Q1: for c.1980 Boston Whaler boats, choosing only between between a 13-foot or a 15-foot SUPER SPORT model, which would make a better collectible boat after a restoration?
Q2: where can I find a nice c.1980 SUPER SPORT, either a 13-foot or 15-foot?
[Moderator's note: Q2 has been rewritten from asking the same question in the form of "Does anybody know..." to asking the implied question. Questions which seem to propose a survey to find out how many people possess a certain knowledge are not the best form for eliciting information.]
Choice of 13 or 15 On Basis of More Collectible After Restoration
Re: Choice of 13 or 15 On Basis of More Collectible After Restoration
Generally the basis for an object being more collectible than some other object is usually two criteria:
The reason more interest exists in the 15-foot hull is because the 15-foot Boston Whaler boat is probably the best small boat ever made. It is a very capable boat, has a better hull design for speed and general use than the 13-footer, and there is very strong interest in those hulls.
The 13-footer is a nice boat, but it's smaller and is more like a utility boat, whereas the 15-footer is like a little sports car.
So on that basis, I would assess the c.1980's SPORT 15 to be more collectible than a c.1980 SPORT 13.
Without knowing where you are located in the world, assessing how you might be able to find a nice c.1980 boat as a project for you refurbishment will be difficult. Smaller Boston Whaler boats like a 15-footer were often purchased for use on protected waters like inland lakes. On that basis, look for c.1980 15-foot boats on inland freshwater lakes of good size. The 13-footer was often used as a dinghy for larger boats, so those hulls can be found on waters large and small.
- a strong interest in that particular object, and
- the rarity of the object.
The reason more interest exists in the 15-foot hull is because the 15-foot Boston Whaler boat is probably the best small boat ever made. It is a very capable boat, has a better hull design for speed and general use than the 13-footer, and there is very strong interest in those hulls.
The 13-footer is a nice boat, but it's smaller and is more like a utility boat, whereas the 15-footer is like a little sports car.
So on that basis, I would assess the c.1980's SPORT 15 to be more collectible than a c.1980 SPORT 13.
As for where to locate a c.1980 SPORT 15 for sale, they are not particularly hard to find. In the past year I have driven past two 15-footers for sale just sitting on trailer on the side of a road near boat launch ramps in northern Michigan's lower peninsula, and that is without actually looking for one.boatsmith wrote:Q2: where can I find a nice c.1980 SUPER SPORT, either a 13-foot or 15-foot?
Without knowing where you are located in the world, assessing how you might be able to find a nice c.1980 boat as a project for you refurbishment will be difficult. Smaller Boston Whaler boats like a 15-footer were often purchased for use on protected waters like inland lakes. On that basis, look for c.1980 15-foot boats on inland freshwater lakes of good size. The 13-footer was often used as a dinghy for larger boats, so those hulls can be found on waters large and small.
Re: Choice of 13 or 15 On Basis of More Collectible After Restoration
There are few Boston Whaler boats that I would describe as collectable and 1980s era 13 and 15 Sports are not amongst them. Rarity is a common factor among items considered collectible. A restored collectible is often considered less desirable than one in excellent original condition. Are you seeking a boat to restore or to use?
Butch