posted 03-09-2008 09:30 AM ET (US)        

I re-powered the boat in March 2007 with a 2007 Yamaha 90 hp 2-stroke, which still has its factory warranty until March 2009. The motor only has 10 hrs on it since I rigged it last year. I think the 2-stroke Yamaha 90 is the perfect engine for Boston Whaler’s 17 foot models. I also replaced the steering cable at the same time as the motor. I have only used the boat up here in the freshwater lakes of Maine. There is no bottom paint on the boat, nor has there ever been. There is zero spider cracking anywhere on the boat and all chrome fittings are perfect with no pitting. All gel-coat is original with no repairs and it shines like the day it left the factory in Rockland, MA.

The boat has the rare factory original rear casting deck with optional ski pylon. It does not have the reversible pilot seat; instead it has the factory option of an 86qt igloo cooler for the helm seat. All the cushions are original and in fantastic condition (bow cushion, 2 forward seats, cooler cushion, and casting deck cushion). All lights work and it has the original bow and stern light assemblies. I installed a new bilge pump last year and installed new Cole-Hearse switches just like the originals. The original red rub rail looks as good as the day it was new, it is not faded in the least. Typically the rub rails have faded due to exposure to sunlight. Both the console windshield and forward windshield are in excellent shape with no cracks or scratches.

It has the original blue Mills Bimini top with Mills boot in perfect shape. All woodwork is original and in excellent condition. There are two original BW rail mount rod holders mounted to the optional Stainless side deck grab rails. It has the original Apelco XVC 800 color echo sounder with speed and temperature functions that performs flawlessly. I have the original 12 gallon metal gas tanks and a set of 14 gallon Moeller tanks as well along with the 6 gallon tank that came with the Yamaha outboard last year.

The trailer is the original 1987 EZ Loader combination bunk/roller. I replaced the wheel bearings, bearing buddies, wheels, tires, lights/harness, coupler, safety chains, and tongue jack w/in the past two years. The trailer is perfect and I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it cross country. Oh, it also has a brand new spare tire.

If you are looking for a Newport 17’ in excellent condition that has never been abused, used sparingly, then look no further. Every time I use the boat I get numerous comments on her condition and am often asked why BW doesn’t make those kind of boats anymore.

I may never find another Newport in as good of condition as this one. I however have 2 other Whalers, a 1971 Sport and 1967 Nauset, and I just can’t justify 3 boats. The Newport is the perfect lake/bay boat. It has the ability to pull skiers, fish, and offers much improved seating arrangements over the Montauk. I truly will be sad to see this boat go.

The boat in located in Union, Maine about 1.5 hours north of Portland, and is currently in indoor winter storage. Here is a link to a few pictures I snapped last fall right before I put her away for the season. The pictures don’t show all the cushions or the bimini, but I can provide pictures of those if interested:

http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u68/tdcrane/1987Newport17/

Asking $12,800

Call Tom @ 207-785-2752 with any questions or e-mail at tdcrane@msn.com

Thanks for looking,

posted 03-09-2008 11:21 AM ET (US)            

She is a beauty and it's fun running her around the lakes and meeting up with other Whaler owners.

posted 03-10-2008 09:01 AM ET (US)            

Great boat and good luck selling...

posted 03-11-2008 06:29 PM ET (US)            

The white plastic thru hull fitting on the port side transom is indeed a drain for the livewell located in the aft portion of the aft deck. There is a door located on top of the aft deck that is accessible from the top. There is no aerator, but you could install one. I generally filled it with ice and it served as the "lunchbox." Or I have used it for line storage as well.

The bilge pump does not drain through a thru hull fitting, the hose comes up and over the transom and is located just to starboard of the motor.

The aft deck cushion snaps onto the forward half of the aft deck and has the cutout in the cushion to accomodate the ski pylon. The acess to the livewell is unaffected having the cushion in place.

The cooler mounts in front of the aft deck and behind the side console. The typical BW mahogany cooler cleats keep the cooler in place with assistance of two bungees that afix to the cooler. There is enough room in between the cooler and aft deck for two adults to sit.

The gas tanks do in fact mount underneath the aft deck on either side of the ski pylon.

The aft deck was a factory option and a very rare one at that. I have seen very few of these and it really makes this Newport a very versatile all around platform. The design on the Newport maximizes every bit of the interior space of the 17 foot hull.

Hope this info serves to answer a few questions about the cushions and details on the Newport 17'.

Tom

posted 03-11-2008 06:56 PM ET (US)            

She is beautiful.

If you ever get down to Casco Bay, give me a holler.