Whaler thoughts

[wrussellw]

I am looking at purchasing a 21-24 center console for use
on inland/coastal Northwest Florida. I have a Montauk now
but really want something more comfortable for 4-5 people
My question for the whaler guys is:
1. Take advantage of the current market and buy new or
Nearly new
2. Buy a good older hull 1999 or newer and repower
I would rather have Yamaha than a Merc.
Also do like the attention of detail on the older models
Also electronic that are more than a couple years old to me
don't have alot of value
advice please thanks

[zelatore]

I'm certainly not a Whaler expert, but here's what I think. Remember, this is worth exactly what you're paying.

1-In the west, the new boat market for large boats has been bad. Correction- BAD!. However, it's starting to turn around. The east has had it a little better than we have, and I believe Whalers in particular have suffered a bit less than other brands. They've suffered, just not quite as much as you would expect from a premium name.

You can read this to say you may be at the tail end of the super-depressed boat market, so if you're going to try to get a smokin' deal on a new boat this is the time to do it. Add in the fact that a lot of the eastern/northern markets are heading into the off season, and I don't think you'll find a better shopping opportunity.

2-Older premium boats have been a safer bet during the last dark months. Sure, the lower prices on new boats have driven down the prices on used boats to some degree, but people still have a pay-off to make on a late-model, so they haven't yet been very willing/able to take the hit. The older boats on the other hand have held up a little better proportionally since they were already further along the depreciation curve. Yes, their prices are down too, just not as much. Again, this is more speaking about the big names like Whaler.

3-It sounds like you care about electronics, so just expect that any used boat is going to need all new gear and factor that in. These things advance so fast they're obsolete almost before you get them home. I put all new Raymarine E-series gear on my Carver just a few years ago. Guess what? The next generation of E-series stuff is launching this fall....

So, I think you're best bet is a brand new boat or an older one, but not so much a late-model used boat. I did hear about a couple Whalers dealers' inventories being liquidated by the banks over the summer, but nothing recently. You might try some of the repo-specialists for a hot deal on a new boat.

[lars]

Always liked Whalers, but after taking a serious look at the workmanship and attention to details, (heavy duty hardware etc.), of the Everglades boats at Long Beach, CA boat show the other week I was very impressed. I guess the founders of Everglades were instumental in devopment at Boston Whalers way back, don't know the full story.
Most Everglades seem to be powered by Honda & Suzuki engines, but I found this one with a 350 Yamaha which seem a cool choice. Their so called RAMCAP building technique should bound for some great safety. I haven't been on of these yet, but the Everglades seem to get some very good reviews in sportfishing magazines.

Link to pre-owned 2008 Everglade 243 CC in Sarasota, FL.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2008-Everglades-240-Center-Console-95452666

Nice video ad; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xKTgHP8bXo&feature=related

Factory web-site link; http://www.evergladesboats.com/company/legend.php

Good luck with Your purchase.

[BUIZILLA]

my nephew has a 243... they are VERY happy with it.. i've only been on it a couple different times, but it seems very workable... everything is there for a reason or function, no glitter, no bling, just first class detail attention.. gotta love the sliding windshield.. not a fast boat, his has a 250 Verado and won't make 50..

[joseph m. hahnl]

However, I'd go with an older Whaler myself, the Outrage's are a good, and much cooler boat IMO..



Ditto :yes:

[A2VeeDub]

My brother has a 22' Outrage. I love it. I think it is an 89. It is repowered with twin 115 Yamaha four strokes. Its a little heavier in the stern with the four strokes, but runs great. Cruise at 28-30mph and tops in the upper 30's. Will handle some water but it is tight on room. Basically no sitting room and only comfortable standing room for 5 or 6. Has a nice little 2-3 person cuddy cabin.

[Ghost]

http://www.thehulltruth.com/attachments/boating-forum/74488d1241873887-whats-oldest-power-boat-still-service-tht-pt-jeff.jpg

Yeah, I've said it before, but this one is so wacky and cool...

[wrussellw]

Always liked Whalers, but after taking a serious look at the workmanship and attention to details, (heavy duty hardware etc.), of the Everglades boats at Long Beach, CA boat show the other week I was very impressed. I guess the founders of Everglades were instumental in devopment at Boston Whalers way back, don't know the full story.
Most Everglades seem to be powered by Honda & Suzuki engines, but I found this one with a 350 Yamaha which seem a cool choice. Their so called RAMCAP building technique should bound for some great safety. I haven't been on of these yet, but the Everglades seem to get some very good reviews in sportfishing magazines.

Link to pre-owned 2008 Everglade 243 CC in Sarasota, FL.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2008-Everglades-240-Center-Console-95452666

Nice video ad; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xKTgHP8bXo&feature=related

Factory web-site link; http://www.evergladesboats.com/company/legend.php

Good luck with Your purchase.

I have been looking at Everglades. A real top notch boat. I missed out on a 243 last week. I really am leaning toward an older Whaler with new power. Just need to come up with exactly what so I can do some serious hunting.

[lars]

Posted yesterday.

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/018354.html

[lars]

Forgot to give You this good link if You'd like to continue Your hunt.

http://sites.google.com/site/rohlfingswhalersite/Home

[Lenny]

I am looking at purchasing a 21-24 center console for use
on inland/coastal Northwest Florida. I have a Montauk now
but really want something more comfortable for 4-5 people
My question for the whaler guys is:
1. Take advantage of the current market and buy new or
Nearly new
2. Buy a good older hull 1999 or newer and repower
I would rather have Yamaha than a Merc.
Also do like the attention of detail on the older models
Also electronic that are more than a couple years old to me
don't have alot of value
advice please thanks


I have had an 11, a 13, a 15 and a Montauk 17. I am not really a fan of the ride they provided but they were fun in warm weather. Personally, I would stay away from all the new "Dauntless" designs and the new format and get an older one, one of the original Outrages or Revenges. I prefer them far more than the new offerings.

Actually, I'd buy a Grady White or Robalo or Pursuit or Tiara or Contender or whatever that has a better entry.

My $.02.