Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by ioptfm on 06/30/08 - 1:21 PM

Tell us a little more about your requirements. How will you use it? How many people will normally occupy the boat? What type of atmosphere will you be using it in, lake, river, etc.

Posted by joeyh on 06/30/08 - 5:10 PM

I live on Biscayne Bay in Miami and have ocean access in less then a mile. I'll be using the boat primarly to fish in the bay and ocean (on flat days) and maybe pull a tube one or two passengers max. My question pertains more to engine repair inboard jet vs an outboard. Is it more costly to replace one or the other. I've found a 94 15 Rage in perfect hull condition. The engine starts right up but blows alittle smoke upon starting then it goes away is this normal. It also sounds like the empeller is making some noise. Im going for a wet test what should I watch for? Thanks again for the input

Posted by sraab928 on 06/30/08 - 5:20 PM

The 115 turbo jet rages are notorious for overheating - You need to keep the cooling systems clean. Parts are still available -but not as easy as outboard parts. If your budget allows I would stay with an outboard powered Whaler - Unless you get the jet model with the 175hp Merc... then thats a different game...

Posted by ioptfm on 06/30/08 - 6:14 PM

I'll probably get a lot of flack from others, but I personally have never met a Rage owner that was pleased. :(
I'm noting strictly from those that I have come in contact with so don't blast me for relaying what I have seen.

Posted by DepDaddy on 07/01/08 - 6:00 AM

I have a 15' Rage 115 '95 and am pretty happy with it. The guy I bought it from was less than honest about a few things pertaining to it, but after rebuilding the carbs and adjusting the throttle, she runs fun.

I am in Clearwater, Fl and run the boat in the bay a lot. One thing about the jet intake that annoys me at times is that if ANYTHING blocks the impeller grill then the boat will bog down. I have to jump out of the boat and remove the seaweed by hand when that happens.

It's my first boat, so I may be a bit biased. All I knew is that I wanted a whaler and something more than just for fishing at a decent used price.

The smoking is absolutely normal. I start the boat in my driveway for about 5 minutes before I head to the dock so that I get a quick start when I am there and I don't smoke out everyone over there.

Enjoy it...it's a good little boat to get your sea legs with. Then, do what I am planning on doing, sell it in a few years and buy something with a little more kick!

Posted by jrfreed on 07/01/08 - 6:52 AM

I am personally biased to the outboard. I own a 17 Montauk and fish the bay flats and venture in the Gulf on nice days. I also bass fish out of my montauk. I believe it is the best all around boat made with a few modifications of course. I only wish the montauk had an internal fuel tank. The 15 striper is a nice boat as well however like other members have stated how many people will occupy the boat and how much fishing in the ocean will you be doing. If you plan on doing alot of offshore fishing I would go with the 17'. If not you will be just fine with the 15'