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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area Boston Whaler Inflatable Boats
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Author | Topic: Boston Whaler Inflatable Boats |
Georgian Bay Boater |
posted 02-08-2001 01:07 PM ET (US)
I just saw a catalogue from some time ago. Judging by the motor in the photo, [I make the inference] that Boston Whaler made inflatable boats. [Give me] information on this. [I am not referring to] the new 2001 model, either. Thanks |
george nagy |
posted 02-08-2001 07:46 PM ET (US)
Yes, [Boston Whaler] did make inflatable boats in the early 1980's. They were made in Taiwan. I have an old brochure. |
triblet |
posted 02-08-2001 09:37 PM ET (US)
The "new" 2001 models aren't inflatables, and Boston Whaler goes out of their way to say that. They have big soft foam rubrails, and a little air pressure inside to hold them firm. And they aren't new -- CPD has been making them for some time -- there was one at my dealer for maintenance about two years ago, and it looked like it had been around. I've actually seen a BW inflatable. There Chuck |
Dick |
posted 02-08-2001 09:49 PM ET (US)
I was a Boston Whaler dealer in Alaska in the mid 1980's and we sold the inflatables. They were a good boat as far as inflatables go but not the Avon/Zodiac quality. Dick |
andygere |
posted 02-09-2001 11:12 AM ET (US)
When I was in college in the late 1080's, I worked for a consulting firm that had an 8- or 9-foot Boston Whaler inflatable. The boat was used for conducting lake profiles, gathering data on aquatic life, and during installation of massive lake aeration equipment. The thing was abused regularly, but held up pretty well. |
Janet |
posted 06-09-2006 02:41 PM ET (US)
[This thread is revived FIVE YEARS later to add:] I have parts for one of those Boston Whaler inflatables, but I don't have the boat itself. |
Chuck Tribolet |
posted 06-10-2006 02:45 AM ET (US)
The inflatable in these pictures is [a Boston Whaler inflatable boat]: http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/ba_diving/launchingatptlobos.html
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frontier |
posted 06-10-2006 03:11 AM ET (US)
I remember in the early 1980's our local Boston Whaler dealer saying they quit importing the inflatables when they were having seam leaking problems. He said Boston Whaler was concerned it would tarnish their reputation for quality. |
Sheila |
posted 06-10-2006 08:48 AM ET (US)
Janet, now you tell us! :) A year or two ago I was looking at an inflatable on eBay, but it was missing the floorboards...so I passed. |
chuck1234 |
posted 06-10-2006 10:04 PM ET (US)
I have an 8-foot Boston Whaler inflatable which came with my [1974] Outrage and was our tender for the Tartan 38. I used it for the first time last summer on the beach (it was originally my Grandfather's). Nothing special, just an average inflatable, nicely varnished floorboards and a small dry compartment in the bow. Had a 1965 Evinrude 6-HP on the transom. Together the boat could get through some heavy stuff. I'll see if I can find some pictures. Correction: It was purchased a few years after the Outrage was bought--Probably c.1985. |
JFM |
posted 06-11-2006 02:14 PM ET (US)
About 3-4 years ago I purchased a large Whaler catalog collection (over 1500 pieces) from a former Whaler employee. In the collection there were 2 styles or types of inflatables. The less expensive models were more like life boats with no transoms. The deluxe models had inflatable keels and and more air chambers. They had pointed off side pontoons with transoms to hold an outboard. Both styles came from the Toyo Rubber Co. of Japan (I have the Toyo invoices to Whaler in the collection). They were made as good or better than any other inflatable at that time. They were 80% Hypalon covered with 1200 Denier material (military grade). The 14' model was available with a Teleflex steering package that would take up to a 40 HP motor. I had the same unit as the 14' Whaler under the "Nissan" brand name. The Nissan was also had made by Toyo Rubber Co. I would rate these units above a Zodiac and more in line with the higher end units produced today. The problem with an inflatable however is age, sun and time used. So the old Whalers, unless close to unused are probably shot by now. Regards, Jay |
fatbanker |
posted 06-12-2006 09:58 AM ET (US)
FYI, there was an inflatable on Craigslist Boston last week for around $800 I think. I think the boat was in NH. |
BenInAtl |
posted 09-07-2007 09:15 AM ET (US)
I have a 10 foot BW inflatable. It is in good condition despite being in storage for the past 13 years. It was my grandfathers and it was passed on to me. He powered it with a 7.5 hp Chrysler engine. I have used a 1969 Johnson 9.9 hp. It has suffered its share of "rubs" which had to be repaired. I never had a problem with it. The floor and rails are still in good shape and the valves do not leak and the rubber is still in good shape. The only thing I remember about it that I recall being a problem was that after it planed out, the back would dip and you would get some water coming over the stern. It was a blast to ride in when I was younger. I am not sure this post is still being read but does anyone know the value of this type of boat or the cost when it was new? |
Alaskan |
posted 07-14-2008 06:57 PM ET (US)
THREAD REVIVED 2 YEARS LATER..... Wonder if george nagy, Dick or JFM are still posting here ANOTHER Boston Whaler Inflatable Question A fellow just gave me one that is brand new 1986 which he had purchased new, inflated, covered in his garage and NEVER once used... Its the Boston Whaler 11 Sport... In particular I'd like to determine what the flap with grommets at the rear of the dodger was designed for....optional windscreen perhaps ?? I see in a post above Dick mentioned that he had a collection of old Boston Whaler catalogs....anybody else ?? Here are a group of 14 pictures of my boat...they were rated at 16 hp which seems like too much, I think we'll install a 6hp 4-stroke Suzuki on this little boat http://alaskandave.smugmug.com/gallery/5427509_zbRM4#331857760_ZsLRR [IMG]http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/SpoofCatcher/DSC_0600.jpg[/IMG] |
Alaskan |
posted 07-14-2008 07:31 PM ET (US)
Well....I see photo's don't show in this forum and links are not clickable... Copy & paste the above Smugmug.com web addresses into your browser.... Or this one....26 albums and a couple thousand pictures...Alaska and boats.. http://alaskandave.smugmug.com/ BTW.....Smugmug.com is the best place on the net to host pictures Dave... |
17 bodega |
posted 07-14-2008 11:27 PM ET (US)
Yes. It is a windscreen that goes there. I think the boat would be better without the bow area covered. I bought one of these inflatables. They are pretty nice but I ended up passing it along because it had more novelty value than usability in my opinion. Mine didn't hold air very good. I couldn't find a leak, but it very slowly lost air. It was probably an old valve that leaked.
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Alaskan |
posted 07-15-2008 12:07 AM ET (US)
Thanks.... If we decide to let the kids use this boat around our place in Alaska that front dodger deal is coming off....makes it impossible to get in & out of on the beach |
Alaskan |
posted 07-31-2008 11:20 PM ET (US)
THANKS to member "frontier" for mailing me an original Whaler Brochure for the inflatables...! so..I have brand new unused 1986 Sport 11 Whaler Inflatable didn't have the windshield, which I'd like to find or oars so I'm at least looking for a set of 5.5 ft take-apart oars |
Alaskan |
posted 07-31-2008 11:28 PM ET (US)
and...on the transom tag it says this boat was made in Japan, the materials and workmanship looks very good to me and its never seems to require any additional air the wood floor and related pieces appear to be from from very good materials 33 pictures... http://alaskandave.smugmug.com/gallery/5427509_zbRM4#331857760_ZsLRR |
Chuck Tribolet |
posted 08-01-2008 12:25 AM ET (US)
http://alaskandave.smugmug.com/gallery/5427509_zbRM4#331857760_ZsLRR
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Kirk Brown |
posted 08-01-2008 01:17 AM ET (US)
I just picked up a 1986 20 ft Boston Whaler inflatable which my sister bought in the mid 90s. Great condition, no leaks, no patches. Nice boat for my 1978 Islander 32 in La Paz Mexico. Great for going bay hoping. She also had a great 6 hp Yamaha on it. |
Kirk Brown |
posted 08-01-2008 01:18 AM ET (US)
Oops 10 ft Boston Whaler |
Alaskan |
posted 10-05-2008 05:45 PM ET (US)
Thanks Chuck for making my link "clickable"...! Looking at engines for that boat this winter....when I choose one I'll outfit it and update the pictures here |
jamesmylesmcp |
posted 10-06-2008 07:15 AM ET (US)
I also picked up one of these for the kids just last week. Neat little boat with inflatable keel should add to the fun of camping. |
Nobleskydiver |
posted 01-05-2009 01:05 PM ET (US)
I been looking for data on these, any one have a ball park on current values |
Tohsgib |
posted 01-05-2009 01:31 PM ET (US)
Not worth much unless in mint condition. 20+ year old material is normally shot or close to it by now. |
hauptjm |
posted 01-05-2009 02:26 PM ET (US)
Well, Whaler is/has been back in the inflatable market. Go to the commercial site and see what they're offering now. |
flyfisher500 |
posted 02-17-2009 02:08 PM ET (US)
I have an inflatable Boston Whaler that came my way upon my Dad's death. It is similar to the one Alaska Dave has photo links for above. There are three of us trying to put it together (with no instructions). We have it figured out with one exception---how do we get that last floor board in. There must be a trick to it because regardless how we try, we still have about 2-3 inches of board that we can't force into place. Any suggestions will be appreciated. |
Jeff |
posted 02-17-2009 02:24 PM ET (US)
Are you trying to put the floor board in while the boat is inflated or deflated? Every inflatible I have ever put together, the entire boat gets assembled while it is deflated. |
flyfisher500 |
posted 02-17-2009 03:27 PM ET (US)
Jeff, thanks for your quick response. Yes, the boat was partially inflated. We've now pushed as much air out of it as possible. We have one more method of attack that we will try. I'll let you know if we are successful. Any additional tips will be appreciated. |
flyfisher500 |
posted 02-18-2009 11:35 AM ET (US)
We finally completed the boat assembly. With the boat deflated, we got all the floor boards together and then slid the two wood rails under each side of the floor boards. These rails stabilized the three floor boards closest to the transom. Originally, we were trying to get the floor boards together with the rails already in place. Obviously, we didn't know what we were doing. LOL Well, success feels good. Thanks. |
Dawgdirt |
posted 03-31-2009 08:38 PM ET (US)
Hi there to all. I have Three questions on my 10-11 ft inflatable. it looks just like the the one here... http://alaskandave.smugmug.com/gallery/5427509_zbRM4#331857760_ZsLRR Does anyone have an owners manual and or instructions for these? I plan to replace my warped floor with Okouma 9mm Ply. Thanks, |
larryblueyes |
posted 06-09-2009 03:36 PM ET (US)
o Alaskan, I have a 1985 14' deluxe sport. . My Brother-in-law gave it to me this last year and it has been sitting in a barn for a year. After cleaning it for a couple of days it isn't in that bad of condition. The Fabric is in really good condition for it's age. Except for where the mice eat a hole in the keil bladder, which is repairable. I can get the paint and sealer for it to completely refurbish it for less that $500.00. One floor board needs replacing and then all the floor boards need repainting. It has the reciever brackets on the air chaber for the windshield support bracket, but none of the hardware. I am rather excited to have this for fishing on our small lakes where you cannot have gas outboards. I have not been on your Website with all the pictures yet, but that is my next stop. Thank you for any help. |
SunapeeBob |
posted 07-20-2009 02:55 PM ET (US)
I have a 1980's ? 11' inflatable whaler that is missing an oar lock. Anyone have an idea on hwere i could obtain a replacement. stndard oar lock does not work |
Joe 16571 |
posted 08-15-2009 02:33 PM ET (US)
I picked up a 10' Boston Whaler inflatable at a garage sale two years ago. It had a miniscule leak in one of the tubes which I patched. The floor boards were shot except for the nose board which had been sheltered from the sun under the cowl over the years. I replaced the other three boards with a single painted plywood sheet and it works fine. When inflating the keel this season the bottom of the air valve blew out and I have been unable to locate a replacement. Any suggestions would be sincerely appreciated. We use the Whaler primarily for tubing for the grand kids, nieces and nephews. It works great and they love it. Thanx, Joe |
maverick |
posted 08-15-2009 03:18 PM ET (US)
How much is one of these inflatables worth if it's in good condition? $500? $1000? I know someone who is planning on selling his - located in St. Augustine, FLA. Thanks, Mav |
jamesmylesmcp |
posted 08-15-2009 06:51 PM ET (US)
Joe, Sue at Twin Cities has the valves in stock, I replaced all of mine last winter. |
Joe 16571 |
posted 08-15-2009 07:56 PM ET (US)
Maverick, Ceck out inflatable boats on Ebay. You will see that you can buy a good NEW 10' FOR between $700 to $1400. If I were to sell my BW, which is in good condition, I would ask $300. You have to remember that these boats are over 25 years old and the materials and designs of today are far superior than those back then. Joe |
maverick |
posted 08-16-2009 08:12 AM ET (US)
If I read the info right (via links, too), the BW inflatables made in Japan were superior in quality to the ones made in Taiwan. I didn't see an BW inflatables on ebay, and it looks like the going rate for a good inflatable probably averages about $700-$1000. Thanks for the responses, I'll pass on the info to the potential seller; don't be surprised if he advertises it on this forum! Not sure of the price, but I believe he mentioned his is a Japan one, and in good shape. Mav |
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