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Sorry to bother everyone, but, I'm brand new to this page, but, have always be in love with Boston Whalers. If someone could help me post my questions, I'd really appreciate it. My question would be....After wanting a Boston Whaler for over 30 years, why would I not consider buying a newer boat for less money? I know a lot of people will give me crap for this question, but, I really want to know. Why not buy a newer boat for the same or less money? Thanks for all your help. Ken in Tucson

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Do you mean a newer BW versus an older one , or do you mean a newer non BW boat versus an older BW ??

Todd

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Nobody's gonna give you any crap here for a question, that's why we're here, to help each other out. I loved "Whaler's" for years but, gave up on getting one because, I could'nt afford it, I finally bought one (used) 20 years ago, a little sport 15'. I caught some "Flak" about buying such a small boat for so much money from "some" boat people but, an "old Salt" down at the dock said to me "Son, YOU got the right idea", and I knew about "Whaler" QUALITY, and the fact that the boat WILL NOT SINK. This boat also made it through the gas crisis NO PROBLEM$, it has been "Called to Duty" and assisted in Rescues many times over the years on larger boats that got into trouble. Out of all the people that owned boat's that I knew, only one other guy I know still own's a boat from 20 years ago (he took my advice and bought the "Boston Whaler" sport 13). In the world of boats, There are "Boston Whaler's" and then theirs everything else.

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Welcome to the site and please don't ever hesitate to ask a question here. We are all here to learn and to help each other. Now for you question..............you can more than likely answer it yourself by looking around and seeing how many old Whalers are still around and doing well and then compare that to how many of the one time pretty fancy boats are ragged and falling apart. My Whaler is 30 years old and I hope my son and his children will enjoy it for another 30 years.

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Ken,
welcome to WC. Before you decide to buy a BW or some other brand of boat decide what you want to use the boat for, how many people will be going out on the boat regularly and will you trailer the boat or leave it in a slip. Do you enjoy working on things or do you need it ship shape, jump in it an go type of guy.
Once you come back with those questions answered we can help you decide if a new or used BW or perhaps another brand would fit your needs.

There are many good brands of boats out there, some are cheaper than BW, some cost more, some have better amenities and some are as spartan as a BW.

My neighbor has a 19 foot Offshore, similar in size and age to my 18 Outrage. He works hard on the boat and could probably sell it for 2k if he is lucky, but it fits his needs. The funny part is, he really loves my 18 Outrage, larger gas tank, full canvas for the weather, stern seat and some nice features like the ability to replace the gas tank if it ever leaks.

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There as a few good boats out there, but they are not any or not much cheaper that Boston Whalers of the same vintage. the thing with Boston whalers is, is that retain there value better than most boats. If you looking at other newer boats, you can always tell a cheaply built boat, becuase they always cover the transom,(where the motor bolts on) with an aluminum cap. This is a cheap way of finishing a difficult area of the boat where the splash well meets the transom and there is a seam. Not that it will make the boat sink, its just a crappy way of solving this joint problem. These are the boats that you will see abandoned behind marina, and in marine salvage yards, down the road a few years.

rich

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Thanks for the warm welcome. So, back to my question. I'm looking at a 1975 BW with a same year Mercury 85 HP. I figure I can get it for $2500. I know it will need work on the hull and motor, I'm looking forward to that though. I can handle motor work, but, have never done fiberglass work. Therefore, back to my original question. Will the 1975 BW 16'er, be able to handle the rigors of fishing the Sea of Cortez, or should I buy something newer that can take the battering of the open sea? Thanks again. Ken in Tucson And yes, we do have boats in the desert! kw

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Ken,
depends on what shape the boat is in and what you mean by "the rigors of fishing in the Sea of Cortez"? If you will go out in 8 to 10 foot waves with lots of wind, I am not sure you will handle that in a 16 foot boat. If your going out in 1 to 3 footers and not too far out to where fuel carrying ability becomes a concern, then you might be ok. You will probably give out way before the boat, even 13 foot whalers can handle a lot. One question is, how is the boat setup, can you stand up to drive or do you sit? Standing is easier on your back when going thru waves and nasty weather.

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The BW I am currently looking at is 16' with a stand up center console. kw How good will a Mercury 85 hp push a 16 footer?

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Depends on what shape the Merc is in. The 16 foot hulls are rated at 100HP so an 85HP in good shape should do fine.

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I have a 78 17foot montauk with a 78 evenrude 70 HP and it will do 30mph with two people. I can run two days on 24 gallons of gas up at Lake Erie. Its sad to come back to dock and see all the boats tied up because of gas prices last summer. A 90 would be better for me so I could get out of the hole better on rough days.

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Ken

Welcome to the wonderful world of WC and Whalers. I was also in your position of wanting a Whaler for years, looked at new Whalers, looked at other new boats, and looked at used Whalers. Compared to boats of the same vintage as the one I ended up buying, none were anything I even considered. I could have gotten a new boat for a a few more $'s than I ended up spending, but am so much happier with the boat I ended up with.

Folks like Joe Kriz, Jeff Rohlfing, Phil Tyson, and the rest have been super helpful through many questions I've had over time. It's a great community, and you'll have a lot of fun if you get your hands on an older Whaler.

Good Luck

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Ken,

I prefer the older Whalers over the newer models....just personal preference. I think the best combination is an older hull repowered with new engine technology. Of course, if you are good with the mechanical issues the older motor should be fine for you.

If you have been wanting a Whaler for 30 years don't wait any longer. Just buy it, use it for a while and if you decide it is not the right boat you can easily sell it.