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Hi all -- looking for our first power boat after canoeing. I'm considering a truly pristine 1988 13' whaler with a 40hp oil injected Mercury that barely looks used. One owner and garage kept.

We are 2 adults and 2 little kids. We are on the west coast and looking for an all around boat for the ocean, big rivers and big lakes where weather can get rough. Need it to get to interested spots, beach it for picnics and hikes, etc., not cruising.

I can't afford a 15' whaler (really expensive around here). Will we regret the 13'? It looks a little tight for 4. Any families of 4 use this boat successfully?

Thanks!

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If you are going to use this boat for a family of 4 to do day cruising, water sports, and or fishing the smallest hull I would be looking for would be a 17. A 13 and 15 can feel crowded after a day with just 2 people. Also if you are expecting to be in rough weather with the family you do not want a 13 or 15 that has little freeboard when the seas come up. One thing I have seen through the years is, the last thing you want is to purchase a boat that will provide you with a poor boating experience right off the bat. Once this happens it is difficult to then resell the idea to the family to reinvest a bigger boat. Get something the right off the boat will be right for you. Wait and save if you have to.

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I would not take a 13' boat into the Gulf of Mexico with my kids on it, I can tell you that for sure.

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pretty much what was said before. a 13' works fine for cruisin inland waterways and rivers around the marshes and such as we have here, and it is fine for carrying four people short distances, just from A to B, but anything beyond that, the cramped feeling as well as proximity to the sea (youll practically be sitting in the water) will leave you wishing you had more.

another thing to take into consideration is that, while you may now have two young children, as they grow the now-cozy 13' will become downright tiny for four plus picnic stuff, gear, etc that you may want to carry.

not to mention that, while I realize you probably wouldnt take it out in the colder months anyway, the 13' will spray anyone on board, almost no matter what the conditions. while in Savannah, GA, a little spray can be a pleasant or at least not unbearable thing, this may not be the case as often in Canada, where it says you are from. this is more of a presumption, so please correct me if I am wrong.

long story short, I second the suggestion to save for something bigger.

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I grew up on the west coast in a 13' Whaler. To me, ocean means ocean and not inland waters like Puget Sound or the inside passage; big lakes are in Michigan; and rough weather means as much up and down motion as forward.

All of it might be doable in a 13'; you won't sink but you might capsize. And you will get soaked!

On the other hand, the 13' is awesome for snooping around islands and coves. You can beach it on sand and gravel. And as kids we rolled our 13 down the beach or across the flats on logs more than once after the tide stranded us. It's basically a small box with shelves to sit on. But when your kids get old enough to take it out on their own you will have given them the gift of a lifetime. At least that's what I got from my folks. .02 :)

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Thanks very much folks. I'll hold off for now and save for a Montauk.

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You are in a buyers market right now. Go to boattraderonline.com and check it a few times a week. Things pop up on there that are good deals.
It took me about 5 months to find my boat. If you are patient and you check the boats for sale on a regular basis, you'll find a Montauk at a good price. Keep saving in the interim.

Good luck

Brian

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The 13' and 15' model's are under 16' and are classified as "Tender's". They're great for blasting around the Bay but, "Open water" would be pushing the hull's past their limits.

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canuckjgc

I live in Bellingham Washington just down the road and can keep an eye out for you as there are a lot of them around here, if you like and PM you when something comes up.

Michel

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I have to say that I am one of 4 boys and we grew up with a 13' in Dutch Harbor Alaska. I don't remember a single time that I wished for a bigger boat. My dad on the other handmay have. We were always using that little whaler to run around the Island to salmon rivers and running crab pots. The above post about it being a great boat that you can beach and explore is spot on. Perfect boat for that. But I am looking for a 17'-20' for using in the straights ofjuan de fuca/cape flattery and the pacific ocean.

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I never felt unsafe at anytime in my 13 foot Whaler, Its like a cork. When my kids were small we would regularly go out in the Gulf snorkeling and fishing. Its a big step up from a canoe.

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Okaaay....I'm a little confused. Sounds as though some figure it would be great fun, and others think it a soaking wet deathtrap?

Just to clarify we will be in sheltered ocean inlets, lakes and rivers. Kids are 4 and 2. Day outings only (typically only a few hours at that).

Would it be worth buying it and then selling it in a few years when we can afford a Montauk or similar?

The one I'm looking at is a true pristine beauty. Well used Montauk's in my area are double the price and up.

I can't imagine buying a boring old runabout after fixating on a whaler.

Michel: yes, please PM if you see something.

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Go for it! I have a 13' my two kids are ages 5 and 7 years old. They love the boat and do not complain one bit about it's size......because they are out on the water. I think you'll be fine as long as you stay in close and don't try and tempt faite by venturing way offshore.

I have found out one thing about these inexpensive 13' footers and that is "I am out on the water and getting just as wet, catching just as many fish, and absorbing just as much sun as those guys inthe big go-fasts are". Thing is, with my 13', I am doing it a far cry less expensive than those guys are.

As for another adult on board when I am out with the kids? No problem. Make due with what you got and have fun with it. Save up for a bigger boat and when the kids get bigger, get that bigger boat if you're so inclined.

Just my $.02

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I think Cliff just said it better than I did. Plus you will have 40hp and thats plenty of hp to haul around 4 adults too. I have owned several 13 footers over the years, the first one was when my kids were small, and we never felt threatened. I`ve had bigger boats at the same time, (25` Bertram, 24` Aqua Sport,) but always kept the the 13 footers and they were my favorite for sure. My kids love to sit on the bow platform and get pounded, thats just the way kids are. Also I believe it has the lowest depreciation of any boat around. You may get a bigger boat later, but you`ll probably have your 13 footer too.
Get it now while it lasts.

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Something you may want to check into.

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/017314.html

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The 15 footer is not as stable as the 13 footer as the beam is about the same, just 2 feet longer, although the price may be right on the 15 footer, if the owner becomes desperate to sell.

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I'm not sure I understand this statement..............I'm not disputing it, I'm just curious as to how that can be true.

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Tom,
I don't think the length vs. width so much affects the stability but the shape of the hull. The V on the 15 lets it roll a bit while the 13 won't.
Mike