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I thought I would introduce myself. I want to get rid of my current boat and move into something that is more in line with my lifestyle and interests. I am considering a 13.3 Whaler and have been trying to educate myself before I do.

I currently have a 17 foot MFG that I haven't used in the last few years and want something that is a little better on gas, is easier to launch, trailer and maintain compared to my old MFG and that is easier to fish off of and use in smaller fresh waters which is mainly where I go. Especially since I will be towing it with a smaller truck and using it mostly with my wife.

I think I have decided I would like a sport or super sport but am not sure of the differences since they seem very similar in appearance. And I think I have already decided I would like a 30-40 HP. I would love a brand new one but don't think I can really afford that right now. So I am going to likely get a used one priced somewhere between $2500 and $4500 depending on what I get for my old beast.

I have been reading up some and see that there are differences in the transoms depending on the years and that there may be concerns of water in the hulls, especially in older models.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to which years are better or worse and what I should be looking out for? How hard are these to work on. I am a decent mechanic and have done some vehicle restorations so I can do all my own work. I would be willing to do some work on one but I would like to stop short of a basket case or something requiring a complete resto since I haven't had a Whaler before.

Any suggestions or information that would help me in my quest to obtain the right boat would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and I hope to learn as much as I can. I'm hoping to make a move next spring so I have a little time.

Dave