Classic Boston Whaler for Young Son

[AJB_SC]

My three-year-old son is showing some interest in fishing, and this has me on the lookout for a cheap fishing boat for the family in the next few years. Emphasis on cheap because our full family days will all be on the our pontoon boat. I am considering buying a classic Boston Whaler boat for our fishing adventures and then also be able to tow the boat to Charleston and the Gulf— and hopefully for him and his sister to be able to use the boat on their own in 13 to 14-years from now.

BACKSTORY

I am new to Continuous Wave. I appreciate the extensive history of models and the brand that this site has to offer. I come here to learn and read.

I am not new to boats, but I have never owned a Boston Whaler myself. Growing up our family had a Grady-White and a Mako. A high school friend and I used to inshore and bass fish his SPORT 13 about every weekend. Another friend had a 17 Outrage II, and I fished a few times. Over the last 14 years, since I started buying and trading boats with my own funds, I've owned two Shamrocks, a Mako, two Sea Hunts, a Pioneer, a Seacraft, and an Albemarle. Yes, I've bought and sold regularly!

My wife and I in the past few years moved from Charleston to upstate South Carolina, and traded our Sea Hunt for a pontoon for the lake. I have family in northern Florida. And we regularly go back to Charleston for work.

[fno]

OK, I read the back story. You seem to be inclined to purchase any type or brand of boat that suits your needs. On the other hand you want your kids to have the safest boat possible. That usually means a Boston Whaler that is essentially unsinkable. Get a Montauk or other version of the same hull and teach him the value of a great hull under his feet.

[AJB_SC]

Yes, I’m leaning towards a Whaler because I know that’s what I’ll want him in many years down the road by himself. I’ve looked at 1-2 classic Whalers in the past that had gel coat crazing repairs required. Currently in the background evaluating a montauk vs an 18 Outrage, as well as repair processes that may be unique to these boats.