Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by cmike on 06/07/18 - 9:20 PM

Heilo. I have a beautiful 1988 13' Whaler Sport that everyone comments on. I had an old 40hp 2 stroke Merc on it that is done (compression test 100,70,100,90 or something like that). I live on a lake and will not be taking it in the ocean (although some day I might take it out in a bay crabbing on Oregon coast). How do you all feel about a 25 hp 4 stroke as a replacement? Getting up on plane is not the most important thing (my lake is small and rarely do we have more than 4 adults in the boat). quiet and reliable is more important right now. Feel free to change my mind. Also, money is an object. I'd love to talk to anyone experienced in restoring whalers out there. I need to get a lot smarter about this boat. Thanks.

Posted by ursaminor on 06/08/18 - 5:56 AM

25 HP is plenty to get a classic 13 going. Plenty of kids learned to ski behind a 13 with an old school 2 stroke on it "in the day". There are plenty of good choices 4 stroke wise these days, note that several of the 25 HP models are also available at 30 or more HP at the same weight. Do your research and try to find the lightest option for best overall performance.

Posted by max366 on 06/10/18 - 1:33 PM

I just restored and sold a 1988 13ft Classic and put a 40HP Yamaha 4 stroke on it. Ran great (and fast) but in your application I would recommend a Suzuki 25 or 30HP 4 stroke. Quiet, powerful, fuel injected, and doesn't need a battery to start/run. And it's light - 158 lbs for the 20" shaft electric start, PTT. The nice thing about the 25/30 Zukes is you can buy them as a complete package- motor, controls, tank, even the prop, for a DYI retrofit. No dealer needed. I think the current price- including the shipping, with a 6 yr warranty, is about $4400.
I have a 2015 Zuke 30 on my 2002 130 Sport and it's been trouble-free and just a great motor. The installation was a piece of cake.