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  Newport 18 - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly - Your thoughts.

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Author Topic:   Newport 18 - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly - Your thoughts.
Jessielove posted 05-01-2009 09:57 PM ET (US)   Profile for Jessielove   Send Email to Jessielove  
What are your thoughts on the Newport 18? Do they tend have any notable issues that one should be aware of when inspecting them? I have read the 18 outrages of that era sometimes have problems and wonder if this would likely occur on the newport. Was it offered only in 1983; I don't seem to be able to find a reference to any other years?

If was only offered in 1983 was it that poor a seller? If so why?

jimh posted 05-01-2009 10:22 PM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
In the fall of 1983, a Boston Whaler dealer on a small lake in northern Minnesota had two NEWPORT 18's on his showroom floor. Because there is not much boating interest in the winter in Minnesota, he closed down for December through March. The two NEWPORT 18's were left alone in the dark showroom all winter. In the spring there was an issue. This is the only known issue from a NEWPORT 18.
Jessielove posted 05-01-2009 10:42 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jessielove  Send Email to Jessielove     
Sorry, I don't follow you, can you explain?

I saw in an outrage post the 18 was available in the newport from 81-84. So that is one question answered.

Perry posted 05-02-2009 01:12 AM ET (US)     Profile for Perry  Send Email to Perry     
Our moderator doesn't like it when people use the word "issues" when referring to potential "problems" with a boat or motor. I believe he was being facetious.
Dan posted 05-02-2009 09:41 AM ET (US)     Profile for Dan  Send Email to Dan     
I think jimh made a joke. Either that or he made an error, because the gestation period for whalers are longer -- 517 days for a killer whaler. I once left my 18 Outrage alone with an Edgewater, but nothing happened -- my boat has standards.
Tohsgib posted 05-02-2009 09:57 AM ET (US)     Profile for Tohsgib  Send Email to Tohsgib     
I guess one off those 18's was a Sperm Whaler.
jimh posted 05-02-2009 10:00 AM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
In the REFERENCE section you can find information about the specifications and production eras for most all Boston Whaler boats made prior to 1997. See:

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/specifications.html

The listing there notes that the NEWPORT 18 was in production from 1981 to 1984.

The general dimensions of the NEWPORT 18 are similar to the OUTRAGE 18, except perhaps for the weight. A NEWPORT model generally has an extra gunwale cap structure that might add a few pounds.

There is a popular notion that somehow we could collect, organize, track, and maintain data on the frequency of repair of particular problems and provide this on the basis of model and year for all Boston Whaler boats. This expectation is too optimistic. The best we can do is to collect some anecdotal data and try to organize it a bit.

ASIDE: Yes, the word "issue" has now been corrupted to mean any trivial dissatisfaction with the outcome or performance of a product. In most cases the alternative would be "problem" or maybe "minor annoyance." One of the silliest examples was the traffic reporter who now informs about "issues" with traffic congestion or tie-ups due to collisions. I have yet to met anyone who was in favor of traffic congestion, so I can't imagine how there could be an issue about it.

jimh posted 05-02-2009 10:10 AM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
I do not find that there is anything about a NEWPORT 18 which would require a different inspection procedure than another Boston Whaler boat, and therefore I suggest the procedure given in

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/buying.html

could be used to evaluate a NEWPORT 18.

Blackduck posted 05-02-2009 10:30 AM ET (US)     Profile for Blackduck  Send Email to Blackduck     
The Newport 18 was not popular. I suspect that any most people buying this hull, were looking for a boat for fishing, many for use off shore. You want to be able to stand while operating, not sit. The Newport 18 is kind of a sissy boat, kind of a misfit. I almost bought one last year, good price, like the one for sale in Texas now. The first thing I was going to do was to convert it into an Outrage. Same hull, different interior, one unpopular, the other arguably the most popular boat Boston Whaler ever built.
Dave Sutton posted 05-02-2009 10:54 AM ET (US)     Profile for Dave Sutton  Send Email to Dave Sutton     
"Sorry, I don't follow you, can you explain?"

"Issue" means "Progeny" or "Offspring" in the context used by Jim. Sadly, well..... let's just say that literacy in America is suffering.


Example:

How many times has the Flight Attendant made the announcement "We'll be landing momentarily" ? Every time I hear that, I think... "Man, I better jump out fast if they are only going to land *for a moment* ...I hope I survive the tumble!"

Really, I'd be far happier to know that we would be landing *in a moment* ;-)


Dave

Ritzyrags posted 05-02-2009 11:25 AM ET (US)     Profile for Ritzyrags  Send Email to Ritzyrags     
I think that this interesting debate about the "Newport 18"
would be given a bit more legitimate justice;
By seeing posted a few examples of the hull in question..
Photos of the models would be enjoyably seen.. as a pertinent option to reach;
And a great help in giving an opinion.
I have not seen a Whaler that I didn't like;
But on the other hand,
There are some very "Preferred" models.
Photos from some owners maybe?
Jessielove posted 05-02-2009 05:02 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jessielove  Send Email to Jessielove     
Dave Sutton wrote:
"Issue" means "Progeny" or "Offspring" in the context used by Jim. Sadly, well..... let's just say that literacy in America is suffering.

As a newbie among veterans in this forum (with a dull sense of humor) I did not glean the “progenic” nature of Jim's first response. While one meaning of issue can be dealing with the subject of offspring and progeny, according to Merriam Webster issue can also mean “a matter that is in dispute between two or more parties" [with respect to] "a vital or unsettled matter". Given the spirit of my original post it seemed logical to the writer the latter definition was intended. Moreover, given the very definition of a problem is associated with a solution choosing problem seems inaccurate because whether something is a problem (with or without a solution) is a matter of opinion. I would argue that since the original post solicits opinions that the use of the word “problem” in that context is less accurate than the use of the word “issue”. On the other hand, one might have a dilemma which is best revisited and monitored as there may be no solution.

Blackduck wrote:
The Newport 18 was not popular. I suspect that any most people buying this hull, [sic] were looking for a boat for fishing, many for use off shore. You want to be able to stand while operating, not sit. The Newport 18 is kind of a sissy boat, kind of a misfit.

He raises two interesting viewpoints. I am not sure I would agree with his first contention that [people] want to be able to stand while operating. It is my belief that if this were true you would see more boats with leaning posts. I would agree with Blackduck that as boat size increases, up to a certain size, that leaning posts tend to be selected more because the boats tend to be larger, more stable, and provide a ride that allows people to stand comfortably while underway. But since we’re talking about a 18 here, at the relatively smaller end of an offshore capable boat, his contention seems unlikely. In any event, some people’s needs can be more suitably met from a seated operational position with an accompanying large console that more capably facilitates the installation of numerous or larger electronic devices.

Blackduck secondly contends the Newport 18 is kind of a sissy boat, kind of a misfit. I would tend to agree as evident by poor sales and the short run of the Newport 18; it did appeal less to the buying public and we all know that profit, even at Boston Whaler, dictates business decisions. Yes the Outrage 18 may be more desirable to a larger number of people in the used boat purchasing market, but with fewer examples of quality used Newport 18s available does this necessarily make them any less desirable to people with more individualistic tendencies or needs differing from the mainstream?

Ritzyrags asked for some pictures so I included some links to online photos I was able to locate:
The first is of a 1982 Newport 18 set up for Great Lakes downrigger trolling. Some of the pictures show the Newport’s wider console.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1982-Boston-Whaler-NEWPORT-94946193

Unfortunately, with the canvas up in other pictures there are no pictures that clearly show the front deck area. It appears to my untrained eyes to be modified somehow.

The second photo is also of a 1982 Newport 18 at rest in its mooring.

http://www.whalercentral.com/userphotogallery.php?photo_id=73

Personally, I do not find the lines of the boat to be objectionable, but I agree with the writer above that it clearly does sport a more mainstream raised center console appearance that many Whaler enthusiasts prefer.

In any event, I am enjoying this thread and hope the pictures might help people to offer their opinions for the rest of us to digest.

Jessielove posted 05-02-2009 05:09 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jessielove  Send Email to Jessielove     
Woops...

The second last sentence should have read "Personally, I do not find the lines of the boat to be objectionable, but I agree with the writer above that it clearly does [not] sport a more mainstream raised center console appearance that many Whaler enthusiasts prefer."

elaelap posted 05-02-2009 08:54 PM ET (US)     Profile for elaelap  Send Email to elaelap     
Dave Sutton,

English is such a rich feast, and each of us has his/her own taste. You're perhaps one-third correct per Merriam-Webster online re the adverb "momentarily":
___________________________

momentarily
One entry found.

Main Entry: mo·men·tar·i·ly
Pronunciation: \ˌmō-mən-ˈter-ə-lē\
Function: adverb
Date: circa 1666
1: for a moment
2/archaic : instantly
3: at any moment : in a moment
____________________________

Just as Jimh has issues with the word "issues," and would rather hear my little Yamaha F60 described as "four cycle" rather than "four stroke," usage is everything in our vibrant, living language, which means, to me, just about anything goes as long as it is comprehensible and euphonious.

Tony

I await your response, momentarily.

chopbuster posted 05-02-2009 11:01 PM ET (US)     Profile for chopbuster  Send Email to chopbuster     
Actually "issue" has its origins in several books of the
old testament, back when the ancients were begetting and begotting.
R T M posted 05-04-2009 08:00 AM ET (US)     Profile for R T M    
Here is the picture made live for you

http://www.whalercentral.com/userphotogallery.php?photo_id=73

rich/Binkie

PeteB88 posted 05-04-2009 09:00 AM ET (US)     Profile for PeteB88  Send Email to PeteB88     
ALL RISE!

I have come to a conclusion - there are plenty of ugly boats; there are NO ugly Whalers, even post classics.

I have spoken...you may sit down.

Jeff posted 05-04-2009 09:54 AM ET (US)     Profile for Jeff  Send Email to Jeff     
Here are all of Tuck's images of his 18 Newport.
http://s214.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/tuck_1972/?start=all
Jessielove posted 05-04-2009 03:45 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jessielove  Send Email to Jessielove     
Hey Jeff,

Thanks for sharing the pics of Tuck's Newport. After seeing the pictures of the front seating area I have to wonder... could a portly adult companion sit down, ride some distance on plane, and get up from those seats without assistance? They look like they may be child friendly only.

Jeff posted 05-04-2009 04:32 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jeff  Send Email to Jeff     
Jessie,

I own a 17' Newport and like the low seating position better than a taller forward bench/cooler seat which I had on a Montauk and 22 Outrage. Though, I did convert my seats to have Montauk Style seat backs to add the rod holders I still think they are better. And yes you can sit to adults side by side in the forward seats.

Most people do not really like the Newport Console but, I have found myself to like it better than the standard Montauk/Outrage console. It is wide and provides a lot more room to get behind it to get out of the elements. Also, I am 5'10" and I can easily stand at the helm while piloting. I built a new RPS Seat back with out handles and rod holders and it makes a perfect leaning post for this console.

Here are some images.
Front Seats
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ 76%20Newport%20Near%20Complete/DSC_3645.jpg?t=1241468561
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ 76%20Newport%20Near%20Complete/DSC_3637.jpg?t=1241468603

RPS and Console
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ 76%20Newport%20Near%20Complete/DSC_3652.jpg?t=1241468664

My 6'2" Father standing at the Helm using the RPS for a leaning post.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ xdRWlloqoXBfVLRYMbJmfg?feat=directlink
And standing upright at the helm.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ 8KDnvMSCUNZXe9CWkPV_og?feat=directlink

dscew posted 05-04-2009 05:00 PM ET (US)     Profile for dscew  Send Email to dscew     
The Newport console is nearly identical to that of the Katama, except the Katama has a starboard storage box molded in next to the jumpseat, and of coarse the Katama has the canvas windscreen. With the reversible pilot seat, I like the layout.
dscew posted 05-04-2009 05:02 PM ET (US)     Profile for dscew  Send Email to dscew     
Sorry for the typo, I meant "of course."
Jessielove posted 05-04-2009 05:27 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jessielove  Send Email to Jessielove     
Jeff,

Thanks again for the pictures. I like your mods quite a bit. I really like all your mods. The first pics you posted of Tuck's boat had me a little worried about seating and leaned me away from the Newport toward an Outrage, but now seeing the mods you made I would put the game back to 50/50.

I would love to ride on an 18, but unfortunately, I am unaware of any 18s in my area as there was no dealer close by during the 80s.

I'd love to find a tired but solid 18, without power, to customize. I would combine some classic down east styling similar to that of a Rothbuilt on the Whaler hull. It would certainly turn more than a few eyes. Ahh, if I only had the room for a '72 21' to build up - excuse me while I duck momentarily to avoid the sniper's bullet ... there all safe now. Now if I could get a counterrotating pair of 75-90 E-Tecs to power it, I might have to warm-up the checkbook and put my money where my mouth is.

Jeff posted 05-04-2009 05:34 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jeff  Send Email to Jeff     
Jessie,

I checked your profile and there was no location listed. Where are you at? Send me an email as I may know of something that could fit your needs.

Jessielove posted 05-04-2009 06:09 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jessielove  Send Email to Jessielove     
I didn't know my profile was incomplete; I filled it out. I live in Niagara Falls, New York. I am right along the Niagara River half way between Lakes Erie and Ontario. It's a freshwater boater's paradise that sadly has few Whalers. Buffalo / Niagara Falls was (and still is) a blue collar working class area during the 80s and none of the local marinas who tried to carry the Whaler line could make a go of it. A long time mechanic and now owner of a marina who sold Whalers in the late 60s and early 70s and again in the late 70s early 80s said the largest boat they ever sold to the public were the 17 footers, and they were few and far between. Around here it was mostly 13s and a few 15s.

The current dealer had one 19 foot montauk on his floor for a long time. He said he will not attempt to sell any from inventory anymore. I guess he lost some money on it because of how long he had it on the floor.

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