posted 08-07-2014 03:45 PM ET (US)        

I intend to crawl around underneath and give much attention to the hull, which has not seen bottom paint. From the photos it looks solid. Are there any particular problem areas on the hull that I should scrutinize more closely? Any areas topside?

The boat comes on a trailer that is not [bad].

Regardless of how well the engine runs there will be a re-power probably next year, unless I happen on an off season deal.

posted 08-07-2014 04:05 PM ET (US)            

Look closely at the through hull drains on the hull bottom for any sign that they have been unsealed or otherwise have let water get into the surrounding Unibond hull.

With no bottom paint, I hope the boat was mostly kept on a trailer or a boat hoist. A Boston Whaler should not sit in the water without some sort of hull protection, even in fresh water, for more than a week or two. See

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/manual18-25/maintenance. html#bottom

Also check the transom strength. With the boat on a trailer and the engine tilted up, grab the engine gear case. Try to rock the engine on the transom. It should be very solid, with no movement or flexing of the transom. Freshwater boats are more prone to wood rot in the transom than saltwater boats. I think saltwater doesn't produce as much rot as freshwater will.

An OUTRAGE 18 is a desirable boat, and is sought after. It is great to find one with the hull in excellent condition, no bottom paint, all the original equipment intact, not too many owner-added accessories, and on a usable trailer. The 1984 Evinrude outboard in good running condition is a plus. Those engines will probably run forever if supplied with good fuel and good oil, and given a bit of maintenance. If the engine has a VRO, you should very carefully evaluate it, and particularly so if the VRO pump is an original 1984 design. See

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

Figure an overhaul of the VRO system to the newer OMS pump will cost about $500 in parts.

Canvas is also a plus, particularly if it is more than just a Flying Top or Bimini.

posted 08-08-2014 06:27 AM ET (US)            

I am impressed with the 18 - it rides and performs great...a lot of punch in a small package.

On the boat you're considering, it sounds like it has potential. One small but important thing to check is the fuel tank system. On both 18s I'm acquainted with, this was an area that required some work and expense.

Consider removing the 2 inspection covers on the port side. This will expose the fill hoses and grounding wire. The fill hoses on mine required replacement as each was badly rotted on the bottom part. My son's Guardian 20 had the same problem.

Not a real expensive fix, but a little bit of a challenge to get hoses off and on particularly where connecting to tank...small hands needed under floor area. There is also a 3/4" or so vent hose that should be checked. Gas and gas fumes can be dangerous, so be sure these components are in good condition. I used USCG stamped hoses and double SS clamps.

In addition, check the grounding wire and each end....On mine, the ends were badly corroded and I'm not sure they were really making a good connection. On mine, there is also a ground wire that is at the stern of the tank that connects to a brass looking disc on the external part of the transom (beneath the waterline). My connections here, as elsewhere, were corroded. I replaced with new stuff. Finally on this Guardian, the fuel tank was so badly corroded and had holes everywhere that it required replacement....nearly $1,000 and the floor has to come out.... a HUGE job. My aluminum tank was bad probably because of heavy saltwater use, and someone on this forum also suggested that the severe corrosion could have been caused by electrolysis and bad grounding wires. I had stripped the hull down anyway, floor out, etc., so replacing the tank was in line with the restoration....yours being in freshwater vs salt is a plus, I believe, but I'd still give it a careful look.

I realize this is mostly small stuff compared to the bigger overall package, but about the only thing that ever worried me was a fuel leak and fire, so I practice a great deal of care and due diligence on inspecting this part of my boat. Hope this info is helpful.