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I am a "greenhorn" and looking to purchase a Boston Whaler as I have been told that they are the best. I found one and price is alittle over $1,000. It was advertised as a Boston Whaler but when I arrived to see boat owner says that all state documents show it as "handmade". No id number can be found on this old boat; 16' 6" x 72". I think I am getting in "over my head" on this purchase. Every square inch of this vessel has been sanded or knocked, the fiberglass mesh is wearing through in many places, inside flooring looks like original blue color. What do you think? thnx to all for their input. Ken in CA. I've attached 1 photo.

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Pink,

Make sure the file size is 97kb or less (about 640x480 @ 72 dpi) and the name of the file is all one word with no spaces, commas, dashes, or slashes. Or, you could post an image of the boat on a photo hosting site like photobucket.com and link to it.

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Looks like a whaler to me. Notice the Norman pins on the bow and also the anchor locker....

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Great Job on the photo posting. That part gives some people fits.

The boat looks like a 16'7" Nonsmirked hull. The console is non whaler and the entire hull looks to be need of a ground up restoration. $1000 for me is on the higher side of the boats value. Most in that condition on ebay go for $400 - $700. However, some auctions on ebay get out of hand. Without seeing this hull in person and assuming the hull is not waterlogged, I would have a hard time paying over $500 for this hull

Is the floor solid or does it have give to it?

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It looks like one but thats no guarantee. There were a bunch of "knock offs" made that look like Whalers. Look inside the anchor locker up in the bow (that little box in the floor of the hull) and look for a hull identification number. That will help in deciding.

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pinnkfish,

You might look at this article on HIN numbers:
http://www.whalercentral.com/readarti...icle_id=61

Also this article on Stenciled hull numbers:
http://www.whalercentral.com/readarti...icle_id=22

As Davidk mentions, there were several knock offs but this one does look like a 16/17 Smirkless Boston Whaler hull.......

Unless you really want a complete project boat, I would look for something in better condition.

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Davidk,

Yes you are correct that there are a lot of knock offs out there that is why you need to know what to look for if the Stencil number is no longer present and there is no HIN tag.

Things that lead me to believe it is a whaler.

#1 The single drain tube coming from the splahwell. The splashwell design looks to be correct as well

#2 The OEM Whaler D-Ring which is in the proper location as well.

#3 The way the rub rail block transitions to the top of the transom looks correct.

#4 The front bow steps are there and look to be correct.

#5 The front locker is in the correct location and looks to be the correct size.

#6 The presence of what looks to be the correct front Norman pin.

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Excellent choice you made to ask questions here before making a purchase! I think I would pass as well. Good deals are out there. Be diligent in checking your "Whalers for sale" sources and ask questions before you spend your wampum. Be patient and you will find one that fits you. Enjoy your search! Paul

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Sure looks like it used to be a Whaler...
But that boat has crossed the not so fine line from Sport/Pleasure Craft to...Workboat....
I've seen a few of 'em...tucked in the back of Marina's...Lobster piers...Oil supply companies....
Stripped of all amenities...retrofit with nasty consoles...cleaned with an occasional rainshower...but generally...they've just had the livin' dog snot beat out of them!
I suppose it's a testament to their toughness as most of 'em are still in service...
But I wouldn't ask the wife to take a ride on it....
It would make a nice duck shootin' blind...painted camo...with trees and stuff attached...
I'm sure that you could find something less challenging than that old rat....:(

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Check to see if the hull is waterlogged. Are there any obvious repaired areas? Assuming it is not waterlogged, and you have so much time on your hands that you have seen every afternoon TV program at least twice, and are willing to put another 4-5 grand plus a motor, plus your labor into it I would pass, on that one. Try to find one where the gel coat only needs to be buffed out, unless you are an experienced spray painter.

rich:(

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It depend's on how much work you want to do, and by looking at this hull, Ya better like working on boats, It could probably be brought back to life but, Is it worth it ? you'll have to "RE-POWER" too $$$$, I think that you can do better for a little more money, especially now with boat's not on the most popular gas guzzling toy list, If these guys are telling you to avoid it, I would.... ever see some of these project resto's on here ? If it's not a whaler, it's known pretty fast, smart move for checking, keep hunting, it's kinda like half the fun (once you find your boat), we all had to hunt, that includes ringing door bell's, leaving notes, asking around, we all get notes in our mail boxes "Is the Whaler for sale" ? I saw a 17' Montauk parked up on a guy's lawn last summer with a big note on it "NOT FOR SALE". keep hunting, you'll find what you want HINT: Have cash ready, move FAST, if you snooze you lose in this game, GOOD LUCK !
mw