Rage Opinions?

[Pete215]

After 12 years with an I/O, I'm ready for something else. I'm leaning towards Whalers in general, and jets have an appeal due to the ever decreasing lake levels around here (Lake St. Clair between Lake Huron and Erie).

So a jet will help with shallow water, but they tend to lead hard lives (or are just plain abused), and I'm not looking to buy someone else's problems.

I also like having no exposed prop and no obstacle to getting in and out (the outboard). For the most part, we just day boat.

So far, I've detected a strong bias against the Rage, and I haven't quite figured out why. Are the OMC engines more problematic than the outboards? Is it considered to not be a "real" Whaler because it's a jet? Or something else?

So far, I've been looking at the 15 footer with the OMC. Don't think I'm interested in the 15 with the Merc. I would also consider the 18, but haven't found any for sale. Who makes the engine for the 18?

Currently have a 1998 Sea Ray 215EC, bought new. It's been good, but even minor repairs can be a back twister when they're at the back of the engine compartment. How's the Rage for working access? Yeah, I know, access isn't even an issue with an outboard.

Any constructive opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Pete

 

[JB]

Re: Rage Opinions?

Well, I am not a big fan of the Rage, but it has nothing to do with the quality of the boat. I see them as family size PWCs, and I don't like PWCs at all.

They are definitely Boston Whalers when you look at the rigidity and quality of manufacture. Details are Boston Whaler, too.

The jet pump engines seem to have more problems than outboards, but I think that is an ease of maintenance issue. I would definitely choose the OMC power or convert it to use a Suzuki 4 stroke powerhead.

If zooming about in a first class, safe boat is your thing then I guess the Rage is a good choice.

 

[Pete215]

Re: Rage Opinions?

Thanks for the reply,

I'm not a big fan of PWC either, or more specifically, their owner/operators.
But they can go places I no longer can. There's an increasingly serious problem with lowering lake levels here. In many of the areas I boat (or used to), jets are about the only thing that can safely get through. Although, I'm starting to think the average Whaler with an outboard doesn't draw much water either.

A post on another forum brought up a point I had forgotten about, lack of steering with a jet when you let off the gas. Not good at the dock or ramp.

General opinion on the OMC engine seems ok, but parts availability on the pump might not be good.

Well, I'm just starting to look, lots of research still to do.

 

[brisboats]

Re: Rage Opinions?

Also check out the mercury powered Rage , has a 175hp 2.5 liter powerhead and the mercury sportjet. Less problematic than the OMC power and faster. Parts availablity is excellent.

Brian

 

[vwfoolwhy]

Re: Rage Opinions?

I just picked up a 1994 Rage 15 with the 115 OMC.

I received the boat and trailer for free thanks to the improper winterization a shop did at the end of last season resulting in a cracked block and cylinder.

I've research this boat and the OMC seems to be disliked more to the fact OMC as a company has been gone for more then 10 years.

As problems go it seems the Mercury and OMC are pretty much tied.

Parts are still readably available for the Turbo Jet and prices are equal to the Super jets.

that?s all I can tell you for now as my hunt for a motor continues.

Mike
Methuen, MA