posted 11-06-2003 08:04 PM ET (US)        

During the week when the lakes are calm, the boat handles great with a top speed of 38 MPH with 2 adults, 2 dogs and a full gas tank. Please note that I also have a hydrofoil on the motor and it planes at very low speeds under calm conditions. However, when the water is choppy from lake boat traffic on the weekends and when I use it in NY harbor with all of the ferry and commercial traffic, the boat bounces/pounds something terrible and we are in constant fear of getting swamped.

I am considering getting a 190 Nantucket, a 210 Ventura, or a 220 Dauntless. I'll be using the boat for family cruising, fresh and salt water fishing, and exploring in the lakes of central NJ and PA, NY harbor, and Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays. My tow vehicle is a 2002 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L engine.

Please share your thoughts on which BW might be best for my needs - I'm sort of leaning towards the Nantucket with the 115HP engine, but I understand that it is a new and somewhat untried product. I am also retired Coast Guard Reserve, so I am somewhat partial to Boston Whalers because we relied on them so heavily for Port Security work, but I am not a cox'n or bos'n mate so I need advice.

posted 11-06-2003 10:21 PM ET (US)            

From the sounds of your use, I would say that ease of trailering, launch, retrieval, storage would be important as you are not leaving your boat at a mooring or slip for the year. Hence, I would go smaller than larger.

I would say if new is not out of your price range, that the Nantucket might be a good choice. Smaller boats don't have the same economy restrictions as big V6 outboards sucking the gas. Hence, IMO I would be less sensitive about DFI vs.four stroke. HOwever, 4s might be the way for you if you have the choice.

posted 11-07-2003 12:39 PM ET (US)            

I am familiar with your waters as I fish lower NY harbor, under the Verrazano, and Raritan Bay. I understand your discomfort of being beaten around in the slop that the boat traffic (NY Waterway Ferries, Staten Island Ferries and the like) can bring. I had a 2003 170 Montauk that I enjoyed fishing in those waters but I found the Montauk a little small when the weather decreased or the boat traffic increased, (nothing like being in the middle of the river on a windy day, just off the Statue of Liberty, with ferries, tug boats, and cruise ships going every which way, while you are drifting for stripers). I traded in the Montauk and purchased a 2000 Outrage 18 (post-classic)which I find much more comfortable in those waters. I was recently in the harbor (Oct. 21st)and trolled up some stripers on the Bay Ridge side while the wind was a steady 20 knots and I never felt uncomfortable or in danger. White caps everywhere, foam trails, and a fierce breeze made anchoring or drifting not an option. The only other 'small' boats out there were a NYPD boat and a Coast Guard inflatable with big Hondas hanging off the stern. I have also spent a good deal of time on a 2003 190 Nantucket off of the New Jersey coast. This boat is every bit as comfortable as my Outrage and handles rough water very admirably. The Nantucket is a little lighter than my Outrage which should make it easier to tow. I keep my Outrage in the water so I only tow it at the beginning and end of the season, it's only drawback I think is it's weight, which is a positive in bad weather. If you opt for the Nantucket, consider the 135 Optimax. I also think any of the Outrage hulls would work for you. Either way, you will not go wrong.

Like mustang said, compromise is in order, sometimes I wish I had more family comforts, like TRAFFICLAWYERS Ventura, and sometimes I wish the portability of a lighter Whaler so I would not have to leave my boat in a marina. Gauge on how you will use the boat and purchase accordingly. Let us know what you decide, good luck.