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Author Topic:   18 Outrage Contemplations

TheBigTurnout posted 03-11-2003 10:17 AM ET (US)
I am considering the purchase of an 18'Outrage (1988) powered by twin Merc 80's (1989). The boat and engines have been meticulously cared for, winterized and used in fresh water. I, however, have several concerns. One, are Mercuries really as bad as everyone says? The owner (who I know personally) hasn't had ANY trouble with them but I've heard terrible things about them..(Heard them referred to as "Black Anchors.") Secondly, are twin 80's overdoing it for the size boat? I am planning on using it in a decent size lake (18 miles) but would also like to fish fairly shallow (2-3 ft)inlets where streams enter the lake. (I hope to have a trolling motor added) But, will the boat be too heavy or be too cumbersome for such flyfishing? Any of your opinions and help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.....RC
hauptjm posted 03-11-2003 10:31 AM ET (US)
Great hull and motors. If this boat has been maintained as well as you say, she should be fine. The fact that she has 14-year-old engines is a reality. The Black Anchor handle is a thing of the past. Those are reliable power plants that are downright simplistic by today's standards. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Again, 14 years on any motor means a lot of hours: presumably. If the price is right and more importantly, this is the right rig for you, go for it. As far as power to hull ratio, those are perfect. It only runs you over the 150hp limit by 7%. I would consider the age of the motors in the bargaining process, because at some point you will be replacing those engines. Hopefully, not anytime soon.
I am sure someone more qualified can respond to the actual cost of replacing those engines, but I would guess new in the $4,500 to $5,500 range, each.
TheBigTurnout posted 03-11-2003 10:49 AM ET (US)
Thanks for your reply. Basically, the guy is a friend and offering the entire package for $10k. I feel like that is a good deal, considering the condition of the boat etc. The suggestion of using the engines as bargaining chips is a good one....I'll see what I can do. When it comes time to replace those engines, is it possible to go down to a single or will I need to keep it rigged with twins? If its possible, what does that entail..? Thanks again for your help!
Barry posted 03-11-2003 11:14 AM ET (US)
As hauptjm mentioned the 18-Outrage is rated for 150 H.P. The boat with twin 80's should be an awesome package. The overall draft with twins will be less than a single. Also, the maneuverability with twins is amazing. You can spin the boat in it's own length.
If the boat and motors are in very good condition I would jump on it at that price.
JBCornwell posted 03-11-2003 11:49 AM ET (US)
Sounds to me like a great deal, TBT.
"Everybody" certainly doesn't include LHG. He really likes any opportunity to praise Mercs.
They are excellent engines. My objection is to Brunswick's marketing, not to their products.
Go for it.
Red sky at night. . .
JB
hooter posted 03-11-2003 12:15 PM ET (US)
Chimin' in, pay the man, fast! Ten grand is absolutely market for what you describe and anyone seriously lookin' will jump on it. As to the twin/single discussion, I'd be changin' over to a single in time for less weight, but hopefully that's five years down the road for you. Enjoy in the mean time. Go get'em!
gvisko posted 03-11-2003 12:44 PM ET (US)
I paid $ 8,500 for 83 with old 150 evinrude.
and repowered . I think 88 is a steel
for 10g . if you pass on it I would buy it
for that price. go get it or it will be gone.
george viskovich
andygere posted 03-11-2003 02:12 PM ET (US)
I posted the following several weeks ago:
"This ad was posted in the Santa Cruz West Marine Store. Not my boat, don't know the owner, but may it be of interest to someone on the forum:
1986 Outrage 18, twin Yamaha 50's, $12,500 (831) 761-4079
From the picture, the boat looked pretty good, was on a trailer and had a non-Mills dodger and bow platform." $10k for the boat you describe sounds like a pretty good deal. I am running '79 OMC's on my Montauk and '89 Mercs on my Outrage with no problems. If compression on those Mercs is good and they are well maintained, there may still be a lot of life in them. Go get it!
TheBigTurnout posted 03-11-2003 02:27 PM ET (US)
Thanks guys for all your help and support. Your input was exactly what I needed. I forgot to mention, should the deal go through, I will probably put up for sale a brand new dodger that will come with the boat...and possibly a bimini (though I may keep that). What's more, I would like also to sell the captain's chairs and put in a leaning post set up. Any suggestions on manufacturers that offer setups that hook right into the existing chair mounts? (I know, I know...I'm getting ahead of myself but I can't help it.)
andygere posted 03-11-2003 02:42 PM ET (US)
I wouldn't be so quick to dispose of the dodger (aka forward shelter). It is the component of the canvas set on my Montauk that gets the most use. On cold days, it really provides a great barrier to the wind and spray, and provides some fairly dry storage. When not in use it's out of the way. With a zippered boot on it, it never caused a problem with my flylines.
TheBigTurnout posted 03-11-2003 03:00 PM ET (US)
Andy...point taken. Those decisions will need to be done after a some experience....but you hit my main concern with the dodger on the head. I don't want alot of clutter for flycasting. But again....this is putting the cart before the horse. What I do want is the leaning post though. The chairs just don't do it for me.
hauptjm posted 03-11-2003 03:02 PM ET (US)
I'll second and third the idea of keeping the Dodger. I love mine.
BillD posted 03-11-2003 03:32 PM ET (US)
Buy the boat.
For a leaning post try
www.ARRIGONIDESIGN.com
I have never used them but I looked at their stuff at the Boston Boat Show and it looked very nice. They also advertize their ability to convert existing pedestals to a leaning post in On The Water magazine.
whalersman posted 03-11-2003 03:41 PM ET (US)
TheBigTurnout,
I would be interested in the Captains Chairs if they have the 8 bolt hole pattern on the bottom of the pedestal....
Andygere,
I would be interested in your Captains Chairs too if TheBigTurnout's don't have the 8 bolt hole pattern.
Joe
lhg posted 03-11-2003 05:20 PM ET (US)
Assuming the boat has no bottom paint, the price is a steal. Look at it this way. For the same 10 grand, you could get a new 13' Whaler with a 2-stroke 40 on it.
Or for $30,000., you could get the new Whaler equivalent, with a single 2 stroke 115.
TheBigTurnout posted 03-11-2003 07:11 PM ET (US)
lhg,
THe boat does have bottom paint on it. WHat does that indicate?
James posted 03-11-2003 07:21 PM ET (US)
TheBigTurnout:
That's terrible about the bottom paint. Run away, quick! Bottom paint is toxic and can create serious environmental, health and pollution problems. You just let me have the boat and I promise not to implicate you when the various regulatory agencies and the Homeland security people show up!
You have a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy the ownership of a true classic and totally "with it" boat at a great price. Life does not get much better. Enjoy it!
James.
Barry posted 03-11-2003 07:26 PM ET (US)
Bottom paint is recommended if you plan to keep the boat in the water for extended periods of time. Since the boat has bottom paint, it probably means a previous owner kept it in the water or intended to. Bottom paint does require regular maintenance. It may reduce value. It can also hide problems with the hull.
Buckda posted 03-11-2003 07:43 PM ET (US)
...but it sounds like you know the guy selling the boat, so you probably know if it was abused, and he is likely to come clean with any hull damage that he is aware of.
Buy the boat. Experience no post-purchase dissonance. Have fun. Remove the bottom paint as a project next winter after you're done using it this season.
Sounds like one heck of a deal - I think you'll be interested in re-powering with twins again when the time comes - from input on this forum from those who have twins, they'll never go back.
Congratulations.
lhg posted 03-11-2003 07:45 PM ET (US)
When you said freshwater, I assumed no paint. Generally, in freshwater areas, or where a prospective owner will keep the boat on a trailer, such person will pay up for a boat without bottom paint. The bigger the boat is, the harder it is to find one without bottom paint. I would not buy a Whaler with bottom paint, for my purposes, even though many boaters require it. On a Classic Whaler, the paint lines tends to destroy the hull's lines. Overall, it's a maintenance expense and headache.
James you need not be so snotty about bottom paint. It's not for everyone.
James posted 03-11-2003 08:05 PM ET (US)
"James you need not be so snotty about bottom paint. It's not for everyone."
lhg:
If you took it personal, my post was not addressed at you and is not really specifically about the paint. It is about looking a gift horse in the mouth. He knows the seller, they are friends! This sounds like a very good deal. I would love to own a really good 18 ft. Outrage. Outside of the proverbial little old lady in Peoria (with a Whaler sitting in the back shed since her husband died right after he bought the boat 20+ years ago), he may have to look a ways find a better deal. The boat is 24 years old. It cannot be expected to be totally perfect.
James.
lhg posted 03-11-2003 08:11 PM ET (US)
I agree, even with paint it's a good price.
Twin engine 18's are very hard to locate. Over the last 16 years, I've only seen about 5 of them.
elaelap posted 03-11-2003 09:36 PM ET (US)
One cautionary word from a relative newby-- when you get the beauty and are just about to tear into her and make immediate changes, WAIT! I bought my Katama believing every 16/17 BW was a "Montauk"--and basically all the same-- and early on decided to get rid of the silly looking rails over and in front of the starboard-side offset console. Thank goodness I found this site, and when I mentioned my plan for the rails two things happened immediately: 1) several guys wanted to buy them sight unseen, and 2) several other very helpful folks explained that they distinguished my Whaler as a Katama rather than a Minot (or a Montauk, which hadn't even been produced yet!), that they were virtually irreplacable, and that they had an important function...to lash a classic and very useful canvas/plexi windscreen to, which I've now done.
The point of this post...it was tough for me to resist making immediate changes to my craft, probably to carve my own identity into her in some way. But I would have made very foolish decisions without the little bit of personal knowledge (and huge amount of freely-given information and advice) that I've garnered over the past five months by participating in this forum. I promise you, you will have the enthusiastic support of very, very knowledgable people during every step of your new ownership if you stay with this forum; you'll also have the sinful pleasure of knowing that many of us are filled with lust and envy at your great opportunity.
Jump at the chance to get what sounds like a fine example of perhaps the most sought- after classic Whaler of all, for a very fair price...but take a season's worth of deep breaths before you make substantial changes to your new boat...and hang on to any original parts you might take off or replace.
Best of luck, you lucky dog...go for it!!
Tony
BabySitter posted 03-12-2003 07:58 AM ET (US)
TBT,
I'd be interested in the forward shelter if you decide to part with it. Good luck with your new boat!
JB
Bigshot posted 03-12-2003 09:41 AM ET (US)
This post is going downhill fast. If this boat is in the newspaper it is a mute point because it is probably sold....should in the 1st day at that price. If ya want the boat buy it, if not spend $35k on a new one that is perfect.
TheBigTurnout posted 03-12-2003 12:13 PM ET (US)
BigShot, not a moot point at all. I have first right of refusal from a friend. The boat has never been posted anywhere.
As a first time Whaler buyer, I've merely been trying to get opinions from more experienced enthusiasts so I can make a smart decision. Perhaps $10,000 is a drop in a bucket for you....but for me, its an investment that I consider heavily...
Thanks to all that have offered their help. I will certainly keep you all posted on my progress and will offer up pictures when I make the deal. This forum is an outstanding resource.....I hope someday I'll be able to help someone out as you have done for me.
Best...The Big Turnout
Bigshot posted 03-12-2003 01:08 PM ET (US)
my post came out a tad harsh...sorry!
What I basically meant is that 410k is a friggin steal for that rig and anyone here would jump on that in a NY minute. Bottom paint is not an issue unless you make it one. I have sold 3 whalers without bottom paint and 2 were then painted(broke my heart). The rest of the 9 whalers I have owned have bottom paint and I have never had an issue with it. Yes resale can be higher w/o paint but that depends where you live. In some places it is a $400 expense because they will have to have it painted, etc. Get the engines checked out by a mechanic and he says it's a go, the rest is up to you. If you drag your tail too long, the first person your bud offers it to will buy.
TomNMiami posted 03-14-2003 10:15 AM ET (US)
TBT, I've owned two 18's and plan to buy another in about 9 months. Both of my previous boats had a single 150 which gave the boat plenty of power. I have often considered having twin 70s for the offshore redundancy, but a friend of mine who owns an outboard repair facility keeps reminidng me of a very important consideration....twice the maintainance.
It sounds like your getting a great deal...I would buy it, but consider repowering with a single when the Mercs eventually die.
Best regards, Tom
PS I never had a forward shelter, but do like the idea...hang onto it for a while.
Drisney posted 03-14-2003 11:31 AM ET (US)
RC, I flyfish out of an 18 owned by my neighbor(Cruz Control) It is a very good flycasting platform. You are limited pretty much to two fishers (same as in my 13 but better than my 22 Revenge) He stands on the rear seat I stand in the bow. If a particular cleat or other obstruction grabs your flyline on a regular basis throw a towel over it. An electric trolling motor moves the boat from place to place slow enough to cast as you move along the shore. Dave...BTW I am pretty much convinced that the 18 is the ultimate boat.
Leener posted 03-16-2003 10:14 AM ET (US)
TBT,
Just a word of encouragement. I looked for two years for the "right" 18 OR. I finally found one last spring. I LOVE the boat. It is an '89 with a low hour 150 Yami. Great combination. Great ride, dry, comfortable etc. I live on the mighty St Lawrence Seaway in northern New York state. So I get plenty of "Cool" air in the spring and fall. Most of my boating friends advised against buying a center console for that reason. I ignored them and I am glad.
By the way, I paid over $16K and drove all the way to Austin, Texas to pick it up. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Hope this helps with your decision.
Buy the boat. Have fun. Sell it for a profit if you decide to later...
Leener
TheBigTurnout posted 03-30-2003 06:39 PM ET (US)
First, let me thank you all for your help and support in approaching the purchase of the 18' Outrage. Your input was invaluable for my education on the model etc. Unfortunately, my dream was not meant to be so...at least not at this point. While I knew the seller, I had not seen the boat in several years ago...The boat, contrary to how it was described to me, was far from meticulous and would have involved more work and, more importantly, know how, than I am able to give at this point. She will be someone elses project.....but fear not...I will be back in the market. Thanks again for everyone's help.
hooter posted 03-31-2003 09:01 AM ET (US)
You could help your buds, both with and without an 18', by assistin' the seller with an appropriately detailed post, right here.

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Author	Topic: 18 Outrage Contemplations
TheBigTurnout	posted 03-11-2003 10:17 AM ET (US) I am considering the purchase of an 18'Outrage (1988) powered by twin Merc 80's (1989). The boat and engines have been meticulously cared for, winterized and used in fresh water. I, however, have several concerns. One, are Mercuries really as bad as everyone says? The owner (who I know personally) hasn't had ANY trouble with them but I've heard terrible things about them..(Heard them referred to as "Black Anchors.") Secondly, are twin 80's overdoing it for the size boat? I am planning on using it in a decent size lake (18 miles) but would also like to fish fairly shallow (2-3 ft)inlets where streams enter the lake. (I hope to have a trolling motor added) But, will the boat be too heavy or be too cumbersome for such flyfishing? Any of your opinions and help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.....RC
hauptjm	posted 03-11-2003 10:31 AM ET (US) Great hull and motors. If this boat has been maintained as well as you say, she should be fine. The fact that she has 14-year-old engines is a reality. The Black Anchor handle is a thing of the past. Those are reliable power plants that are downright simplistic by today's standards. Not necessarily a bad thing. Again, 14 years on any motor means a lot of hours: presumably. If the price is right and more importantly, this is the right rig for you, go for it. As far as power to hull ratio, those are perfect. It only runs you over the 150hp limit by 7%. I would consider the age of the motors in the bargaining process, because at some point you will be replacing those engines. Hopefully, not anytime soon. I am sure someone more qualified can respond to the actual cost of replacing those engines, but I would guess new in the $4,500 to $5,500 range, each.
TheBigTurnout	posted 03-11-2003 10:49 AM ET (US) Thanks for your reply. Basically, the guy is a friend and offering the entire package for $10k. I feel like that is a good deal, considering the condition of the boat etc. The suggestion of using the engines as bargaining chips is a good one....I'll see what I can do. When it comes time to replace those engines, is it possible to go down to a single or will I need to keep it rigged with twins? If its possible, what does that entail..? Thanks again for your help!
Barry	posted 03-11-2003 11:14 AM ET (US) As hauptjm mentioned the 18-Outrage is rated for 150 H.P. The boat with twin 80's should be an awesome package. The overall draft with twins will be less than a single. Also, the maneuverability with twins is amazing. You can spin the boat in it's own length. If the boat and motors are in very good condition I would jump on it at that price.
JBCornwell	posted 03-11-2003 11:49 AM ET (US) Sounds to me like a great deal, TBT. "Everybody" certainly doesn't include LHG. He really likes any opportunity to praise Mercs. They are excellent engines. My objection is to Brunswick's marketing, not to their products. Go for it. Red sky at night. . . JB
hooter	posted 03-11-2003 12:15 PM ET (US) Chimin' in, pay the man, fast! Ten grand is absolutely market for what you describe and anyone seriously lookin' will jump on it. As to the twin/single discussion, I'd be changin' over to a single in time for less weight, but hopefully that's five years down the road for you. Enjoy in the mean time. Go get'em!
gvisko	posted 03-11-2003 12:44 PM ET (US) I paid $ 8,500 for 83 with old 150 evinrude. and repowered . I think 88 is a steel for 10g . if you pass on it I would buy it for that price. go get it or it will be gone. george viskovich
andygere	posted 03-11-2003 02:12 PM ET (US) I posted the following several weeks ago: "This ad was posted in the Santa Cruz West Marine Store. Not my boat, don't know the owner, but may it be of interest to someone on the forum: 1986 Outrage 18, twin Yamaha 50's, $12,500 (831) 761-4079 From the picture, the boat looked pretty good, was on a trailer and had a non-Mills dodger and bow platform." $10k for the boat you describe sounds like a pretty good deal. I am running '79 OMC's on my Montauk and '89 Mercs on my Outrage with no problems. If compression on those Mercs is good and they are well maintained, there may still be a lot of life in them. Go get it!
TheBigTurnout	posted 03-11-2003 02:27 PM ET (US) Thanks guys for all your help and support. Your input was exactly what I needed. I forgot to mention, should the deal go through, I will probably put up for sale a brand new dodger that will come with the boat...and possibly a bimini (though I may keep that). What's more, I would like also to sell the captain's chairs and put in a leaning post set up. Any suggestions on manufacturers that offer setups that hook right into the existing chair mounts? (I know, I know...I'm getting ahead of myself but I can't help it.)
andygere	posted 03-11-2003 02:42 PM ET (US) I wouldn't be so quick to dispose of the dodger (aka forward shelter). It is the component of the canvas set on my Montauk that gets the most use. On cold days, it really provides a great barrier to the wind and spray, and provides some fairly dry storage. When not in use it's out of the way. With a zippered boot on it, it never caused a problem with my flylines.
TheBigTurnout	posted 03-11-2003 03:00 PM ET (US) Andy...point taken. Those decisions will need to be done after a some experience....but you hit my main concern with the dodger on the head. I don't want alot of clutter for flycasting. But again....this is putting the cart before the horse. What I do want is the leaning post though. The chairs just don't do it for me.
hauptjm	posted 03-11-2003 03:02 PM ET (US) I'll second and third the idea of keeping the Dodger. I love mine.
BillD	posted 03-11-2003 03:32 PM ET (US) Buy the boat. For a leaning post try www.ARRIGONIDESIGN.com I have never used them but I looked at their stuff at the Boston Boat Show and it looked very nice. They also advertize their ability to convert existing pedestals to a leaning post in On The Water magazine.
whalersman	posted 03-11-2003 03:41 PM ET (US) TheBigTurnout, I would be interested in the Captains Chairs if they have the 8 bolt hole pattern on the bottom of the pedestal.... Andygere, I would be interested in your Captains Chairs too if TheBigTurnout's don't have the 8 bolt hole pattern. Joe
lhg	posted 03-11-2003 05:20 PM ET (US) Assuming the boat has no bottom paint, the price is a steal. Look at it this way. For the same 10 grand, you could get a new 13' Whaler with a 2-stroke 40 on it. Or for $30,000., you could get the new Whaler equivalent, with a single 2 stroke 115.
TheBigTurnout	posted 03-11-2003 07:11 PM ET (US) lhg, THe boat does have bottom paint on it. WHat does that indicate?
James	posted 03-11-2003 07:21 PM ET (US) TheBigTurnout: That's terrible about the bottom paint. Run away, quick! Bottom paint is toxic and can create serious environmental, health and pollution problems. You just let me have the boat and I promise not to implicate you when the various regulatory agencies and the Homeland security people show up! You have a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy the ownership of a true classic and totally "with it" boat at a great price. Life does not get much better. Enjoy it! James.
Barry	posted 03-11-2003 07:26 PM ET (US) Bottom paint is recommended if you plan to keep the boat in the water for extended periods of time. Since the boat has bottom paint, it probably means a previous owner kept it in the water or intended to. Bottom paint does require regular maintenance. It may reduce value. It can also hide problems with the hull.
Buckda	posted 03-11-2003 07:43 PM ET (US) ...but it sounds like you know the guy selling the boat, so you probably know if it was abused, and he is likely to come clean with any hull damage that he is aware of. Buy the boat. Experience no post-purchase dissonance. Have fun. Remove the bottom paint as a project next winter after you're done using it this season. Sounds like one heck of a deal - I think you'll be interested in re-powering with twins again when the time comes - from input on this forum from those who have twins, they'll never go back. Congratulations.
lhg	posted 03-11-2003 07:45 PM ET (US) When you said freshwater, I assumed no paint. Generally, in freshwater areas, or where a prospective owner will keep the boat on a trailer, such person will pay up for a boat without bottom paint. The bigger the boat is, the harder it is to find one without bottom paint. I would not buy a Whaler with bottom paint, for my purposes, even though many boaters require it. On a Classic Whaler, the paint lines tends to destroy the hull's lines. Overall, it's a maintenance expense and headache. James you need not be so snotty about bottom paint. It's not for everyone.
James	posted 03-11-2003 08:05 PM ET (US) "James you need not be so snotty about bottom paint. It's not for everyone." lhg: If you took it personal, my post was not addressed at you and is not really specifically about the paint. It is about looking a gift horse in the mouth. He knows the seller, they are friends! This sounds like a very good deal. I would love to own a really good 18 ft. Outrage. Outside of the proverbial little old lady in Peoria (with a Whaler sitting in the back shed since her husband died right after he bought the boat 20+ years ago), he may have to look a ways find a better deal. The boat is 24 years old. It cannot be expected to be totally perfect. James.
lhg	posted 03-11-2003 08:11 PM ET (US) I agree, even with paint it's a good price. Twin engine 18's are very hard to locate. Over the last 16 years, I've only seen about 5 of them.
elaelap	posted 03-11-2003 09:36 PM ET (US) One cautionary word from a relative newby-- when you get the beauty and are just about to tear into her and make immediate changes, WAIT! I bought my Katama believing every 16/17 BW was a "Montauk"--and basically all the same-- and early on decided to get rid of the silly looking rails over and in front of the starboard-side offset console. Thank goodness I found this site, and when I mentioned my plan for the rails two things happened immediately: 1) several guys wanted to buy them sight unseen, and 2) several other very helpful folks explained that they distinguished my Whaler as a Katama rather than a Minot (or a Montauk, which hadn't even been produced yet!), that they were virtually irreplacable, and that they had an important function...to lash a classic and very useful canvas/plexi windscreen to, which I've now done. The point of this post...it was tough for me to resist making immediate changes to my craft, probably to carve my own identity into her in some way. But I would have made very foolish decisions without the little bit of personal knowledge (and huge amount of freely-given information and advice) that I've garnered over the past five months by participating in this forum. I promise you, you will have the enthusiastic support of very, very knowledgable people during every step of your new ownership if you stay with this forum; you'll also have the sinful pleasure of knowing that many of us are filled with lust and envy at your great opportunity. Jump at the chance to get what sounds like a fine example of perhaps the most sought- after classic Whaler of all, for a very fair price...but take a season's worth of deep breaths before you make substantial changes to your new boat...and hang on to any original parts you might take off or replace. Best of luck, you lucky dog...go for it!! Tony
BabySitter	posted 03-12-2003 07:58 AM ET (US) TBT, I'd be interested in the forward shelter if you decide to part with it. Good luck with your new boat! JB
Bigshot	posted 03-12-2003 09:41 AM ET (US) This post is going downhill fast. If this boat is in the newspaper it is a mute point because it is probably sold....should in the 1st day at that price. If ya want the boat buy it, if not spend $35k on a new one that is perfect.
TheBigTurnout	posted 03-12-2003 12:13 PM ET (US) BigShot, not a moot point at all. I have first right of refusal from a friend. The boat has never been posted anywhere. As a first time Whaler buyer, I've merely been trying to get opinions from more experienced enthusiasts so I can make a smart decision. Perhaps $10,000 is a drop in a bucket for you....but for me, its an investment that I consider heavily... Thanks to all that have offered their help. I will certainly keep you all posted on my progress and will offer up pictures when I make the deal. This forum is an outstanding resource.....I hope someday I'll be able to help someone out as you have done for me. Best...The Big Turnout
Bigshot	posted 03-12-2003 01:08 PM ET (US) my post came out a tad harsh...sorry! What I basically meant is that 410k is a friggin steal for that rig and anyone here would jump on that in a NY minute. Bottom paint is not an issue unless you make it one. I have sold 3 whalers without bottom paint and 2 were then painted(broke my heart). The rest of the 9 whalers I have owned have bottom paint and I have never had an issue with it. Yes resale can be higher w/o paint but that depends where you live. In some places it is a $400 expense because they will have to have it painted, etc. Get the engines checked out by a mechanic and he says it's a go, the rest is up to you. If you drag your tail too long, the first person your bud offers it to will buy.
TomNMiami	posted 03-14-2003 10:15 AM ET (US) TBT, I've owned two 18's and plan to buy another in about 9 months. Both of my previous boats had a single 150 which gave the boat plenty of power. I have often considered having twin 70s for the offshore redundancy, but a friend of mine who owns an outboard repair facility keeps reminidng me of a very important consideration....twice the maintainance. It sounds like your getting a great deal...I would buy it, but consider repowering with a single when the Mercs eventually die. Best regards, Tom PS I never had a forward shelter, but do like the idea...hang onto it for a while.
Drisney	posted 03-14-2003 11:31 AM ET (US) RC, I flyfish out of an 18 owned by my neighbor(Cruz Control) It is a very good flycasting platform. You are limited pretty much to two fishers (same as in my 13 but better than my 22 Revenge) He stands on the rear seat I stand in the bow. If a particular cleat or other obstruction grabs your flyline on a regular basis throw a towel over it. An electric trolling motor moves the boat from place to place slow enough to cast as you move along the shore. Dave...BTW I am pretty much convinced that the 18 is the ultimate boat.
Leener	posted 03-16-2003 10:14 AM ET (US) TBT, Just a word of encouragement. I looked for two years for the "right" 18 OR. I finally found one last spring. I LOVE the boat. It is an '89 with a low hour 150 Yami. Great combination. Great ride, dry, comfortable etc. I live on the mighty St Lawrence Seaway in northern New York state. So I get plenty of "Cool" air in the spring and fall. Most of my boating friends advised against buying a center console for that reason. I ignored them and I am glad. By the way, I paid over $16K and drove all the way to Austin, Texas to pick it up. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Hope this helps with your decision. Buy the boat. Have fun. Sell it for a profit if you decide to later... Leener
TheBigTurnout	posted 03-30-2003 06:39 PM ET (US) First, let me thank you all for your help and support in approaching the purchase of the 18' Outrage. Your input was invaluable for my education on the model etc. Unfortunately, my dream was not meant to be so...at least not at this point. While I knew the seller, I had not seen the boat in several years ago...The boat, contrary to how it was described to me, was far from meticulous and would have involved more work and, more importantly, know how, than I am able to give at this point. She will be someone elses project.....but fear not...I will be back in the market. Thanks again for everyone's help.
hooter	posted 03-31-2003 09:01 AM ET (US) You could help your buds, both with and without an 18', by assistin' the seller with an appropriately detailed post, right here.