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I am interested in a 2003 16' Ventura W/ 115 Merk 4st and can' seem to find any info on this great website. Any comments about this boat and how in this hull different from the other models? Intended use is some skiing, fishing, and playing, but mostly towing behind a bigger boat on our annual summer cruise.
I have thought about the ventura many times. It is a bit of a departure from the things that typical classic Whaler lovers care about. A) It is not a high point of view center console helm. It is not really considered first and foremost a fishing boat. I think of it more as an SUV for boaters.
I really thought the boat made a lot of sense for someone that intends to do a little of everything. The sales people I have talked to in Florida say they see and hear very little about that model. When you start looking at a boat like the Ventura there are many brands and models that start to become attractive. The size of the 160 is very attractive for someone that trailers the boat. I have a 13' and, it suits me, but I often want a few more feet of room and capacity.
I had a chance to drive this boat last Saturday and was very disappointed with the power. It seemed slow out of the hole and with a heavy (320lbs) person on the back corner seat and two in the drivers and passengers seat it would not get on a plane (a very aft load). It was very rough and a poor day for testing. No idea how fas it is as it was too rough. The boat has 2 batteries in back. It has the prop that came withit and I don't know the size, any chance that a different prop would help?
It is not really considered first and foremost a fishing boat. I think of it more as an SUV for boaters.
