1988 Maverick MA 18.5

[Maverick88]

Anyone here own a 1988 Maverick MA 18.5?

Thanks

 

Ed

 

[whichwaysup]

I owned an 87 - great boat.  Sold it and now own a 2000 MA.   Happy to help - saw your note about power and wood.  no wood in yours from what I understand!

[Maverick88]

Okay, thank you.  I thought all before 1989 has wood.    What are your thoughts on powering with a Mercury SeaPro 115 20" for reliability, speed not an issue for me.

Thanks

 

 

[MuddyBottomBluz]

It was the Hewes lineup that had wood prior to "89" not the Maverick line. IMO, that Merc 115 would be ideal for that boat. Keep us posted and pictures always help too!

[Maverick88]

I will.  Thank yoiu!

[Maverick88]

I do have another question that has been bothering me, I have had three people tell me that I should remove my old aluminum gas tank, even though it may not be leaking yet, for it's only a matter of time because its over 30 year old.  The factory advise me not to remove the deck cap from hull, but to simply cut the deck, remove and replace tank.   I was told to replace with fiberglass tank.  I do not feel comfortable cutting and reglassing the deck because of where I live, access to materials for such a job is difficult.

 

 

[whichwaysup]

With that 115 merc, propped right, I would guess you will see 40-43 mph, maybe a little less with a full load and heavy passenger.   But agree, I wouldn't shy away from a 115 for that year hull.   However, it may limit you on how much weight you want to put on the boat (Power poles, jack plates, etc), but I doubt it will make much difference.

As for the gas tank, I tend to disagree.   I would accept the fact that you will probably have to do it eventually, but my 87 tank was in the front of the hull and was mounted higher than the bilge (unlike my 2000).   It had an aluminum tank and I assume it was original.   If yours isn't leaking yet, why replace it?   it may have a week, it may have 10 years.   I would go ahead and find a good shop, start pricing it out, get your plan together, then use the time to save up for the job and have it done right.   

If the boat is new to you, enjoy it for awhile, see how you like it.  You may find that, when it's time for the tank replacement, you want to go big and re-gel problem areas at the same time.  If you don't like the boat, you may just sell it with the cost of a tank replacement built into the price.   

JMO.

[whichwaysup]

BTW, not sure about a fiberglass tank.   A linexed aluminum tank is probably a better fit for the boat.   My MA has a poly tank, and I've heard great things about their longevity.

[soflo palmer]

late but..

i have a 87 and its such a great boat, planning on starting a simple refit on it soon(console, paint, hatches etc)

minor delaming in my gunnels and a little wet foam due to careless rodholder placement from previous owner. still have what i believe is the original tank too.