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Hi everyOne, long time reader, first time poster!

I have the unfortunate issue of living within 200m of the local FW dealer. I am in the market for an outboard bowrider, and have had my eye on the new 180. I have only seen one on the water ( Sydney, Aust.). Has anyone here purchased one or had a drive in one? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts!

Thanks
Pete

Welcome to the forum Pete. That would be just too tempting, living that close to your FW dealer. I would be broke!

There is very little (if any that I can remember) ownership participation for the 180 OB on this forum. Not that people don't like it, the boat simply hasn't been on the market for very long.

There is a very recent discussion on the projected top speed of the SS version with a 150 Etec...

http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=9087

As the owner of the same boat with I/O power, my thoughts are that it would make a great rig! I was a bit thrown back at the transom styling when they first introduced it, but that has grown on me. The boat has a fairly deep vee for a 18 ft bowrider, so it tends to sacrafice some speed for excellent choppy wate handling. That holds true for the I/O or OB model.

Good luck with the shopping!

_________________
2009 H180 w/3.0 Merc
Homebuilt Minimax Hydro
2011 Zodiac Cadet 310

While I can't say much about the new 180 OB, I can say some about the older version. I have a '99 180 OB that is dream to drive. I love it. And it's very easy to work on. Of course, we specifically searched out one with an outboard.

_________________
1999 180 Horizon OB Fisherman Pkg
2013 Grand Cherokee 4x4 w/ 5.7 Hemi
San Antonio, TX

Thanks for the responses everyone. I may have to test drive!

Outboards are pretty popular here in Oz still, but the exchange rates make stern drives fairly cost competitive against Aussie built boats. The appeal of an outboard comes frOm the weight (for towing) and this will be replacing my current boat of 30 years!