posted 07-29-2009 02:55 PM ET (US)        

Visit my WhalerCentral page for more info and pics: http://www.whalercentral.com/infusions/personal_page/view_personal_page.php?user_id=10550

I bought this boat a year ago but just don't use it enough. It is in great condition for a 40 year old boat! It has a 1994 Johnson 88 SPL motor, which I believe was marketed as a commercial version of Johnson's 90 hp consumer motor. It's a perfect match for this hull. I've gotten it up to 40 mph with 2 people aboard on a calm Chesapeake Bay day. Of course, it has power tilt/trim and tele-flex steering from the console. The driver's seating area has a custom-made white vinyl removable seat cushion that is comfy on choppy water. The boat seats 6 comfortably.

Since buying the boat, I've done a lot to update the boat. First off, the motor has been maintained exclusively by Don at Cape Charles Marine, a Johnson retailer and service center. Don, the mechanic, is himself a Whaler owner and knows the value of these boats. If you are interested in an objective opinion about my boat, you can speak to Don personally. He is not a relative, friend, etc. Just the guy that I trust to work on my boat when needed. To get the boat ready for the water this Spring, this is what Don has done: 1) cleaned the carbs, 2) changed the oil in the lower unit, 3) installed a fuel/water separator/filter, 4) installed a new Viper stainless steel propeller, 5) replaced the fuel pump, and 6) gave the entire engine full diagnostics and compression check (all is good).

What I've done since buying the boat:

* Bought/installed a new Sunbrella-fabric (red) bimini top. Required on the Bay so you do not toast out there. It also has a cover that zips on/off to protect it when not in use.
* Installed a new Piranha Max depth/fish finder. Again, required in the Bay to keep you from running aground.
* Installed a new (hand held with a console mount) VHF radio (Uniden Atlantis 250). Gives access to all the marine bands as well as the weather/NOAA channels.
* Installed a Garmin eTrex GPS unit on the console as well. It provides GPS coordinates in case you need to tell someone (Coast Guard) where you are and it gives you boat speed in either knots or MPHs.
* Bought a brand new marine battery. The old one was fine. I am just anal about making sure the juice is there when I turn the switch.
* Bought a new 6 gallon gas tank and fitting. There was already one 6 gallon tank. So, now it has 12 gallon gas capacity, giving you twice the cruising range.
* Bought/installed a new gas line and bulb. Again, just anal about that stuff. You simply detach it from one tank to the other when you want to switch tanks. Simple, easy.
* Bought new dock lines and anchor rode (line) and chain. It has a danforth anchor which works fine in the Bay. I just wanted new lines/chain to make sure it stayed put when I needed it to.
* Bought/installed a wooden paddle so if I had to paddle the thing, I could.
* I bought all the Coast Guard ready stuff you need. The local Coast Guard inspected my boat this Spring and gave me a certificate approving that I have all the required stuff (anchor, flares, etc.)
* I have 2 life vests and a seat cushion/throw that will go with the boat. Bought them new as well.
* I replaced the jack on the trailer with a new one that swings down when parked and up when tailoring the boat.
* I have the engine oil, Sta-Bil gas stabilizer, etc. that will go with it. I also have a decent boat cover to keep it covered in the Winter.

The previous owner installed a Pioneer marine stereo/CD system encased in marine housing mounted under the console. It has 4 speakers. I have turned it on a few times, but I really do not use it. I do not want more noise on the water. I want less.

The trailer is a Magic Tilt, I think. Galvanized. Nothing fancy but gets the job done. I trailer it to the Cape Charles marina or the ramp in Oyster where I put it in. It is a very easy boat to launch. 2 people; 10 minutes and you are in the water.

All total, I've spent $2,103 but my asking price ($5,500) is less than what I paid for it plus the improvements. My goal is to buy a couple more sea kayaks for the family that we can use this summer/Fall.

I live full-time in Richmond and get down to Cape Charles (Eastern Shore) on weekends. I will be down there the next 3 weekends, I believe, and can show the boat then. I can take you out in the Bay (weather provided) and run it through its paces for serious buyers. Everyone loves this boat. The guys at Cape Charles Marine think I stole this boat for what I paid for it (what I'm asking). Don thinks it's worth $7-8,000. I think that's a stretch. But, $5,500 is a deal, considering everything I've done to this boat. It's a good looking, well-running classic Whaler. You can pay $30k+ for a new Montauk, or you can get the same basic boat for far less. Mine is water-ready and wants to be used/enjoyed. You can email me via craigslist or call me directly @ 804.874.9325. No marketers, retailers, etc. please. I use this phone for business, so potential buyers only call. Much appreciated!

NOTE: the boat is physically located in Cape Charles, VA on the Eastern Shore. It's a short hop over from Va. Beach, Hampton, etc. and 2.5 hours from Richmond. You must come to see the boat; I will not take the boat to see you. If you need directions, I will gladly provide them! Thanks! I hold the title, registration, etc. I look forward to talking about this boat to all interested! Cash/certified bank check only.

posted 08-03-2009 08:26 AM ET (US)            

Thanks!

posted 08-18-2009 12:06 PM ET (US)            

Thanks!