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Author Topic:   23 Walkaround

beemerfan posted 02-09-2012 08:16 PM ET (US)
I love my 1984 22' Revenge, but want to repower, and as long as I'm gonna do that, would rather do it with a boat with a washdown, bow pulpit, Whaler Drive, sink, cupholders, etc. I don't think the classic series had these features. Any ideas? And as long as I'm grasping, any idea on value for an above described boat without power? Would the NADA value be accurate? I prefer [to buy a used Boston Whaler 23 Walkaround] without power or with newer power.
Jeff posted 02-09-2012 08:41 PM ET (US)
This one is the nicest I have seen on the market as of late. It is a standard notched transom though.
Contact in the ad says..Call Kingsley Griffin (786) 972-2902.
http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/2835798108.html

After a season with our 23 Walkaround Whaler Drive I can say, this is one of the best models Whaler built for trailerable big water fishing and family cruising fun.
Here is our boat that we bought back in January of 2011. Once it was all said and done with buying the boat and getting a custom trailer to actually fit the hull we were in the mid 20's. The motors have just over 1900 hours on them today and the boat still runs strong (after some tuning).
Shots of it once we finally got it home and on the new trailer. This was prior to cleaning it up as well.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ 23%20Boston%20Whaler%20Walkaround%20Whaler%20Drive/?start=all
Fall Fishing
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/2011%20Fishing/ ?start=all
A note on these hulls. It is important to get a good trailer that correctly fits the hull. You need bunks that taper inward toward the center line of the keel from bow to stern. Also they need to taper in height from bow to stern to hold the hull. Off the shelf trailers rarely can do this well unless they have had a good amount of adjusting work. Also, if you look at our photos you will see we have a double winch post on our trailer. You need something low at the bow otherwise the pulpit will impact with the winch post while launching and retrieving.
6992WHALER posted 02-09-2012 08:57 PM ET (US)
If you do a web search for Boston Whaler 23 walkaround for sale there is usually some out there. Some of them have been for sale a long time.
I also own a 23 walkaround and am very happy with it.
Here is a link with some pictures of her in a narrative.
http://continuouswave.com/sail-logs/gb2011/
Jeff's point about the low winch post is spot on. I am planning to use his design on my trailer.
beemerfan posted 02-09-2012 09:15 PM ET (US)
Jeff, your boat looks beautiful. Are those custom jump seats behind the two helm seats? Also, can two 6' people fit comfortably in the cabin bunks?
I've already called the guy (kingsley), but he wants 29k for his boat that he's had for only 8 months. That's way too much in my mind considering the engines are 12 year old two strokes.
Buoy posted 02-09-2012 09:41 PM ET (US)
I can't remember meeting a whaler I didn't like. That being said my favorite is the 2005+ 235 Conquest. I just picked up a 2006 with the 250 Verado, colming bolsters, extra rod holders, macerator, macerated fish boxes, lots of cupholders, fresh & saltwater washdowns, windless, hardtop, all around lighting, all the modern goodies......for $40k.
Good luck with your search!
Jessielove posted 02-09-2012 09:53 PM ET (US)
Here's one with a Whaler Drive:
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1993/ Boston-Whaler-23-Walk-Around-2341998/Bayville/NJ/United-States
TallyHo posted 02-10-2012 11:42 AM ET (US)
Hi, we own a 23 walkaround and love it. Have twin 200 older 2strokes and considering the move to a single 300. Anyone have experience with a single motor on this hull?
Thx.
Jeff posted 02-10-2012 12:33 PM ET (US)
You know, those jump seats have been with the boat since the original owner bought it. We bough the boat from him and he bought the boat from Boston Whaler directly off 1993 Miami Boat Show floor. It was Whaler's "Show" Boat in their exhibit space. I have never seen another 23 with these seats as most 23's have access doors under the pilot seats that open aft. Ours are on the sides and open inward toward the centerline. The seats are actually the same as what Whaler used for the jump seats on the stern drive classic models. The seats are great for adding seating space and comfortable to ride on while under way. I am sure they can be sourced today from somewhere.
Yes, you can fit two 6' people on the bunks but if you are taller than 6' you will need to sleep on the starboard bunk as that one is longer. Well, at least on our boat. The 23 came in 3 cabin configurations. #1 V-bunk with removable port-a-potty under the starboard bunk extension. #2 V-bunk with a fixed head under the starboard bunk extension that was plumbed to a holding tank. #3 V-bunk without a starboard bunk extension but with an enclosed head that is plumbed to a holding tank. I have never been in this type of cabin but John Raby has this option and I have heard that the enclosed head is though to get into and it takes up a good amount of space in the cabin. We have the V-bunk with removable port-a-potty under the starboard bunk extension option in ours. This layout and the V-bunk with a fixed head under the starboard bunk extension that was plumbed to a holding tank layout provide a roomy cabin.
I would agree that $29,000 is a bit much for that boat but, like with the classic Whalers, these hulls are no longer made. So, you have be honest with yourself about what you really want, how long you are willing to wait to find it and what you are willing to pay. Being bottom painted and sans a WhalerDrive I personally would value that boat in the $18 - $21 range depending on how well the boat checked out in person and how well the motors check out after a complete mechanical inspection. I also would not discount those motors just due to age. Those are long tested and proven motors with albeit simple technology. Technology that is easy and much cheaper to work on and fix vs. todays EFI systems.
All said, the 23 Walkaround model is one that is tougher to find than most Whalers. Throw in the WhalerDrive and it makes it all the more difficult. A lot of the 23's that I see listed today were for sale over a year ago when we were looking for one. Some where listed even longer than that (jessie's link above is one of them). This is not because they are not sought after boats but, the opposite. Because they are sought after they can bring high prices and the nice ones move fast. Others who have this model for sale think even if their boat is well worn, that they can get those prices too. Not so much. I wish I could locate the images of the boat that Jessie has listed above that we got but, it was very well worn.
While thinking about it here are my thoughts on power for a 23 Walk Around WhalerDrive. We have twin 150 Yamaha's with 1900 hours on them (1850 or so when we bought the boat). The hull gets up and runs well with the 150's. We cruise in the mid - upper 20's and top out at 42-43 mph. I know that getting the hull up on one of those 150's may be tough but, if you did the old trick of running in circles to build a large wave pool in the middle and then drove threw it to pop the hull up on plane I think you could get it up and running on plane. I know John Raby has twin 200's so, it would be interesting to know his rough performance numbers. All of that said if I were to repower I would really consider hanging 225's if cost was no issue. Most, if not all 225's weigh in the same as the 200's and having that extra 50 hp would come in handy in my mind and I think help even lower fuel burn over the 200's of the same make and model. Also, I really prefer to run faster than most given the conditions. On flat water I would really like to run our 23 in the mid 30's as the hull seems really happy in that range. Higher WOT top speeds is also something I like as well.
To Tally's question, if you have a 23 Notched standard transom you may be able to get away with a large 30" single. If you have a WhalerDrive model you will need the twins to maneuver the boat in docking situations. That said, I personally would never power the hull with a single myself. To each their own though.
ConB posted 02-10-2012 01:13 PM ET (US)
Here's one that might be worth a look.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/ 1992-Boston-Whaler-23-Walk-Around-100787599
Con
6992WHALER posted 02-10-2012 05:24 PM ET (US)
I am 6 foot and have no trouble sleeping on either bunk. My father who is also 6' we both slept on board several nights in 2010. We played footsie a couple of times but all and all it was fine.
The head is as small as it can be, but that is good. I do not want to give up anymore cabin to it.
Personally my family has no problems using the head, maybe it just takes practice. The inclosed head is a nice option if you sleep on the boat a lot.
We have the factory galley, with sink, stove and refrigerator under the sink. I took the refrigerator out and use the space for storage and use Ice chests for food.

I don't think you need anymore horse power than 400. At some point you are going to start loosing more in fuel economy then you gain in performance. On the flip side I don't know if I would want to go down to 300 horses. Even with 200s I do not think you will get it on plan with one engine. I have tried and failed, I will have to have Jeff tell me his circle trick.
I cruise on the mid 20s and top out over 50 (with a light load.

My boat does not have the jump sets, but I do have a single seat fold up bench in the stern. I love the way the dashboard and hard top instruments are arranged. The comment someone made once is it looks just like you are in an airplane.
These boats are heavy , loaded with full fuel (150 gallons is standard 180 is optional) you can push 6,000+ pounds so you will need a good truck and trailer.
These boats get attention, people talked to you out their car windows about them. I have noticed people taking picture while there are driving next to it. They are good for your ego.
John
TallyHo posted 02-12-2012 11:13 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the replies on power Jeff and John. Both of you make very valid points. We do have a bracket, dockside manuvering would be very difficult with one motor and a bracket.
My thoughts on a single are due to our boat sitting stern heavy with twin 2 stroke 200's. i can't imagine with twin 4 strokes, very stern heavy. I had thought losing 450lbs or so way off the transom would really help the boat plane faster, making a single doable. Also, the newer motors are substantially torquier than older motors.
Either way, just searching for a quieter, more fuel efficient motor set-up.
Back to the beemerfan original topic. We love this model, the walkaround is a awesome fishing platform, and the boat is a very solid, and stable ride offshore. We fish in the Pacific Northwest, and the North Pacific churns out rough water on smooth days, the 23' walkaround handles the heavy water here like a boat much bigger then the 24' BW claims.

jimh posted 02-25-2012 07:39 PM ET (US)
[This discussion was initiated in MARKETPLACE. I moved it here. Please do not make postings to MARKETPLACE which elicit discussions.]

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Author	Topic: 23 Walkaround
beemerfan	posted 02-09-2012 08:16 PM ET (US) I love my 1984 22' Revenge, but want to repower, and as long as I'm gonna do that, would rather do it with a boat with a washdown, bow pulpit, Whaler Drive, sink, cupholders, etc. I don't think the classic series had these features. Any ideas? And as long as I'm grasping, any idea on value for an above described boat without power? Would the NADA value be accurate? I prefer [to buy a used Boston Whaler 23 Walkaround] without power or with newer power.
Jeff	posted 02-09-2012 08:41 PM ET (US) This one is the nicest I have seen on the market as of late. It is a standard notched transom though. Contact in the ad says..Call Kingsley Griffin (786) 972-2902. http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/2835798108.html After a season with our 23 Walkaround Whaler Drive I can say, this is one of the best models Whaler built for trailerable big water fishing and family cruising fun. Here is our boat that we bought back in January of 2011. Once it was all said and done with buying the boat and getting a custom trailer to actually fit the hull we were in the mid 20's. The motors have just over 1900 hours on them today and the boat still runs strong (after some tuning). Shots of it once we finally got it home and on the new trailer. This was prior to cleaning it up as well. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ 23%20Boston%20Whaler%20Walkaround%20Whaler%20Drive/?start=all Fall Fishing http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/2011%20Fishing/ ?start=all A note on these hulls. It is important to get a good trailer that correctly fits the hull. You need bunks that taper inward toward the center line of the keel from bow to stern. Also they need to taper in height from bow to stern to hold the hull. Off the shelf trailers rarely can do this well unless they have had a good amount of adjusting work. Also, if you look at our photos you will see we have a double winch post on our trailer. You need something low at the bow otherwise the pulpit will impact with the winch post while launching and retrieving.
6992WHALER	posted 02-09-2012 08:57 PM ET (US) If you do a web search for Boston Whaler 23 walkaround for sale there is usually some out there. Some of them have been for sale a long time. I also own a 23 walkaround and am very happy with it. Here is a link with some pictures of her in a narrative. http://continuouswave.com/sail-logs/gb2011/ Jeff's point about the low winch post is spot on. I am planning to use his design on my trailer.
beemerfan	posted 02-09-2012 09:15 PM ET (US) Jeff, your boat looks beautiful. Are those custom jump seats behind the two helm seats? Also, can two 6' people fit comfortably in the cabin bunks? I've already called the guy (kingsley), but he wants 29k for his boat that he's had for only 8 months. That's way too much in my mind considering the engines are 12 year old two strokes.
Buoy	posted 02-09-2012 09:41 PM ET (US) I can't remember meeting a whaler I didn't like. That being said my favorite is the 2005+ 235 Conquest. I just picked up a 2006 with the 250 Verado, colming bolsters, extra rod holders, macerator, macerated fish boxes, lots of cupholders, fresh & saltwater washdowns, windless, hardtop, all around lighting, all the modern goodies......for $40k. Good luck with your search!
Jessielove	posted 02-09-2012 09:53 PM ET (US) Here's one with a Whaler Drive: http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1993/ Boston-Whaler-23-Walk-Around-2341998/Bayville/NJ/United-States
TallyHo	posted 02-10-2012 11:42 AM ET (US) Hi, we own a 23 walkaround and love it. Have twin 200 older 2strokes and considering the move to a single 300. Anyone have experience with a single motor on this hull? Thx.
Jeff	posted 02-10-2012 12:33 PM ET (US) You know, those jump seats have been with the boat since the original owner bought it. We bough the boat from him and he bought the boat from Boston Whaler directly off 1993 Miami Boat Show floor. It was Whaler's "Show" Boat in their exhibit space. I have never seen another 23 with these seats as most 23's have access doors under the pilot seats that open aft. Ours are on the sides and open inward toward the centerline. The seats are actually the same as what Whaler used for the jump seats on the stern drive classic models. The seats are great for adding seating space and comfortable to ride on while under way. I am sure they can be sourced today from somewhere. Yes, you can fit two 6' people on the bunks but if you are taller than 6' you will need to sleep on the starboard bunk as that one is longer. Well, at least on our boat. The 23 came in 3 cabin configurations. #1 V-bunk with removable port-a-potty under the starboard bunk extension. #2 V-bunk with a fixed head under the starboard bunk extension that was plumbed to a holding tank. #3 V-bunk without a starboard bunk extension but with an enclosed head that is plumbed to a holding tank. I have never been in this type of cabin but John Raby has this option and I have heard that the enclosed head is though to get into and it takes up a good amount of space in the cabin. We have the V-bunk with removable port-a-potty under the starboard bunk extension option in ours. This layout and the V-bunk with a fixed head under the starboard bunk extension that was plumbed to a holding tank layout provide a roomy cabin. I would agree that $29,000 is a bit much for that boat but, like with the classic Whalers, these hulls are no longer made. So, you have be honest with yourself about what you really want, how long you are willing to wait to find it and what you are willing to pay. Being bottom painted and sans a WhalerDrive I personally would value that boat in the $18 - $21 range depending on how well the boat checked out in person and how well the motors check out after a complete mechanical inspection. I also would not discount those motors just due to age. Those are long tested and proven motors with albeit simple technology. Technology that is easy and much cheaper to work on and fix vs. todays EFI systems. All said, the 23 Walkaround model is one that is tougher to find than most Whalers. Throw in the WhalerDrive and it makes it all the more difficult. A lot of the 23's that I see listed today were for sale over a year ago when we were looking for one. Some where listed even longer than that (jessie's link above is one of them). This is not because they are not sought after boats but, the opposite. Because they are sought after they can bring high prices and the nice ones move fast. Others who have this model for sale think even if their boat is well worn, that they can get those prices too. Not so much. I wish I could locate the images of the boat that Jessie has listed above that we got but, it was very well worn. While thinking about it here are my thoughts on power for a 23 Walk Around WhalerDrive. We have twin 150 Yamaha's with 1900 hours on them (1850 or so when we bought the boat). The hull gets up and runs well with the 150's. We cruise in the mid - upper 20's and top out at 42-43 mph. I know that getting the hull up on one of those 150's may be tough but, if you did the old trick of running in circles to build a large wave pool in the middle and then drove threw it to pop the hull up on plane I think you could get it up and running on plane. I know John Raby has twin 200's so, it would be interesting to know his rough performance numbers. All of that said if I were to repower I would really consider hanging 225's if cost was no issue. Most, if not all 225's weigh in the same as the 200's and having that extra 50 hp would come in handy in my mind and I think help even lower fuel burn over the 200's of the same make and model. Also, I really prefer to run faster than most given the conditions. On flat water I would really like to run our 23 in the mid 30's as the hull seems really happy in that range. Higher WOT top speeds is also something I like as well. To Tally's question, if you have a 23 Notched standard transom you may be able to get away with a large 30" single. If you have a WhalerDrive model you will need the twins to maneuver the boat in docking situations. That said, I personally would never power the hull with a single myself. To each their own though.
ConB	posted 02-10-2012 01:13 PM ET (US) Here's one that might be worth a look. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/ 1992-Boston-Whaler-23-Walk-Around-100787599 Con
6992WHALER	posted 02-10-2012 05:24 PM ET (US) I am 6 foot and have no trouble sleeping on either bunk. My father who is also 6' we both slept on board several nights in 2010. We played footsie a couple of times but all and all it was fine. The head is as small as it can be, but that is good. I do not want to give up anymore cabin to it. Personally my family has no problems using the head, maybe it just takes practice. The inclosed head is a nice option if you sleep on the boat a lot. We have the factory galley, with sink, stove and refrigerator under the sink. I took the refrigerator out and use the space for storage and use Ice chests for food. I don't think you need anymore horse power than 400. At some point you are going to start loosing more in fuel economy then you gain in performance. On the flip side I don't know if I would want to go down to 300 horses. Even with 200s I do not think you will get it on plan with one engine. I have tried and failed, I will have to have Jeff tell me his circle trick. I cruise on the mid 20s and top out over 50 (with a light load. My boat does not have the jump sets, but I do have a single seat fold up bench in the stern. I love the way the dashboard and hard top instruments are arranged. The comment someone made once is it looks just like you are in an airplane. These boats are heavy , loaded with full fuel (150 gallons is standard 180 is optional) you can push 6,000+ pounds so you will need a good truck and trailer. These boats get attention, people talked to you out their car windows about them. I have noticed people taking picture while there are driving next to it. They are good for your ego. John
TallyHo	posted 02-12-2012 11:13 PM ET (US) Thanks for the replies on power Jeff and John. Both of you make very valid points. We do have a bracket, dockside manuvering would be very difficult with one motor and a bracket. My thoughts on a single are due to our boat sitting stern heavy with twin 2 stroke 200's. i can't imagine with twin 4 strokes, very stern heavy. I had thought losing 450lbs or so way off the transom would really help the boat plane faster, making a single doable. Also, the newer motors are substantially torquier than older motors. Either way, just searching for a quieter, more fuel efficient motor set-up. Back to the beemerfan original topic. We love this model, the walkaround is a awesome fishing platform, and the boat is a very solid, and stable ride offshore. We fish in the Pacific Northwest, and the North Pacific churns out rough water on smooth days, the 23' walkaround handles the heavy water here like a boat much bigger then the 24' BW claims.
jimh	posted 02-25-2012 07:39 PM ET (US) [This discussion was initiated in MARKETPLACE. I moved it here. Please do not make postings to MARKETPLACE which elicit discussions.]