Used Hull Questions

[snagroms]

I'm beginning to search for a used hull to match up with a 175. Basic hull, gas tank, and good transom. Anything else I should be looking out for or other lessons learned? Any suggestion on go searchs (other than paper and internet)?<br /><br />Center console for fishing in bays and offshore (30 - 40 miles out, depending on tank size).

 

[JB]

Re: Used Hull Questions

To avoid rot problems probably the most dependable used hull is a Boston Whaler. No stringers to rot. There is wood in the pre-'95 hulls as screw anchors and that can rot but repairs are simple. The transoms are also wood cored but I never heard of a Whaler with a rotten transom.<br /><br />They are not cheap, but usually a much better value than most newer boats.<br /><br />For the use you mention I would look for a 1980-1991 Outrage 18 (rated for 150hp and goes quite fast with it) or Outrage 22 (rated, I think, for 200hp).<br /><br />You can learn more about Boston Whalers at www.continuouswave.com, the Classic Whalers site.<br /><br />I have owned 7 Boston Whalers and every one was a great boat. Two of them were Outrage 18s. I took one of them offshore regularly, including weekends to Bimini from Ft. Lauderdale.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[snagroms]

Re: Used Hull Questions

JB,<br /><br />All good points! I will keep my eyes and ears open for whalers as well. Also looking at Grady's, WellCraft, and Scout. Anything with a little more freeboard and Gunwhale hieght to deal with the blue water.<br /><br />The MI whaler site did not show the larger Outrage.