New Whaler owner - Moderated Discussion Areas

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area
  New Whaler owner

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   New Whaler owner

mikee332 posted 04-06-2002 04:41 PM ET (US)
Hi, first time Whaler owner and new to this site, just wanted to introduce myself. I just purchased an 87'OR with an 87' Johnson 120 and trailer for 8k here in the Northeast.Everything looks to be in great shape.You have a great site here as I've looked over most of the posts relating to the 18's for the last 2 years(phew!!)Just wondering if anyone has any tips, recomendations, comments concerning this boat that might not have been addressed or maybe I missed. Thanks in advance,and I look foward to getting out on the water!!

MilwaukeeWhaler posted 04-06-2002 05:07 PM ET (US)
Welcome mikee332. Congrats on the new purchase. Enjoy the site.
David Ratusnik posted 04-07-2002 01:57 PM ET (US)
Mikee- Welcome. Great site as you know. The mid 80's 18 is a great boat. By the way, you made a fine deal on the boat.
Biggs- Note the price. Love ya.
David
maverick posted 04-07-2002 02:40 PM ET (US)
Welcome to the site, and Sounds like a great price. One of the things you want to check on that hull is the gas fill line, located on the port side and under the floor edge. On my 1985 18.6, the hose at the 90 degree bend was rotted to the point where it could've started leaking gas at any time. If I hadn't already decided to replace it anyway, I would not have seen the bad place on the back side of the hose! I had the floor up and out, so replacing was reasonably easy, although I'm pretty sure you can change it out while the floor is in. Not much that can ruin an unsinkable whaler, except fire. Check that, and likewise check the vent hose line too - you'll see it when you remove the small vertical panel on the inside gunnel, port side (4 screws, if memory serves). I think the rest of the hull is about indestructible, and is an outstanding boat for its size - I believe it to be the best made for its size, period of ANY boat. Dry, stable, economical to run, fast, seaworthy, just to name a few things. Can't help you on the motor - check it out good. I did with my old 1985 Yammy 150, then sold that and repowered new. Great decision. Best, Mav

David Ratusnik posted 04-07-2002 04:08 PM ET (US)
Mikee- A couple thoughts. First, the boat was built in '87 plus carries an '87 engine. I would suspect that you will have to sort the boat out- a few things will not work or break. Don't let this upset you since it is quite normal. Before you launch it might make sense to have a quality OMC/Bomb mechanic go thru the engine. Lube the lower end, r/r the water pump/impeller, check out the electrical top to bottom plus check and top off the trim/tilt fluid. The battery(s) ought to be checked as well (a mechanic can read the date code). Replace or slow trickle to make certain all is well. I make it a practice to start the engine when I lower my boat into the water. Bring it up to temp and then turn it off. Restart after about 5-7 minutes and we are off. I feel better about the batteries and starter this way. Might make no sense-works for me. If you haven't done it already, might take a screwdriver and tighten every screw in the rail and flooring- you don't really know the boat yet. A few random thoughts. Oh, if you are going out on big water think about a SeaTow or other towing service. For $95/yr it is worth it. Good luck David
Bigshot posted 04-08-2002 10:52 AM ET (US)
Nice Job!
Nice price!
Nice boat!
Great engine no matter what lhg says:)
They are prone to getting a soft spot on the floor just behind the console or something, very common and don't sweat it. If it does get one we'll walk you through fixing it!
Nothing else....have fun!
mikee332 posted 04-08-2002 04:31 PM ET (US)
Hi, Thanks for all the great advice, I'll keep u posted on any "developments" concerning those tips.
Boilerman posted 04-08-2002 07:26 PM ET (US)
Congrats! Definetly check fuel; fill, vent, & supply lines. While you are in there check continuity on fuel fill to tank, and tank to transom ground (found under aft deckplate). You are going to love this machine. I have an '86 with 115 HP Yamaha, it may be slow but it's pretty economical. Lots of safe hours!

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: New Whaler owner
mikee332	posted 04-06-2002 04:41 PM ET (US) Hi, first time Whaler owner and new to this site, just wanted to introduce myself. I just purchased an 87'OR with an 87' Johnson 120 and trailer for 8k here in the Northeast.Everything looks to be in great shape.You have a great site here as I've looked over most of the posts relating to the 18's for the last 2 years(phew!!)Just wondering if anyone has any tips, recomendations, comments concerning this boat that might not have been addressed or maybe I missed. Thanks in advance,and I look foward to getting out on the water!!
MilwaukeeWhaler	posted 04-06-2002 05:07 PM ET (US) Welcome mikee332. Congrats on the new purchase. Enjoy the site.
David Ratusnik	posted 04-07-2002 01:57 PM ET (US) Mikee- Welcome. Great site as you know. The mid 80's 18 is a great boat. By the way, you made a fine deal on the boat. Biggs- Note the price. Love ya. David
maverick	posted 04-07-2002 02:40 PM ET (US) Welcome to the site, and Sounds like a great price. One of the things you want to check on that hull is the gas fill line, located on the port side and under the floor edge. On my 1985 18.6, the hose at the 90 degree bend was rotted to the point where it could've started leaking gas at any time. If I hadn't already decided to replace it anyway, I would not have seen the bad place on the back side of the hose! I had the floor up and out, so replacing was reasonably easy, although I'm pretty sure you can change it out while the floor is in. Not much that can ruin an unsinkable whaler, except fire. Check that, and likewise check the vent hose line too - you'll see it when you remove the small vertical panel on the inside gunnel, port side (4 screws, if memory serves). I think the rest of the hull is about indestructible, and is an outstanding boat for its size - I believe it to be the best made for its size, period of ANY boat. Dry, stable, economical to run, fast, seaworthy, just to name a few things. Can't help you on the motor - check it out good. I did with my old 1985 Yammy 150, then sold that and repowered new. Great decision. Best, Mav
David Ratusnik	posted 04-07-2002 04:08 PM ET (US) Mikee- A couple thoughts. First, the boat was built in '87 plus carries an '87 engine. I would suspect that you will have to sort the boat out- a few things will not work or break. Don't let this upset you since it is quite normal. Before you launch it might make sense to have a quality OMC/Bomb mechanic go thru the engine. Lube the lower end, r/r the water pump/impeller, check out the electrical top to bottom plus check and top off the trim/tilt fluid. The battery(s) ought to be checked as well (a mechanic can read the date code). Replace or slow trickle to make certain all is well. I make it a practice to start the engine when I lower my boat into the water. Bring it up to temp and then turn it off. Restart after about 5-7 minutes and we are off. I feel better about the batteries and starter this way. Might make no sense-works for me. If you haven't done it already, might take a screwdriver and tighten every screw in the rail and flooring- you don't really know the boat yet. A few random thoughts. Oh, if you are going out on big water think about a SeaTow or other towing service. For $95/yr it is worth it. Good luck David
Bigshot	posted 04-08-2002 10:52 AM ET (US) Nice Job! Nice price! Nice boat! Great engine no matter what lhg says:) They are prone to getting a soft spot on the floor just behind the console or something, very common and don't sweat it. If it does get one we'll walk you through fixing it! Nothing else....have fun!
mikee332	posted 04-08-2002 04:31 PM ET (US) Hi, Thanks for all the great advice, I'll keep u posted on any "developments" concerning those tips.
Boilerman	posted 04-08-2002 07:26 PM ET (US) Congrats! Definetly check fuel; fill, vent, & supply lines. While you are in there check continuity on fuel fill to tank, and tank to transom ground (found under aft deckplate). You are going to love this machine. I have an '86 with 115 HP Yamaha, it may be slow but it's pretty economical. Lots of safe hours!