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Hello. Just joined the forum. I'm starting to look for a new (to me) boat and one particular boat / model that is of particular interest to me is a Boston Whaler Ventura 18. I know Boston Whaler no longer makes this model, and I am only interested in buying used anyway.

Although I am an experienced boater (I've owned 7 boats over the past 31 yrs. Recently sold my 2003 Grady White 226), I have little knowledge of Boston Whaler boats. I know they have a tremendous reputation, they're unsinkable, and I have a basic understanding of the concept of the uni-bond construction.

I live in Pittsburgh, PA where there aren't many Whalers. About 6 yrs ago, I was on vacation and I saw a Boston Whaler dealership and I stopped to take a look at a Boston Whaler close up. I climbed around on a 23 Conquest and a 21 Ventura and was extremely impressed with how solid (and big) both boats felt.

I was wondering if there are any potential issues with Boston Whaler hulls that I should be on the lookout for. Do they have wood in the transoms? I've heard of older Whalers being "water logged", but for all I know, that is just an urban legend. Seems like there are lot of older Whalers still going strong. That's a solid indication to me that they were made well. Are they still built as solidly?

As I mentioned, I don't know alot about them other than they seem like very nice boats. ANY info would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Brad