Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by dwedge57 on 09/14/10 - 3:31 AM

My wife was at her glass class and her instructor, who is also a friend of hers and is in his late 70's has a 1970 Boston Whaler - 13' 3" - with trailer - 16' 7". It has a Mercury 40 HP with Thunderbolt Ignition. It is missing a battery and only has one fuel tank - minor stuff. Hull looks real nice and the interior of the boat looks nice with no cracking except it needs a very good cleaning. It also has the chrome rails all around it, steering wheel, all mahogany wood parts, battery compartment, controls, an extra trolling motor and of course trailer.

The last sticker on the motor is dated 1973, but he said he had it checked over and it ran well a few years ago. He got sick and it's just been sitting in an enclosure out of the elements.

I told my wife, who meets with him tonight that I would like him to take it to a local Marine shop to have the boat looked at, engine checked, and if okay I would make him an offer. I told him I would pay to have it looked over if he got it there.

Considering what I've told you and the engine comes back clean and/or only needs minor repair, what do you think a fair price would be to offer him?

Thanks,

Dale

Edited by Tom W Clark on 09/19/10 - 1:31 PM

Posted by MW on 09/14/10 - 9:06 AM

I would offer only what the hull is worth, my thinking is: "I'm going to have to re-power" with a 40 year old outboard on the back, so add $4000 to what ever price you are willing to pay. Even if the motor is MINT, can you get parts ?

Posted by Geo on 09/14/10 - 4:56 PM

I had the same motor on my 13 foot 1970 whaler and it really ran fast. You will be more than surprised. Use the 15 inch three blade prop and set it on high tilt. A smaller prop will result in the motor running at too high an r.p.m. Let a little water into the rear well to shift the weight to the back and you can get the bow running high enough to get the boat up to full speed.

Posted by moose on 09/15/10 - 10:08 AM

If that Merc is a 1970 model it is a 2 cylinder with one of the worst reputations of the Merc lineup. If it is not run over cruise much it can last a good while. I have one just sitting in my garage with a new stator on it. It sat, like the one you mention, for 18 years. I started it with the new stator but decided to repower. I fish some pretty remote marshes and didn't want to chance the old engine.
Mike

Posted by Joe Kriz on 09/15/10 - 5:04 PM

Super Sport models were not made until 1984.

You might want to look a little closer at the "Whaler Models and Info" link on the left sidebar.
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...allery.php

So, you probably are referring to possibly a Sport model as you got some misinformation somewhere else.

Edited by Joe Kriz on 09/15/10 - 5:05 PM

Posted by dwedge57 on 09/17/10 - 3:49 AM

Picked up the boat last night and took it to a local Marine dealer and dropped it off.

First order of business, what shape is the 40 HP Mercury Outboard in?

Hope to get good news this afternoon or Saturday.

If that goes well, then we'll have them check over all of the electrical wiring, install a battery, etc.

I'll get some pics up in the near future.

Boat looks great, except for a little dirt and grime.

Trailer will need to be repainted.

Pulled it behind my 2005 Kia Sedona. Didn't even know it was back there.

Dale

Posted by dwedge57 on 09/17/10 - 12:37 PM

Well, the 1970 motor is shot, per the Marine Dealer.

The boat is really nice, except where would I find a short shaft 40 MPH engine?

Any ideas on whether or not I should make a bid on the boat and look for a replacement engine?

Dale

Posted by Fishmore on 09/17/10 - 7:46 PM

#11

I don't think I would let it go.

In a few minutes looking on Craigslist in Ohio I came across these two motors either of which would put you on the water until you want to upgrade.

2004 25 HP Mercury ES tiller - $1750 (Strasburg)
Outboard 25 hp Suzuki 4 stroke 2004 - tiller - short - manual - $1799 (Dublin)

Both are tiller style but it was just a quick look and you can probably find others. You have some good motor deals out there.

$1000 for a BW13 in good shape with a trailer and trolling motor. That is a good deal.