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Thanks for the responses. I may have to pass on the purchase of the 18. I am not comfortable with a design that allows water to get into the tank area, especially in salt water use and with the knowledge of tank rusting issues in classic Outrages I already have. I am surprised Whaler did not do a better design job. Most of their other design elements are well thought out.

My Montauk, if the plug is removed, will fill to a depth of about 6 inches in the stern and the water will come up on the deck almost to the console. Once under way, the water will drain out but the boat is somewhat unstable at rest with that amount of water in it. I know it won't sink, and that is reassuring, but the leave the plug out at the dock option isn't an ideal one.