posted 01-08-2004 01:30 AM ET (US)        

I have a 20' Outrage, and the full Mills bow dodger / forward enclosure.

I'm figuring that, even at 6'3", this would be reasonably comfortable with an inflatable mattress.

posted 01-08-2004 07:37 AM ET (US)            

I spent many nights aboard my Sakonnet, some of them shared with my then teen son.

The forward casting platform gave us a flat surface for our air mattress. You might want a similar deck.

posted 01-08-2004 08:01 AM ET (US)            

In some models it is necessary to even out the floor height to make a level sleeping area. This has been done with deck extensions made from wood. LHG has designed and constructed a filler deck section like this for his classic Boston Whaler Outrage 18. He has also designed one for the newer Boston Whaler Outrage-19-II model. Deck additions like these turn the bow of even 18-foot Boston Whaler boats into very comfortable sleeping compartments. When made from beautiful teak, they also enhance the appearance of the boat even when not being used for berthing.

On your classic Boston Whaler Outrage 20, I believe you will want to create a filler panel that will bridge the space between the bow lockers on each side. This will create a berth approximately the size of a queen bed. Or, you may be content to just have the space between the bow lockers.

A very comfortable accommodation can be created by adding a bow shelter, a deck platform, and a high quality inflatable mattress to a classic Boston Whaler Outrage boat.

I have spent many weeks cruising (in my Revenge 20) in the company of others in their Outrage 18/19/22/25, and we have all enjoyed very comfortable sleeping in the bow of our classic Boston Whaler boats. In August and September, we cruised for two weeks in the company of LHG who was aboard his Outrage 18. We heard no complaints about the comfort of his forward shelter accommodation.

posted 01-08-2004 09:32 AM ET (US)            

On a Classic 22, the difference in elevation between the fore deck and the rest of the deck is about 1 1/2", and it steps down just at the aft edge of the livewell hatch which is about 20" (+/-) forward of the front face of the standard console. I have raised the area from the front of my console to the raised fore deck with 3/4" teak slats screwed to 3/4" cross pieces, and anchored this platform to the lower deck using the original screw holes through the deck that had held the screws for the cooler seat brackets. So now there is a flat surface at one level from the console all the way forward. With the front cooler seat temporarily moved to the cockpit, there's plenty of room to sleep two adults right on the deck on pads or air mattresses. The link below shows a couple of photos of what I just described. I sleep there under my Mills canvas the night before early morning fishing trips quite frequently, and there's be room for my wife if fishing and camping were her thing... :-(

www.geocities.com/j_flook/teak.html

Let me know if i can give you any more information about what I did-

posted 01-08-2004 06:31 PM ET (US)            

1) Would someone please send me photos of what this bow "sleeping" platform looks like?

2) Two (2) weeks on a 20' Outrage seems difficult w/o a Head. What are the options?

I live in S. Florida and the Keys and the Bahamas are around the corner. In two weeks time my family and I could do a lot of traveling.

Thanks,

posted 01-08-2004 07:15 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for the insight on the Prop. It was my suggestion on the 4 Blade. I already have a 3 Blade that came with the 175 Yami 2 Stroke, but for Skiing, I wanted the 4 Blade because I've heard that the 4 Stroke Engines are a bit lazy on "getting into the hole". The Boat itself, w/ the 175 was doing 52 mph w/ 2 people on flat water. I have a Prop wrench and a box full of cotter pins to go back and forth - and I keep the boat on my "lift" when not in use. Access to the engine, and changing the prop is a 5 minute item. Considering that trailering & launching takes more time than it does to change a prop, I don't mind.

My real questions, though, back to the original posting, are:

1 - would somone plase send photos of the teak work?
2 - what does everyone do for "Head Room" for two weeks, or even a day for that matter?

By the way, when I was 15 I had found a 13' Dori w/ a 50 HP Merc in the ocean. I was pulled over countless times, until I registered the boat as a Home Made unit, because the Marine Patrol thought I pirated the boat. You can imagine the effect on a 15 year old that had. Well, as an adult, with two kids (5 & 7) and a wife, I wanted a SAFE boat that would/will be lots of fun for me and the family... thus the 20' Outrage.

Thanks again, Sal, for the advice. If anyone can please help with my questions, I'd appreciate it.

posted 01-08-2004 08:46 PM ET (US)            

--Arrive marina late afternoon. Arrange mooring or boat slip. No problem for a small boat to find a space--they always have room for one more 18-foot boat. Relax. Sun dips below the yard arm; cocktail hour at the dock. Enjoy the late afternoon/early evening. Dinner at shore restaurant, usually about last seating. Stay until closing. Have fun. No dishes to clean up! Enjoy the camaraderie of your cruising companions.

--Return boat at dock approx. 10-11 p.m. Night cap. Retire for evening.

--Next morning at dock; breakfast on board or on deck chairs on the dock. Take advantage of shore-side facilities for lavatory and shower.

--Relaxed morning dockside. Pay moorage fees. Tour the town. Purchase supplies as needed. Take advantage of shore-side facilities for lavatory and shower.

--Late morning departure (or maybe early afternoon). Cruise leisurely toward next destination. Lunch aboard, perhaps in nice anchorage. Afternoon cruise to next destination.

(repeat as necessary)

posted 01-08-2004 09:22 PM ET (US)            

Following the great advise I received, I overnighted on my 22' Outrage this last summer at the North Channel 2003 Rendezvous.

Here are some pictures:
Canvas up http://members.aol.com/bburtensha/outrage/nc2003_4.jpg
Aft cabin http://members.aol.com/bburtensha/outrage/aftcabin.jpg
Port berth http://members.aol.com/bburtensha/outrage/portberth.jpg
Forward cabin http://members.aol.com/bburtensha/outrage/forwardcabin.jpg

posted 01-09-2004 10:40 AM ET (US)            

Our 20' Outrage wno't be ready until next week, then we already have a pre-planned vacation (actually a trip) to see Mickey Mouse. When we return we'll start the REAL vacationing. I'll give updates.

I'm in Miami, FL - so if anyone can direct me to a reasonalbe TEAK person, and CANVAS maker, please send contact info.

By the way, the difference between a Trip and a Vacation is that a Trip is when you just travel and return feeling as if you need a Vacation. Example: try flying for business and return home on the same day - that's a trip. Going to a Hotel or just Cruising - that's a vacation.

Thanks again,

posted 01-09-2004 03:25 PM ET (US)            

Man that boat is pretty with all the canvas set!

That's Drummond Island (Michigan) Yacht Haven in the background.

Dave

posted 01-09-2004 07:53 PM ET (US)            

lhg - any tips on raising the RPS?

Now, we just have to get out of the single digit temperatures, brrrrrrrrr.

posted 01-10-2004 01:43 AM ET (US)            

Looking at the conditions of the lakes up here I was wondering if thinking about the boat and things to do was as enjoyable as being on it. Nah.

The new used 18 Outrage is looking for some attention. The cruising is something I've thought about but never took seriously with the 15.

How are the teak decks secured? Is that something that should be taken into consideration prior to making a deck? It'd be nice to be able to remove it when not needed. The freeboard is nice to have when doing other things.

I would imagine that the canvas requires additional fittings, etc. If required, does Mills provide the fittings or do other sources need to be considered?

For me, alot of the enjoyment and interest in these boats comes from the rigging.

Paul

posted 01-10-2004 08:15 AM ET (US)            

in the prior mentioned thread 'Camping on an Outrage' you mention raising the RPS by 6".

Would you share some details? At 6'3" myself, I really like that idea!

posted 01-10-2004 11:39 PM ET (US)            

It is best to review prior postings or begin a new thread if you want to begin a discussion that is divergent from the topic of the current thread.

Try this older thread for a start:

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000720.html

posted 01-12-2004 12:57 PM ET (US)         

I have a fully dimensioned shop drawing for this deck, but I would have to enhance it for reproduction. I'll see if I can find some time to do it in the next couple of weeks. The teak for this project, which included 4/4 decking and 5/4 cross supports, cost about $400! All screw connections are pegged over.

posted 01-12-2004 06:34 PM ET (US)            

I haven't contacted Wm Mills Co yet for the canvas because the folks at Bob Hewes Boats tell me to go to Helen Marine (www.helenmarine.bigoot.com) as they do the Canvas for several other boat companies. I'm in Miami.

I want to get a custom tall Bimini (8'-12'), for our 20' Outrage as I'm 6'3" and my wife is also somewhat sensitive to the sun and heat. Since I have kids, I also wanted a custom Forward Shelter to match.

Pricing from Helen Marine is about 25% less than the folks at Wm Mills Co web pricing, and Helen Marine is local for me. All I have to do is bring in the boat, and they measure, cut and install the same day.

If this group is certain I should go with Wm Mills Co, I will, as I don't intend to re-invent the (ships) wheel. Hopefully they can do a custome job.

What would you do?

P.S. - LHG, when you finish up on the diagram, or specs, for the Bow's Platorm, include me too... even if it's only for a 19' vessel. I can figure out the modifications to match my 20' from there.

Thanks,

posted 01-12-2004 07:21 PM ET (US)            

I would be interested in a copy also... I could put it in my drawings section if you like.

posted 01-12-2004 08:00 PM ET (US)         

We had a 2 man tent modified so that it fits behind the leaning post that we affectionately refer to as our ‘aft cabin’. It only takes a few minutes to put up or take down, its less expensive than canvas, and IMO better since it is always stowed when not in use.

I’ve spent many evenings on board, and think it’s a great alternative to the canvas systems. But, I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone over 6’.

posted 01-12-2004 08:09 PM ET (US)            

There are several positives to getting Mills canvas. The quality of the Mills canvas is excellent, the fit is excellent, you can order all or just part of their system, and you can easily reorder pieces/parts if your existing get worn, damaged, lost, or stolen.

There are also several negatives. The height of the Flying Top for the 22 Outrage is less than 6'. I'm not sure about the height of the larger Sun Top. The Forward Shelter and Windshield are designed to only work with the Flying Top and not the Sun Top. You may be able to use the Forward Shelter and the Sun Top without the Windshield but that only gives you partial protection.

posted 01-12-2004 08:46 PM ET (US)            

Does anybody have any options for providing heat where shore power isn't available? I thought about some of these small propane heaters but don't think they would be safe. Fumes and tipping over. Nothing worse than not waking up in the morning. It can get down right chilly some evenings even during the summer on some of the lakes and we don't always have the summer long johns packed.

posted 01-12-2004 09:32 PM ET (US)            

The Flying Top for the 25 Outrage also has much more head room than the 20/22 version. The 25 Flying Top is also a fair amount larger (deeper).

posted 01-13-2004 06:42 PM ET (US)            

I think you're right about the different consoles having different plan dimensions - mine definitely has a bigger footprint than a Montauk console, and a smaller footprint than a super console. And I wouldn't be surprised if even a similar console would be a little closer to the bow on a 20 than on a 22 for better weight distribution.

Hadn't thought of those things; it's never as simple as it seems.

posted 01-17-2004 07:13 PM ET (US)            

This would certainly make cruising and overnight travleing more spacious, however, what does the forum think?

Thanks,

posted 01-17-2004 08:22 PM ET (US)            

[deleted link]

With the Forward Shelter, and a full set of curtains/canvas, I'm good to go. If what I want is really impractical, then Wm Mills it is.

But what do you think?

posted 01-18-2004 11:31 AM ET (US)            

The forward shelter is lower and doesn't extend as far back. I believe that was done to make it easier to see over and to allow passengers seated on the cooler in front of the console a better view. With the Mills shelter, the seating on the the cooler is somewhat awkward. My head hits the rear bow and the only way to see out is through the small window at the very front.

The top is a larger "Sun" style which would provide better shade both behind and in front of the console. I think that it was also taller than the Mill's top.

The windshield is significantly larger that the Mill's, providing better visibility. However, it is also further away from the driver. The side curtains were all "window".

posted 01-21-2004 11:01 PM ET (US)            

Where can I get something like this Canvas? Does Mills now do something like this? The folks at Helen Marine, in Miami are not confident at wot w/ the 150 Yamaha on my V-20, so I they're out of the question for now. It's either Wm Mills or the folks where the above link is from.

Thanks,

posted 01-22-2004 09:12 AM ET (US)            

Did you take that photo? (Hidden question: Have you boated Collins Inlet?)

posted 02-29-2012 12:09 PM ET (US)            

A long time ago, you wrote..

"I have a fully dimensioned shop drawing for this deck, but I would have to enhance it for reproduction. I'll see if I can find some time to do it in the next couple of weeks. The teak for this project, which included 4/4 decking and 5/4 cross supports, cost about $400! All screw connections are pegged over."

We're trying to build a bow platform for our 89 Outrage 18. Did you ever publish your drawings? Could you provide me with some? I've looked everywhere and can't find them, or close-up pictures of your boat.

Thanks for being such a foreunner here!

posted 04-22-2014 03:42 PM ET (US)            

Unfortunately could not found this info anywhere else in the net