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Advice on purchasing a 15 footer
Gholby	#1  Posted on 09/11/08 - 8:29 AM
Member Posts: 9 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/10/08	I am new to this site and to whalers in general. Considering purchasing a probably used 15 footer for the Maine coast. Will sit on a mooring. Will probably use it for exploring nearby islands and harbors. I am not much of a fishing type, but may start. I understand that the older 15s have less beam, and that there are a couple of different models - Dauntless, Montauk, Sport, SuperSport. Three questions: First, what are the advantages/disadvantages to the wider beam on the newer boats. Second, any observations or preferences on the different models. Third, are the older models self bailing? Thanks,
Gholby	#2  Posted on 09/13/08 - 5:25 AM
Member Posts: 9 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/10/08	Any advice out there on purchasing a 15 ft Whaler? What to look for? What to avoid? Thanks
MW	#3  Posted on 09/13/08 - 6:27 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1827 Comments: 10 Joined: 01/08/06	I've only owned 1 model of boat my entire life '76 sport 15', so I really can't compare it to other model's (other than the 13' sport). For my need's it work's perfectly (Back Bay's, creek's, channel's, protected area's), it's great for fishing with the forward casting platform, it cut's a wave nicely (smirk hull), good on fuel, and fast, the boat has NEVER let me down, it "Beaches" easily too. It is NOT self bailing but, a small bilge pump work's well to pump out rain water while moored. The only down side is that it does not like you to stand up in it at high speed, it's more of a "Sit down" boat while up on "Plane", you can stand up in it at plane but, you better have one knee planted. If you are looking for "All day Cruising comfort", you might want to check out another model since my model has you bent a bit forward while at the helm, it's good for short "Hop's", or fishing the bay, when the fish stop biting in one spot, the boat is great because, you can pick up and go in an instant to another spot "Quickly" without using up a lot of fuel, as long as you don't try to conquer "open Water", and you stay in the Bay (or other protected waters), the boat is well within it's "performance limit's" it's totally safe, and a lot of "FUN", it can go places that other 15' boat's only "DREAM" of. Many "Fire" and "Rescue" Department's use the Boston Whaler 13' and 15' model's as "Rescue" craft. Hope this helped. mw
joninnj	#4  Posted on 09/13/08 - 6:36 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 408 Comments: 3 Joined: 06/07/07	Hello Gholby, You do not mention if you plan to purchase new or previously owned. This will have a big impact on your choices. Generally speaking wide beam means more stability also mean more weight. The Dauntless and new Montauks (as well as others) are designed with deeper V's. The Montauk changed in 2002. Dauntless has been around longer. Personally I have a pre 2002 17 ft. These are very stable proven platforms but have a hard ride. From time to time (after being smacked around on a rough weekend) I think about going to newer BW deep V like an Outrage II, but the difference in weight is enormous... Same is true for classic 15 vs new design. Also means more HP is needed to push the heavier hull... Many of the classic models use the same hull but utilize different console designs. Now this become personal preference based on what you want to do. Mostly fishing then single center console with lots of open space as an example. Mostly water sports and cruising? then more seating and storage... Then there a few models that do all three well.. You will find that Whalers do what they were designed to and they are all very solid safe boats. There many pictures and helpful members on this site as well continuous wave (another whaler site) Check out the members personal pages and Boat spec on this site.. Good luck Edited by joninnj on 09/13/08 - 7:48 AM Jon in NJ Many other boats and outboards in my boating history The Whaler is the one I like the best!!!
John Fyke	#5  Posted on 09/13/08 - 12:49 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1307 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/06/06	I got one, you get one. 1979 15' super sport conversion John Fyke Re-Fit or Reef It 1979 15' Sport with Super Sport conversion and 70hp mercury.