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What does anyone know about these boats. A friend of mine just bought one and he wanted me to find out about their reputation. Any reply would be appreciated Thanks
I own a 1992 14' Rage and love it. My lake has vast shallow areas where prop boats cannot safely go. My Rage skims the surface with ease and confidence. I've effectively doubled the size of my lake. It's a great feeling when other boaters holding their tillers look over at me in as if I'm crazy for driving it at where I do. And did I mention that it is fast -- about 35-40 mph max I'd say -- way more power than I need. It's a blast to drive, very stable, and can whip around in a turn like a jet ski. It looks great, turns a lot of heads. Although I haven't had any serious problems, its Yamaha 50 was used by Yamaha in their ubiquitous jet skis, so it is reportedly easy to get parts for. (Yamaha pioneered the jet ski, so they knew how to build an engine and a pump.) Finally, I got a great deal on the boat because the Rage's reputation suffered from it's not a traditional Whaler outboard prop boat, so some Whaler traditionalists have disdain for it; and there were problems with OMC and Mercury engines in subsequent models. I much prefer this one to anything else Whaler has *ever* offered in a small boat.
1992-1993 Rage is a dream to own. i have a 1992 with the 701 upgrade (kept the 650 just in case) and I use it in rivers, lakes and even saltwater. I just stripped out the motor and pump and I'm going to flip it over and re-do the bottom Got me a small puncture from a rotten bunker that let the support stab the boat. Gives me a chance to drill some test holes in suspect spots to make sure she's all dry inside too.
I wouldn't let any life form, friend or foe, purchase a 1994 or later Rage as they suck. OMC/ Bombardier screwed them up for 1994-1995 with their smoky, loud POS 90hp (with NO parts being made or available anywhere) and then the outboard put on after were too butt-heavy to be stable in the water. The centered weight of the motor stabilizes the boat nicely and the jet stays in contact with the water at all speeds.
Just remember to rinse her out well and keep her greased up and they'll last another 20 years.
When I get her all glassed and shined up, I'll post some pics.
(please follow guideline #1 on the front page and use the full 4 digit year)
