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I am looking at buying a 1995 17' Outrage with a 2005 optimax 115.
I have owned a 17' Montauk, a 1989 Outrage 18' and currently own a 1993 Outrage 22' with a dead motor. I am looking for info on the ride of the 17' Outrage compared to the Montauk and the 18' Outrage. Any comments about ride, performance, dryness, speed and etc. is appreciated. The asking price of 12k seems fair ?
thanks,
We own a '91 17' Outrage with a 115 Merc. The '95 you're looking at is a different hull, but I'd imagine there would be some similarities between that boat on ours. We also have a '98 24' Outrage- the most remarkable thing about the 17' is how dry it is- much, much drier than the 24'. In terms of performance, we have a 5 blade prop which results in a lower top end (~45mph), but we love the way that prop grabs the water. It's a light boat (the '95 is probably heavier), so the prop was constantly coming out of the water- the 5 blade solved that problem, not to mention the thing corners like its on rails, which makes for great tubing. The ride is much softer than a Montauk. In chop the boat has a hard time- it's just too light. However, in regular seas where there's a rhythm to the waves, I'm amazed every season at how well the boat handles. It just goes where you want it to, and since you can steer so easily, you can avoid (steer behind, around) the waves that would result in pounding. Storage is minimal, which can be frustrating, and ours has a capacity of 6- but a practical capacity of 4, and that's a little small for what we'd like.
We've had the boat since I was 11 and I'd recommend it (or a similar model).
I had a classic Montauk before moving up to a 1991 Outrage 17.
I find the ride is a big step up from a Montauk but not quite as good as an Outrage 18. In terms of size, trialering, weight and required horsepower, it is terrific.
My local waters are a large bay on the ocean with heavy ship traffic, boat wakes and breezy chop with the occasional ocean swell. I have made a dozen long trips offshore and down the coast. Several outings have been in nasty small craft advisory (SCA) conditions.
The hull is very dry and only wind blown quartering waves get the rear seats wet.
The tall console and high windshield are great when you stuff the bow into a breaking 5' wave. Almost all the water goes up and over or around you. I transport alot of passengers who all say it is great ride. Kids prefer the Montauk for swell hopping since it gets more air and lands hard.
I chose this hull since it is still small but has all the features of the Outrage series plus the console/electronics box and high windshield.
For performance, a properly mounted 115 hp motor with the correct propellor gets you to ~44 mph. The 32 gallon tank gives you great range.
The Outrage 17 I and II was not produced in large numbers so it is a bit unique.
The aft seats with livewell (if not used for bait) are great for storage.
Take a look at my personal page for photos.
I highly recommend a sea trial.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Edited by Phil T on 09/18/10 - 7:52 AM
1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
I concur with both Phil and Max. I'll also emphasize its amazingly dry ride in the slop.
However 17 feet is still 17 feet. Open water swells are easy but wind-blown bay chop will still pound the crap of you if you try and take it on plane. Running a four blade prop will help with the ride in chop by allowing a lower planing speed.
I have three boats right now but my 17' Outrage Classic has always been my favorite. Its economical and capable far above what its size would suggest.
