Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by BenchRacing on 08/11/09 - 9:00 PM

I spent the first few months of spring looking for a Montauk 17 with trailer so I could get out and do some coastal fishing with our two boys. I found this wonderful 16.5 1971 Boston Whaler Menemsha advertised about a month or so ago and had to take a look. It was in good structural shape but dirty and the engine, steering, and shifter need attention. Had a great short trip from it's slip in San Pedro to the ramp at Cabrillo to trailer it home for some TLC. It was funny as the 115 HP Classic Chrysler jumped back and forth between operating on one or both carbs, teasing us with it's performance potential but reminding us that this was no "turn-key" boat. Well last week after lots of elbow grease and a session with the local Chrysler outboard expert (great compression and excellent mechanicals) she's looking good and we plan on splashing her in the Pacific next week. Carb rebuild, steering overhaul (steer with one finger now), new batteries, rebuild the windshield, re-stitch and clean the custom boat cover, re-varnish the interior bits, sort out and re-wire the electricals, buff & polish and check out the custom ordered "Classic Boston Whaler" decals! I have posted a dozen or so detail photos at http://rides.webshots.com/album/573994810eKyQWK

Yes, I know it has been modified by PO for fishing and none of the original parts were available. No bunks, no head (ever), and the jury is still out on the "DUCK" motif although we are big Anaheim Ducks (hockey) fans and it just may work. Updates and photos and hopefully video as they are available. I am really excited at how well she is cleaning up and as this truly is a "love it or hate it" Whaler, I'm definitely lovin' it. Thanks go out to some fellow Menemsha owners from this message board that helped with some details and info, you guys are the best.
Best Regards,
Charles
Costa Mesa, CA

Edited by BenchRacing on 08/11/09 - 9:09 PM

Posted by Guts on 08/11/09 - 9:26 PM

Congratulations on your Duck Bill I think that's what they call them. I have always like this model of Whaler.Have you re-placed the water pump? Happy Whaling...

Posted by BenchRacing on 08/11/09 - 9:39 PM

New impeller and water pump housing was part of the extensive service. I am not one to mess around with the mighty ocean and a reliable outboard and seaworthy boat were tops on the list. Double battery set up also.

Posted by Binkie on 08/12/09 - 2:49 PM

Don`t sell your Chrysler short. They are great outboards. They got a bad reputation because many were sold on Bayliners to new boaters who didn`t maintain them or the boat. they are extremely simple to work on and you can find lots of parts on E-Bay.
I have been running a Chrysler 75 and 105 Race motor on my antique raceboat for 3 years, with no trouble at all. If you have a points distributor and the module craps out, You can eliminate it. Just add a condenser to the distributor, and a automotive coil, change a couple of wires around, and you have battery ignition.
Join this site for Chrysler info.

????

Here is a picture of my 105 racer

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c19...chrys3.jpg

Edited by Joe Kriz on 08/12/09 - 3:01 PM

Posted by Binkie on 08/12/09 - 2:54 PM

That link for Chrysler crew doen`t work. Just type in Chrysler Crew on Google.

Posted by Bake on 08/12/09 - 3:23 PM

The boat looks to be in nice shape. From the looks of the pictures The guy through in a couple of gas tanks to sweeten the deal.
As mentioned above don't sell the motor short. I knew a guy who had one of those Bayliner's. The motor ran great on it. Any motor that old would not have any real value. I bet the motor will run for a long while yet.

Posted by ioptfm on 08/12/09 - 3:41 PM

I think the Menemsha is one of the most fascinating Whalers ever made. I'm sure you get lots of looks and stares as you are motoring around. Love the Duck face paint job!