Mako Vs Whaler

[skiffer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

JB:<br /><br />I keep thinking about your near-death experience with the Hatteras. I have a few tips for you that might help in the seamanship department:<br /><br />Next time a big wave comes, take it about 45 degrees off the port or starboard bow instead of dead on. Whaler style hulls have more bouyancy on the sides than in the bow and that will help lift the hull out of the wave. <br /><br />Also, give the boat a nudge with the motor as the wave starts to lift the bow. The forward momentum will carry the hull up and clear of the wave rather than have it tossed about and possibly roll over or pitchpole. Seems counterintuitive, but it works.<br /><br />All this takes a bit of practice but keep at it and it will become instinctive.<br /><br />By the way, if your Whaler does ever flip over, how do you intend to right it? Or do you plan on spending the night with "comely companion" trying to dig your fingernails into the slippery bottom of the overturned hull?

 

[Chum Slick]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

I have never owned a BW but have been on several and have heard a lot of good things about them. Most boat owners are going to be loyal to their brand with some exceptions. I currently own two Makos, 20'CC and 238 W/A. Both are very heavy hulls and great rides in rough chop. I have had my 20'CC out in the lower Chesapeake Bay when a lot of bigger and different style boats have turned back. Now that may be attributed to a lack of common sense and the love of fishing and not necessarily have anything to do with the boat. But I will put my 20' CC Mako against any flat bottom Whaler as far as ride in the chop. I have a friend that has a 23' Carolina Skiff, which is a budget priced Whaler anyway, and he can't stay with me on rough water. As far as my 238 W/A, she is a beast and will take almost anything I ever want to experience.

 

[DJP]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

In my opinion, and you all know I have one. When I had access to any number of finer vessels; I ran same for the owners upon request as a preventive maintenance type arrangement. Among the many boats I played with I did play with two that semi fit the bill here. The first was a 1989 Boston Whaler Outrage 25 CC, T/T, Yamaha 200's, tabs, the other was the 1989 Mako 261 CC, T/T, Johnson 250's, tabs, and what the hell I'll throw in the 1990 Hydrasports 25CC, T/T, 200 Yamaha's, tabs, all three boats were heavily rigged fishing machines. Of the three after approx. 1 hour of running flat out in an isolated shoreline channel, out to sea to 2 ft swells and back again, the whole time trying to find something wrong I came to the following conclusion. The Boston Whaler while a solid boat did not have a smooth ride even in light chop, this I believe was due to the overall design, and what felt like a waterlogged hull. It was not fast, with the motors although only 200's I guess I expected more, even with tabs it was very disappointing. The Mako on the other hand was very fast, that was the first thing I remember, it jumped out of the hole like it was on fire, negotiated through the run and into the seas without compromise or question, an engine alarm went off for a split second half way through and then back off before I could figure it out, impressed I was. The hull was solid, as solid as the Whalers, but it did not have the feel of a sinking ship. It sat upright and straight like an Pointer at the Westminster, it just felt right. THe Hydasports was similiar in feel to the Mako, while the drive system was similiar to the Whaler's, the Hydra was as equally fast as the Mako, but it felt light...mabey to light, kinda like the balsa wood race cars we all made as cub scouts back in the day. Over all the Hydra posed no problems but the hull was hollow sounding, and again it felt like there was no substance to it. Incidentally i've seen many an inexperienced mariner attempt to "park" their vessel in a slip in a raging current only to run laterally into the walkway piling ripping a hole in the side of the boat, some sink some don't....Fountains sink, Whalers don't. A Mako, not the same one I was in did not sink, sustained light damage, but definitly needed repair. A Hydrasports, again not the some one I was used too sustained heavy damage from such a hit leaving a gaping hole, but did not take on enough water to cause a problem. We were able to recover all of these boats with standard equipment for the owners after the incidents. Except the Fountain, that took a little more work, what a mess. Anyway, my opinion in the matter is that If I had the choice between the three, A Whaler, A Mako, or A Hydrasports, I would choose the Mako hands down, sorry folks, that's my story and I'm stickin to it. <br /><br />As a closing remark... The Whaler reminded me of another vessel similar in stature, the older Mariners ought to know it.......The Seacraft Tsunami... Remember those machines ? Hard to find now, I would still prefer a late 70's early 80's Tsunami over a Whaler. G'day Y'all... <br /><br />DJ

 

[Gep]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

T I Smith,<br />I think you need to go for a ride in each one and decide for yourself. I don't see how you could form an opinion without doing that. I think everybody has their favorites.<br /><br />Jersey Jim, I registered so I could ask you if you had any pictures of of your '58 Whaler, I would like to see them if you do. I've got a '59 and haven't seen any older than mine. It's been in my family for 42 years.<br /><br />skiffer, what a hoot. I think you should give JB some more pointers on piloting a boat as he obviously doesn't have any experience. <br />Right JB P.S. JB, I'm almost done with my Outrage!<br /><br />Trippin, nice informative post, no bias just solid first hand experience.<br />Mike

 

[skiffer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Gep:<br /><br />You wrote:<br />---------------------------<br /> "I think you should give JB some more pointers on piloting a boat as he obviously doesn't have any experience."<br />---------------------------<br />Yeah, I hope he practices a little, maybe a Power Squadron course would help.<br /><br />But he does have some good ideas. His words posted above, which I have taken the liberty of repeating here, show the true wisdom of an experienced seaman:<br />---------------------------<br />"That is sort of like running through the woods with your eyes closed. There are trees there, and if you don't alter heading appropriately you will whack a few."<br />---------------------------<br />Food for thought!

 

[JB]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Hi, GEP!!<br /><br />Welcome to the Board. Glad to see you here and hope you come back often. <br /><br />Well, Skiffer, we do agree on something. . . tactics to deal with a big wave. Your description certainly fits "cooperating with the sea".<br /><br />You left out one thing, though: "Pay attention to the jerk in the huge barge. Deal with the squeeze later."

 

[skiffer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

....and keep the keel side down.

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Skiffer,<br /><br />As a Boston Whaler owner myself, (3 Whalers now), But where do you stand? Which do you like? Mako or Whaler.<br /><br />JAZZ

 

[skiffer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Jazz:<br /><br />All kidding aside (until jb comes back anyway) I think the Whaler is a great boat in quiet water - rivers, bays, etc. It is well made, every detail is well thought out, and they're lots of fun. I wouldn't kick one out of bed.<br /><br />But if I had to choose between another Whaler or a Mako, I would take the Mako. But if you want to give away one of your Whalers.....

 

[11 footer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

As far as making blanket statements goes, isn't that what forums such as this are for, to exchange ideas and opinions? Anyone who's too immature to handle negative opinions about their boat needs to grow up.<br />And Ryan T - there are a lot of good boats out there besides BW's. You're not a BW dealer are you? <br /><br />Skiffer,<br />No, I'm not a whaler dealer. I think the new whalers are sad. They look like sea ray want a bee's.<br /><br />Sure,there are many other good boats out there, just none better then whaler <br /><br />I would not buy any open boat under 25' unless it was a whaler.<br /><br />I really like the bigger gradys though..........

 

[11 footer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Another thing Skiffer,<br /><br />Although I think you have poor tast in boats and you think that I am a too immature to handle negative opinions about my boat and need to grow up.<br /><br />You have made a good debate and have had a example to back up every statement, good jod.<br /><br />Peace!!!!!

 

[skiffer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Yeah, we would probably choose different women too. But boats are like women - if you don't like the one you have, just get another.

 

[RJS]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

I'll take a soft riding boat over overpriced life preserver any day. Makos aren't cheap, but they ride really soft. I don't own a Mako, but have gone for a ride on one. Nice ride, the constant pounding of hulls such a BW or a Scout (not the new hulls) are very tiring and detract from the boating experience. If you use your head and watch the weather, the saw-in-two, unsinkable boats are unnecesary.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Skiffer,<br />I'll be sure to remember that

 

[Gep]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Thanks JB,<br />I've been lurking for a couple of years and finally registered today.<br />Mike

 

[skiffer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

One final thought:<br /><br />Boats are a lot like women. You have to keep trying different ones until you find one that does it right.

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

gep I have some pictures and can take some more.... feel free to email me: bender@spacerobots.org

 

[BillP]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Now I understand, "boats n' women". All are good, some just ride better than others!

 

[11 footer]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

LOL

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Mako Vs Whaler

Yes! Ships like a woman, Responds to touch!<br /><br />JAZZ