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It's all in the perspective! I would think that for most Classic Whaler lovers, safety and quality are paramount to their bias. Most things in life are compromises; mates, cars, houses, and even boats. Prior to purchasing my 1979 22' Outrage, my biggest beef with Whaler was storage space. However, I recognized that using inner hull space for storage, took away valuable foam that give Whaler that unsinkable reputation. Younger guys want to "get on top" and run 40-50 MPH in four foot seas. That's why they favor extreme deep V boats such as Contender or Fountain and scoff at Whalers; especially classics. At age 58, I know there is speed, boat trim, and wave angle that will give me a pretty comfortable ride. If not, I'll stay home! I owned a 1988 Mako 231 for two years between the ownership of my 1979 and 1989 22' Outrages. The Mako had a deeper V and storage space galore. The ride was somewhat smoother, however, anytime I ran in a cross wind, everyone in the boat needed a rain suit. My fishing buddies begged me to go back to a Whaler, which I did in 1990. Even Whaler bashers normally concede one thing, you can't beat the durability of a classic Whaler, regardless of the misuse or neglete.
Personaly I think it's jealousy. I have yet to have my first ride in a Whaler because I am still restoring mine. But my wife has. Her dad had one as a runabout (16 ft 7) for his big cabin crusier's. I just wanted a rig to fish saltwater marsh and small bays. I was not to concerned with manufacture at the time. But my wife gave me an ultimatum I had to look for a Whaler or forget it. Glad now she did! When I mentioned to my fishing freinds I was looking for a Whaler they scoffed. One particular person told me I would be sorry that they call them a whaler for a reason, that they were so heavy they would be to expensive to tow or operate. As a result I saw many adds for good Whalers that I passed on due to geographical location IE: East Coast and anywhere that I would have to pull back over a mountainous area for I have a 6 cyl truck and did not want the hassel or expense of shipping. I finally found one a little over 300 miles away and no rough terrain to traverse. It was in a little worse shape than I would have liked but I bought it. I was suprised when towing, I could hardly notice it was there and found myself checking the mirror regularly to assure it was still there. Upon arriving home I found I had the same fuel comsumption as I would have as though I was in only the truck. I have a new respect for my friends advice now!
Usually the bashing I hear is how expensive Whalers are compared to the features on the boat. For instance, a Bayliner is a very high value because of the price per feature. A person can get into a pretty nice fishing boat for a reasonable cost.
My answer to that is:
Open the stern sump covers- the plugs are not installed in the drains. This is after we have been in the boat for about 1 1/2 hours, out across the bar and are 20 miles offshore.
