posted 06-07-2000 01:42 PM ET (US)            

Louie:
If I ever grow up, that's what I want my 22' to look like - thanks for the photos.

p.s. You probably won't recall, but I sort of insinuated myself into a thread on wreck.boats (sic) a little over a year ago when I had *just* purchased my 22, in which you were in some sort of discourse about Whalers. Somebody was complaining (with no basis in experience, as I recall) about the Outrage ride in rough seas or wet seas, or something, and of course you were on the side of truth, justice and the American way...Anyway, I was so excited about my new purchase, that I knew I wouldn't have in the water for a while yet, that I was unable to control my urge to announce to the world via any means possible what I had just bought. You answered back that I had just bought the best all around boat on the water, or words to that effect, and I'll tell you that no experience I've had with Outre' yet has dispelled that notion!

posted 06-07-2000 10:48 PM ET (US)         

I actually like the boat better with the high low rails. The rails offer better protection at the helm and don't interfere with my field of vision (grab rail around the windshield was deleted as well).

John, I do remember the discussion, and am glad to see you are enjoying your boat!

Louie

posted 06-09-2000 12:12 AM ET (US)         

Before I start, I should mention that both Boston Whaler and the Dealership (M&P) paid for all detailing and work done to the boat. I paid top dollar, and expected no less than a product resembling the dollars I paid. OK I’m fussy too.

Part of the problem with recreational fishers purchasing commercial boats is that we have a different set of standards. Commercial customers expect a tough seaworthy boat, esthetics don’t usually come into the equation. Had my boat been purchased for a commercial application, the hull would have been put into service day 1.

Other than the standard shipping damage to the rub rail and hull from shrink-wrap, there where many flaws directly related to the old molds. Over 20 hours went into detailing my boat, including re-powder coating the cleats & rails, removing and reinstalling the gunnels, and polishing the entire unit.

When I received my first offer to sell, I inquired about ordering another hull. Whaler was very clear that these boats are built tougher than the Outrage - the mold was tired, however esthetics where not priority - clearly the boats structure was the reason for the extra cost. I was also informed that they where considering whether they would continue to offer the commercial boats to recreational consumers (I was obviously not the only one who demanded detail). It was agreed that should I decide order another hull, any cosmetic detailing would be done at my expense.

Since then I have been told that this will be the last year for the commercial 22 based on the classic hull, and that they are looking at replacing it with the 22 Dauntless. A little "birdie" told me that the old hull would only be available to the military.

There where less than 30 commercial boats sold to recreational consumers last year. I don’t know that even a few hundred hulls will make the difference to a company who looks for production numbers in the thousands.

Only time will tell.

Louie

posted 06-09-2000 06:52 PM ET (US)         

I'm sure the new Guardian's will be just as tough. I'm not too sure how the 22 Dauntless would compare to the rough water characteristics of my hull since I've never taken one out, but it looks like a shallow vee. Only time will tell if the newer design is accepted by commercial organizations. Whaler may well be forced to replace the old molds, or risk loosing commercial business to others (maybe that's the plan?).

Louie