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Age of Classic Whaler fans?
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| Marko888 |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 12:00 PM
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I've been thinking about this lately. It's been said that the enthusiasm for particular era's of cars often passes with those who fell for them in their youth. I wonder if this is also true for boats?
I for one, became a Whaler fan in my late teens, and now, at 45, own a 1985 Outrage 18. This happens to have been my high school graduation year!
There are obvious economic factors at play as well, as new Whaler is significantly more expensive than a Classic.
Are there classic whaler fans out there much younger than I?
Another angle may just be that Classic Whalers are the current generation of hobby boats...in a similar way to 911 SC's being the current hobby Porsche?
Perhaps an Outrage 190 will be the equivalent of the classic Outrage 18 in 2032?
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| Swamp |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 1:14 PM
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I think you're right on all counts.
From reading here and the "other" Whaler forum, I get the direct and implied impression that most Classic Whaler enthusiasts are "older" folks. Many people nostalgically talk about growing up with small Whalers and now owning one of their own. On the water, every compliment I have ever received about my boat was from someone older than I am that learned to fish on one with their father. The common lack of computer skills (posting images, links, etc.) and distain for the Facebook-based launch of the newest Whaler model implies something about the age of the average Classic Whaler fan as well.
I think I’m a bit of an outlier as far as age goes. My boat has 14 years on me.
I got my boat almost two seasons ago at age 26. I wanted a boat in general so I could experience and fully enjoy living in Southern New England, which I think requires getting out on the water. That, and I was getting tired of fishing form shore all the time.
I wanted a Whaler specifically for several reasons. Classics are affordable and will not depreciate in value if maintained. A Classic has solid, reliable hull. There are minimal bells and whistles like live wells, electrical stuff to break down, or lots of thru-hulls to fail. I wouldn’t have to worry about the stringers in the deck rotting out, because there aren’t any. Classics have maximum usable interior space for the length, especially the smaller square-nose hulls. I wanted a turn-key rig, that still needed enough work for me to learn how to repair and maintain boats. I needed something towable with a V-6 sedan.
So at least in my case, you’re right on the economic and hobby-boat cases as well.
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| contender250 |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 2:02 PM
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My father purchased for me and my brothers a brand new 13 whaler in 1962. I purchase a 1975 16'7" Whaler in 1975 (6 month old used) with a 75 Evinrude for myself. About 3 years ago I purchased a 1978 11 Whaler and redid it for my son. I still own all three Whalers...I have had the 13 whaler now for 50 years since I was 10 years old...Not to many people can say that...
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| Marko888 |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 3:12 PM
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Great comments!
Swamp, I agree with all your points re buying a classic. Most of those points were in my mind when I bought mine.
My father bought a brand new Montauk in 1981 and he is still a big fan, at 78 years of age, though he sold that boat in about 1988.
I have to go easy on him in chop in the 18 though. He won't say, but I can tell his knees doen't like the bumps.
Contender, My 18 is just a kid compared to your 13!
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| saumon |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 3:20 PM
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I'm also one of the few "young" guys (ummh, ok...not so at 40!) with a classic (a 21 years old Outrage I 17, apparently one of the latest "classic"...).
I like:
1) the look of the classic lines
2)the versatility of the layout (open space, seating, under-deck fuel tank)
2) the light weight (easy to tow and run)
4) the high quality, sturdy construction
5) the smooth, dry ride provided by the "smirked", deeper V hull
6) the relative good price, comparing to a brand new boat
and I didn't grew up on a 11' or 13' Whaler; as a kid, I spend all my time in a 12' tin can...
Edited by saumon on 10/02/12 - 3:29 PM
1991 Outrage 17' I - 2005 E-Tec 90hp |
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| Gooch |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 3:38 PM
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I'm 24 & own a 1988 outrage 18 (the boat & I are the same age). My dad has a 1989 outrage 20, so I knew I wanted a whaler once I got the money together since it was almost just like the one I grew up on. Honesty, the old school whalers look way better than the New models in my opinion.
Edited by Joe Kriz on 10/02/12 - 4:48 PM |
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| cwk6 |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 3:45 PM
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My classic is older than me!
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| Marko888 |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 5:17 PM
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The prelimanry reponse indicates old boats are more timeless than old cars... Excellent!
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| wannabe |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 6:16 PM
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Had my Midlife purchase at 52 this summer and had a blast.
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| chrisrdoerner |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 6:20 PM
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I am 36 and the Miss Phrisky(1980 22 Outrage) is 32. Durability, safety, and affordability all came together in a fishing and family fun package.
I grew up on a 17 Montauk and 18 Outrage. I am liking the 22. the boat is relatively inexpensive to operate and has a great range. I wouldn't mind owning one of the 28 Conquests once they get old enough to move into the affordability range.
I am pretty sure that I will hold on to this 22 until my children are too old to run her.
Chris Doerner
1980 Outrage 22, 1999 Mercury Optimax 200 |
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| brorobin |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 6:47 PM
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I'm 53 and My SWGA Whaler 13 Sport came to me in 2005. It had belonged to my Dad since 1975 or 1976 (with age the memory begins to slip  ) and he was probably the second owner.
I had my first encounter with a 13 Sport a couple of years prior to Dad getting his, when my best friend invited me to go to Carrabelle, FL to their beach house on the Gulf Coast. His older brother had just bought a brand new 13 sport Whaler and we had a blast tubing and playing with the whaler that week. Little did I know that my Dad would soon own one and that 30+ years later I would own it. She's now 40 years old (invoiced from Rockland, Mass. on July 5, 1972 to a dealer in Fort Myers, FL.)
I also must admit that I have become a greater fan of the Classic Whalers because of this forum. My dream is one day have a classic Montauk or Outrage, but this may remain a dream forever...
Robin Chaplin
1972 13 Sport - 1994 25hp Mercury
It was my Dad's, now it's Mine, one day I'll pass it down, 'til then it's Happy Whalering. |
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| Mtierney |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 7:17 PM
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As long as we indoctrinate our offspring into the Whaler Cult, the legacy will continue. I'm 45, but my sons are 13 and 8, so my whaler is in it for the long haul.
1985 Newport 17 w/ 70 yamaha |
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| Ice Cop |
Posted on 10/02/12 - 11:46 PM
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I'm 50 years old and have a 1962 custom(originally a currituck). I grew up envious of my friends that had 13' whalers and always wanted to own one( we had an 18' MFG). We learned how to water ski behind them and fished and explored for what seemed like forever. It took me 48 years to aquire mine and although my daughter happily pointed out that the boat is just as "old " as me I cannot see myself parting with her and hope to one day see my kids take ownership of her to enjoy with children of their own.
1962 Custom
1989 120hp Evinrude looper |
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| djacksonrn |
Posted on 10/03/12 - 3:35 AM
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My Whaler was shipped from the factory in September of 1969 as a 1970 model. I first saw her on CL, neglected, dirty and just waiting to be revived. The fact that she has a born on date only 9 months from my birthday made this fellow quadragenerian all the more interested in putting her back in service. My two boys (10 and 14 now) get a feel for how to pilot a simple, classic, dependable boat. I just sit back and smile....
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| lrak |
Posted on 10/03/12 - 4:15 AM
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I'm 35 now, but I got the boat when I was 15. My six year old said she wants it when she gets older so she can take her kids out in it. My two year old's taste isn't nearly as refined. He likes any boat. 
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| dbcollen |
Posted on 10/03/12 - 8:35 AM
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I'm 37 years old and my Outrage 21' is 38 years old.
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| Swamp |
Posted on 10/03/12 - 8:38 AM
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We're getting more responses from the 40 and under crowd that I expected.
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| Jay Fitz |
Posted on 10/03/12 - 9:37 AM
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I'm 44 and the owner of a 1978 Montauk, ten years younger than me. I had a 19' bowrider that just gave me mucho trouble for three years....not sure how I came into wanting a Classic Whaler, but I'll assume it's my love and respect for older, well built products. The usual "they sure don't make them like they used to". I have an old house too, built in 1849.
I just got my Montauk this past spring after badgering my wife with multiple CL listings, viewings, etc. for a few years. She was not really ready for another boat after the last nightmare, but she has now fallen in love with it...it's ease of use, low maintenance as well as it's classic looks. "I don't mind having that in the driveway" she likes to say.
When I first brought it home my neighbors (now with a 26' Robalo) looked at it enviously stating that it was one of the best boats they ever owned...but he likes BFT fishing and needs something larger. He lectured me a bit on the work needed to keep the teak looking good and I came back with "that's part of the fun!" I think keeping a classic looking and running good is a bit of the appeal to most people.
This summer we got this boat on the water more in one season that we ever did in the three years we had the previous bowrider. Oh, and my boys, 9 and 4, enjoy it as well and I'm looking forward to their memories some day of being raised with a classic Whaler!
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| Geo |
Posted on 10/03/12 - 10:02 AM
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In high school I spent the summers of 68 and 69 working to save enough to buy my Whaler in early 70. Without the motor, my 13 ft. sport cost about $1,000.
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| Marko888 |
Posted on 10/03/12 - 10:29 AM
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I'm really enjoying everyone's unique classic story. The affection for theae great boats runs much deeper than I expected. Thanks to all for sharing!
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