Choices

[Starman8]

Found a rare original owner 1979 Fishmaster 18 in working order with many extra's.

Price is right but will have to use USHIP.

Also found an 84 SS 180 with a 140 Rude just needing a tune, new floor, and cosmetics.

Assume both cost the same, one needs more work than the other, both need exterior painting. The Fishmaster has a tandem axle trailer

Any comments?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Choices

What motor is on the '79? Gonna be pretty darn hard to beat a 140 Evinrude.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Choices

115 tube Merc, plus a late model MINN KOTA, decent fishfinder, 2 new custom pedestal seats, and a duelie trailer!!

 

[Bob Gilvary]

Re: Choices

Go with the 140 Rude.

Always do a compression check on any engine you buy used. If it only needs a tune up, a spark check will tell you definately.

If this is the engine, go with it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1iX4Wb4ZG8

I just got a 120 looper, as seen in the above video,but 20 hp less, running like a top. It started out with 135# compression on all 4 cylinders. Eratic spark that a power pack from Iboats fixed. and of course you always put in a new water pump.

This was an 89' model that had layed on it's side outside a barn for 6 years.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Choices

84 SS180 needs paint, transom OK, floor can wait done 6 years ago with new carpet, interior decent, trailer needs paint, tires, and re-route wiring that is not run inside the frame, no gauges such as RPM, Speedo tied to 85/86? Full canvas, Rude V4 140(light blue one, or gray with navy cowling section), NO batteries.

79 Rare Fisherman 18, needs exterior paint job, transom/floor OK, 2 new pedesatal seats(good ones), dual-axle trailer with newer tires, VHF, Humminbird FF, MINN KOTA 55lb late model bow mount, bimini and travel cover, Merc 115 hp tube engine in great shape, 2 batteries.

The 79 FM18 is $150 less before shipping 600 miles away. The SS is a 4 hour drive.

Wife says buy both, swap the power, sell the SS with the Merc??

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Choices

It's hard to argue with a wife that tells you to buy both LOL

I'd lean towards the SS, since it comes with canvas. But I agree that the 140 OMC outboard is awfully tempting. I guess it would depend on how nice the canvas is and how much the shipping would be.

Good luck!

 

[Starman8]

Re: Choices

I would drive for the SS and Rude, 8 hours round trip.

The FM18 with the goodies, 20 hours round trip, meaning USHIP, and I have bids starting to come in already.

The thought of getting both works only if I had an immediate buyer for a 1984 SS180, 115 Merc 1979 engine, full canvas, floor was changed once already, needs exterior restore...........$1000

Boats are dry according to their respective owners!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Choices

Where are the boats located? Got any photos?

 

[Starman8]

Re: Choices

Anyone on the Pro's and Cons of these 2 models?

And for a little less than both older boats combined, I can get this sweet 70hp fourstroke on a 17 Fishmaster????????

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Choices

Holy smokes, wife says buy both????

Um, ok!

Grab em and sort it out later, eh!

Have fun!

 

[Crazyman1225]

Re: Choices

Jump on the deal of buying both, and then figure out what to do afterwards. You got lucky with the wife telling you to buy both. Just as I did with my wife. I bought the 1973 SS, and a few weeks ago found an 18 foot 1974 Holiday. Told the wife about the Holiday and she said grab it. I almost had a coronary when she said that. Motors can always be swapped around and set the rig up the way you want it. I may be moving my Holiday to her new home today if the rain lets up, then there will be new pictures posted.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Choices

Going to skip both for now. Here is the link for the 84 SS180 with the nice Rude V4 140hp

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/1999439420.html

I really wanted that engine!

Still considering the 79 FM18 with the duelie trailer, but the owner said he rigged a hole and plug to shoot ether in the merc for morning cold starts????

Figured it would be proper to have the Merc 115 looked at for a simple solution, so that engine turns me off, but the boat and amenities are a great deal for a negotiated $1000 plus my USHIP fees. The old gal specs at 18'6" and has 2 new expensive pedestal seats, a late model fishfinder, not to old MINN KOTA electric on the bow, power Windlass anchor, bimini and travel cover and really needs a full exterior sand/prime/paint and it would be decent.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Choices

Going to skip both. Here is the link for the 84 SS180 with the nice Rude V4 140hp

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/1999439420.html

I really wanted that engine!

Still considering the 79 FM18 with the duelie trailer, but the owner said he rigged a hole and plug to shoot ether in the merc for morning cold starts????

Figured it would be proper to have the Merc 115 looked at for a simple solution, so that engine turns me off, but the boat and amenities is a great deal for a negotiated $1000 plus my USHIP fees. The old gal specs at 18'6" and has 2 new expensive pedestal seats, a late model fishfinder, not to old MINN KOTA electric on the bow, power Windlass anchor, bimini and travel cover and really needs a full exterior sand/prime/paint and it would be decent.

Ah yes, another Starcraft that's been beat to hell by the Steelheaders fishing club (the sticker on the hull)

Seen some of those rigs, well used for sure. They usually have some dents and such from foggy mornings at the dock, etc.

I agree that 'Rude is a nice outboard. The dents jsut add character, I'd still get that one, maybe talk him down to 1k since it's missing trim and is dented?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Choices

I think that's like an '89ish 'Rude. It's worth more than the asking price.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Choices

I think that's like an '89ish 'Rude. It's worth more than the asking price.

Without the engine ID, I did a looksee to try and match model years. I will tell you this. It is NOT the original engine, which was an 85hp. The owner "upgraded" and liked his old 85 and put this GEM on the rag?

Somebody needs to grab that engine.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Choices

The better half and I traveled I76 through PA yesterday and looked at a few boats. Didn't like much so I may choose that 79 with the 115 Merc tower?

 

[fshngho]

Re: Choices

I think I would check the Rude before I bought. The ad said "consistant compression" not good compression.
As for the Merc I would want to know just how long has he been squirting ether in the engine, As that is a big time no-no since there is no oil in the cylinders.
I have a Merc and love it. Yes it is very cold natured.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Choices

Just did a $1000 USPS overnight for the 1979 18 footer. Liked that the owner already did the floor and transom and used marine grade sealed and new carpet a couple years ago. Also like the following:

Dual Axle Trailer
2 new Captains chairs and Swiveleze 238 hardware
Power Windlass
MINN KOTA 55 bow mount
VHF with antenna
Humminbird FF
Transom saver
Compass
Trolling plate
Perm gas tank 20gal
Sunbrella Bimin(this is for sale----pic to follow)
Full travel cover

115 hp Merc.......................called my outboard guru and said these models known for tough cold starts and will examine but on the surface says the choke system is usually the culprit.

The bad is the half-baked attempt the seller used to paint, meaning sanding and priming and painting with new decals. Found out it is an SS and not a FM.

What grit should I start the exterior sanding process with?

Pics to follow.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Choices

I think I read somewhere you gotta pretty much stand on the primer bulb to get those towers crankin' on a cold day.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Choices

I think I read somewhere you gotta pretty much stand on the primer bulb to get those towers crankin' on a cold day.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm