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Author Topic:   Considering 13 Foot Whaler

rkong posted 02-04-2002 10:34 PM ET (US)
I'm considering purchasing a 13 foot whaler sport primarily for fishing on lakes and bays (San Francisco, San Pablo). I don't plan on heading out to the ocean. I'm wondering how this boat will handle the bay waters and if I really need something bigger or if the 13 is adequate? I'm pretty sure it'll handle any moderately sized lake fine.
Drisney posted 02-04-2002 11:56 PM ET (US)
a 13 is a little small for the bay. You can do it but if the weather kicks up while you are out it will be very wet and uncomfortable coming back in. I would go at least with a 17'. The 17 is great on the lakes as well !
Dave w/17 and now a 13 also
marc monreal posted 02-05-2002 12:11 AM ET (US)
I have to agree with Drisney, a 13 would be uncomfortable let alone a little wild on the the bay, especially when the tide is ebbing and you get a 5-6 ft steep chop. If you are going to be primarily in the Northern part of San Pablo Bay, Benicia area a 13 would be o.k otherwise I would go with at least a 18 ft outrage or bigger. My .02
Regards, Marc
browning20ga posted 02-05-2002 01:08 AM ET (US)
I have to agree. I fish Tomales Bay and have to be very careful and watch the weather. Fishing lakes and rivers it's comfortable for 2, 3 gets a little crowded. The weather caught me out there last fall and we had a miserable trip across. Hold out for a 17'er and it will increase your fishable days and you will be more comfortable.
Darrell
rkong posted 02-05-2002 03:05 AM ET (US)
Yes, I actually think the 17' Montuak would handle it better. It weighs slightly more though and pushes the limits of my tow vehichle (2002 CRV). The rig would probably way around 1500... for the boat 950 + engine 250 + trailer 300. The CRV is rated at 1500 lbs US. But in other countries, the same car can tow more 2x if the trailer has brakes. I'm wondering why they didn't make the specification in the US. Anyone have any towing experience at the rated capacity or above?
Taylor posted 02-05-2002 03:10 PM ET (US)
I put a class I hitch on my BMW 325 for a Montauk, but I think I'm a little over the top. I don't tow often, and then not very far. Of course a BMW is not rated for towing at all. I'm going to have to upgrade my towing rig.
1500# for a montauk + trailer is optimistically low. My engine weighs in at 350 or so, and don't forget 24 gallons of fuel and all that stuff that you throw in the boat. My trailer is rated at 2400# GVW although I've seen them on 2000# GVW trailers. That's where a class I hitch comes in.
What about a 15' classic?
NEVER SCARED posted 02-05-2002 03:36 PM ET (US)
Hey, theres some Bay Area dudes here huh? I fish SF Bay, San Pablo, AND San Pablo Res. from an 18' Outrage! This is what you need to do it all. I also venture out the Golden Gate up to Point Reyes. I used to fish these SAME waters from a 12' aluminum. So a 13' whaler could do it. The only question is how comfortable and dry do you want to be? I seen a program on tv where they were surveying the bottom of SF bay and aside from a mother ship, there were 3 guys covering the entire bay from a classic 13'!
Never scared
SteveC posted 02-05-2002 04:07 PM ET (US)
I've used my 40 hp 13 on Chesapeake bay for about 5 years. On most days it's OK, but if there is a good breeze or alot of powerboats the upwind ride can be painfully harsh. If you don't mind going at sub-planing speeds in these conditions, it's no problem. I think, with some caution, it is a very safe boat.
Now here's the selling point for the 13:
Having been built for a long long time, one can be had for just a few thousand dollars.
If you buy a boat in good condition (look at several boats and wait for something good, then act fast) and don't overpay (too much), most of the value is retained.
The 13 is very easily trailered, launched, recovered, beached and cheap to run.
Storage is easy (I keep mine covered behind the tool shed).
Plus, it's alot of fun!
JohnAz posted 02-05-2002 04:19 PM ET (US)
I juat put my 1973,,13' Classic on the market, "8" on the scale of 1-10, mahogany seats are in "9" shape as I dont use them,with trailer and it's a "9"..
$2,000,,E mail me for pictures,,John, Arizona
andygere posted 02-05-2002 06:03 PM ET (US)
I've owned a 13, and I currently own a Montauk 17, which I keep in Monterey Bay but have trailered to SF Bay many times. You will survive the bay in the 13, and you will be reasonably comfortable in the 17. The 17 is easy to launch, land and operate single handed. It is much safer for stand up fishing like casting plugs or flys, and there is a lot more room for bait, coolers and fishing buddies. I tow mine with a Jeep Wrangler (6 cyl) and it's a breeze to pull. It may be a little heavy for your Honda, but if you are not going far, it might work out OK. The bottom line: You'll get a lot more on-water time on SF Bay in a 17, and it'll be drier and more comfortable.
Bob K posted 02-06-2002 08:12 PM ET (US)
OK, I know that the stuff is going to fly, but here goes. Took the wife for a ride in SF Bay on a snotty weather day with a cross wind. We went all the way under the Golden Gate and back. Talk about drowned rat and ratess. After that trip there was no dispute about a "BIGGER" Whaler. Got a 19'4" model(currently aka outrage). Great boat, then moved to the right coast.
The rollers that come down the rivers at certain times of year will make you wonder why you didn't put in more powerful bilge pumps.
In the lower Chesapeake, current domicile, the 13' is a great little boat when the NOAA reports are 10-15 mph. If NOAA says breezy or windy (15-30mph) it is better to check your tackle box and go replenish lost stuff. I have been caught between submarine wakes and tug wakes in 15mph winds and was thankful that I was floating in the unsinkable cork.
rkong posted 02-07-2002 01:51 AM ET (US)
What about using a 13' east of Martinez and up through the delta? Should that be fine?

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Author	Topic: Considering 13 Foot Whaler
rkong	posted 02-04-2002 10:34 PM ET (US) I'm considering purchasing a 13 foot whaler sport primarily for fishing on lakes and bays (San Francisco, San Pablo). I don't plan on heading out to the ocean. I'm wondering how this boat will handle the bay waters and if I really need something bigger or if the 13 is adequate? I'm pretty sure it'll handle any moderately sized lake fine.
Drisney	posted 02-04-2002 11:56 PM ET (US) a 13 is a little small for the bay. You can do it but if the weather kicks up while you are out it will be very wet and uncomfortable coming back in. I would go at least with a 17'. The 17 is great on the lakes as well ! Dave w/17 and now a 13 also
marc monreal	posted 02-05-2002 12:11 AM ET (US) I have to agree with Drisney, a 13 would be uncomfortable let alone a little wild on the the bay, especially when the tide is ebbing and you get a 5-6 ft steep chop. If you are going to be primarily in the Northern part of San Pablo Bay, Benicia area a 13 would be o.k otherwise I would go with at least a 18 ft outrage or bigger. My .02 Regards, Marc
browning20ga	posted 02-05-2002 01:08 AM ET (US) I have to agree. I fish Tomales Bay and have to be very careful and watch the weather. Fishing lakes and rivers it's comfortable for 2, 3 gets a little crowded. The weather caught me out there last fall and we had a miserable trip across. Hold out for a 17'er and it will increase your fishable days and you will be more comfortable. Darrell
rkong	posted 02-05-2002 03:05 AM ET (US) Yes, I actually think the 17' Montuak would handle it better. It weighs slightly more though and pushes the limits of my tow vehichle (2002 CRV). The rig would probably way around 1500... for the boat 950 + engine 250 + trailer 300. The CRV is rated at 1500 lbs US. But in other countries, the same car can tow more 2x if the trailer has brakes. I'm wondering why they didn't make the specification in the US. Anyone have any towing experience at the rated capacity or above?
Taylor	posted 02-05-2002 03:10 PM ET (US) I put a class I hitch on my BMW 325 for a Montauk, but I think I'm a little over the top. I don't tow often, and then not very far. Of course a BMW is not rated for towing at all. I'm going to have to upgrade my towing rig. 1500# for a montauk + trailer is optimistically low. My engine weighs in at 350 or so, and don't forget 24 gallons of fuel and all that stuff that you throw in the boat. My trailer is rated at 2400# GVW although I've seen them on 2000# GVW trailers. That's where a class I hitch comes in. What about a 15' classic?
NEVER SCARED	posted 02-05-2002 03:36 PM ET (US) Hey, theres some Bay Area dudes here huh? I fish SF Bay, San Pablo, AND San Pablo Res. from an 18' Outrage! This is what you need to do it all. I also venture out the Golden Gate up to Point Reyes. I used to fish these SAME waters from a 12' aluminum. So a 13' whaler could do it. The only question is how comfortable and dry do you want to be? I seen a program on tv where they were surveying the bottom of SF bay and aside from a mother ship, there were 3 guys covering the entire bay from a classic 13'! Never scared
SteveC	posted 02-05-2002 04:07 PM ET (US) I've used my 40 hp 13 on Chesapeake bay for about 5 years. On most days it's OK, but if there is a good breeze or alot of powerboats the upwind ride can be painfully harsh. If you don't mind going at sub-planing speeds in these conditions, it's no problem. I think, with some caution, it is a very safe boat. Now here's the selling point for the 13: Having been built for a long long time, one can be had for just a few thousand dollars. If you buy a boat in good condition (look at several boats and wait for something good, then act fast) and don't overpay (too much), most of the value is retained. The 13 is very easily trailered, launched, recovered, beached and cheap to run. Storage is easy (I keep mine covered behind the tool shed). Plus, it's alot of fun!
JohnAz	posted 02-05-2002 04:19 PM ET (US) I juat put my 1973,,13' Classic on the market, "8" on the scale of 1-10, mahogany seats are in "9" shape as I dont use them,with trailer and it's a "9".. $2,000,,E mail me for pictures,,John, Arizona
andygere	posted 02-05-2002 06:03 PM ET (US) I've owned a 13, and I currently own a Montauk 17, which I keep in Monterey Bay but have trailered to SF Bay many times. You will survive the bay in the 13, and you will be reasonably comfortable in the 17. The 17 is easy to launch, land and operate single handed. It is much safer for stand up fishing like casting plugs or flys, and there is a lot more room for bait, coolers and fishing buddies. I tow mine with a Jeep Wrangler (6 cyl) and it's a breeze to pull. It may be a little heavy for your Honda, but if you are not going far, it might work out OK. The bottom line: You'll get a lot more on-water time on SF Bay in a 17, and it'll be drier and more comfortable.
Bob K	posted 02-06-2002 08:12 PM ET (US) OK, I know that the stuff is going to fly, but here goes. Took the wife for a ride in SF Bay on a snotty weather day with a cross wind. We went all the way under the Golden Gate and back. Talk about drowned rat and ratess. After that trip there was no dispute about a "BIGGER" Whaler. Got a 19'4" model(currently aka outrage). Great boat, then moved to the right coast. The rollers that come down the rivers at certain times of year will make you wonder why you didn't put in more powerful bilge pumps. In the lower Chesapeake, current domicile, the 13' is a great little boat when the NOAA reports are 10-15 mph. If NOAA says breezy or windy (15-30mph) it is better to check your tackle box and go replenish lost stuff. I have been caught between submarine wakes and tug wakes in 15mph winds and was thankful that I was floating in the unsinkable cork.
rkong	posted 02-07-2002 01:51 AM ET (US) What about using a 13' east of Martinez and up through the delta? Should that be fine?