posted 05-17-2002 09:54 AM ET (US)         

I have a few suggestions: (1) Make sure that the boat is, indeed, self bailing. Take a bucket along, pour some water on the deck, and watch it drain. Beware of a boat with scuppers above the deck (even the smallest amount), as the water will pool and not drain out properly. (2) Put the wheel into a tight turn (at idle), accelerate slowly in forward, and pull the boat out of the turn. This should give you an idea of the boat's tendency to cavitate, or catch air under the hull in such a fashion that the prop's intake flow is interrupted. The engine will race up, then the prop will catch when the stream of air clears. (3) Make sure that the fuel water separator, bilge pump, and other components in the bilge are accessible. I'd suggest reviewing David Pascoe's review of the 26' Outrage to better describe the problems which can arise here. (4) DO NOT open the boat up. Use a "demo" model the dealer has for performance testing. The most important hours for an engine are its first ten, and that break-in period is crucial. There is an article in the May 2002 "Boating" magazine which explains the importance of proper break-in. (5) Back the boat up! Some boats are HORRIBLE in reverse. Make sure that the transom doesn't get dunked too easily. Again, do this GENTLY. Your engine is new, and its break-in in forward is no different than that in reverse.

Good luck to you! Remember, once the check is inked and the hands shaken, the purchaser is usually on his own. Don't wake up the next day (or at 3AM) with a case of buyer's remorse. You'll be much happier with the boat if the sea trial experience has been thorough and completely to your satisfaction.

posted 05-18-2002 09:18 AM ET (US)            

I would advise:

--be sure you get the delivering dealer to explain all the fundamentals of operating the boat. Where are all the drains? Where are the batteries, battery switches, etc., and how should they be operated? What is the procedure for starting the engine from a cold condition? What is the proper temperature range to see on the gauges? The proper water water pressure? And other similar questions.

--arrange to have access to the dealer for any follow-up questions or problems. You are sure to have more questions after a few days of use or to find something that needs a little attention.

I would also suggest taking some pictures on a nice sunny day and sending them in for CETACEA!

posted 05-19-2002 06:08 AM ET (US)         

The 22 Dauntless, surprisingly, does share many of the design elements of the original classic Outrage 21. It's surprising to see the similar transom design, low gunwales, wide walk-around area beside the console, and similar seating set-up.

How does the Dauntless 22 ride? How does it's deck drain? How does it's performance compare to that of the old 21' design? I realize that weight is a significant issue here, but I am curious to know how the "updated" hull design fares with varying sizes of powerplants.