Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Whaler VS. McKee
Posted by bretm1 on 01/07/07 - 4:42 PM
#1
Hello,
I'm new to this forum, but I have done some searching before asking this question. I recently sold a 1987 Montauk with an 87 Yamaha 70. I recognize some names here from Continuous Wave and I had purchased and installed a fire ext pocket thanks to the help of Tom Clark.
I consider myself a new Whaler guy and being here in Buzzards Bay, Ma. I am in a big Whaler area. I know most of you eat, sleep and breathe Whaler so I hope you don't mind the question, as there is somewhat of a connection. I loved the Montauk but after perusing the forums and researching hull design, history,handling etc, I came to the conclusion that a Mid 80's 18 foot outrage would be even better.
My Question-
If I have decided that I like what the Outrage 18 has to offer, does the consideration of a early 90's 18 foot McKee Pulse make sense???
I must admit that the price point of these used McKee products is somewhat attractive.
I'm assuming that some of you have a working knowledge of the McKee lines and will appreciate and respect your feedback.
Thanks-Bret Morgan
Posted by Tom W Clark on 01/07/07 - 5:59 PM
#2
Bret,
I have no experience with McKee, but I think I can predict the advice you are going to receive and I think you can too. The hand writing is on the wall: go buy an Outrage 18.
Posted by stevendstock on 01/08/07 - 2:21 PM
#3
Mckee is a wet pounder, go unsinkable legend
Posted by bretm1 on 01/08/07 - 5:08 PM
#4
Tom W Clark wrote:
Bret,
I have no experience with McKee, but I think I can predict the advice you are going to receive and I think you can too. The hand writing is on the wall: go buy an Outrage 18.
Tom,
You are a gentlemen. Thanks for your response.
Thanks to the other person as well.
Whaler it is. I'll keep you posted. The Montauk was (and still is) a great boat, my only regret is not educating myself enough on the differences between the hulls of the Montauk versus Outrage before purchase. My intention for the buy was primarily recreational (I don't fish much) but from what I've learned there is a considerable handling difference in the Outrages. That's O.K. though. For an FYI I purchased the 87 Montauk w/87 70 Hp Yamaha for 7500 in June 2005. I had to rebuild the powerhead for about 1200 (doing some work myself) and I sold it for 7695 the week before this past Christmas. Outside of the rebuild and keeping it clean, the only work done was the installation of the fire ext pocket. The boat had only a compass for navigation. It still could have used new cushions, some teak work and a deeper cleaning.
I am not a genius but to be able to sell a 20 year old boat/engine off season without taking a huge hit on price speaks volumes for the Boston Whaler name. I know the Montauk is highly sought after within the Whaler rank and file, but this still is pretty impressive from an investment standpoint. The writing is indeed on the wall.
Thanks Again
Bret
Posted by Joe Kriz on 01/08/07 - 5:18 PM
#5
Bret,
I have seen quite a few McKee's but never looked at them that close.
I chose a Whaler because I sunk a 14' aluminum boat in the Colorado river many years ago.
How much do we value our friends, family, and our own lives?
That is why I bought a Whaler.
I owned a Montauk for 15 years and it was a great boat.
However, once I bought the Outrage 18', I never looked back and wish I would have moved up many years ago.
We kept the Montauk for a full year after buying the Outrage 18' thinking we might use it but we always wanted to take out the Outrage 18'....
Good Luck with whichever boat you choose.
Edited by Joe Kriz on 01/08/07 - 5:27 PM
Posted by bretm1 on 01/08/07 - 5:40 PM
#6
Joe,
Thanks. Your name is awfully familiar. I recognize it from the other site. I also have enjoyed looking at your website and posts. Unless I'm mistaken I have viewed posts on your (former?) banana hull outrage 19
I know these are more rare, but there is a center console 1977 Banana hull outrage 19 for sale on Boats.com in Boston. It looks to be a nice boat. At this point would you recommend the newer 18 outrage (like your 85) ????
I understand there is more fuel capacity and that the design is different on the 85 but I haven't seen a lot on the handling differences between the 1977 banana hull and the 1985 type. It also seems that from what I've read that the Banana style has more "soft spots" in its construction.
Thanks , Bret
Posted by Joe Kriz on 01/08/07 - 5:52 PM
#7
Bret,
I never owned a Banana hull model although I think a fully restored one is beautiful.
I prefer the later hull versions, 1981 to 1991. Just my personal preference.
So yes, from my point of view I would recommend the above version. Again, nothing wrong with any of the Whaler models. Just depends on what a person needs or wants from their Whaler.
Here is a link to my past and present Boston Whalers.
http://users.sisqtel.net/jkriz/whaler...alers.html
I belonged to quite a few other sites and even had a lot of Whaler pages on the Internet before this site came about. Now I am highly involved with this site and a couple of others that I participate in heavily on a daily basis.
Edited by Joe Kriz on 01/08/07 - 6:07 PM
Posted by DaveS on 01/23/07 - 9:08 PM
#8
Bret...
do you any leads yet? I don't think you can go wrong with the Classic 18' Outrage...but in your search, don't overlook the 17' Outrages either...I moved up from my old 17' Newtauk into a 1991 17' Outrage...it's a big difference! The internal fuel tank alone saves space and when you see the size of the console, you'll be impressed...the earlier models...(1990-1994 or 1995) are lighter and require less HP...mine has jump seats in the back which, although I've never used...look like the kids would really like them...the newer 17'ers are heavier and need more HP...but you might stumble onto one in your search, you'll never know...
Good luck in your search...
DaveS