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Why does the phenomena exist? Are there valid reasons? Or is it sheer jealousy?

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I look at it this way - People fall into two categories - One where we just love our Whalers :D - and the others who just don't get it :o. This exists with other brands as well. I see people who love Grady Whites (I have one and love it) and then there is the group that will do anything they can to soil the name.

Why? I have no idea. I gave up trying to figure people out a long time ago.

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Very Well put!!!!!! I love my 17 montuak........

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I agree with sraab928 -- people either have that passion or do NOT get it. A good example here in Texas is the Corvette Clubs. These people are crazy to me! You have club groups of 20-50 vettes that roll through here on the weekends. They love them I just do not get it. I think we all look for that sense of approval and find friendships with those who have similar interest. B)

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The complaints I hear the most from non Whaler owners, is that the hull is very thin, its built like a surfboard, and that they take a lot more hp to push that other boats their size.
I have never heard any negative comments about the 13 footer, as it has no other competition.

rich

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My Favorite is "The sides are too low on a Whaler".
my response: "Does'nt matter, it won't sink" !
I have a friend with a 13' "Mackee", all I hear is "Same as a Whaler", Ever notice that there is very little argueing from the "Whaler" owner's side, we just shrug and say "Yea, OK".... Boston Whaler, the name alone speaks "VOLUMES", we don't HAVE to say ANYTHING else !
mw

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Here in Texas 'Whaler Bashing' is a hangin' offense!

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IMO, i dont think i'd buy a new whaler... overpriced, and doesn't stand out from the crowd.
The older ones have character!
Was just on the phone w/ my dad(retired in FL).
Chatted w/ him about getting a 17, either a SS or a SS Ltd.
Even though i had a Ltd, the all wood interior has a very classic feeling to it.
You can't get that from today's whalers.

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Whaler bash? I thought you were talking about a party!!!:D:D

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I think the only ones that can possibly "Whaler Bash" are Whaler "Wanna Be's" who have never owned one! ;)

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Yes its people that are envious. But its also people that are ignorant enough to think that their Scumrunner by Slimecraft is "better" than any boat ever made. I always remind them that the only good thing about his boat is how great of a reef it would make.

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That is why I have joined the site!!!

I have been in a running "discussion" over on the "Hull Truth" regarding the thinness of Whaler hulls & the commoness of disondment between the hull material and the foam.

I need help!

I need a place to do some research & look at pics of the hull construction.

It may be petty on my part, but I'm sick of the jealous, mouth-breathers jumping on the bash wagon.

Thanks, Greg

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Just breathe in, breathe out and move on Greg. If you want good advice from good people who are happy to offer you help and advice with your Whaler this is the place to be.

For the life of me, I don't know why people elsewhere waste their time being snarky and sniping at each other. And I can't think of a bigger waste of one's time than picking fights with strangers over the internet. So welcome to Whaler Central and don't worry about those other guys.

There's never been a boat made that didn't have it's own idiosyncracies and anyone who can't admit that is wasting your time.

Years ago I told an old timer friend of mine I was thinking about buying a Whaler. "A Boston Whaler?" He said. "I'll give you a ride in a Boston Whaler! First I'll spray you in the face with a garden hose then I'll smack you in the butt with a canoe paddle! That's a ride in a Boston Whaler!"

I have to admit I thought it pretty funny at the time. But I eventually did buy my Whaler. Once in a while I get a chuckle thinking about his description of a Whaler ride because sometimes it IS true. But I have never regretted buying my 17 footer; it's been the perfect boat for my family.

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Just recently finished restoring a 1979 Montauk- I got brave and moved the console back 13 inches. This required cutting a new access into the hawse pipe for cabling and electrical. I drilled into the floor to find first one layer of fiberglass then 3/4 " treated plywood, next a good layer of foam (all dry) , next another layer of fiberglass and finally the aluminum pipe, who says BW is not built right or has thin construction I was impressed - You may not find that quality or crafstmanship in todays boats.

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I sunk an aluminum boat in the Colorado river.
My partner and I were able to swim to a friends boat and then to shore.
Fortunately no lives were lost but I did lose a lot of my favorite fishing gear and other prized items.
When I got home from that trip I purchased my first Boston Whaler Sport 13'.

So, the bottom line for me is,
How much do you value the lives of your family and friends?

A Boston Whaler will NOT sink. It could turn over in big swells but you will always have something to hold on to besides your PFD.

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I have only ever ridden in a whaler one time total. I just bought a 1969 13' that looks like it was rode hard and put away wet. (currently in the beginning stages of a total refurbish) Nothing was original in this boat. The one ride (again, the only time I have stepped foot in a whaler) was last summer when we threw a 15 hp Johnson on it (tiller steer) and spent 3 hours buzzing around Everett, WA.
I was hooked for a lifetime even with that setup and can't wait till the restoration is completed and I can spend more time in it with my family.
I think my wife is geting jealous of all the time I am speding working on this boat. I love this boat, like I mean I LOVE this boat. Probably this boat and I should get a room.
Next year I plan to cheat on my wife with an 18' outrage......if my wife lets me.

-S-

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Most bashing I've had to listen to has come from some idiot who has never owned or even been on one. That thin fiberglass argument is a good one. Just remind that guy that a thick fiberglass hull does'nt do much when your taking on water.

All things considered I think the number of bashers is low compared to the people who respect the Whaler. Seems like every time I go to the ramp many heads are turning and some want to talk to me about my classic Whaler, wether I've got the montauk or the 25 outrage there is much respect in my area for these boats.

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I'm pretty much tired of the Whaler bashing, especially the ride whiners. I always ask them what other 13 foot boat rides so much better, I never get a answer :D I like a lot of other older bpoats, but I'll only ever own Whalers. They always have threads on how to re-do floors,stringers transoms. we rarely have to dig that deeply into our projects.

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I am at peace with my decisions, as I expect that most of the contributors to this board are. Hopefully, these people who you refer to can find peace with their decisions as well. There is nothing constructive to come from escalating this. Let's just be grateful for what we have, respect our differences and stay focused on the boats. Our reasons for choosing these boats are as fundamentally solid as the boats themselves. Have their arguments changed your mind? I suspect not. Rest assured. You've made a wise choice.
Have a great day everyone,
Grady

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no way!!!! i love my 17 montauk....

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It's all in the perspective! I would think that for most Classic Whaler lovers, safety and quality are paramount to their bias. Most things in life are compromises; mates, cars, houses, and even boats. Prior to purchasing my 1979 22' Outrage, my biggest beef with Whaler was storage space. However, I recognized that using inner hull space for storage, took away valuable foam that give Whaler that unsinkable reputation. Younger guys want to "get on top" and run 40-50 MPH in four foot seas. That's why they favor extreme deep V boats such as Contender or Fountain and scoff at Whalers; especially classics. At age 58, I know there is speed, boat trim, and wave angle that will give me a pretty comfortable ride. If not, I'll stay home! I owned a 1988 Mako 231 for two years between the ownership of my 1979 and 1989 22' Outrages. The Mako had a deeper V and storage space galore. The ride was somewhat smoother, however, anytime I ran in a cross wind, everyone in the boat needed a rain suit. My fishing buddies begged me to go back to a Whaler, which I did in 1990. Even Whaler bashers normally concede one thing, you can't beat the durability of a classic Whaler, regardless of the misuse or neglete.

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Personaly I think it's jealousy. I have yet to have my first ride in a Whaler because I am still restoring mine. But my wife has. Her dad had one as a runabout (16 ft 7) for his big cabin crusier's. I just wanted a rig to fish saltwater marsh and small bays. I was not to concerned with manufacture at the time. But my wife gave me an ultimatum I had to look for a Whaler or forget it. Glad now she did! When I mentioned to my fishing freinds I was looking for a Whaler they scoffed. One particular person told me I would be sorry that they call them a whaler for a reason, that they were so heavy they would be to expensive to tow or operate. As a result I saw many adds for good Whalers that I passed on due to geographical location IE: East Coast and anywhere that I would have to pull back over a mountainous area for I have a 6 cyl truck and did not want the hassel or expense of shipping. I finally found one a little over 300 miles away and no rough terrain to traverse. It was in a little worse shape than I would have liked but I bought it. I was suprised when towing, I could hardly notice it was there and found myself checking the mirror regularly to assure it was still there. Upon arriving home I found I had the same fuel comsumption as I would have as though I was in only the truck. I have a new respect for my friends advice now!

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Usually the bashing I hear is how expensive Whalers are compared to the features on the boat. For instance, a Bayliner is a very high value because of the price per feature. A person can get into a pretty nice fishing boat for a reasonable cost.

My answer to that is:

Open the stern sump covers- the plugs are not installed in the drains. This is after we have been in the boat for about 1 1/2 hours, out across the bar and are 20 miles offshore.

Unsinkability: The priceless "feature".

Doug

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Some people spew negativity about everything.

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There are a lot of negative things going on in the world today.
Rich:(