posted 12-27-2001 12:58 PM ET (US)        

I would like to hear from Temptation owners. As background, I started off with a 15’ Sport, then a new Montauk, and now we have a 1989 Outrage 22 with Whaler Drive, bow pulpit and tuna tower, with twin Evinrude 120s. Problem is, neither my wife nor I are fisher-persons. We use our Whaler to cruise the waterways around Charleston SC and have taken the boat to the Bahamas on several occasions, in fact we accompanied WhaleLure and BackLash on the inaugural Bahamas Rendezvous in 1993 (or the trip-of-hell, as we called it).

Anyhow, since we cruise, sun-soak and waterski instead of fishing, the thought occurred to us that a Temptation might be a better choice for us than the Ourtrage. I don’t want to have to maintain the big 200+ HP engines that the 25s would require, so I figured that the 22s would be better suited to my meager budget. I have seen a couple advertised and even looked at one in San Juan PR but I have yet in actually ride in one.

We are after something than can be comfortable for the wife (you know, cushioned seats and cup holders) and something that maybe we could throw an air mattress in for a quick night under the stars. But it HAS TO BE a WHALER.

So, I would really like to hear from you Temptation owners, or even the thoughts of non-owners (and especially from Larry Goltz) as to how you like it, what you don’t like about it, and what you would change about it. I realize, too, that there are very limited years that these boats were available.

Look forward to hearing from you!

posted 12-31-2001 08:44 AM ET (US)            

Eagleman: I have looked at the Revenges and test drove one, but was not real happy with how it performed -- seemed sluggish in its response, more than I would have expected for the little additional weight that the cabin would add. Not really crazy about a cuddy outrage either. We have friends in Tampa that have a 27 Cuddy that is REAL NICE, but I think a cuddy on any smaller size Whaler would be too cramped. (The 27 has a 10' beam and that makes a big difference up front as well)

I would still like to hear from folks like Larry Goltz and Clark Roberts as to the construction characteristics of the Temptation. Is it on the same quality level as the Outrage? Is the deck kindof like an "add-on" because surely it cannot be part of the mold. Any reported problems in general with the Temptation series?

I have several Whaler catlogues from the eighties, but none show the Temptation, Mischief or GTX series. Any thoughts from all of you readers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Ace

posted 01-04-2002 07:33 PM ET (US)         

I assume the 22 you have is the same one you took to the 1994 Bahama rendezvous, but I don't remember the tuna tower.

Anyway, regarding the Temptations, I agree with Eagleman's opinion, having seen the same 25 Temptation that he did. For some reason, I just don't like the visual proportions of the 25, and the bow is very awkward to gain access to. It is a big heavy boat, upholstered more like a car inside than a Whaler. I agree that the 22 looks the best.

But I would think twice about buying one. I don't think they offer all weather protection canvas systems. Have you considered staying with your 22, and simply equipping it with the Mills canvas system. Take a look at Kingfish's website, for his 22 Outrage so equipped. Although I am partial and biased regarding the "Outrage" series, I can say this came from a thorough investigation of all 4 versions of the 1989 25' hulls when I ordered mine (Outrage, Outrage Cuddy, Revenge and Temptation). In my opinion, and for my purposes, the Outrage version, WITH THE FULL MILLS CANVAS OPTION, won handsdown for all around flexibility of use. I had several criteria:

1. Warm, possibly humid, fair weather boating. The full open bow of the Outrage wins here, with the most "walkaround, open-air and lounging around" space. Any boat with an enclosed cabin would be less desireable in these conditions, with the cabin being either a humid, hell hole, or simply a place where noboby wants to go.

2. Fishing, deep sea trolling. Once again, the Outrage has the most "fishable" space, with the open bow a great asset, but yet has the canvas options for weather protection if necessary.

3. All weather boating, including cold, wind
and heavy rain. The Outrage with Mills canvas is absolutely great in this regard, with great flexibility as to what pieces are required. The Revenge/Mills is good here also, with the Cuddy being less flexible and the Tempatation the worst. But the large, high headroom, open ended space of the Outrage/Forward shelter, is a much more hospitable place for someone to get out the rain/sun and still relax in the boat, or sit on the cooler seat. The low ceiling and cramped space of the other models doesn't work in this regard.

4. Long distance cruising, overnighting:
In my opinion, here again the Outrage/Mills combination has much more enclosed, high headroom, space. See picture in Cetacea page 11. None of the other models have this much flexibility of use, nor as much enclosed space for cruising and living aboard.

So, if I were you, I would stay with the Outrage series, but remove the tuna tower, and buy the Mills canvas system. Same would apply if you want to move up to a 25.