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Author Topic:   180 Ventura

tonyj1 posted 05-14-2008 11:10 PM ET (US)
I am considering purchasing a 180 Ventura and have been looking at all the features. Unfortunately no local dealers have any in stock so I cannot see one first hand.
I am mostly concerned about storage capacity, any feedback from owners is appreciated.
Tony

TRAFFICLAWYER posted 05-15-2008 07:45 AM ET (US)
Call Bobby Cooler at Sea Island in Beaufort,SC, it's a great boat I had a 18' 1998 model!
18 Ventura posted 05-15-2008 10:00 AM ET (US)
tonyj1 - The design of the Venturas changed back in 2001. The basic layout is the same, but there were some noticeable changes to the hull, consoles, and dimensions of the newer models.
If you’re looking at a new boat, it’s a moot point. If you thinking about a used Ventura, just make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. I prefer the pre-2001 version, but that's obviously a personal preference.
Good luck in your search.
tonyj1 posted 05-15-2008 08:36 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the inputs.
I saw the Ventura advertised in boattrader.com. I am probably looking for a new boat as I don't want to have a second boat (I now have a 180 Dauntless) if I am unable to sell it.
Plus I am happy with the Verado and want to stay with it.
I've been agonizing all winter over next purchase and the one issue I have with the 180 Ventura is a precieved lack of storage. This is based on looking at data sheets and the manual online as I have not seen an actual boat. (Been all over but noone seems to carry the Venturas).
I'm hoping to find an owner to give me some insight.
Tony
sosmerc posted 05-16-2008 12:41 AM ET (US)
I have a 1998 18ft. Ventura and love the boat. I feel the boat has quite alot of storage. I have dual batteries and hydraulic trim tab power unit under the starboard rear hatch, 3 gallon Merc tank for kicker motor and 3 gallon oil tank for Optimax main motor down in the center under the rear splashwell hatch. This leaves the entire area under the portside rear seat for alot of stuff.
There is room under the sleeper seat on the passenger side for ropes. Then there is room under each of the forward passenger seats for life jackets, and other gear. I keep two different anchor setups forward in the anchor locker. If you had a rigid T-Top you could have even more storage under the top for more sensitive gear that needed to stay dry such as cell phones, radios, first aid kits, towels etc. All in all, I'd say the boat has alot of useable space for an 18ft. boat.
I have the bimini top....but sure wish someone made a nice rigid T-top for it!!

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Author	Topic: 180 Ventura
tonyj1	posted 05-14-2008 11:10 PM ET (US) I am considering purchasing a 180 Ventura and have been looking at all the features. Unfortunately no local dealers have any in stock so I cannot see one first hand. I am mostly concerned about storage capacity, any feedback from owners is appreciated. Tony
TRAFFICLAWYER	posted 05-15-2008 07:45 AM ET (US) Call Bobby Cooler at Sea Island in Beaufort,SC, it's a great boat I had a 18' 1998 model!
18 Ventura	posted 05-15-2008 10:00 AM ET (US) tonyj1 - The design of the Venturas changed back in 2001. The basic layout is the same, but there were some noticeable changes to the hull, consoles, and dimensions of the newer models. If you’re looking at a new boat, it’s a moot point. If you thinking about a used Ventura, just make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. I prefer the pre-2001 version, but that's obviously a personal preference. Good luck in your search.
tonyj1	posted 05-15-2008 08:36 PM ET (US) Thanks for the inputs. I saw the Ventura advertised in boattrader.com. I am probably looking for a new boat as I don't want to have a second boat (I now have a 180 Dauntless) if I am unable to sell it. Plus I am happy with the Verado and want to stay with it. I've been agonizing all winter over next purchase and the one issue I have with the 180 Ventura is a precieved lack of storage. This is based on looking at data sheets and the manual online as I have not seen an actual boat. (Been all over but noone seems to carry the Venturas). I'm hoping to find an owner to give me some insight. Tony
sosmerc	posted 05-16-2008 12:41 AM ET (US) I have a 1998 18ft. Ventura and love the boat. I feel the boat has quite alot of storage. I have dual batteries and hydraulic trim tab power unit under the starboard rear hatch, 3 gallon Merc tank for kicker motor and 3 gallon oil tank for Optimax main motor down in the center under the rear splashwell hatch. This leaves the entire area under the portside rear seat for alot of stuff. There is room under the sleeper seat on the passenger side for ropes. Then there is room under each of the forward passenger seats for life jackets, and other gear. I keep two different anchor setups forward in the anchor locker. If you had a rigid T-Top you could have even more storage under the top for more sensitive gear that needed to stay dry such as cell phones, radios, first aid kits, towels etc. All in all, I'd say the boat has alot of useable space for an 18ft. boat. I have the bimini top....but sure wish someone made a nice rigid T-top for it!!