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Is anyone familiar with the Boston whaler venture in terms of how it handles on the water? Looking for a 18'-20'. Not sure what type of gas tank it has or if there is any wood stringers down below. I guess what I'm asking is there any concerns with this Model?

Kind regards,

Key-z

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There are no stringers in any Boston Whaler model.

The fuel tanks for all Ventura models is aluminum.

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Thanks Phil T

Do you know if there is any wood in the ventura vessels?

Kind regards,
Key-z

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the fuel tank is almost certainly an under the deck plastic tank which is very reliable.

I am unaware of any wood used in modern Boston Whaler boats. That is one of the many attractions of these fine boats. Venturas are fine models that ride well but they are not widely recommended for use in the offshore environment in rough weather.

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Since you don't specify a year there are a few caveats.

Boston Whaler uses plywood in the transom. Not a cause of concern.

There is also plywood, later Whalerboard (phenolic) backing pieces embedded in the floor, gunnels and decks depending on model. Diagrams are available.

The Ventura is considered by many to be a battle wagon. Heavy, solid and a great riding boat.

Tom Andresky (BlueWaterPirate) has a 2003 Ventura 210 with a Mercury 225 Optimax and had dozens of trip reports of offshore runs from North Carolina.

There have been few complaints other that the price, when new. These boats were expensive. Probably due to the high quality. The high price to make led to their short production run.

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The boat I want to purchase is a 1999 with a Mercury 200hp optima blue series. I owe a 1985 18.6' outrage with a 1998 evinrude motor that runs great but my boating habits are changing and I would like to have a creature comfort boat that I can still go out fishing.

You mentioned there was a diagram of the Ventura. Is it on this site? I couldn't find it.

Kind regards,

Key-z

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Phil,

Thanks for the information. Somewhere I got the idea the reinforcement in the transom was Whalerboard.

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Thank you for the information Butch. My outrage is a honey of a boat and Once I purchase the Ventura I will have to sale boththe outrage and my 13' whaler. I just can't afford to keep piling them up and using for different occasions. Do you know if a 1999 has wood anywhere? Not that I'm concerned about wood, I just want to know.

Kind regards,

Key-z

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Key,

As Phil T mentioned, the transom is wood reinforced. I believe the Ventura is otherwise entirely wood free.

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Thank you for the information both of you provided. Really makes me feel good about the Ventura. Can't wait to get it.

Key-z

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There is a nice looking Ventura 20 ft. for sale on craigslist Roanoke, Va. Not mine, I just noticed it.

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On my way to get it. Just a little concern with the 1999 Mercury 200hp. Not familiar with mercury engines and what I read there is problems with power heads blowing.

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Bought it and love it! : )