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I’m looking for ideas to set up a temporary sleeping arrangement in the bow of an Outrage 18. I would like something compact, that could be set up quickly and then put away easily to allow for fishing from the bow during the day.
Thanks in advance.
Mark

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Mills Forward Shelter plus a home built leveling deck. Do a search and you'll find several examples.

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Mark, any idea on where to search. Tried this site and google with no result. M+P Mercury in New Westminster sells whalers, I'll give them a try.
Mark

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From another thread here that is current,( http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...pid=126358 ), it appears that you don't actually have a classic Outrage 18....have you purchased one? If you have not, it would seem prudent to wait until you actually have the boat in your possession before obtaining canvas for it. You might find a 22 or 25 model available for a good deal that you can't pass up. :)

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Silentpardner, I've considered the 20 ft but it is a tad too long for my carport. The 18 will fit just right. I've got the time at present to set up and research a few goals for an 18 while I'm searching for the right one. I definitely won't lay any money down for extras until I've actually bought the boat. I find that if I think over as many different approaches before making a decision it works better for me.
Part of the pleasure is the search for the right approach.
Mark

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I have done extensive sleep-aboard cruising in my Outrage 18, for as long as two weeks at a time, for the two of us. We use Therm-o-Rest 3" foam filled inflatable mattress and conventional bedding, which are extremely comfortable. She sewed up a lightweight "front cabin" drop curtain to enclose the sleeping area at night and for clothes changing, which "velcros" in place. For only one person, a good sleeping bag will suffice. We only overnight at full service Marinas, where there are complete facilities.

As mentioned above, the Mills Flying Top set, along with their side curtians and aft curtain, are essential.

I designed and built, from solid teak, a foward decking platform which extends back to the front of the console, and along each side, at the height of the bow locker floor. The front cooler seat is removed for overnighting. You can see the deck in the photo, for which I have a dimensioned construction drawing:

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...9183036728

Properly waterproofed, the Mills Canvas system is totally waterproof and will keep you dry, regardless of weather.

The deck simply drops in when needed, and can be lifted out and stored when not sleeping aboard.

The deck can also be seen in this photo:

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...7667651119

The RPS raised 6" provides space for the 72QT Igloo cooler seat, which provides much needed overnighting storage for gear.

The dual engine batteries remain in the splashwell, so as not to use up valuable storage space inside the console.

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I'm planning on building a sleeping platform for my 1985 Outrage 18 in anticipation of a longer cruise next summer. I am to design it myself to incorporate features I'd find useful. Perhaps we can share ideas as the designs evolve.

My initial thoughts include removing the anchor locker cover and having 2 tiered storage inside. Lowest might be for water bladders, while the upper shelf (just below the new platform deck) would have the anchoring items.

The Outrage 18 forward shelter is very nice, in case you've never been inside one. So much roomier and drier than a Montauk.

Good Luck.
Dennis

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I also have plans spinning around my head for a levelling component, at the same height and level as Finnegan's, but likey constructed using a dense foam core shaped to fit, and covered in vinyl or sunbrella fabric. This to level the deck, then use Thermarests on top.

The teak looks beautiful, but I don't think I need something that robust for a few nights per year max.

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Mark, I'm taking a serious look at Finnegan's set up. If the storage is easy, then that might be the way to go. I'm also looking at an custom made inflatable bladder made to fit between the bow locker and the console. I'll contact you when before I start with the project.
Mark

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Check out our friend's page from Italy - Whaler shipped a Euro model to Italy with a forward "sundeck"

http://whalercentral.com/infusions/personal_page/view_personal_page.php?user_id=14995

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jvz, that Euro model has very comfortable looking "sundeck" upholstery.
Mark