CONTINUOUSWAVE

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.]

Generally the basis for an object being more collectible than some other object is usually two criteria:

• a strong interest in that particular object, and
• the rarity of the object.

With regard to the Boston Whaler c.1980 13-foot and 15-foot hulls, my impression is there will be more interest in the 15-foot hull, and also there likely were fewer 15-foot hulls made than 13-foot hulls.

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.

boatsmith wrote:Q2: where can I find a nice c.1980 SUPER SPORT, either a 13-foot or 15-foot?

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.

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.

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?