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Posts: 42
| I currently own a 1987 Tuffy Rampage 160XT with a 1987 Evinrude 50HP tiller. I purchased this boat 10 years ago for $3200 and it was in mediocre condition then. I have added a rear casting deck, power tilt and electronics. I mostly fish small to medium sized lakes in IL and WI so the Rampage fits me well.
The floor and sidewalls have rotted to a point where falling through is a possible danger. I have considered purchasing an Esox Magnum and getting rid of the Rampage, but finding a Mag for the price I want to pay is challenging (<5K), even hull only as I am willing to continue using the 50HP Evinrude as it has been VERY good to me and is VERY fuel efficient.
Upgrading the Rampage might be my only affordable option. I would have to replace the floor and sidewalls with new wood. I am also thinking that the transom might need some work as well as the wood there is not very well protected from the elements. I would also like to add an internal fuel tank, eliminating the two 6 gallon external cans I currently use. I am not sure where to find the details on purchasing a fuel tank, probably similar to one currnetly used on an Esox. Mr. Worrall, might you be able to point me in the right direction?
So, my question to all of you is, what would you do? Upgrade or exchange? Any helpful hints for upgrading would be appreciated. Is there a significant advantage to the Esox Mag? The Rampage fishes much bigger than it actually is and I do love this boat.
Thanks in advance for your feedback,
Mike Blaise | |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The 160 XT fishes quite a bit like the Esox LTD. I'd begin a hunt for one of those, used. The Magnum is 10" wider, and has a built in tank, more sophisticated electrical, more storage, and a baitwell. Finding a Mag and a trailer for under 5K will not be easy, and if you do find one that cheap, it will probably be fairly beat up. Call Mike at 715.385.2177, he may be able to find an LTD for you. Once you have found an LTD, a rear deck and small built in tank under the deck is easy.
If you decide to rebuild, it's a project, but certainly not impossible or horribly expensive. | |
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Posts: 518
Location: Cave Run Lake KY. | Call the Tuffy plant in Lake Mills, and ask to talk to some one in management. I know of owners that have done this and have had their Tuffy's rebuilt for a very fair price. | |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=15...
one of my all-time favorite posts ... take a look at this post and you might get some inspiration. i'm sure if nothing else you will find a couple guys who have done what you are considering.
they might be able to help you.
play with the search function of the site and you'll find quite a bit.
good luck. | |
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Posts: 42
| Thanks for the the feedback! Steve, do you think I will be able to find a tank that will mount under the floor of my Rampage? Chin, I did contact Tuffy (via Steve Worrall) a couple of years ago and I was told they do not rebuild boats any longer. They referred me to a local shop in their area. JS, I have seen that thread and it is truely motivational, he did some awesome work.
I am thinking that if I am going to take on this rebuild project, why don'y i get my hands on the best, the Esox Mag, which would already have an internal tank. I could still replace flooring . . .
Thanks, Mike Blaise. | |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Yes, aftermarket gas tanks come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. I wish Tuffy still had the 160 tooling, that was a great boat and would fit nicely in the current economy...ran well with a 40HP, fishes way bigger than it is, and was OK in bigger water. | |
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Tuffy Rampage Upgrade or Exchange