I have been enjoying reading the posts here, learning more about these great boats and appreciating the wisdom of the group. Today I saw an 8teen listed locally at a reasonable price and came away with some questions I thought I should run by the board.
It is a 1966 and overall appears to be in very good shape. The owner got a larger boat, and just boat the 8teen last summer - from the second owner. It has been a freshwater boat, and must have always been stored inside. I plan to use it in saltwater in Northern Calif. - which is one of my basic questions - is that reasonable or just asking for trouble? Also, most around here have outboards so the I/O makes me a little nervous - but it sounded great today and the outdrive itself appears to be in very, very good condition. The owner thought it was a 120 - but the engine is labelled 110 so I assume that's what it is - not sure what the options were on the '66. The side windows are missing and there appears to be minor rust at the base of the hardtop - the sliders. The upholstery on the rear seats is rough - but on the front 4 is amazingly good, I assume from the added protection of the hardtop. The only thing not working mechanically is the outdrive power tilt (it has tilt only - not tilt/trim). The owner says he knows it is the switch and that the hydraulic lines were replaced by the previous owner - that appears to be true. Don't know if that switch can be repaired - or a replacement found easily.
Transom and floor are very solid. I know the foam can get water and I can't say if this has it - but it is very solid.
I am looking for something for occasional fishing and casual family trips. I like the space, 6 seats and look of the boat. Again, condition seems great.
Appreciate any thoughts on my specific questions or in general. I have some pics if anyone wants to see. Thanks.
Jim Baack
Piedmont, CA
It is a 1966 and overall appears to be in very good shape. The owner got a larger boat, and just boat the 8teen last summer - from the second owner. It has been a freshwater boat, and must have always been stored inside. I plan to use it in saltwater in Northern Calif. - which is one of my basic questions - is that reasonable or just asking for trouble? Also, most around here have outboards so the I/O makes me a little nervous - but it sounded great today and the outdrive itself appears to be in very, very good condition. The owner thought it was a 120 - but the engine is labelled 110 so I assume that's what it is - not sure what the options were on the '66. The side windows are missing and there appears to be minor rust at the base of the hardtop - the sliders. The upholstery on the rear seats is rough - but on the front 4 is amazingly good, I assume from the added protection of the hardtop. The only thing not working mechanically is the outdrive power tilt (it has tilt only - not tilt/trim). The owner says he knows it is the switch and that the hydraulic lines were replaced by the previous owner - that appears to be true. Don't know if that switch can be repaired - or a replacement found easily.
Transom and floor are very solid. I know the foam can get water and I can't say if this has it - but it is very solid.
I am looking for something for occasional fishing and casual family trips. I like the space, 6 seats and look of the boat. Again, condition seems great.
Appreciate any thoughts on my specific questions or in general. I have some pics if anyone wants to see. Thanks.
Jim Baack
Piedmont, CA