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Author Topic:   Buying and Selling Whalers

contender posted 07-03-2011 08:23 PM ET (US)
I have read many threads on this site, and some of the members seem to buy and sell their whalers frequently. I never could understand this, I have owned the same whaler (one since 1962 13, and one since 1975 16'7''). Why do [people on this website] choose to change whalers[?] Why not just keep the same one, upgrade, and restore it? I can understand moving up to a larger whaler, but from my understanding some of you change your whaler for another one of the same size and style.
macfam posted 07-03-2011 08:46 PM ET (US)
Probably for the same reason that they make more than plain vanilla
Slick 50 posted 07-03-2011 09:06 PM ET (US)
Some of us enjoy working on them as much as riding or fishing or skiing etc.
To take the weathered teak and gel cote and make it look new is a lot of fun for some of us.
Rick
pcrussell50 posted 07-03-2011 09:21 PM ET (US)
Diffrent strokes. 'Tender, I'm with you. Boats and cars, I'm of the mind to get what you want, and keep it till the wheels fall off. This is a little easier if you have some maintenance and repair skills, the more the better.
But I can personally vouch for what Slick says. I know people like that. Never happy unless they have a project. The make the most magnificent boats, (or cars or airplanes), and when it's done, you and I are green with envy, and then the guy who puts in all the effort, turns around and sells it, often for nowhere near what it's worth, and starts on another one.
-Peter
PeteB88 posted 07-03-2011 09:27 PM ET (US)
Who knows? I have about 30 or more bicycles scattered around -was totally into all of it including pretty serious riding for a lot of my life. Today I'm not riding as much and should but I still pick up cool bikes sometimes. I don't do it to flip or make money - I probably give more away then I should.
This dude named Ted started the Grand Rapids VIntage Bike Club a year or so ago. I finally got the time to go to a meeting/ride a couple months ago. Great guy, awesome group, cool time - great vibe. What was unexpected to me is Ted said he really doesn't like to ride bikes.... but totally enjoys wrenching on them, tearing them down, redoing the frames and components but hates riding.
The point is people are into whatever they're into for a thousand reasons.
Do your thing and you never go wrong.
Basshole posted 07-03-2011 10:10 PM ET (US)
I am on my 3rd Whaler and wish I could have kept the previous 2. I still miss those boats...sniffle, sniffle. I am however, most happy with my newest one and I have been getting a few feet longer each time I get a new one. If I ever get rich I want to have many Whalers!!! I'd like to be like Jay Leno is with cars. My life would be complete with a warehouse full of different models and years...and of course a Conquest 345 slipped at the harbor. Is that so much to ask for?
modenacart posted 07-03-2011 10:13 PM ET (US)
Because people's lives change. They have kids, move ect.
Waterwonderland posted 07-03-2011 11:26 PM ET (US)
Where is toomanyboats when we need him?
Different boats have different characteristics and personalities. Much like I enjoy driving a sports car for its special traits, I can equally enjoy the features of an SUV. I think many of us want to try different boats to enjoy them for what they are. Some have multiple boats for multiple purposes. Lifestyles can change things as well. When I moved on the water, I no longer felt the need for a boat that was set up for overnighters. So I sold my boat and went to a smaller center console one.
martyn1075 posted 07-04-2011 12:22 AM ET (US)
Firstly a boat must fit the need and second it should bring you smiles and a sense of pride imo. Its easy to of course want a bigger boat or a more expensive one, but for me the boat comes down to what fits your plans. Is it for family first fishing second or a boat that can be used for close to shore perhaps just to drop a crab trap and rip around the bay with friends. In this case a 25 Revenge walkaround would be over the top although a nice ride either way. I would suspect if someone is changing boats quickly they likely have not found the right model that can satisfy what they really need the boat to do for them.
Basshole is right on the other hand money is a HUGE part and can dictate what is or is not over the top regardless if the boat is not been used for what it was designed for. If not happy big deal buy another one. I see it all the time at our Marina. I feel bad in a way for some of these people because they never seem to be that happy rarely smile on their boats while in the water at least.
Then of course there are a few who just have a passion to rescue an old classic and bring it back to life put all they got into it both sweat and tears (money as well) and after its back and ready for another 20 years don't want it anymore looking for the next challenge.
Either way it goes back to the first line if it fits a need and brings you happiness thats all that matters.
Martyn
Tohsgib posted 07-04-2011 12:53 AM ET (US)
Having owned 23 Whalers(24 if you consider I owned one twice) and being in the top 5 or so of most Whalers owned by an individual(not fleet) according to Whaler....money and fun is my motivation. You(anyone) will eventually find a Whaler that you know is under priced. You will look and maybe even post it here for somebody to buy because you own the SAME boat but....I will buy it, buff, wax, varnish etc. and sell it. Why? Mainly because of the money and fun it envolves. If I can buy a sweet Montauk for $4500, put $500 and a weeks worth of time into it, drive it around for a few months and make $2500 or so on it....why not? That is my vacation fund and I enjoyed doing it. Also it saved a boat from being a beater to a show queen that somebody is going to be proud of. I take pride in my boats and when I am done the new owner usually will as well. I receive leters or e-mails years down the road showing me they still own the boat or check out their new repower, etc. It is a good feeling to restore a boat to flip if it is no your job(Greg Olsen) and you actually take pride in it and are not just looking out for the almighty buck. I have sold boats to my friends and they know what I paid, etc but they also know what I did to it and that I trust it enough to sell to a friend. Then again you should just wait for "Sal A" to buy a boat, repower and restore it just to sell it 9 months later for $.70 on the dollar and really score a nice deal :)
martyn1075 posted 07-04-2011 03:08 AM ET (US)
I think the biggest compliment a classic owner can get is when someone says to you wow is that a new model? Of course perhaps they are not thinking the difference or even know between a classic and post classic but we do as owners of a classic and its like basically saying your boat is in showroom condition. When you tell them its 20 years + you can't help to smile ear to ear. I think thats the pride and a good feeling that all the hard work and money spent is worth it. Of course the bigger reason is the enjoyment we all should get while being out in the water on a Whaler in the first place.
deepwater posted 07-04-2011 08:27 AM ET (US)
contender,,I think they change boats because they are just not happy with the one they have,, They have an unsatisfied need for more or bigger or faster,,Soon my Montauk will be 25 and on the way to a complete refit and than some long tours up the coast of Maine
Binkster posted 07-04-2011 10:30 AM ET (US)
If you can buy a Whaler cheap buff it out and make $2500 on it more power to you. Not saying its not possible. All the boats I've restored were basket cases, but not severely damaged or waterlogged. Countless hours were required to bring them back. I just do it becuase I like to do it and maybe if boats actually have a soul like some think, its the only way for humans to raise the dead. LOL. the only boat I ever restored that I actually made money on was in the early eighties when I restored a 1966 25' Bertram Bahia Mar, and had 13K into it, after 2 years of work, I ran the boat for 3 years and sold it for 19K. I don`t think I could break even on my current one of a kind 13 footer, as I put a new motor on it when it was restored, so I have to deal with depreciation on the outboard.
Tohsgib posted 07-04-2011 12:09 PM ET (US)
You can't make money if you repower for the most part. Binks....finding the right hull to make th right money does not come along often. Sometimes I go 3 years between boats, sometimes I sell 3 in one year. In thi s economy if you had the storage you could buy a bunch and wait for the prices to come back...there are some steals out there but resale sucks. My bud just bought a 1979 17 sport with a 1990 90 merc freshwater boat from OH for $2k. Easily worth $4.5k with a buff job, varnish, etc. How often does a deal like that come along? If it was a Montauk it would fetch closer to $6k....nice profit for 15-20 hours of your time.
martyn1075 posted 07-04-2011 01:20 PM ET (US)
If you guys can turn this one and make a profit your good real good. Maybe just a buff would do it...
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/boa/2468000406.html
Martyn
SpongeBob posted 07-04-2011 02:00 PM ET (US)
I consider it therapy, my wife thinks its a sickness that requires therapy. At this time I have 11 boats on the property. Only three are whalers. When I rode Harleys(30 years ago) I always had one I was riding and one I was building. When the one in the garage was finished I put the one I was riding up for sale and started riding the newly built one. As soon as the old one sold I started looking for the next one to buy, tear apart, and put back together. Obviously that hasn't worked the same way with the boats. My wife says there's got to be a 12 step program out there, I just hope she dosen't find it.
Jeff
coolarrow posted 07-06-2011 03:47 PM ET (US)
Picasso was once asked what he enjoyed most about sex. He answered, "comparison". I have owned 3 different whalers, and I am currently restoring an outrage 25. I will often just sit and stare at it as if it could speak, and sometimes for those of us who can hear they do speak. I once picked up a 15 foot sport for 400.00. I drove it for 2 years and sold it to a young family for 500.00. It gives me great pleasure to see my friend and his kids in that boat. I don't feel guilty over the 100.00 profit and never will. This 25 has alot of adventure left in her and I plan on being there for it. This whaler thing and what it entails has brought me great joy and will do so until I die.
power2boat posted 07-06-2011 06:56 PM ET (US)

It is OK! to own more than one whaler per family.
My first boat is a 22' outrage customised,that I run every day.
Boat #2 is a 22'guardian,customised,same hull.
My play ground is the Pacific ocean.
Would I go bigger?NO!
Would I go smaller? Never!
Could I choose between the two,No,I love them both.
Am I normal? Hope so.

Tohsgib posted 07-06-2011 08:52 PM ET (US)
Shit...I own 4 right now and have for the last 4 years. I actually had 7 on my yard...don't ask.
leadsled posted 07-07-2011 06:49 AM ET (US)
I use a 13' whaler to get to my old 21' Outrage which is on my mooring. That Outrage has made over a hundred trips out of the harbor every year for the 16 years I have owned it. I have a 1973 nauset custom that I trailer to Nantucket sound for the Fluke and sea bass fishing. Last fall I could not resist buying a real nice 1967 13' hull that sat for 20 years that needs a new interior. Then this spring I found a mint looking 1969 Katama that that I could not pass up. I repowered the Katama with a 40 hp Tohatsu that sat in someones garage for 15 years without ever being run. I just broke the engine in and have had some fun with it but there is no room in it for the 128 quart cooler that I need for the big bass that I want to bring home. I am going to sell the Katama as it's too nice for me. I haven't had time to put a new interior on my 13' but I took it out for a ride on the 4th of july. Some times it's just buying and fixing up and polishing up a new whaler that's fun. I think I have owned 15 whalers over the years.I don't have a whaler hoarding problem, i have a boat storage problem.
pglein posted 07-07-2011 04:52 PM ET (US)
I bought one to move up, and finally sold the smaller one because it was taking too much time to maintain, and not getting used. I finally sold the larger one purely for financial reasons. I will be buying another one again very soon.
Everyone has their reasons.

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Author	Topic: Buying and Selling Whalers
contender	posted 07-03-2011 08:23 PM ET (US) I have read many threads on this site, and some of the members seem to buy and sell their whalers frequently. I never could understand this, I have owned the same whaler (one since 1962 13, and one since 1975 16'7''). Why do [people on this website] choose to change whalers[?] Why not just keep the same one, upgrade, and restore it? I can understand moving up to a larger whaler, but from my understanding some of you change your whaler for another one of the same size and style.
macfam	posted 07-03-2011 08:46 PM ET (US) Probably for the same reason that they make more than plain vanilla
Slick 50	posted 07-03-2011 09:06 PM ET (US) Some of us enjoy working on them as much as riding or fishing or skiing etc. To take the weathered teak and gel cote and make it look new is a lot of fun for some of us. Rick
pcrussell50	posted 07-03-2011 09:21 PM ET (US) Diffrent strokes. 'Tender, I'm with you. Boats and cars, I'm of the mind to get what you want, and keep it till the wheels fall off. This is a little easier if you have some maintenance and repair skills, the more the better. But I can personally vouch for what Slick says. I know people like that. Never happy unless they have a project. The make the most magnificent boats, (or cars or airplanes), and when it's done, you and I are green with envy, and then the guy who puts in all the effort, turns around and sells it, often for nowhere near what it's worth, and starts on another one. -Peter
PeteB88	posted 07-03-2011 09:27 PM ET (US) Who knows? I have about 30 or more bicycles scattered around -was totally into all of it including pretty serious riding for a lot of my life. Today I'm not riding as much and should but I still pick up cool bikes sometimes. I don't do it to flip or make money - I probably give more away then I should. This dude named Ted started the Grand Rapids VIntage Bike Club a year or so ago. I finally got the time to go to a meeting/ride a couple months ago. Great guy, awesome group, cool time - great vibe. What was unexpected to me is Ted said he really doesn't like to ride bikes.... but totally enjoys wrenching on them, tearing them down, redoing the frames and components but hates riding. The point is people are into whatever they're into for a thousand reasons. Do your thing and you never go wrong.
Basshole	posted 07-03-2011 10:10 PM ET (US) I am on my 3rd Whaler and wish I could have kept the previous 2. I still miss those boats...sniffle, sniffle. I am however, most happy with my newest one and I have been getting a few feet longer each time I get a new one. If I ever get rich I want to have many Whalers!!! I'd like to be like Jay Leno is with cars. My life would be complete with a warehouse full of different models and years...and of course a Conquest 345 slipped at the harbor. Is that so much to ask for?
modenacart	posted 07-03-2011 10:13 PM ET (US) Because people's lives change. They have kids, move ect.
Waterwonderland	posted 07-03-2011 11:26 PM ET (US) Where is toomanyboats when we need him? Different boats have different characteristics and personalities. Much like I enjoy driving a sports car for its special traits, I can equally enjoy the features of an SUV. I think many of us want to try different boats to enjoy them for what they are. Some have multiple boats for multiple purposes. Lifestyles can change things as well. When I moved on the water, I no longer felt the need for a boat that was set up for overnighters. So I sold my boat and went to a smaller center console one.
martyn1075	posted 07-04-2011 12:22 AM ET (US) Firstly a boat must fit the need and second it should bring you smiles and a sense of pride imo. Its easy to of course want a bigger boat or a more expensive one, but for me the boat comes down to what fits your plans. Is it for family first fishing second or a boat that can be used for close to shore perhaps just to drop a crab trap and rip around the bay with friends. In this case a 25 Revenge walkaround would be over the top although a nice ride either way. I would suspect if someone is changing boats quickly they likely have not found the right model that can satisfy what they really need the boat to do for them. Basshole is right on the other hand money is a HUGE part and can dictate what is or is not over the top regardless if the boat is not been used for what it was designed for. If not happy big deal buy another one. I see it all the time at our Marina. I feel bad in a way for some of these people because they never seem to be that happy rarely smile on their boats while in the water at least. Then of course there are a few who just have a passion to rescue an old classic and bring it back to life put all they got into it both sweat and tears (money as well) and after its back and ready for another 20 years don't want it anymore looking for the next challenge. Either way it goes back to the first line if it fits a need and brings you happiness thats all that matters. Martyn
Tohsgib	posted 07-04-2011 12:53 AM ET (US) Having owned 23 Whalers(24 if you consider I owned one twice) and being in the top 5 or so of most Whalers owned by an individual(not fleet) according to Whaler....money and fun is my motivation. You(anyone) will eventually find a Whaler that you know is under priced. You will look and maybe even post it here for somebody to buy because you own the SAME boat but....I will buy it, buff, wax, varnish etc. and sell it. Why? Mainly because of the money and fun it envolves. If I can buy a sweet Montauk for $4500, put $500 and a weeks worth of time into it, drive it around for a few months and make $2500 or so on it....why not? That is my vacation fund and I enjoyed doing it. Also it saved a boat from being a beater to a show queen that somebody is going to be proud of. I take pride in my boats and when I am done the new owner usually will as well. I receive leters or e-mails years down the road showing me they still own the boat or check out their new repower, etc. It is a good feeling to restore a boat to flip if it is no your job(Greg Olsen) and you actually take pride in it and are not just looking out for the almighty buck. I have sold boats to my friends and they know what I paid, etc but they also know what I did to it and that I trust it enough to sell to a friend. Then again you should just wait for "Sal A" to buy a boat, repower and restore it just to sell it 9 months later for $.70 on the dollar and really score a nice deal :)
martyn1075	posted 07-04-2011 03:08 AM ET (US) I think the biggest compliment a classic owner can get is when someone says to you wow is that a new model? Of course perhaps they are not thinking the difference or even know between a classic and post classic but we do as owners of a classic and its like basically saying your boat is in showroom condition. When you tell them its 20 years + you can't help to smile ear to ear. I think thats the pride and a good feeling that all the hard work and money spent is worth it. Of course the bigger reason is the enjoyment we all should get while being out in the water on a Whaler in the first place.
deepwater	posted 07-04-2011 08:27 AM ET (US) contender,,I think they change boats because they are just not happy with the one they have,, They have an unsatisfied need for more or bigger or faster,,Soon my Montauk will be 25 and on the way to a complete refit and than some long tours up the coast of Maine
Binkster	posted 07-04-2011 10:30 AM ET (US) If you can buy a Whaler cheap buff it out and make $2500 on it more power to you. Not saying its not possible. All the boats I've restored were basket cases, but not severely damaged or waterlogged. Countless hours were required to bring them back. I just do it becuase I like to do it and maybe if boats actually have a soul like some think, its the only way for humans to raise the dead. LOL. the only boat I ever restored that I actually made money on was in the early eighties when I restored a 1966 25' Bertram Bahia Mar, and had 13K into it, after 2 years of work, I ran the boat for 3 years and sold it for 19K. I don`t think I could break even on my current one of a kind 13 footer, as I put a new motor on it when it was restored, so I have to deal with depreciation on the outboard.
Tohsgib	posted 07-04-2011 12:09 PM ET (US) You can't make money if you repower for the most part. Binks....finding the right hull to make th right money does not come along often. Sometimes I go 3 years between boats, sometimes I sell 3 in one year. In thi s economy if you had the storage you could buy a bunch and wait for the prices to come back...there are some steals out there but resale sucks. My bud just bought a 1979 17 sport with a 1990 90 merc freshwater boat from OH for $2k. Easily worth $4.5k with a buff job, varnish, etc. How often does a deal like that come along? If it was a Montauk it would fetch closer to $6k....nice profit for 15-20 hours of your time.
martyn1075	posted 07-04-2011 01:20 PM ET (US) If you guys can turn this one and make a profit your good real good. Maybe just a buff would do it... http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/boa/2468000406.html Martyn
SpongeBob	posted 07-04-2011 02:00 PM ET (US) I consider it therapy, my wife thinks its a sickness that requires therapy. At this time I have 11 boats on the property. Only three are whalers. When I rode Harleys(30 years ago) I always had one I was riding and one I was building. When the one in the garage was finished I put the one I was riding up for sale and started riding the newly built one. As soon as the old one sold I started looking for the next one to buy, tear apart, and put back together. Obviously that hasn't worked the same way with the boats. My wife says there's got to be a 12 step program out there, I just hope she dosen't find it. Jeff
coolarrow	posted 07-06-2011 03:47 PM ET (US) Picasso was once asked what he enjoyed most about sex. He answered, "comparison". I have owned 3 different whalers, and I am currently restoring an outrage 25. I will often just sit and stare at it as if it could speak, and sometimes for those of us who can hear they do speak. I once picked up a 15 foot sport for 400.00. I drove it for 2 years and sold it to a young family for 500.00. It gives me great pleasure to see my friend and his kids in that boat. I don't feel guilty over the 100.00 profit and never will. This 25 has alot of adventure left in her and I plan on being there for it. This whaler thing and what it entails has brought me great joy and will do so until I die.
power2boat	posted 07-06-2011 06:56 PM ET (US) It is OK! to own more than one whaler per family. My first boat is a 22' outrage customised,that I run every day. Boat #2 is a 22'guardian,customised,same hull. My play ground is the Pacific ocean. Would I go bigger?NO! Would I go smaller? Never! Could I choose between the two,No,I love them both. Am I normal? Hope so.
Tohsgib	posted 07-06-2011 08:52 PM ET (US) Shit...I own 4 right now and have for the last 4 years. I actually had 7 on my yard...don't ask.
leadsled	posted 07-07-2011 06:49 AM ET (US) I use a 13' whaler to get to my old 21' Outrage which is on my mooring. That Outrage has made over a hundred trips out of the harbor every year for the 16 years I have owned it. I have a 1973 nauset custom that I trailer to Nantucket sound for the Fluke and sea bass fishing. Last fall I could not resist buying a real nice 1967 13' hull that sat for 20 years that needs a new interior. Then this spring I found a mint looking 1969 Katama that that I could not pass up. I repowered the Katama with a 40 hp Tohatsu that sat in someones garage for 15 years without ever being run. I just broke the engine in and have had some fun with it but there is no room in it for the 128 quart cooler that I need for the big bass that I want to bring home. I am going to sell the Katama as it's too nice for me. I haven't had time to put a new interior on my 13' but I took it out for a ride on the 4th of july. Some times it's just buying and fixing up and polishing up a new whaler that's fun. I think I have owned 15 whalers over the years.I don't have a whaler hoarding problem, i have a boat storage problem.
pglein	posted 07-07-2011 04:52 PM ET (US) I bought one to move up, and finally sold the smaller one because it was taking too much time to maintain, and not getting used. I finally sold the larger one purely for financial reasons. I will be buying another one again very soon. Everyone has their reasons.