Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Which Whaler to Purchase?
Posted by srwale on 08/26/15 - 3:56 PM
#1
Good day all. I am looking to purchase a boston whaler and need some advice from the community. We are boaters and currently have a 44 foot express cruiser. The kids are getting bigger, 15, 11, 7 and they want to do more water sports, light fishing, and just putting around the bay. This boat woudl stay at our marina and never really travel too far. I am somewhat familar with the montauk but there are so many other variants of these boats. Looking for year 2000 or newer, 15 -17 foot, less than 15k. What model do you think i should target? Dauntless, Rage, Ventura, Sport, Montauk? I know there are probably differences.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by mikegcny on 08/27/15 - 8:48 AM
#3
When I was 12 my father was in the same situation as you. He got my brother and I a Montauk. That was 1988 and there was only one Montauk model - the 17'. My brother still has the boat.
He made us take boating courses before buying us the boat, so we were responsible with it. That said - we took the boat almost everywhere in the New York area (New York Harbor, East River, Hudson River, Long Island Sound).
We mostly used it for Skiing but would occasionally fish. We got so much use of out it that we purchased a second 1989 Montauk 3 years later. We stored them side by side in our driveway in the winters; still wish I had taken pictures.
I agree with Joe - get the 17 Montauk (either 170 or an earlier 17). I wouldn't worry about the age if the hull is sound and if it has been re-powered.
Posted by Phil T on 08/28/15 - 4:37 PM
#4
For your price range and model year, it will be hard. The challenge is you need to buy for the future, not now.
With 3 kids, right now you are a good fit for a 2000-2002 Montauk. In a few years it will be a cramped.
Rage, Sport too small.
Ventura, Dauntless, more expensive than Montauk.
If it was me for now and future, in price range, easy choice - 1980's Outrage 18. If newer is better, I would say a used Nantucket/Outrage 190.
Posted by tedious on 08/29/15 - 3:41 AM
#5
I have a neighbor who has a Montauk 170, which would be a good fit, but most you see for sale are outside your price range. An Outrage 18 is a super boat, one you'll never outgrow, but does not pass your post-2000 test.
It's going to take quite a bit of looking to find a boat which is both fairly new and fairly cheap, but it's a good time of year to be doing that.