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I was curious if anyone has experience with Boston Harbor in a 13ft Whaler. I am looking at getting my first boat for fishing and island hopping in the inner harbor and wasn't sure if the 13ft would handle the water or not. Also, hull weight and size are an issue since I am going to be towing it with a late 90's RAV4 and have limited, but suitable storage space in Jamaica Plain. I will usually be riding solo or with one other passenger, on a rare occasion maybe up to 4 people, which I know is not comfortable or recommended.

I am looking at classic whalers from 1965-1985 and most likely a 25-40hp 2 stroke engine. My budget is a firm $4000. Just curious if anyone has any input.

Thanks,
Matt

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Do you know where you'll be launching? From my experience there are a limited number of public ramps in that area--for example Winthrop, Houghs Neck (Quincy), or even Lynn Harbor--and the water can go from fairly smooth to fairly rough pretty quickly depending on wind and conditions. I've launched out of Winthrop a couple of times in my 13 and while the seas were never dangerous, it could get uncomfortable on the way out to anywhere worth going (fishing, one of the harbor islands). IMO it can be a nice place to boat, but you have to decide what your threshold of discomfort is.

John K.

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The ramp at the weymouth back river is probably the best spot for accessing a few of the islands, namely Bumpkin, Grape , and Peddocks.
That being said Boston harbor most often resembles boating in a washing machine when you do it in a small boat, waves eveywhere and from every direction. You will be in for a very wet and probably uncomfortable ride in the inner harbor. Even the commuter boat wakes are difficult in a 13'. For my comfort a 17 is the smallest hull that would suffice in these waters and given the older hull design, still a bit wet.

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I was looking to launch out of Dorchester, Hough's Neck, or Winthrop depending on weather and where I want to fish. I know the Dorchester "ramp" is a bit shallow, but I figured it would be OK for a 13' since it has such a small draft. Would it be wishful thinking to believe that I could make it from Hough's Neck to Deer Island and back on a nice day if that is where the fish are biting? Also, what does the water look like around the airport and deer island flats? Any chance of being able to stand and fish without being ejected from the boat?

Thanks for the info so far.

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I thought the Dorchester ramp by the gas tanks was closed for good following 9-11. The ramp in Houghs Neck is tide dependant and can be a nightmare with the commuter boat wakes going by. For the extra 10minute ride I would opt for the Weymouth ramp which has nice floats to tie your boat to while parking your car or the ramp at anchor marine(also in Quincy) . You have a much better chance of enjoying a 13 on the Quincy bay side of the Long Island bridge rather than over towards Boston, I also run a 42 foot motoryacht and with all the wakes it is just plain miserable in a small boat. I very rarely take my 17 through to boston unless it is to head up the Charles River or Mystic River and through the locks. Hope you find what you are looking for.

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Hmm. Unless I can find a Montauk in my price range, I don't see a Whaler in my near future.

I believe the Dorchester ramp is open, though many people seem to hate it for a number of reasons.

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Fender, just sent you a PM with a whaler listing. good luck. Also a Boat motor trailer in NH craigslist

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for $4k are you looking for a turnkey boat or are you willing to accept some work?

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I got a tunrnkey 16 hull with aftermarket Todd furniture for $4350. Sure, I'm fixing all sorts of stuff this winter, but it got me on the water almost every weekend over the summer without any real problems.

The deals are out there if you're looking for something older, in need of some TLC. You're probably not getting original Montauk furniture for around that price, but I bet you could find something in a Sport layout with an older motor. Winter pricing helps too.

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We paid 4500 for an 85 Montauk this summer. All she needed was a thermostat and probably still some carb work but if you're patient you may find a deal.

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There is a mid 60s 17' Whaler with a 55 Johnson and trailer for $3000 in Rhode Island Craigslist. It don't look bad in the photo's. Says Bristol Rhode Island in the ad. Might be worth a look. Good luck.

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Matt,

13 ft should be okay inside the islands, just watch out for the wakes of commercial guys.....

RAV4 should tow a 13 easily (IMHO)

They're out there (at that price point), just have to pick the right one.

I am picking up a 13' Sourpuss today. Paid $2700 for it. Good luck.

PK

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I got a nice turn key 13 for 1400$ a few months ago

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There r pics on my profile

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This thread is over a year old dated January 2012.

PK,
Suggestion:
Look at the date of the last post before you respond, as in this case, the OP hasn't been back since shortly after that.

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I'm wondering if he means the Dorchester ramp right off Morrissey Blvd? It's not a ramp, but a rocky beach that people use to launch everything from wave runners to 23+ ft boats.

I just started using my 17 BW in the Boston/Quincy/Weymouth/Hingham waters last year (from the cape). There is definitely a lot of slosh with wakes from all directions as stated earlier- mostly on weekends/holidays. When I go out on a weekday, it can be fairly calm (weather permitting). The Quincy Bay side is less sloppy i find as well. Even then I am still adjusting my speed more often so as not to slap on the waves/wakes. Good luck!

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I have a friend who towed a 5 x 8 U Haul trailer over a thousand miles with a Toyota Rav-4 4 cylinder. Twice. Both times the trailer was full so I don't think you'll have any problems with your whaler.

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I've gone out in the harbor, and through the islands launching from winthrop with a 14' aluminum starcraft and 30hp Etec many times and it really isn't that bad. A whaler is FAR more stable and comfortable!

As you all know the tin cans bob like corks, at least the smaller whalers still cut through waves. As long as your not going out in winds much above 15-17MPH, I don't see why you can't have a blast with a 13 footer. Just don't drive like a knucklehead when there's chop or wakes from those tour boats and you won't get soaked/knocked all over the place.

There's a lot to be said for slowing down to headway speed when you're in rough waters. Little bit of a roller coaster at times but no big deal. I don't get wet even in an aluminum by using common sense as a skipper.

Heck I've gone from Casco Bay to old orchard, around Manhatten, 90 miles round trip around Lake Champlain, all the way back and forth on Lake George with the same aluminum set up. The WORST is Lake Winnipasuakee with all the trust fund babies in their cigarette boats trying to impress their female passengers!