posted 12-09-2004 05:41 PM ET (US)        

First time boat buyer here hoping to get a little feedback from all of you. First off, I have been fishing for years, and I graduated from college 3 years ago and I am finally able to purchase a boat. My spending limit is anywhere from 10-15K and I am looking for a boat from 13-15'. I'm gonna be doing some inshore fishing and lobstering and I was wondering what everyone out there would suggest.

My first thought was a new 150 Sport. Does anyone have any feedback on this boat?

I'm probably going to launch the boat from a ramp so please take that into consideration.

Thanks in advance.

Craig

posted 12-09-2004 05:54 PM ET (US)            

Go there, then select Show topics from the last 2 years

Then use your browser to search for the phrase 150 Sport (which is the correct name)

You'll find 25 threads, with lots of info about it, by doing that.

There are also some topics about it in the Performance Forum. Do the same thing there.

--
Moe
2003 150 Sport
60 HP Mercury BigFoot EFI four-stroke

You'll also find this thread about it:

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/000873.html

posted 12-10-2004 05:08 AM ET (US)            

First off, welcome to this great forum. It has a wealth of information and boundless experience from the most knowledgable group of boaters anywhere.

I've owned three Whalers including a 13' "Classic" and my current 150 Sport w/60hp Four Stroke. I've also been lucky enough to have owned a whole slew of other boats as well.

I have also fished, surfed, and been diving, in the area between Nantasket and Nantucket for a good part of my youth/post college years, having lived in Scituate and on the Cape. I would recommend that you give more attention to the 150 than the 13. I just believe that the conditions in the area, as well as the capacity of the two boats, comfort, etc. would suggest the 150 to be the better choice. I would also say that by choosing any Boston Whaler, you are way ahead of the game in many aspects.

In your budget range, you should be able to either score a new 150 or a near new one, or consider a used 16-17 like a Montauk.

It will be worth your time to hang around this forum, even if you don't get an initial overwealming welcome, ask questions, and look at as many boats as you can over the winter. There are many dealers in Mass. and you might consider taking a ride down to the Cape to check out some boats.

Go through the reference section and compare some specs on different boats. The "Post-Classic" boats which are currently being produced are, in many ways, larger than the "classics". Take that into account when you are comparing boats.

Congratulations on your entry into a lifetime of enjoyment, best of luck on your search.

posted 12-12-2004 05:42 AM ET (US)            

Next I compared the 150 Sport with the 99 Montauk. It is very close to the same square footage, and I suspect larger in cubic footage. I am very familiar with the ride qualities of the "Classic" Montauk design and compared those to the 150. I could not identify an aspect of the ride where the Montauk was superior.

Bottom line, I bought the 150 Sport for less money than the 99 Montauk. I wish the 150 had a small center console option but I like the clean deck space of the 150 with no bilge. I bought a new boat, with a new 60 Four Stroke with a 5 year warranty for less than the 99.

Personal choice, are they both very nice boats? Yes. Between the two, could I have made a bad choice? No.

Just spend as much time as possible on all choices and feel secure that you are hard pressed to make an error in the purchase of any Whaler.