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If this has been discussed already, I apologize. I've searched & searched the forums but to no avail....
A local is listing a 13' Boston Whaler "Mustang" with trailer for $1250. From what I gather, there is no such thing as a Mustang and it's most likely a Sport Series. I have not looked at it yet, nor have I seen and pictures. It's got a recently overhauled late 80s Johnson 35 on it.
Now on to my question. When I go look at it, what should I be looking for? Any big "gotchas" that I can avoid I would love to. I know very little about the Whalers in general, although I know their reputation is great and I always hear great things. Seller lives on the river, so I'm worried about whether or not he took it out and beat it up on the rocks. I know a little about boats, learning more & more as time goes on. I own a crappy 14' fiberglass tub of a boat and looking to upgrade.
If you look in the downloads section of the site you will find an inspection check list that is very helpful when looking at a boat. the first thing I would look for is the HIN. That will tell you if it's really a whaler, or a bad knock off.
The next thing to do it review personal pages and the whaler model specs so you know what a real 1980's whaler looks like. Take a lot of photo's if you go see it, most folks can help you with the ID it's it's really a whaler
One of the most important things to check when buying a used Whaler is to see if it is water logged. This paticular boat will not be easy since it is rigged. Water logged Whalers are useless. If this person lived on a river and kept it in the water it could very well be depending on the hull condition.
