up. A friend had a 130 Yamaha on his, and it would run about 43mph. One of the best all around CLEAN engines for the boat considering hp vs cost is the 135 Merc Optimax, about $8400 bought right. This engine will run about 5mph faster than the Honda 130, with a much smaller profile. Or you can get a conventional carb 2 stroke 150HP Merc for about $6500 if you don't mind a little blue smoke! |