Help selecting the right model. - Moderated Discussion Areas

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: Whaler Performance
  Help selecting the right model.

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   Help selecting the right model.

jmacd99 posted 08-02-2003 02:56 AM ET (US)
I know that I want a Boston Whaler but I don't know what model to look for. I live on the west coast of Canada and would like to use the boat for just about everything. Salt and fresh water. Skiing, tubing wakeboarding, fishing cruising and camping. I probably can't afford any less than 10 years old unless that dream deal comes along. Any thoughts would be appreiciated. Thanks
JBCornwell posted 08-02-2003 01:54 PM ET (US)
For versatility: Montauk.
For less versatility, but bigger stronger, faster: Pre '90 Outrage 18.
Red sky at night. . .
JB
Jerry Townsend posted 08-02-2003 02:44 PM ET (US)
jmacd99 - for the big water you will be using - get the biggest Outrage you can find and afford. The older ones, ("classics") are lighter - the newer ones ("post classics") are a bit heavier, wider, deeper (more free-board), have a deeper "V" - and therefore, in my mind, are somewhat better in "big" water. By itself, weight means more power (both engine size and fuel burned) - but the hull design, engine condition, et.al. also enter the power/energy picture.
With your general weather you have, you might want to consider some protection.
But, your decision to get a Whaler is, in many minds, right on. --- Jerry/Idaho
jmacd99 posted 08-02-2003 11:56 PM ET (US)
OK more research has only confused me. It would appear to me that as versatile as the Montauk is it is probably a little light and underpowered for the bigger chop and water sports. However that seems to leave me with the Outrage, Dauntless and the Ventura. Having looked through dozens of classified adds I can't tell the significant differences in these boats. With the exception that the Dauntless and the Ventura seem to be available as a bowrider. There seems to be a 17' and an 18' version of all these boats barring typo's or bad info. I like the idea of the bow rider for the family. Could anyone clear this up for me? Thanks J
HAPPYJIM posted 08-03-2003 04:06 AM ET (US)
Hi J,
Welcome to the site.
How much do you have budgeted for your boat?
Does your home have water access? If not you will have to trailer your boat. How far to the boat launch?
What kind of tow vehicle do you plan on using?
You may want to consider the Revenge model also. It has a cuddy cabin for protection and camping ability. Here is one on Ebay to look at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2425689389&category=31271
I was in your position looking for that "right boat for me" a while back also. I suggest you contact Tom W Clark, a member on this site,for a CD on all the Boston Whaler models. This will help contact him.
http://www.tomwclark.com/whalercdrom
The CD is well worth the money and has all the specs and many pictures of all of the boats. It will help you make a more informed definition on the Whaler in your future.
Take a family member along for help in looking too.
Part of the fun is finding that boat.
Good luck in your search.
Clark Roberts posted 08-03-2003 06:20 AM ET (US)
JM, I agree with JB 100% and vote for the 18 with bimini top, forward shelter (dodger) and transition windshield piece as minimum canvas for your weather conditions. With a 130-150 hp engine you will have a great rig ... my thoughts.. happy Whalin'.. Clark.. Spruce Creek Navy
jmacd99 posted 08-04-2003 12:16 PM ET (US)
Thanks guy's. I have my eye on the 19' revenge and there may be one out here in my price range. 10k to 20k with or without power. I would like to repower with a new engine ultimately. Unfortunatly one of the places I will want to moore her has an 18' length limit. Now they don't run out and measure you when you pull in but there are a few sticklers around. One of the nice things in my case about the Whale is the length is not plastered on the out side of the hull as far as I have seen. There are definately boats at this marina which would measure longer than 18'. However thats alot of money to take a chance on.
I have noticed 17' and 18' Outrages listed. Does anyone know if they were made with hull variations for different years?
I will be trailering the boat with my Ford Windstar for now. 3000lbs towing capacity.
I think I am getting close. If there is such a thing as a 17 foot outrage with a comfort package and about 150 hp it seems to me this would be great for me and my family. I would image I can get away with an 18' version that extra 6" shouldn't be a problem.
I'd like to say that having a forum like this one is fantastic and is a great service to the BW. This forum alone makes the Whaler a good choice. Thanks.
Jerry Townsend posted 08-04-2003 02:01 PM ET (US)
jmacd99 -- The Revenge would be great - good boat of reasonable size and with some protection. The only limitation I can see would be the "restrained" access totally around the boat - as on an Outrage.
The different model switch came about in '95. Some call the pre-'95 boats as "classic" and the post-'95 boats as "post-classic". Beyond that, now-a-days you see a sloped gunwale near the transom and changed transom which, I believe some are referring to as the "Euro" design. This latter design is afunctional in my mind, as it decreases the deck area and makes the engine less accessable.
I mentioned the major differences between the "classic" and "post-classic" designs in my previous message. Be advised that some forum members are of fixed mine-set regarding the "classic" designs. Frankly, there are advantages and disadvantages to each design. Regardless, they are both Boston Whaler boats.
Regarding "protection" for a 17 or 18 Outrage: Some have a T-Top on their Outrages and there are "storm" canvas sections that can be zipped on to enclose the T-Top area. The catalogues do not list a T-Top as an option for the 17 -but when I was considering building one for my '96 17 Outrage, BW send me sketches labled as a T-Top for a 17 Outrage. There are pros and cons regarding a T-Top - particularily if you are trailoring your boat and also performance in a wind.
I'm sure that a good tent/awning outfit can make a detachable cover for the bow area in front of the console. This is the way that I am leaning right now.
Your Ford should work fine towing a 17 or similar Outrage.
Incidently, the 17 Outrage is about 17'6" and the 18, about 18'6", etc.
Max HP for the 17 and 18 is 150. I have a 115 Johnson OceanRunner on my 17 Outrage and it is a good compromise - gets up on plane quickly and will idle at about 2 mph. --- Jerry/Idaho
Bigshot posted 08-04-2003 02:12 PM ET (US)
Actually there are 2 17' outrages. One is rated for 120hp and the other 96-up is 150 I believe.

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: Help selecting the right model.
jmacd99	posted 08-02-2003 02:56 AM ET (US) I know that I want a Boston Whaler but I don't know what model to look for. I live on the west coast of Canada and would like to use the boat for just about everything. Salt and fresh water. Skiing, tubing wakeboarding, fishing cruising and camping. I probably can't afford any less than 10 years old unless that dream deal comes along. Any thoughts would be appreiciated. Thanks
JBCornwell	posted 08-02-2003 01:54 PM ET (US) For versatility: Montauk. For less versatility, but bigger stronger, faster: Pre '90 Outrage 18. Red sky at night. . . JB
Jerry Townsend	posted 08-02-2003 02:44 PM ET (US) jmacd99 - for the big water you will be using - get the biggest Outrage you can find and afford. The older ones, ("classics") are lighter - the newer ones ("post classics") are a bit heavier, wider, deeper (more free-board), have a deeper "V" - and therefore, in my mind, are somewhat better in "big" water. By itself, weight means more power (both engine size and fuel burned) - but the hull design, engine condition, et.al. also enter the power/energy picture. With your general weather you have, you might want to consider some protection. But, your decision to get a Whaler is, in many minds, right on. --- Jerry/Idaho
jmacd99	posted 08-02-2003 11:56 PM ET (US) OK more research has only confused me. It would appear to me that as versatile as the Montauk is it is probably a little light and underpowered for the bigger chop and water sports. However that seems to leave me with the Outrage, Dauntless and the Ventura. Having looked through dozens of classified adds I can't tell the significant differences in these boats. With the exception that the Dauntless and the Ventura seem to be available as a bowrider. There seems to be a 17' and an 18' version of all these boats barring typo's or bad info. I like the idea of the bow rider for the family. Could anyone clear this up for me? Thanks J
HAPPYJIM	posted 08-03-2003 04:06 AM ET (US) Hi J, Welcome to the site. How much do you have budgeted for your boat? Does your home have water access? If not you will have to trailer your boat. How far to the boat launch? What kind of tow vehicle do you plan on using? You may want to consider the Revenge model also. It has a cuddy cabin for protection and camping ability. Here is one on Ebay to look at. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2425689389&category=31271 I was in your position looking for that "right boat for me" a while back also. I suggest you contact Tom W Clark, a member on this site,for a CD on all the Boston Whaler models. This will help contact him. http://www.tomwclark.com/whalercdrom The CD is well worth the money and has all the specs and many pictures of all of the boats. It will help you make a more informed definition on the Whaler in your future. Take a family member along for help in looking too. Part of the fun is finding that boat. Good luck in your search.
Clark Roberts	posted 08-03-2003 06:20 AM ET (US) JM, I agree with JB 100% and vote for the 18 with bimini top, forward shelter (dodger) and transition windshield piece as minimum canvas for your weather conditions. With a 130-150 hp engine you will have a great rig ... my thoughts.. happy Whalin'.. Clark.. Spruce Creek Navy
jmacd99	posted 08-04-2003 12:16 PM ET (US) Thanks guy's. I have my eye on the 19' revenge and there may be one out here in my price range. 10k to 20k with or without power. I would like to repower with a new engine ultimately. Unfortunatly one of the places I will want to moore her has an 18' length limit. Now they don't run out and measure you when you pull in but there are a few sticklers around. One of the nice things in my case about the Whale is the length is not plastered on the out side of the hull as far as I have seen. There are definately boats at this marina which would measure longer than 18'. However thats alot of money to take a chance on. I have noticed 17' and 18' Outrages listed. Does anyone know if they were made with hull variations for different years? I will be trailering the boat with my Ford Windstar for now. 3000lbs towing capacity. I think I am getting close. If there is such a thing as a 17 foot outrage with a comfort package and about 150 hp it seems to me this would be great for me and my family. I would image I can get away with an 18' version that extra 6" shouldn't be a problem. I'd like to say that having a forum like this one is fantastic and is a great service to the BW. This forum alone makes the Whaler a good choice. Thanks.
Jerry Townsend	posted 08-04-2003 02:01 PM ET (US) jmacd99 -- The Revenge would be great - good boat of reasonable size and with some protection. The only limitation I can see would be the "restrained" access totally around the boat - as on an Outrage. The different model switch came about in '95. Some call the pre-'95 boats as "classic" and the post-'95 boats as "post-classic". Beyond that, now-a-days you see a sloped gunwale near the transom and changed transom which, I believe some are referring to as the "Euro" design. This latter design is afunctional in my mind, as it decreases the deck area and makes the engine less accessable. I mentioned the major differences between the "classic" and "post-classic" designs in my previous message. Be advised that some forum members are of fixed mine-set regarding the "classic" designs. Frankly, there are advantages and disadvantages to each design. Regardless, they are both Boston Whaler boats. Regarding "protection" for a 17 or 18 Outrage: Some have a T-Top on their Outrages and there are "storm" canvas sections that can be zipped on to enclose the T-Top area. The catalogues do not list a T-Top as an option for the 17 -but when I was considering building one for my '96 17 Outrage, BW send me sketches labled as a T-Top for a 17 Outrage. There are pros and cons regarding a T-Top - particularily if you are trailoring your boat and also performance in a wind. I'm sure that a good tent/awning outfit can make a detachable cover for the bow area in front of the console. This is the way that I am leaning right now. Your Ford should work fine towing a 17 or similar Outrage. Incidently, the 17 Outrage is about 17'6" and the 18, about 18'6", etc. Max HP for the 17 and 18 is 150. I have a 115 Johnson OceanRunner on my 17 Outrage and it is a good compromise - gets up on plane quickly and will idle at about 2 mph. --- Jerry/Idaho
Bigshot	posted 08-04-2003 02:12 PM ET (US) Actually there are 2 17' outrages. One is rated for 120hp and the other 96-up is 150 I believe.