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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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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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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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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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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...

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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.

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My classic is older than me!

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The prelimanry reponse indicates old boats are more timeless than old cars... Excellent!

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Had my Midlife purchase at 52 this summer and had a blast.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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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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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I'm 37 years old and my Outrage 21' is 38 years old.

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We're getting more responses from the 40 and under crowd that I expected.

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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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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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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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I'm 31 and don't really have any nostalgic ties to Boston Whaler except seeing them saw the hull in half while watching sunday morning fishing shows.

I came about owning my 1968 nauset (or custom for those keeping score) on an impulse buy. I was in the process of replacing the gas tank on my chris craft walk around cuddy when I opened up the deck and realized the project was much larger than anticipated.

Fed up with it I decided to shelve the boat for a bit and buy something smaller to beat around on while I slowly bring my other boat back to life.

I searched craigs for about two days before my boat popped up. Seen the ad on friday afternoon, stopped by the bank about five minutes before it closed and saturday morning I was sea trialing it and trailering it back to my house.

My initial thinking was that I'd sell it and get my money back once I finish the other boat but I'll be keeping it for sure. Aside from the other attributes already listed I think the most important aspect of this boat, at least for me, is its versatility. I've had it miles offshore fishing, taken it out the golden gate multiple times, fished bass on the delta, trolled for trout in lakes, towed the kids around in teh tube, launched and fished it solo or with a couple friends. Also sips fuel and tows so easily.....always a plus!

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I am 52 and have owned my 1979 22 outrage since i was 26.


Vinny
1979 22 outrage
1981 18 outrage
1994 17 outrage

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57 and 3/4 here, and after two 22 CC's outrages is, have my final 25 with Whaler Drive and twins Plan on passing her on to one of my young nephews who has already shown a keen interest in it when its that time. For me its the only boat to own, i love the teak, the lines, and is unbelivable in a stout sea, i'm always dry.

Duf

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33 years old with a 1988 Montuak. Growing up we could never afford a boat, but my dad would take me to Dana Point Harbor in southern California, where we'd buy an ice cream and watch the always-entertaining boat launch show. Anytime a Boston Whaler would make an appearance my dad would always make sure I was paying attention and point out the lines, the craftsmanship, etc. Ever since those times owning one was on my bucket list, and I was able to find a great deal on craigslist a few years back that made owning one a reality. My boys are 3 & 5 now, and love the boat nearly as much as I do. It will be in the family for a long, long time.

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I'm 68 years old. Fell in love with Whalers in the late 50's -early 60's but couldn't afford one. The custom smirkless I have now was made in 1970. Formerly a Nauset model as per C. Bennett at BW. I have no intentions of trading up. This boat suits me just fine and should carry me through the rest of my boating days.

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58 yeaars old. Grew up in the Ozarks of Missouri with my Dad's 14' Aluminum V-bow and a 7-1/2 hp Evinrude. Still etched in my mind is the memory of the first time my Dad let me take that boat out on my on.

Moved to Houston and the near the coast at 25 and a friend started me saltwater fishing. He kept talking about these Whaler boats. I had probably seen them but never paid much attention. First time I remember really seeing one was in 1981 when I went to the elderly gentleman that was selling his. I'll never forget when he raised that garage door and there she sat! So beautiful with the wood and baby blue interior! I told him I'd take it without hearing it run or anything. He encouraged me to go talk to the dealer where he bought it new, and did all the maintenance, to get a second opinion.

The dealer told me that they met and picked up my boat from Whaler, I think in Virginia, and used it as a demonstrator the first year to take orders for the following year's model. He said, "In fact, that Whaler is the first 16 on the Gulf Coast!"

Later I talked with a long time salesman of Whalers and he worked for the dealer at the time and told me about taking folks out in my Whaler and how everyone was impressed with how solid the boats were. It was very cool hearing stories about trips in my Whaler!


More recently I met a son of that dealer and I mentioned that I had that original Whaler. He got quiet for a second, and then said "You have that boat? What kind of shape is it in?"
I told him that it was in great shape. I could hear him exhale and he started telling me stories about going out in the Gulf fishing with his dad and his uncle, unheard of for a 16 foot boat back then.

I'll will never forget when I first drove away with that 1961 Nauset hooked up to my car, with the previous owner standing in his driveway, on oxygen, crying his eyes out. : (


Last summer I found a very original 1985 Outrage 18, with a 150 hp Suzuki with only 35 hours, for sale. It was a manufacturered in October of 1984; the same month and year that my son was born. It was meant to be.

I think everyone needs several Whalers!

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Im 57 and bought my first Whaler 13 while in the army in Virginia in 1976.The ad said 1967 13' sport and 40 johnson and trailer for $800.I called and asked if I could have the boat and trailer for $500. He said I could have it for $400. It looked great so I counted out the money and he said $350 was enough. I trailered it to Massachusetts and bought a brand new 50 Merc for it.
36 years and 14 Whalers later I still have five. I have had five 13's, one 15,five 16's, one 19 . one 21 and one 22. Anyone want to buy a near mint 1968 Katama ?, I need room for a guardian.

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I'm 55 now. My first Whaler experience was in Assawoman Bay (yes, that's the name of it, it's the bay behind Ocean City Maryland) around 1968. My dad and I rented a 13' standard with a 20 hp on it. We had great fun that day, ran aground a time or two. A year later we bought a brand new Cohasset with a 55 hp Bearcat outboard. The Bearcat got replaced by a 115 Merc. In the late 70's we bought a 1976 used Montauk. We put the 115 Merc on the newer boat. In the meantime I bought a 60's vintage 13' sport with a 50 hp Merc on it. Sometime in the 80's my Dad gave me the Montauk. In the 90's we sold the Montauk and got an 18' Outrage with a 175 Johnson (that boat could really suck the gas down). We had a couple boatless years between 2008 and 2010. In 2010 we got the 1978 13' Standard, then in the spring of this year, we got the 1992 15' GLS. So, 44 years and 6 Whalers.

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I'm old enough to have a Gray Beard.

You will have to talk to my lawyer if you want any more information out of me. :)

http://www.whalercentral.com/viewpage...page_id=98

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Well Joe, that's cool with me.

I think this has been an interesting thread. I honestly thought I would be near the end if the demographic who "gets" the value of these boats, but I'm happily surprised that I'm not!

Cheers

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30 years old here and am truly in love and continuous awe over the nostalgia and history of classic whalers of yesterday and what they continue to make the brand today.

My first whaler, though not exactly sure if it was considered a "classic", was a beat up but solid 1992 13' Sport. After making the very scary trailer ride home from Cape Coral to Naples, FL I sear I spent every waking hour I could waxing, buffing, cleaning, and just adoring the vintage look of my first Whaler.

Though I truly adored this first Whaler, the continuous engine problems I encountered and wanting to share some quality boating time with my wife and two small kids lead me to purchasing a 2012 150 Montauk. Though not as "classic", still gets heads turned when I am cruising! May sound weird, but I sometimes feel bummed that I don’t have any "projects" that need to get done on the boat. With the 13 I always had something to do which was enjoyable in some ways. I plan on keeping this boat to pass down one day to my now 18-month old son.

When the time is right I would like to find a Squall to restore. Maybe with my son when he gets older, but I am not sure if I will be able to wait that long!

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When I was a kid my parents would rent a place in Cape Cod [ Orleans, Mass.] and we would spend two weeks with at least two other families in a big frame house near Tonset beach. We took our 6-7 foot lone star flat bottom skiff and the three hp Evinrude that was my Grandfathers fishing rig with us. That was enough for us to get to Tonset Beach with sometimes about 2" of freeboard because of the number of passengers and the current would RIP. At times we were not even making speed over ground and would have to change angle of attack to get to the beach [back side] at all. Every morning we fished Mill Pond for flounder and caught breakfast.
Now about the Whaler connection:
The family next to us were semi-permanent and owned rather than rented their spot. They had a 15 Whaler with a 40hp as I remember, and would take us waterskiing, snorkeling and gigging for lobster. The boys were probably 4-5 years older than me and had use of a Whaler without adult supervision. I was at the time too young to care about girls but the amount of time we spent on that Whaler improved as the girls from the families we shared the house with improved also.
There was a Whaler dealer right in town [Nauset Marine]
, and one of my Dad/brother/ me trips to town always included a session of staring at the showroom boats and thinking someday.
My Dad eventually became a sailor of small race boats and went to Germany to compete in the 1972 Olympic competition; but no Whaler. I bought a 16' in 1978 [it was originally a1964 Nauset but had a custom console]
I still have it and redid it last year. Have added over the years a 1985 18' Outrage, a 1988 22' Outrage cuddy and a 1966 Currituck which I have modified into a custom. My kids are into them and my son-in law has a 17 Montauk, so the Whaler fever is strong.

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Actually a great thread, some really interesting stories, with a lot of comonality. Joe, VERY interesting post, and a hell of a lot of past experience guy. Gives me an idea for another great thread! :)

Duf

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I was born in the mid-1950s. When I was a young teenager staying with friends of the family at Cape Cod, us kids had free use of the neighbors' 13-foot Whaler to tend our lobster traps. My wife's experience growing up was similar at the Connecticut shore.

I bought a classic 13-foot Whaler once I had kids of an appropriate age, so they might enjoy the same experiences and life lessons I enjoyed.

I now have a classic 16-foot Whaler, and I must say that nostalgia plays a big part in my choice of boats. I just can't give up the blue interior and nice woodwork.

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Excellent stories all. I especially enjoyed spuds.
Zap

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It's a hoot reading these stories about how we came to cross paths with our particular Whalers. I'm 57 and it's been in my family since I was 12YO. My father left it to me when he passed away in 1994. It's 1966 Eastport. It has been trailered to Cape Cod, The Adirondaks, Candlewood lake.I'm sure theres a few more. I'm sure I will be leaving it to Someone in the family too.As Jimmy Buffett says " Oh The Stories We Could Tell". Chris "G" Hudson Valley New York

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I am 39. I bought my first boat/whaler 2 1/2 years ago. I spent my summers on Cape Cod at my families cottage in Orleans. I used to row my row boat over to Nauset Marine to check out (dream) the new whalers. If you gave me a blank check book at that time for, I would have bought the 15' SuperSport I currently have. I started saving up for a whaler but by the time I figure out to how actually make some 'real' money, I was into cars, then for about 10+ years period of time I spent very little time on the Cape.

I personally am drawn to the 80's classic whalers. I don't think I will ever sell my 15' but some day I would like to buy an 80's Outrage (perhaps an 18). I do like the current Outrages though.

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Age 47, had a 1969 13' where grew up on Cape Cod. My brothers and I caught more fish on that boat than I can recall. Sold that boat to go to college, Went w/o a whaler until had Kids, then bought another 13'. Outgrew that, and have had several other (not BW) CC's throughout the years. Just purchased 16' Nauset that I am repowering over winter that my kids (and I) can enjoy. I still drive by the old Whaler factory in Rockland, MA every day on my way to work. Just saw Yankees tie the game,,,,arrrrrrh

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I am 61 and my 1973 Sport 13 is 39. I have admired the 13' Whalers since the 1960's. I always wanted one and decided to find a classic woodie. I did repower the boat a few years ago, just to get power trim. I am very happy with the boat and the quality of construction. This boat always turns heads.

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I am 27 yrs old and few days ago I have boguht Outrage 17 I 1990.
Since I can remember I was at the sea with my grandad, we had a little boat with only 4hp, but on that boat Ive learned everything. i still remember my grandad showing me big new engines an boats,and at the same he dreamt to have one. That never happened, but today I own my first Whaler, and I hope my Outrage will stay with me for a long long time. I think my old fisherman would love this Whaler.
First Whaler I saw was Montauk 15, and fell in love. It was about 20 years ago...

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My age is 47 and I own a 1958 13'. It is still in process of a remodel but it will be almost like new when complete. It has been a dream since I was young to own a Whaler and now it is reality.

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Aside from a ten year gap, i have been boating all my life and have owned boats of various styles and sizes. I always wanted a Whaler and purchased a 1996 15' Whaler two years ago. We love its versatility and find it a perfect boat for our purposes.

Checking in at a young 66.

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At 63, I'm still passionate about my 1974 BW Katama, it's a wonderful and well-built boat.

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i am 13 just fell in love with a1962 13ft bought it 2 weeks ago 1

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I am 53 and own a 1964 13'

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At age 73 I am still enjoying my 1963 Sakonnet (BW, 16 feet) that I bought in 1971. It has been in Mulege, Mexico all those years and needs some restoring.

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32 and loving the 17' Outrage my family got new when I was 11 in 1991.

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Age 30 proud owner of a 1980 15 sport and a 1988 13 sport
Just something about them that gets you hooked.

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Good question but I don't think age is really a factor. I've been a Whaler fan for about as long as there have been Whalers. I like new as well as classic Whalers. Currently I have a classic 13 Sport, 1981 vintage. I like it for it's "look" and to use on inshore waters in good conditions when capacity is unimportant. My 190 Montauk is a great boat for almost anywhere if capacity is an issue. My former 16 Dauntless was a wonderful small boat I sold it only because I found I often needed more room and the budget wouldn't handle two late model Whalers.

I'm 72.

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Yeah what is it about Whalers? I first expirienced 'Whaling' back in the mid seventies. A friend of mine invited me to go to Catalina with him and his dad who owned a 17 footer. Pretty much my first trip out on the ocean. Needless to say for me it was very exciting and memorable. Bonito, barracuda, and calico bass. When all yer used to is high sierra trout, can you imagine? We ended up going many times along with other friends with other brand boats but Whalers always seemed to stand out to me. Thats a long ago memory now but something has stayed with me. In wanting to buy my first boat to cruise the coast and jump on over to Catalina again for fishing it had to be a Whaler. Theres just something about them. I'm 54

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I have had boats since I was twelve years old.I'm now 57.my grandfather gave me a 12 foot rowboat with a 3hp.I've had many since then from a 30 foot cruiser to a 21 foot checkmate with a 300 Johnson.I've never enjoyed a boat more or kept one as long as my old katama

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At the age of 46 I am the proud owner of a 1988 17' Montauk. The passion started with my father who purchased the boat new. Dad passed both the boat and passion down to me. I hope to continue the trend to my son.

Don.

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I'm 46 and my 1987 13'3" Super Sport is now my passion, I have big plans on restoration but I can't keep it out of the water long enough to really start. It is powered by a Rude 30HP smoker and has exceeded all of my expectations. I will never own another make, Whaler all the way!!!!

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im 17 about to turn 18. been in love with our 1962 Nauset since we bought it 7 years ago as nothing but a beat up old hull. should be hitting the water next summer

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Im one of the old farts on here..cant believe it took all these years to get my first whaler..however ..been boating all my life and live on a lake here in jaffrey, so I still have my 16 foot mirro craft runabout bought in 1977. It has skiid the family all these years and cruised us and weve fished offf it..lots of great memories..my sons are engineers working the globe and when they get back home to the lake house here, the first thing they want todo is go skiing on the lake !

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I purchased a 1981 Montauk in 1994 and have A 1978 and a 1979 Boston whaler harpoon 5.2 sailboats which I am selling the 1979. My age 60

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My age 34 years, I owned un'outrage 19 of 1989 for 4 years, I fell in love !!! So I changed it a year ago with a new Guardian 19 old type (not the montauk 190) white color with accessories blacks with the new mercury 150 efi.
I hope you take me for so many years!!!!!!
Ciao
Nicola


(Sorry for my bad english!!!)

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I just turned 50 and started my Boston Whaler fishing career back in 1986 when I bought a 17' Montauk from Russo's Marine. I was sold on the safety & performance facts of what Whaler's could take and that specific photo of a Montauk with the 100# or so Bluefin in the stern while heading back to port is a classic. The dreams all started then for me and while I tried a few times for a big Bluefin Tuna on Stellwagon Bank back in 1989 to help pay off the boat loan, it never happened. However the boat loads of Cod, Winter Flounder, Bluefish & Stripers that I caught throughout Boston Harbor will always bring back great memories along with the photo albums from those years of fishing in New England.

I moved out to San Diego & sold the Montauk in 1997 and bought a 1989, 25' Revenge that I have owned ever since that I absolutely love. Yes, the cabin is a bit small & at times I wish it was a Walk Around Model, but she delivers 2 NMPG and a good fuel range to explore with plus that cabin has been 100% waterproof & comfortable since day one. I take 3-4-Five Day offshore trips annually with the Revenge down past Ensenada, San Clemente Island and I have NEVER had to call for Vessel Assist for any kind of breakdown. On most of our trips we run over 300 miles round trip and always bring 300 quarts of ice, 50 gallons of fuel and plenty of extra supplies. It is an incredibly well built boat and I will never own the second generation hull design simply because Whaler became a different company after everything it went through in 1988-1990. The 1988 Boston Whaler Brochure is the BEST brochure of the Classic product line by far and to me, it is an all time culmination work of art of what the first generation of Boston Whaler ever was.

I am trying to balance out the idea of why I need to get one last Whaler in my life........a 1988-1989, 27' Whaler 27'-Regular hull with the 310 fuel capacity and Whaler Drive. Time will tell if that trigger ever gets pulled, however could you imagine what a classic Whaller Hull like that could do with a fresh pair of Yamaha 300 HP, V-6 Offshore Motors?........I think I need one......badly.

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I'm 31 and don't remember a time in my life that didn't involve boating. My neighbor when I was a kid worked for the Whaler factory in Edgewater and I had the opportunity to tour the factory during the Reebok years. I remember thinking how cool it was to walk through the factory and walk through the 27 Offshore. From then on, I was hooked. Later, during my high school years, I had the opportunity to be around and use many different Whaler models on a pretty regular basis, some classic, some not. Many good memories were made during that time that I think more guys should have growing up. Being around those boats kept me out of trouble for the most part during my teen years (although we did some pretty stupid stuff boating and I'm lucky I escaped unscathed).

About 10 years ago my parents officially joined the Whaler family and bought a new 210 Outrage. Many good memories have been made on that boat as well both fishing and pleasure and my dad has made it clear that boat will be around for the duration. I knew when I started a family that I wanted my kids to grow up on the water and the only boat I considered was a Whaler. The timing was right last spring and I came across a 1985 17 Montauk here locally on the west coast of Florida. She was in pretty good, all original shape and had the original Johnson 90 that was hung on her when new that ran wonderfully. She'd spent most of her life in Michigan and had been in the same family since new. I hopped on the deal and my family (wife and two young kids) have been having a blast ever since. We've hopped around to different islands and sand bars as a family and I've been out fishing in 2' of water and a couple of miles out into the Gulf. I look forward to my 5 year old daughter and 2 year old son growing up with the same memories I had. It's just all around, quality family time.

When I decided to buy, I guess I went with the classic over new for several reasons- affordability, simple design and utility, proven track record, safety and resale potential as well as the nostalgia. In my book, Boston Whaler is as American as Apple Pie. I considered a new Montauk, but the heavier weight (aside from the heavier price tag) was a showstopper when considering my tow vehicle into the picture. I look forward to many years of good memories ahead.

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I'm 66 and own a 79 Sport

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Im 19 and own a completely restored 87 17ft Montauk that my father and I did when I was maybe 12. He handed the boat down to me and I spend about a whole month on the boat cleaning her up each spring every year! My dads about 57 and owns a 87 22ft revenge.