Author
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Topic: NEED HELP ON WHALER!
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SeaMaster711 |
posted 01-25-2003 09:48 PM ET (US)
Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum, recommended to me from another forum. I've heard alot about Boston Whalers and I love there looks. I'm 14 years old and from Rhode Island. My dad has a 24' Rinker, but I can't fish off it. I love fishing saltwater - now I want a boat of my own that will suit my needs - a 13'-17' Boston Whaler with a 25+ outboard on it. I need something that will handle bay chop, even if it means I get wet. I need something that will carry me, my friend, tackle bags and combos, a livewell and cooler, and a bag full of safety stuff. I want it to plane, go 30-35MPH if possible. My dad has a 2002 Dodge Ram....so trailering isnt a problem. The problem may be (If it's a problem) I have $8000 to spend....preferably less. I saw a deal for $7,298...A 13' 2001 Boston Whaler and a 40HP Mercury outboard...boat motor and trailer.....Is this a good deal? Will it be able to handle not extremely rough conditions, but bay chop, I'll probably be fishing Narragansett bay....Will this boat handle stripers, blues and fluke? Or should I spend the money on an old used 17' whaler or something? I really like the 13'....it looks really nice, brand new and beautiful engine, not a scratch....I'm just worried about space. I used to fish off a 14' Sea Eagle Inflatable, do you think I 13' Whaler has more space? The pontoons on the sea eagle take up alot and I think the beam is like 3'8"....I just want enough room to hold my stuff and fish comfortable, standing and sitting.(even if I can't move around) Thanks guys, your help is appreciated!
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OutrageMan
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posted 01-25-2003 10:20 PM ET (US)
For less than 8 grand you could get yourself a nice 15 sport. It should do everything you want it to do, and you will have a bit more boat than the 13. I would recomend the 17 Montauk, but for that boat I would want you to have a bit more experience first.Brian |
11 footer
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posted 01-25-2003 10:59 PM ET (US)
Hey SeaMaster, I'm the one who made recommenddation. I would go for a 15'. I'm not sure how many hours you have on the water but you might want look into a 17' moutauk. Im your age and I take you my grandfathers moutauk with a 115 merc alone with no prolbem, I really had to gain his trust before I could to it. I do everything that you want to do with a 1975 11' sport. With a 13' or even a 15' you will catch some air in a chop. You are going the right think by picking a whaler, as you read this wedsite you will learn that whaler is the only way to go. Were did you get 8g's to spend on a boat at your/our age? 11 |
SeaMaster711
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posted 01-26-2003 10:39 AM ET (US)
Hey guys, thanks for your help. I looked up at www.boats-4-sale.com a 1989 Boston Whaler Newport 17' with 90HP outboard...and trailer...it looks excellent condition... Is this a good deal? Heres a pic: [IMG]http://boats-4-sale.com/search/images/boats/18231-c.jpg[/IMG] Is the Boston Whaler Newport a good fishing boat in saltwater? It looks like it's open enough.... Thanks! :D |
homey
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posted 01-26-2003 11:29 AM ET (US)
Seamaster, When I was 13 my first boat was a 1965 13'Whaler. It was great with the 40hp Mercury, but it did pound in the chop. After about 2 seasons, I wanted to move up. The 13 was just too small...I would defintely recommend a 17 Montauk with 50-70hp. Keep looking, there are plenty out there for $6000-$8000. Make sure you have the engine checked by a mechanic. Try looking here, www.boatshopperonline.com www.thesaltydog.com www.boattraderonline.com www.yachtworld.com Good luck! |
homey
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posted 01-26-2003 12:06 PM ET (US)
Also, www.boats.comwww.iboats.com |
alkar
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posted 01-26-2003 03:42 PM ET (US)
Seamaster, if I were you, I'd shop until I found a Montauk. There isn't a better boat to do the job you describe - and you'll never outgrow it. It will also hold it's value better than the new 13. A Montauk isn't significantly more difficult to handle than a 13, and the ride, weight-carrying ability, and room are a BIG step up over than shiny new 13. Remember, asking price and selling price are not necessarily the same (or even close) - especially if you're buying from a dealership. Make sure the dealer knows you're ready to walk away and buy another boat ;-) If you're patient you'll find a beauty you can mature with. |
Buckda
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posted 01-26-2003 04:27 PM ET (US)
SeaMaster - While I tend to agree on the advice to purchase a 17', I would like to offer a counter opinion - the 15' model.Of course, I am referring you to true classics, i.e. a used whaler. My reasoning: 1. For approximately $8K you'll get a 15 in great shape with a good motor. Moving up to a 17 for 8 grand, you'll have more work to do, and a more difficult time finding one in great shape for the money. 2. A 15' with 45 - 50 HP will run within your specified speed range at WOT - and is a great size to learn on. The boat handles like a sportscar. It is forgiving when you make mistakes. 3. A 13 will be too small for your uses if you're concerned about space. The 15 can seem cramped too, but the 17 is a whole lot of boat for someone at your experience level. 4. When it does come time to trade up to the next larger sized boat (believe me, it'll happen), you can upgrade to an Outrage - and keep the 15 - you'll then have two great boats that you won't ever want to sell. The 15 is a great hull all around (that's why they're sometimes tough to find). Wellspenbee had one for sale in cherry condition and in your price range - check the Marketplace forum. Best of luck. Dave |
TightPenny
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posted 01-26-2003 04:35 PM ET (US)
Find yourself a 15' Sport.You won't grow out of it as fast. And it can take a trip into the ocean without a lot of concern. That boat is perfect for fishing, crabbing, clamming, and for water skiing. I had mine since I bought it new in 1977, and gave it to my son in 2001 when he was 16. He loves it. Good luck on your seach. |
logan
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posted 01-27-2003 03:38 AM ET (US)
I hate to sound like a broken record but the 15 is a great boat. I think they ride better than either a 13 or a 17. I curently have a 13 I love it but do find that it has its limitations. for you a friend and gear a 13 would do ok but there isent much room to move around and fish in. if I had the choice between the 3 sizes in that price range I would look for a 15logan |
SeaMaster711
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posted 01-27-2003 08:45 AM ET (US)
Yes, the 15 looks great to me also....Problem is, I can't find any 15 Sport, whenever I type them in the classifieds "15 rage" jet boat will come up......anyone know of any used 15' Sports in my price range? What Boston Whalers are fishable? Sport? Dauntless? Newport? Nautil? Montauk? I see some people with fishfinders on there jet boats....?? |
SeaMaster711
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posted 01-27-2003 09:11 AM ET (US)
OK, I found myself a 15' Sport, but it's 1976! Is that too old, will it like fall apart on me? It comes with a 60HP Mercury and a trailer, totals $5500. Sound good? Or to old? I wish I could find an 85 15' sport but there arent any I see.... |
jameso
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posted 01-27-2003 10:25 AM ET (US)
Yes, me laddie I have two 15's for sale. One is an 83 with mahogany and seat back option, 50 HP OMC, the other is a really pristine 15 CC with a 50 Yammie oil injection. Spend a couple of hundre and come to Georgia. You can take back a good boat for less than 6K. Jim Armstrong |
SeaMaster711
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posted 01-27-2003 12:05 PM ET (US)
James, what year is the one with the 50 yamaha oil injection? If ya can, post some pics, or email them to me @ SeaMaster711@hotmail.com Thanks! |
Buckda
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posted 01-27-2003 02:02 PM ET (US)
Seamaster -1976 is not too old - a better judgement is the condition - JimH wrote some excellent articles on buying a classic whaler on this site - check out the reference section. In general, you will find that the people who are selling on this site do not mis-represent the goods. If Jameso's boats are not for you, be patient, as the weather warms up, you'll find more 15's for sale. |
george nagy
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posted 01-27-2003 03:52 PM ET (US)
15' center console with a 50+hp yamaha sounds like the perfect boat for you. I grew up on a 15' and loved it. the 15' is truely an excellent boat. |
4whaler
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posted 01-27-2003 04:14 PM ET (US)
I've had 4 Whalers since 1976 when I got a 15'ft sport. I went up to a Montauk and then a 20'ft walk thru with cuddy cabin before I went back to the 15 this year. Its the best of the classic line for you. Small enough to launch single handed. Quick and nible, very sea worthy and if its to rough for it you probably shouldn't be out anyway. The center console or all glass interior one GLS is the way Id go. 50Hp is plenty any more the boat tend to get airborne which is exciting but dangerous as hell. You can not sink the damn things, I had my first one swapped up to the gunnels with only me, the steering wheel and the motor power head out of the water and it just rasied its bow and dumped all the water out over the transom when I applied power. Actually a quick way to wash the inside out but setting it up to swap is actually hard. I had to run into the pack of a high wave of a set of stacking waves as they compressed and caught up with each other going into a reef cut and shallow water. They got higher and closer together to the point that I slid down the face of one into the back of the other, did this about 3 times before running clear, boat was nice and clean, kinda kept you busy though trying to catch all the floating stuff you want to keep from going out the back as the water left. |