Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Advice on looking at a 16SL vs classic 16/17

Posted by thegage on 06/05/14 - 7:07 AM
#2

Positives: Smoother ride, definitely more storage space, less common boat, better for water sports.

Negatives: Little bit more tippy than a 16.7, which also means when you're solo and sitting in the pilot seat there's an apparent lean. Stand-up running can be done if you have the seat all the way back, again with more lean than if you were in the center. You can adjust to stand toward the center, but access to controls is more awkward. Depending on factors (motor weight, mounting height, prop) 16SLs can have more propensity to porpoise. A search of this site or Continuous Wave will give you lots of info on that topic.

The most unique thing on the 16SL is the drain system for the deck. Some of it goes into the ski locker (there's usually a bilge pump there), and some of it goes out the scuppers, but a lot of it goes into the gas tank cavity then out a small drain hole into the port stern storage locker. The small drain hole often becomes plugged leading to lots of standing water that will soak the tank foam and start to rot the tank cover/deck. At the very least you need to remove the Beckson plates and have a good look at the tank top and confirm condition of the deck. Otherwise standard Whaler checks--through hulls, transom, hull damage, electrics, etc. In the picture you posted the boat appears to have some bends in the bow rail, but can't say much else.