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flyski posted 07-08-2002 01:37 PM ET (US)
Hi all, I am new to boating and am going through the process of selecting my first boat. Why does a Boston Whaler carry a large premium over other boats? What am getting for all the extra money I have to pay for a BW? This boat will be primarily used for fishing in a bay. I am considering the 180 Dauntless. Any comments suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!
Bigshot posted 07-08-2002 02:49 PM ET (US)
Whaler must be short of decent salespeople in your area.
Why is a Rolls Royce twice as much as a Bentley?
flyski posted 07-08-2002 04:07 PM ET (US)
Like I said, I am new to boating. Specific features that make the Whaler desirable is what I am interested in learning. Thanks.
TheSkipper posted 07-08-2002 04:35 PM ET (US)
I recently purchased a 2002 Dauntless 180. Before buying it, I looked at just about every other center console boat less than 20' at the Detroit Boat Show, including the Dauntless 160. In the end, my choices came down to a Grady White 180CC with a Yamaha 150 HPDI and the Dauntless 180 with a Mercury Optimax 135. With trailer, both boats were priced at about $37,000. Each of the two boats stood head and shoulders above supposedly competitive boats, including Wellcraft, FishHawk, Mako, and others. The fit and finish on the BW and Grady was far superior to the others. This includes things like stainless steel cleats, rails, and other hardware. It also includes hatch covers that are finished on the inside as well as the outside (to avoid cuts to your fingers and hands); clean wiring; controls and gauges located in places that make sense; and a number of other "little" things that other boat makers overlook, or just don't do because of cost considerations.
In the end, I chose the Dauntless 180 for several reasons - it was about a foot longer, and several inches wider; it has full bench seat in the rear which folds down to form a casting platform (the Grady only has one small seat on each side of the motorwell - similar to the Dauntless 160); the BW salesman was willing to deal (a little) while the Grady salesman was not; and, perhaps most importantly, after talking extensively with both salesmen, I felt like I could trust the BW salesman, but not the Grady salesman.
So far, I have put about 40 hours on my boat. I have used it for walleye fishing in Lake Erie, scuba diving in Lake Huron, cruising in Lake St. Clair, Orchard Lake, and Burt Lake/Indian River. With the comfort package, the boat is set up well for all of these activities, and the 135 Optimax provides plenty of power.
jimh posted 07-08-2002 05:48 PM ET (US)
Another data point:
Price a ten year old Whaler and a ten year old Econo-boat. You find that there is a huge difference in price, so if you eventaully decide to sell your Whaler you'll get most of the new-price difference back.
Gep posted 07-09-2002 02:15 PM ET (US)
I'll tell you a story. Two weeks ago I went to a marine that has probably about 500 old boats out in his yard. I was looking for a wiring harness for an old Merc motor I just bought. The old guy that owns the place asks me what kind of boat I'm going to put it on, I say an old Boston Whaler. He does the old pulling off the baseball cap, scratching his head thing as he's looking out the window at all these old boats laying around and says to me "Gee, I don't think I've ever had one of those in here". Granted this is Minnesota and we probably don't have a whole lotta Whalers around anyways, but you would think this guy being in business for about 50 years would have run across a few of them. Not a one!
Mike
Bigshot posted 07-09-2002 03:18 PM ET (US)
The only Whalers you will see in a scrap yard are just that....scrap. Even the biggest, waterlogged, reglassed, holes in the floor, POS is worth money....to someone like a crabber or ?
I treat Whalers like Vettes. People talk about Vettes and say yeah but the 300zx or 3000VR4 are built better, etc. I can find you dozens of 1985 300zx's for $1500 that run and drive. Find me 1 1985 Vette that does the same for under $5k. Heck you will have a hard time finding ANY vette for under $5k that drives. Maybe that is why they made them out of fiberglass....hhhuuummm.
David Ratusnik posted 07-09-2002 06:21 PM ET (US)
350 CI Chevy engine- best on the planet, even detuned. Bigs- replace 5K with 7K, your analysis still works. David
aubv posted 07-09-2002 10:12 PM ET (US)
flyski,
If nothing else think of a BW as nice big life preserver. If someone tells you the fact that a BW won't sink doesn't matter, just look at some of the recent news about boats that sank and ask if those boats stayed afloat would those people be alive?
Now is the extra money even an issue? In my book no. It's part of the reason my family owns Boston Whalers, my wife insists on owning a Boston Whaler for that reason alone. Who am I to argue.
fwiw.
Best of luck with whatever boat you buy.
Clark Roberts posted 07-10-2002 08:39 AM ET (US)
Logic will lead many (most?) to a Whaler purchase either new or used! But there is another factor that defies logic and it's a connection of some sort that occurs, either out of the blue or when one sees a Whaler! This happened to me in early 60's when I saw this very different little white fiberglas boat pass me with a Johnson 18hp and four passengers. They were all smiling and laughing and I watched them water ski all afternoon. I was piloting a 1956 Thompson 13 with a 25 Johnson and I couldn't keep up with them... they would climb over the sides with ease and make turns that would be impossible in my Thompson (but I really loved that mahagony boat!!!)... I couldn't get that boat out of my mind and wanted one so badly... finally got my first, a 1966 13 Sport, in 1970 and with its 20 Merc would fly (identical to the rig in the TV series Flipper)... Then there was the 17 and then the Montauk etc....etc....etc... Whalers are a passion with me and I have owned est. about 50 and currently own 5. When you get Whaleritus, you're curred! happy Whalin'... Clark.. Spruce Creek Navy
roofer posted 07-10-2002 09:25 AM ET (US)
read this posting, note the first and last post by Jacko it may help.
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/000374.html
Bigshot posted 07-10-2002 02:28 PM ET (US)
50? Damn I better start buying to catch up to you Clark. You are defineately a candidate for Whaler "Hall of fame".
DCPeters posted 07-10-2002 08:28 PM ET (US)
Clark is just decisive. Decides to buy, then decides to sell. Sort of the opposite of me...Does it count that I've almost bought 50, but I just don't seem to pull the trigger? ;-)
I guess not...I'd just buy the one and keep it forever..that's my problem...it's like picking a wife!
Bigshot posted 07-11-2002 09:46 AM ET (US)
HA! Wives are easy:)
Clark Roberts posted 07-11-2002 10:15 AM ET (US)
Well, I really have a terminal case of Whaleritus and it seems to be contageous as many of my neighbors are multiple Whaler owners! Here's a quick list: 13/18; 13/17; 13/15/17/19/21; 13/17; 13/22; 13/15 Daunt; 13/13/17/23... seems that most multiple Whaler owners have at least one classic 13... so easy to launch and get around the shallow waters and such a great workboat and kidboat..... Happy Whalin'... Clark... Spruce Creek Navy
Bigshot posted 07-11-2002 01:21 PM ET (US)
Yet nobody wants my 13'....boohooo!
It needs a loving home!
mbking1 posted 07-14-2002 11:59 PM ET (US)
New Whaler Buyer..
Listen to Clark Roberts and Bigshot. They know their %^*&. Mark
David Ratusnik posted 07-15-2002 08:52 AM ET (US)
Why Whaler? They're more photogenic. Story-
I spend a significant amount of time moving thru Port Canaveral where a number of large cruise ships come and go. I can't count the number of times I'll look up right into the lens of a tourist shooting pictures off the deck of one of these boats. Why Whaler? they're works of art and photograph very well. The tourist is certainly not photographing me. .03 David
Bigshot posted 07-15-2002 09:30 AM ET (US)
That is the worst excuse so far:)
DaveH posted 07-15-2002 09:45 AM ET (US)
Bigshot:
Maybe your whaler cannot overcome your photogenic qualities ;)
Chap posted 07-15-2002 01:54 PM ET (US)
Some happen onto Whalers and Whalers happen onto some. Those that stay Whaler are part of a comradeship. The range varies from some that go to great pains to preserve their boats in pristine OEM condition to others that beat the gelcoat off the hull with reckless abandon while modifying the boat to no end. Both do it because the hull can go the extra mile and has always been built that way. I think the latest trick is to find a dealer that feels the same way.
Take a ride in a Whaler and you'll get the telltale Whaler Wave from other Whalers whether you want it or not. It is a solid boat that draws solid people.
The other day I sucked up the biggest leave bag in my port prop I ever saw. Shut her down and went to the stern to take a look. When I looked up there were 2 Montauks and a 13 Sport at my side asking if I needed help.
Thanks
Chap

David Ratusnik posted 07-16-2002 08:06 AM ET (US)
DaveH- Let's be careful not to hurt You Know Who's feelings. David
Bigshot posted 07-16-2002 10:59 AM ET (US)
Who is You Know who?
I personally do not have any feelings so lets have it:)
David Ratusnik posted 07-16-2002 02:14 PM ET (US)
huh?
DaveH posted 07-17-2002 03:20 PM ET (US)
David R:
I couldn't resist. It was like a ripe apple, waiting to be picked. I'll get some counseling :0
Seadog posted 07-17-2002 04:42 PM ET (US)
Newly purchased 1981 BW Striper: $1500.00
2002 90 hp Yamaha: $6000.00
Trailer: $300.00
Knowing she won't sink with my kids on board:
Priceless.
David Ratusnik posted 07-17-2002 07:20 PM ET (US)
Dave- All I was trying to do was contribute to a thread entitled WHY WHALER? Our boats are in my estimation an art form. It's just not me, but others who look, look, look at these boats and say- hey, there is more than utility, good engineering, and nuts and bolts here. In my estimation, our boats have fabulous eye appeal. Good luck. David
Whaler Proud posted 07-23-2002 03:57 PM ET (US)
What happened to Flyski?
flyski posted 08-27-2002 07:44 PM ET (US)
Still looking, althought I have not found anything that appeals to me more than Boston Whaler.
Swellmonster posted 08-27-2002 10:40 PM ET (US)
Stop wasting your time, you wont!
Whats that saying on tv....
There are people who boat......
and
There are people who boat well.........
Its up to you!!
Whats it gunna be boy, YES OR NO!
I think its getting a bit late........
flyski posted 08-28-2002 11:35 AM ET (US)
Yes, I think at this point I will wait 'till winter boat shows to pick one up. One more question for you guys: Is the 2003 240 Outrage too much boat for a beginner? Should I stick to 16-18 foot boat for my first boat?
jimb342 posted 08-28-2002 12:36 PM ET (US)
Flyski,
I have a 95' 24 Outrage. It's a little getting used to with a single screw (had twin desiels on the old boat), but I can't get over how nice this boat is. Storage galore, fuel galore and perfect for types of fishing, from offshore to inshore. It is a dry ride and has pretty good handling. People always comment on the boat (nothing safer) and it even has a website for us crazy owners.
jimh posted 08-28-2002 01:12 PM ET (US)
I'd say a 240-Outrage is too big for a beginner if you're planning on trailering and launching.
If you just walk up to a slip, turn the key, and go, then larger boats are probably easier to handle than many smaller boats.

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Author	Topic: Why Whaler?
flyski	posted 07-08-2002 01:37 PM ET (US) Hi all, I am new to boating and am going through the process of selecting my first boat. Why does a Boston Whaler carry a large premium over other boats? What am getting for all the extra money I have to pay for a BW? This boat will be primarily used for fishing in a bay. I am considering the 180 Dauntless. Any comments suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!
Bigshot	posted 07-08-2002 02:49 PM ET (US) Whaler must be short of decent salespeople in your area. Why is a Rolls Royce twice as much as a Bentley?
flyski	posted 07-08-2002 04:07 PM ET (US) Like I said, I am new to boating. Specific features that make the Whaler desirable is what I am interested in learning. Thanks.
TheSkipper	posted 07-08-2002 04:35 PM ET (US) I recently purchased a 2002 Dauntless 180. Before buying it, I looked at just about every other center console boat less than 20' at the Detroit Boat Show, including the Dauntless 160. In the end, my choices came down to a Grady White 180CC with a Yamaha 150 HPDI and the Dauntless 180 with a Mercury Optimax 135. With trailer, both boats were priced at about $37,000. Each of the two boats stood head and shoulders above supposedly competitive boats, including Wellcraft, FishHawk, Mako, and others. The fit and finish on the BW and Grady was far superior to the others. This includes things like stainless steel cleats, rails, and other hardware. It also includes hatch covers that are finished on the inside as well as the outside (to avoid cuts to your fingers and hands); clean wiring; controls and gauges located in places that make sense; and a number of other "little" things that other boat makers overlook, or just don't do because of cost considerations. In the end, I chose the Dauntless 180 for several reasons - it was about a foot longer, and several inches wider; it has full bench seat in the rear which folds down to form a casting platform (the Grady only has one small seat on each side of the motorwell - similar to the Dauntless 160); the BW salesman was willing to deal (a little) while the Grady salesman was not; and, perhaps most importantly, after talking extensively with both salesmen, I felt like I could trust the BW salesman, but not the Grady salesman. So far, I have put about 40 hours on my boat. I have used it for walleye fishing in Lake Erie, scuba diving in Lake Huron, cruising in Lake St. Clair, Orchard Lake, and Burt Lake/Indian River. With the comfort package, the boat is set up well for all of these activities, and the 135 Optimax provides plenty of power.
jimh	posted 07-08-2002 05:48 PM ET (US) Another data point: Price a ten year old Whaler and a ten year old Econo-boat. You find that there is a huge difference in price, so if you eventaully decide to sell your Whaler you'll get most of the new-price difference back.
Gep	posted 07-09-2002 02:15 PM ET (US) I'll tell you a story. Two weeks ago I went to a marine that has probably about 500 old boats out in his yard. I was looking for a wiring harness for an old Merc motor I just bought. The old guy that owns the place asks me what kind of boat I'm going to put it on, I say an old Boston Whaler. He does the old pulling off the baseball cap, scratching his head thing as he's looking out the window at all these old boats laying around and says to me "Gee, I don't think I've ever had one of those in here". Granted this is Minnesota and we probably don't have a whole lotta Whalers around anyways, but you would think this guy being in business for about 50 years would have run across a few of them. Not a one! Mike
Bigshot	posted 07-09-2002 03:18 PM ET (US) The only Whalers you will see in a scrap yard are just that....scrap. Even the biggest, waterlogged, reglassed, holes in the floor, POS is worth money....to someone like a crabber or ? I treat Whalers like Vettes. People talk about Vettes and say yeah but the 300zx or 3000VR4 are built better, etc. I can find you dozens of 1985 300zx's for $1500 that run and drive. Find me 1 1985 Vette that does the same for under $5k. Heck you will have a hard time finding ANY vette for under $5k that drives. Maybe that is why they made them out of fiberglass....hhhuuummm.
David Ratusnik	posted 07-09-2002 06:21 PM ET (US) 350 CI Chevy engine- best on the planet, even detuned. Bigs- replace 5K with 7K, your analysis still works. David
aubv	posted 07-09-2002 10:12 PM ET (US) flyski, If nothing else think of a BW as nice big life preserver. If someone tells you the fact that a BW won't sink doesn't matter, just look at some of the recent news about boats that sank and ask if those boats stayed afloat would those people be alive? Now is the extra money even an issue? In my book no. It's part of the reason my family owns Boston Whalers, my wife insists on owning a Boston Whaler for that reason alone. Who am I to argue. fwiw. Best of luck with whatever boat you buy.
Clark Roberts	posted 07-10-2002 08:39 AM ET (US) Logic will lead many (most?) to a Whaler purchase either new or used! But there is another factor that defies logic and it's a connection of some sort that occurs, either out of the blue or when one sees a Whaler! This happened to me in early 60's when I saw this very different little white fiberglas boat pass me with a Johnson 18hp and four passengers. They were all smiling and laughing and I watched them water ski all afternoon. I was piloting a 1956 Thompson 13 with a 25 Johnson and I couldn't keep up with them... they would climb over the sides with ease and make turns that would be impossible in my Thompson (but I really loved that mahagony boat!!!)... I couldn't get that boat out of my mind and wanted one so badly... finally got my first, a 1966 13 Sport, in 1970 and with its 20 Merc would fly (identical to the rig in the TV series Flipper)... Then there was the 17 and then the Montauk etc....etc....etc... Whalers are a passion with me and I have owned est. about 50 and currently own 5. When you get Whaleritus, you're curred! happy Whalin'... Clark.. Spruce Creek Navy
roofer	posted 07-10-2002 09:25 AM ET (US) read this posting, note the first and last post by Jacko it may help. http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/000374.html
Bigshot	posted 07-10-2002 02:28 PM ET (US) 50? Damn I better start buying to catch up to you Clark. You are defineately a candidate for Whaler "Hall of fame".
DCPeters	posted 07-10-2002 08:28 PM ET (US) Clark is just decisive. Decides to buy, then decides to sell. Sort of the opposite of me...Does it count that I've almost bought 50, but I just don't seem to pull the trigger? ;-) I guess not...I'd just buy the one and keep it forever..that's my problem...it's like picking a wife!
Bigshot	posted 07-11-2002 09:46 AM ET (US) HA! Wives are easy:)
Clark Roberts	posted 07-11-2002 10:15 AM ET (US) Well, I really have a terminal case of Whaleritus and it seems to be contageous as many of my neighbors are multiple Whaler owners! Here's a quick list: 13/18; 13/17; 13/15/17/19/21; 13/17; 13/22; 13/15 Daunt; 13/13/17/23... seems that most multiple Whaler owners have at least one classic 13... so easy to launch and get around the shallow waters and such a great workboat and kidboat..... Happy Whalin'... Clark... Spruce Creek Navy
Bigshot	posted 07-11-2002 01:21 PM ET (US) Yet nobody wants my 13'....boohooo! It needs a loving home!
mbking1	posted 07-14-2002 11:59 PM ET (US) New Whaler Buyer.. Listen to Clark Roberts and Bigshot. They know their %^*&. Mark
David Ratusnik	posted 07-15-2002 08:52 AM ET (US) Why Whaler? They're more photogenic. Story- I spend a significant amount of time moving thru Port Canaveral where a number of large cruise ships come and go. I can't count the number of times I'll look up right into the lens of a tourist shooting pictures off the deck of one of these boats. Why Whaler? they're works of art and photograph very well. The tourist is certainly not photographing me. .03 David
Bigshot	posted 07-15-2002 09:30 AM ET (US) That is the worst excuse so far:)
DaveH	posted 07-15-2002 09:45 AM ET (US) Bigshot: Maybe your whaler cannot overcome your photogenic qualities ;)
Chap	posted 07-15-2002 01:54 PM ET (US) Some happen onto Whalers and Whalers happen onto some. Those that stay Whaler are part of a comradeship. The range varies from some that go to great pains to preserve their boats in pristine OEM condition to others that beat the gelcoat off the hull with reckless abandon while modifying the boat to no end. Both do it because the hull can go the extra mile and has always been built that way. I think the latest trick is to find a dealer that feels the same way. Take a ride in a Whaler and you'll get the telltale Whaler Wave from other Whalers whether you want it or not. It is a solid boat that draws solid people. The other day I sucked up the biggest leave bag in my port prop I ever saw. Shut her down and went to the stern to take a look. When I looked up there were 2 Montauks and a 13 Sport at my side asking if I needed help. Thanks Chap
David Ratusnik	posted 07-16-2002 08:06 AM ET (US) DaveH- Let's be careful not to hurt You Know Who's feelings. David
Bigshot	posted 07-16-2002 10:59 AM ET (US) Who is You Know who? I personally do not have any feelings so lets have it:)
David Ratusnik	posted 07-16-2002 02:14 PM ET (US) huh?
DaveH	posted 07-17-2002 03:20 PM ET (US) David R: I couldn't resist. It was like a ripe apple, waiting to be picked. I'll get some counseling :0
Seadog	posted 07-17-2002 04:42 PM ET (US) Newly purchased 1981 BW Striper: $1500.00 2002 90 hp Yamaha: $6000.00 Trailer: $300.00 Knowing she won't sink with my kids on board: Priceless.
David Ratusnik	posted 07-17-2002 07:20 PM ET (US) Dave- All I was trying to do was contribute to a thread entitled WHY WHALER? Our boats are in my estimation an art form. It's just not me, but others who look, look, look at these boats and say- hey, there is more than utility, good engineering, and nuts and bolts here. In my estimation, our boats have fabulous eye appeal. Good luck. David
Whaler Proud	posted 07-23-2002 03:57 PM ET (US) What happened to Flyski?
flyski	posted 08-27-2002 07:44 PM ET (US) Still looking, althought I have not found anything that appeals to me more than Boston Whaler.
Swellmonster	posted 08-27-2002 10:40 PM ET (US) Stop wasting your time, you wont! Whats that saying on tv.... There are people who boat...... and There are people who boat well......... Its up to you!! Whats it gunna be boy, YES OR NO! I think its getting a bit late........
flyski	posted 08-28-2002 11:35 AM ET (US) Yes, I think at this point I will wait 'till winter boat shows to pick one up. One more question for you guys: Is the 2003 240 Outrage too much boat for a beginner? Should I stick to 16-18 foot boat for my first boat?
jimb342	posted 08-28-2002 12:36 PM ET (US) Flyski, I have a 95' 24 Outrage. It's a little getting used to with a single screw (had twin desiels on the old boat), but I can't get over how nice this boat is. Storage galore, fuel galore and perfect for types of fishing, from offshore to inshore. It is a dry ride and has pretty good handling. People always comment on the boat (nothing safer) and it even has a website for us crazy owners.
jimh	posted 08-28-2002 01:12 PM ET (US) I'd say a 240-Outrage is too big for a beginner if you're planning on trailering and launching. If you just walk up to a slip, turn the key, and go, then larger boats are probably easier to handle than many smaller boats.