Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by NoWorries on 10/28/09 - 2:19 AM

Hi All.

I am looking at a 1985 Outrage 18 and would like to know what things to look out for ?
I have read quite a few posts and have picked up a few tips.

Is there anything that you would look out for that may be a problem ?

It has a new motor 140hp Suzuki 4st
and a new trailer.
The wood is in need of a sand and polish.
The hull looks ok with just a couple of gelcoat cracks that you would expect in a 24 year old boat.

Any help would be great

ps I am in Perth, Western Australia, so don't offer to come and look at it :-D

Posted by VW Whaler on 10/28/09 - 5:49 AM

I have 1 1984 18ft outrage. It had a bad motor when I bought it so I got a good deal but I was not expecting to rebuild the wood of the deck/gas tank cover. Check to see if the deck is soft when walking on it. Ask if the gas tank was replaced within the last few years. If not it might need one in the near future. It is not hard to fix but would cost alot if you pay someone. And if you pay someone why not go ahead and find a better boat to start with! LOL! Good luck and let us know what you find!
Erick

Posted by WhalerDan on 10/28/09 - 5:56 AM

You might have to rewire, replace fuel lines, and stuff like that. Sounds like a good boat. Make sure the through hull brass tubes are in good shape.

Posted by Blackduck on 10/28/09 - 8:46 AM

The fuel tank and it's cavity are the most likely source of problems. Also, I would check to see how wavy the hull sides are, almost all Outrages have some, but some are really bad. Check that floor over the tank for soundness.

Posted by Jeff on 10/29/09 - 2:52 AM

After looking at Whalers through the years I decided to compile all of my usual inspection items into a check list that can be found here for viewing. It covers just about everything you will need to check and how to inspect each item.

Jeff

Edited by Jeff on 10/29/09 - 2:54 AM

Posted by chris55386 on 10/29/09 - 8:06 AM

Hi NoWorries,
If it checks out OK you will love the boat. I have an 84 and it is a great size for everything I do with it. It is big enough to take out in fairly rough water and rides like a dream in calmer waters. Good luck and post pictures when you get it. How much are they asking for it way down under?
Chris

Posted by chris55386 on 10/30/09 - 9:19 AM

#10

Hi NoWorries,
That is pretty steep if you were buying it here that would never sell. But as you are half way around the world I would guess the market is completely different. I paid $5000. for my 1984 them put darn near another $5000 into all new upholstery mooring cover and bottom paint. I plan on redoing the teak this winter and it will be fairly pristine. You have a newer motor on the one you are looking at to that adds value also.
Chris

Posted by NoWorries on 10/30/09 - 5:18 PM

#11

Yeah the old supply and demand.
I have been looking at boats in the US for a while.
They cost heaps less there.

15k in shipping and taxes kills it though.
The way I look at it
Motor brand new here is $16k
Trailer brand new is $3k
so im getting the hull for $1k

Posted by chris55386 on 10/31/09 - 7:56 AM

#13

The thing is the price is relative and if you like it that is want and you plan to keep it it will last forever. A boat that age has all the bugs worked out and as I said before is a perfect size. When I go to Exuma Bahamas you see all the locals on the ocean with the bare bones 16' whalers and they seem to last nearly forever.
Get it and then post pictures with some great scenery in the background. Hopefully that giant Great White won't try to eat you and the boat...