Boston Whaler Quality

[Joe r]

I'm considering a Boston Whaler 15' dauntless. It's a 1996 with a 70 yamaha. Here's the problem: I've talked with brokers, mechanics, and boat owners and they either love the whalers or hate them. Many feel they're overpriced, but that's a topic for a different post. My main concern is that I hear the hulls are prone to saturation. Can anyone shed light? Is there anything else about whalers that I should be aware of?<br /><br />Many thanks.<br /><br />Joe

 

[DJ]

Re: Boston Whaler Quality

Joe,<br /><br />I dealt with two saturated Whalers. In my opinion, both were due to the manner in which previous owners installed items in the boat. They did not seal holes correctly. It was no big deal to send them to rehab. and dry them out.<br /><br />I had heard of some problems back in the early eighties with cracks in the floors causing similar problems. That was what I heard-rumor??<br /><br />I have heard nothing regarding this issue on newer models. However, poor installations will saturate any hull.

 

[fishfin]

Re: Boston Whaler Quality

Hi Joe, I must say I am fairly new to owning a Whaler, we own a 2002 13 sport we bought at the end of last year for the kids to play with. We owned a 1999 20'Grady before this and it was too much boat for them. Anyhow, in my opinion the Whaler is made every bit as well as the Grady. We love it. There are 43 13 foot whalers in our marina all different ages. Some ride better than others depending on hull style and age, but all seem to last forever. I don't think you can go wrong with a whaler and I am confident that they will stand behind it. Good Luck, Glenn

 

[singerjr]

Re: Boston Whaler Quality

dj,<br />Can you elaborate on this issue of hull saturation? I've heard of it before in conversations of certain types of boats mostly 80's (older) boats. I've never heard the complete story of exactly what it is, how it happens and how to avoid it and repair it once its happened. You said it could happen to any boat if you don't take care of it. Is the saturation in the foam filler of smaller boats or is it saturation of the fiberglass itself, which would seem near impossible.<br /><br />Joe r, <br />I've never owned a Whaler but have friends that do and an old neighbor that has had one since the 70’s. I remember when he brought it home it was a very impressive CC. It was different than any mid-sized boat that I had seen, CC’s weren’t as popular than as they are now. Even though it wasn't huge, it was built kind of like a small ship it looked like it could handle anything.<br /><br />I went out on it a few times and was surprised how secure I felt in a relatively small boat off shore. I think the only negatives I’ve heard usually are that some might not like the layout or looks, which has nothing to do with quality. Some people didn’t like pink Cadillac’s and some did either way it was a fine automobile. <br /><br />As you mentioned some feel they are priced higher than other similar looking boats, but for what you get I think they are priced right. Those I know who own them, I never hear them complain they paid too much for their boat they just talk about how good the boat has been to them. <br /><br />Good Luck!!!<br />