whichwaysup Posted March 30, 2017 Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 Mike, I have to say, I hope you end up with that 18.5 with the 175 (if you want it). It's a pretty sled. BTW, I have had both the big and small consoles - I'll take the big console any day of the week. The cooler being integrated into the seat gives it a logical place. Without that, you never have a good place for it, and end up putting it in front of the console where it is kind of in the way. Not a major deal, but the big console keeps things cleaner. Plus, you can almost install a head in that thing its so big! I haven't figured out what I'm going to do with all that space, but I'm going to make good use of it somehow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted March 30, 2017 Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 Whichway, Hey post up a pic of the "big" console. I don't know if I have ever seen one. Always thought mine was "small" but I have all three batts, onboard charger, VHF and my radio in mine. Just no built in cooler. Do they have windshields? Always thought that would be handy too but not sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted March 30, 2017 Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 3 hours ago, triplec said: Whichway, Hey post up a pic of the "big" console. I don't know if I have ever seen one. Always thought mine was "small" but I have all three batts, onboard charger, VHF and my radio in mine. Just no built in cooler. Do they have windshields? Always thought that would be handy too but not sure. here are some pics of both the small console (blue boat, pics 1 and 3) and large console (pics 2 and 4). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nag Juice Posted March 30, 2017 Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 That big console is key! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Bell Posted March 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 WOW wow wow! Gents, this thread has got some great eye candy! Forgive me for my short absence, we had a "semi-expected" death in the family, all is well though, he was a believer and is now living the good life! Amen! I can't thank this group enough for the information and leads for our journey finding the sled for us! I have spoken on the phone with almost everyone currently selling a MA18 and am blown away at how fast calls roll in. I am working at dates to make a run to Miami area to meet with 3 different sellers. However, I still seem to pull to the early 90's rig. ?Quick question..... Bottom paint, as a buyer should I be concerned with what may be hidden underneath? I understand the necessity for given situations but frankly, I think it looks tacky and would remove it. Triplec- your boat is something dreams are made of! I love the cap of the early-mid 90's rig with the smaller square console. I can't define it by practicality purposes but its just a sexy look to me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted March 30, 2017 Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 Mike, tell me you are looking at that 2003 that was just posted yesterday! Bottom paint is more of an issue than just finding flaws. Removing the stuff is serious business, from what I understand. $$$. Avoid it if you can. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Bell Posted March 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2017 Yes, I have spoke with him on the phone, super nice guy with a slick sled, working on dates to make it down to Fort Lauderdale. Called within the first hour and 3 had already phoned in before me..... these rascals are quick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nag Juice Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Mike, that 2003 is your boat. I'd seriously make time and look at it bc it will be gone soon. Shoot me a pm with your phone number and I'll get you on the MA hotline/network. We can tell you where every 18MA is between Rhode Island and Texas. Ask Chris (Palmetto) Now to the other issue....BOTTOM PAINT Now this just my opinion, it's free and maybe unpopular but, Bottom paint kills the boat. It kills the resale and it degrades the appearance. It's an 18ft flats boat, not a Jarret Bay, if you just want a boat to leave in the water get a Jon yacht. Master Anglers deserve better. The safest way to remove it is soda blasting ($$$$) then possibly new gel coat. Buying a boat with bottom paint indicates it sat in the most corrosive environment out there. Salt air/moisture inside the compartments corroding, rusting your fittings etc. It could lead to more issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 ^^^^^^^Yup^^^^^^^^^ There's nothing the MA hotline group likes better than spending other people's money on Master Anglers so we can re-live the joy of buying our MA (and the knowledge that we're completely ruining every other boat for the new owner). Having owned two of 'em after a whole lot of other boats, its fun to watch others experience that first ride in rough water. Don't know much about that 2003, but if she checks out, there is a lot to be desired there. Nag can talk you through some concerns offline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurricane Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 1-800-MA's-FORSALE. Listen carefully our menu has changed, Press 1 for 1999 and older, Press 2 for 2000 and newer! Bottom paint on small boats seems to be a thing in the NE, they leave them in the water over the summer. I would pass on a boat with bottom paint, unless it was a super duper deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 BTW, Mike or anyone else, if I can help you further in your searches for an MA, let me know. Happy to talk on the phone and if you are in the area give you a test drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nag Juice Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 27 minutes ago, hurricane said: 1-800-MA's-FORSALE. Listen carefully our menu has changed, Press 1 for 1999 and older, Press 2 for 2000 and newer! Bottom paint on small boats seems to be a thing in the NE, they leave them in the water over the summer. I would pass on a boat with bottom paint, unless it was a super duper deal. We need to get you on the group text. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurricane Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 I've been outta the circle, what! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 That's cause you have the prettiest MA. We're all jealous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurricane Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 LOL. Whats the hazing process to join? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nag Juice Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 *****DISCLAIMER***** It's not a club/secret circle etc. I'm pretty sure we all do the same things. Drink a cup of coffee each morning, search Craigslist/boat trader and other forums to see what other MAs are out there. Meeting good people through this forum looking for MAs, we decided to help them locate Master Anglers. We just consolidated our resources to be more effective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurricane Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Now your just taking the fun out of it!....LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palmetto1 Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Im not a liberty to disclose how I got in the group.......but I feel sure Hurricane's membership was approved a long time before mine. I leave it to the Executive Committee to add these new folks. It should be noted, the topics don't seem to always stay on MA's, but it usually starts and ends there. Soon we need to have an in-person retreat to discuss matters in more detail and see first hand what everyone has done to their boat to make it better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 To be clear, this is less of a fraternity and more of a psychological support group. As an executive member of the MA cult, I hereby nominate Mike Bell for candidacy as a future MA owner, with full rights, access, and privileges to the (somewhat limited) brain trust. Further, I nominate Hurricane into the executive committee because he has a boat that I continuously lust after and he seems like a pretty good guy to drink a beer with next time I'm in Tampa. Plus, he can make actual hurricanes change their tracts, which is also kind of cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 Which, Thanks for the console pics....turns out mine is different than both you posted up. Dang there are a lot of subtle changes and options over the years. Thanks Mike! I got lucky...pole barn find of sorts from neighbor that I never knew he had for years, about 8 years back give or take with 160 some odd hours on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 Triplec - can you post a couple pics of your MA here (Hurricane, you too): Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Bell Posted April 6, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Guys, happy to announce the search is over for us! God truly has blessed us and made this all possible. Special thanks to "group" of dedicated individuals for keeping us informed throughout this process and put it all together! Our MA 18.5 is an '02 with a Yamaha HPDI 150. Hull and outboard were meticulously cared for and service documented from the day originally purchased! Couldn't be happier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsusteve Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Love that color, happy for you guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Man, that thing is a gem! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEM Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Congratulations and enjoy!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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