Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by rusty hook on 03/18/10 - 7:18 PM

I have heard that McKee copied the Boston Whaler hull, is this true?
Where are they built, state?
Are they still in production?
Did Whaler sue them or just made them quit building them?
Are the interiors the same also?

Posted by Bake on 03/19/10 - 4:32 AM

McKee Craft boats are built in South Carolina. I belive they still build them. I Know they did a year or so ago. Yes they are foam filled I do not know if they ever had a patten fight with whaler. There was also a spin off from McKee called Henry O. They had a really funky front grill with huge reverse chines. I owned a 14 McKee once it was a good little boat but with a 70 hp motor it porpoised with the motor trimmed out at all. I fabricated a set of fixed tabs on the stern and it ran great.
But also owning a 15 whaler I will tell you the whaler is a much better boat. I knew a guy who painted ass slapper on his 14 McKee because it was such a rough ride. But again Mine was a great shrimping boat, very stable.
Always remember you will always hear people who own McKee's say "It is like a whaler" But you will never hear a Whaler owner say "It is like a McKee.

Posted by wrangler on 03/19/10 - 10:05 AM

According to the USCG boating safety website Mckee Craft
(MIC) Manufacturer ID Code MKC was built in North Carolina and went out of business in July 2009. The Mckeecraft website only has a video that is in progress.

Posted by DaveS on 03/26/10 - 12:23 PM

Here's a link explaining why McKee Craft has gone out of business...sounds like they were a great family company but got fleeced by an investor...bummer...

http://www.thehulltruth.com/mckee-cra...board.html

Edited by DaveS on 03/26/10 - 12:24 PM