I've been looking at different boats and as much as I would love to pick up a Baja, Scarab or Fountain speedboat I think I found something more versatile.

I am pretty sure we are going to get a 18ft or maybe a 20ft Boston Whaler Ventura (dual console). I'm leaning towards the 18ft version as it still holds 8 people, is a good size and won't suck up a ton of gas.


Any Boston Whaler owners here? Could be a month or so before we pull the trigger. What are some things to look out for on dual console Boston Whalers? What are some good places to look online for this specific BW model?

With a wakeboard tower it should be quite the fun little boat.








Only way I see us not getting a BW is if we find a boat I've wanted for years, a mid 90's Scarab 22.

I have an older model Outrage. You can't beat them. I wish when I repowered it I went with Honda or Yamaha engine.

"Only way I see us not getting a BW is if we find a boat I've wanted for years, a mid 90's Scarab 22"

Always glad to help folks spend their money


http://www.boats.com/power-boa...t-scarab-22-5950318/

Spent my whole career with Boston Whalers. Ugly but useful. Wish I could afford my own.

A DR. Girl I dated years ago had a Black Thunder 43, so awesome.
I have never looked at boats the same since.

Olfuzzy, Ha! Nice. I missed out on one in Hampton roads for $2500 that needed a new block. Still kickin myself for not scooping it up.

My uncle had a Scarab CC (32ft I believe) with twin huge outboards and got it airborne somewhere near Fort Story Virginia. My father still swears it was riding that "effing Scarab" that blew out his back. I've always had a fondness for Scarab boats since that wild ride.

Great little boats, will always get you home! Dauntless series are a great value.

The Boston Whaler is a great boat. They won't sink on you even if cut in half. I was never a Mercury fan but I understand they are a lot better than they were in the past.

My retirement plan is Port St. Joe, FL and a Boston Whaler.

I own a Yacht Management business and have managed a 25'. 27' and 32' outrage for a while and also run a 37' outrage from time to time. Whalers are strong boats, and laid out with tons of ammenities. They're a bit too heavy for their size and on the slow side compared to their competitors...... What really annoys me are a lot of the little parts are Boston Whaler specific so you have to go to the dealer to order them......What do you want to know about whalers?

The newer Mercury's are pretty good. Maintenance costs are high on all of the new 4 strokes. I prefer Yamaha (but they have not been without their share of issues lately). Mercury does a really excellent job at integrating the controls and steering, it literally is like driving a car.

Get the 20...cheaper than buying the 18, selling it, and buying the 20.

Is that like the Green Egg, for seafood?

Or a Southie Regge band?

quote:

Originally posted by Beanhead:
Get the 20...cheaper than buying the 18, selling it, and buying the 20.

Same with the 20....

I had a 22, that became a 26...and now I'm not sure I'd ever own anything less than a 28...but 30 looks more ideal. lol.

Get the Whaler Dauntless if you're going to do any fishing, the Ventura if not...

The rear bench seat is loved by everyone.

Search down here in Florida, if you don't mind towing it home or having it delivered.

I met a guy whose business was buying used BW's from individuals down here, and towing them up to the Northeast to sell at considerable profit.

A Whaler flipper.

Doesn't look anything like the boat from "Moby Dick." Where do you store the harpoons?

Must be small whales around there.

My family had a couple of BWs, largest a 17' Montauk. They were known as very durable boats, guess they still are.

I'm another that says "Go 20", you'll appreciate that extra length.

I like them. Watch the YouTube vids attempting to sink one. I have thought about getting the tiny bathtub version.

So what are your requirements?....tow it on the road or leave at marina, fishing, pleasure cruising, water skiing...lakes, rivers and/or salt water.