Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by seeyoujimmie on 09/04/08 - 5:18 AM

I have been offered a 22' outrage for $3000. This would be my first whaler but I think the lines of the boat are fantastic. The boat has been sitting outside for some time so needs extensive cleaning but looks to have no major problems. The engine has to be replaced so the price is basically for the boat only. It also does not include the trailer. It still seems like a good deal to me, but since I am unfamiliar with these boats I do not know if the price is fair. Any help?

Edited by seeyoujimmie on 09/04/08 - 5:20 AM

Posted by Josey Whaler on 09/04/08 - 6:36 AM

If you can confirm the boats structural integrity, and that most of the issues with the boat are only cosmetic, $3K seems like a great price. Be mindful of soft spots in the floor, water infiltration into the foam, osmotic blisters, etc. Repairs such as these can quickly erase the good deal on the purchase.

Posted by seeyoujimmie on 09/05/08 - 4:49 AM

Thanks guys,
I have decided to hire a marine surveyor to look at the boat. I love it so much my judgement may be a bit clouded. I look forward to your help in restoring this beauty to her original luster. By the way, I am in Northfield, NJ if anyone wanted to have a look at her.

Posted by Derwd24 on 09/05/08 - 10:01 AM

Surveyor is a good idea. Make sure he understands that, contrary to what Whaler still states, the foam can absorb water and the hull can be pretty heavy as a result negatively affecting fuel economy and performance among other things. Weighing the boat is good, and if that's not possible, see if they can put it in the water and observe how it sits, especially at the stern. I've read surveyors use moisture probes, but am not sure how revealing they are as hulls this age usually have some water, the question that needs to be determined is how much?

Posted by seeyoujimmie on 09/06/08 - 12:15 PM

I have since discovered the fish well drain scupper is missing and the hole has no fitting in it. As a result, if you stick your finger in the hole you can feel the foam sides, which I did and discovered the foam has in fact absorbed water. How much is what I need to determine. The boat has been drydocked for at least a year. Help! I really want to find a reason to buy this boat, especially as a great 200 yamaha has become available from a friend at a very good price. Someone tell me this is not a lost cause! The marine surveyor says that other than the drain problem, she is sound. He does not use a moisture probe so was unable to tell me how much water she is holding. The boat has lots of extras on her so weighing her may not be a viable option. I was hoping someone had a similar experience and has some advice. Thanks!

Posted by Derwd24 on 09/06/08 - 12:50 PM

I was where you are now a little over a year ago. Offered a good deal on our '83 Outrage 22, but I was under the impression then that the foam didn't absorb water so I ended up buying a heavy boat.

If I was in your position today with what I've learned, and the boat had too many extras to be weighed accurately, I'd absolutely put it in the water so you can see how she floats and woudn't buy otherwise.

Don't know what it has now for engine weight, batteries, fuel, etc, but from what I've learned a mid-80's 22' Outrage with a 500-525 lb engine and minimal water intrusion should sit with the rear chine 1.5-2" below the water at rest. My boat sits with the rear corner about 5" below the water line. Heavy but still usable. It's a low cut transom anyway and I sure would like those 3" back sometimes. If yours sits any deeper than that, I'd say to pass.

You can also look at the front when it's in the water, about a foot below the bow eye is where the two bottom strake rails come forward and meet. With my water line, these are just under water. Take a look at Duf's personal page, his are out of the water, and he has a very dry, nice sitting hull.

http://whalercentral.com/infusions/pe...er_id=4307

Use this all for comparison purposes. With luck you'll see that she sits nice and high, and it'll be a very easy decision (I'd buy it on the spot!). But if it doesn't, maybe this will give you some guidelines to go by. Just my $.02, hope it helps.

Edited by Derwd24 on 09/06/08 - 12:53 PM

Posted by brady on 09/06/08 - 1:59 PM

#10

I firmly believe that most all classic whalers 22' and up ( these are generally to big to be garrage kept ) have some bit of water intrusion. Through hulls, Scupper areas, deck fasteners that have been striped out over the years, foam around the fuel tank , These are all problem areas. This does not make it a bad boat. My Outrage 25s fuel tank foam was and for the most part still is soaked. One thing I learned while working on my tank area is how much water it would take to really make the hull too heavy. I ripped out large size chuncks of form that were soaked but they were still light as a feather. If its got the motor on it and you can put it in the water that would be great. If not, make him a offer less than the 3k although that price is still good even for one that propably has some water in it. Classic whalers are awesome boats even with some water in the hull. I would look more at overall condition. If its in good shape at that price I would't sweat it.
Brady

Posted by Derwd24 on 09/06/08 - 4:02 PM

#11

Agreed Brady, some water is a given and doesn't make it a bad boat by any means. But I think there is a limit beyond which you probably don't want to buy. Odds are that this boat isn't beyond that limit, but given the price (and I hope it's just reflective of a steal and nothing more) I'd be sure of that first as they can get pretty heavy.