Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

mine had a low bow rail but when i restored her i removed the rail. I like the nice clean look without it you can see my pictures in seacraft photos.

Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

No rail on mine. Those wide gunnels are there to walk on.

Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

My 79 18 had the high bowrail. I removed the bow rail as it is completely useless as the width of the gunnels almost makes it impossible to reach the railing from inside the boat. All the rail accomplishes is make it more difficult to cast from the bow of the boat. Plus, it really takes away from the lines of the boat.

I spoke with another owner with a 77 18 which has the high bow rail as well. He hates the rail and is going to remove it. He also agreed that rail serves no purpose.

Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

Do you have any opinions about the performance of an 18' CC with a 115HP 4 stroke outboard (Yamaha). Is this a decent engine choice?

Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

That's a very good choice.

Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

Fr. Frank- What fuel water filter would you use with a new Merc 115? The book says don't add additional filtration but I am not comfortable with that.

M

Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

Water separating fuel filter with drain. Most water separators are capable of continuing to separate water from fuel after they're full, at which point you and I throw them away. I now use this filter on my boat

http://images.westmarine.com/full/9399270.jpg

Racor makes one just like it for more than twice the price. With ethanol in most gas today, which absorbs water, you gotta have this. It fits a standard Mercury/Yamaha "universal" spin-on fuel filter mount.

My '06 90hp Optimax had over $4000 worth of damage last year from ethanol induced water in the fuel. Fortunately it is still under warranty, and cost me nothing to have fixed.

Get this filter. Drain it often.

Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

Many thanks.

M

Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

Get the SS housing instead of aluminum

Re: 1989 18' with an 1988 Merc 115?
 

Is that a 10 micron or 2 micron filter?

M