What To Look For When Buying a Pre-Owned Boston Whaler

In this video, I show you what to look for when buying a preowned Boston Whaler. In this video, I examined a 2003 Boston Whaler 150 Sport, one of my favorite whaler models. Unfortunately, this one was a pretty rough example but it provides an excellent example of what you don’t want in a preowned Whaler.

[@dirkboom960]

Thanks, Carson. This is something we should find out. I know from experience that removing/replacing foam is a hell of a job. Did it once before on a Dory 13 (built by dell Quay), a British built boston Whaler 13 clone. They filled those boats with open cell foam and drilled holes in the three strakes of the trimaran hull, to fit copper strips to prevent damage when beaching. the moment those new boats were put in the water, they became instantly worthless.

[@illsuspect]

Appreciate the quick to the point info and the visuals to go along with it.

[@WhalerNation]

Thanks so much! This was a pretty fun video to make and I’m happy if I was able to help you. Have a great day!

[@posterfeter]

Nice little video with lots of good tips and information - thanks!

[@WhalerNation]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate your support of the channel.

[@petemcfeet28]

Wow. I was looking for BW specific information. What we get is "make sure it's not a rusty, patchy, dried out pos on a crappy trailer". Damn! Thanks for that! How insightful.

[@WhalerNation]

I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or not, but thanks I guess? And actually, you want the boat to be “dried out” - not moist. The foam that was beneath the gelcoat was certainly quite saturated.

[@arubanjames]

Nice video, I didn’t expect to learn that much in a short video, and I’ve been boating for 20 years. 10 years on a 18 outrage.

[@WhalerNation]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate your comment! That’s an awesome boat. My dad had that same model and he loved it. Definitely consider subscribing! :)

[@0302Sully]

Nice job with this .. well done!

[@WhalerNation]

Thanks so much!! I hope the video helps people !

[@OyamaBinLovin]

Hey bud. I just bought a 93 Rage 14' with a new Yamaha 701 in it. Can't wait to get her out and really appreciate the tips in your video.

[@WhalerNation]

Thanks so much! That’s very kind of you to say. The 70 sounds insane. Would love to see some videos! Post on your channel. And if you’re local, would love to have a chance to film it. Let me know if you have any questions. I’m sure you’ll do great

[@noahwilker2997]

I'm looking at a 1980 15 sport now, and this was super helpful. Thanks for posting

[@WhalerNation]

My pleasure! Thanks so much for your comment. I really do appreciate it. Consider subscribing for more helpful Whaler content! :)

[@noahwilker2997]

@@WhalerNation Done. If you're open to looking/advising at a photo or 2 of boat, please let me know. Thanks!

[@WhalerNation]

@@noahwilker2997 haha thanks so much. And yes, let me know your email (I’ll delete it after) and I’m happy to advise. Thanks!

[@floridagirl9064]

@@WhalerNation would you mind doing that for me please. idk what im looking@.

[@WhalerNation]

@@floridagirl9064 yes of course. send your email over and I’ll delete the comment when received. I’ll reach out tomorrow

[@billearnhardt2638]

Thanks, lot’s of good info 👍

[@ajmboatingbeaches7049]

Very interesting video. 👍

[@troymerrell5790]

I want to refurbish an old BostonWhaler and I’m good with wood but I’m in Missouri and old Whalers are few and far between in my neck of the woods so I’m leaning toward a vacation to Florida on the hunt for one .....

[@WhalerNation]

That’s a great idea! You’ll definitely find something good in Florida. Also I saw your other comment and I found it to be really funny. That 25 sounds good but work is work haha there’s no way around it. If you’re interested in more Whaler content, definitely consider subscribing! There’s a lot more to come!

[@brianhughes6204]

Hi Carson great video. Very helpful. I am looking to pick up a 1986 BW Supersport. Been well cared for and in storage for a few years. Anything in particular on a 1986 to look at and that is has been in storage? I have pics of her before going into storage. Thanks,

[@WhalerNation]

Hi, thanks for reaching out and i appreciate your kind words. Make sure she runs (if there’s an engine), not sure if it was sitting or was run continuously. Inspect the full gelcoat, interior, exterior, underside to look for scrapes gauging or repair. Lastly, make sure the hull is dry and doesn’t have any water logging! :) best of luck and don’t hesitate to ask more questions

[@hallanden9840]

Thanks for the helpful information, Carson. Are you available to look at a Whaler in E. Prov, RI?

[@WhalerNation]

Yes, my pleasure! I have a lot of fun looking at these boats. Comment your email or phone number and I can get in touch with you. I can delete the comment once I receive it. I might have some availability soon. Thanks so much

[@christran419]

Hi, Very Nice Video. I just went to see a 2010 boston whaler montauk. Can you explain why there are some soft spot in front where the cooler is place and around to the port side of the boat center console. In those region only. I ask the seller and they don't know themselves or they don't want to let me know. Thanks

[@WhalerNation]

Hi Chris, thank you for your comment! Yes, soft spots are a result of water intrusion within the foam of the boat. It is not a good thing and I stay away from boat that have had, as well as currently have soft spots anywhere in the hull. Thanks! And good luck

[@beverlyrennie4866]

Where do you place your battery in this whaler?

[@WhalerNation]

You can place your battery anywhere you’d like, although I’d recommend mounting it underneath the bench seating. Thanks!

[@Whalermansteve84]

All that is just a price negotiation for me. The more I find the lower the price goes. That whaler can be saved

[@troymerrell5790]

I found a 25 foot Defender navy dive boat by whaler for 6 k but in California and I try to stay out of that shit hole

[@WhalerNation]

HAHA I’m literally dead on rhat California part 😆

[@dmcwhorter9974]

This comment is amazing 😂

[@shawnmann9491]

So have it shipped to you.

[@leftyk1968]

Do you know any thing about Honda outboards, i could use some advice. But will need to send you a pic of outboard

[@WhalerNation]

Hey thanks so much for your comment! I’m no outboard expert but I’ve had a 225 Honda. Let me know your email and I’ll reach out :) thanks so much for your support of the channel

[@captchic16]

other than the rust, she’s fine. it’s a whaler.

[@WhalerNation]

Haha the rust is the least of the issues. It’s the exposed foam that’s actually quite problematic. This boat was beat. 😂

[@dirkboom960]

At what point in time did they start to use closed cell foam at Boston Whaler to make ingress of water next to impossible? I watched a lot of restorations of Whalers with wet foam, but all they did was drill a couple of holes, let it 'dry out' and patch the holes back up. That obviously doesn't fix the problem. These boats look brand new, but have become worthless. They need surgery...

[@WhalerNation]

Hi, I’m not too sure. I certainly agree with you on that last part. Thanks for watching consider subscribing. Lots more Whaler content to come!

[@patonbike]

you didn't buy this, did you? :) Looks rough.

[@WhalerNation]

Haha no sir! I made an offer to what I believed it to be worth but even then I didn’t really want it. Sometimes you just make an offer and sort of hope they don’t accept it haha this was one of those times! Haha 😆

[@Whalermansteve84]

It’s salvageable , nothing too serious . The motor would be the biggest pain to deal with

[@patonbike]

@@Whalermansteve84 I guess so, what would this be worth though? I'd guess like 3k.

[@WhalerNation]

@@Whalermansteve84hey, thanks for your comment! This boat obviously has water in it, which for me, makes it as though I wouldn’t even be interested in it. The boat has a straight up hole in the transom. There’s water in there, 100% guaranteed. The extent of the damage could only be proven with a moisture meter which would’ve made for a really cool bit in the video. All those loose screws on the rail as well, coupled with the rotted yolk doesn’t really sit all that well with me. Thanks for your comment though, and consider subscribing for more Whaler content!

[@WhalerNation]

@@patonbike That sort of figure sounds correct. I’d agree with that. It’s sad but true. That boat is extremely rough and for me, I wouldn’t even entertain salvaging it unless the price was right. Thanks for you comment! :)

[@slydawwg]

Never have I seen a Boston Whaler look like this. You couldn't make it worse if you took a hammer to it. They are an incredible quality stand up boat. The previous owner was not someone you would have over for a cold one, but still ? This was battered & more than abused. How did you find a Whaler in this shape. To me , it's a bad example to post an extreme abuse video like this. It's just not normal in any way at all.. Maybe a review of boats, whalers or what ever that have hidden problems, this is overkill. Cheers

[@WhalerNation]

Yes, it’s definitely a rough example but this boat encapsulates just about every issue that a Whaler hull can have to begin with. I find it to be the exact opposite of overkill. In fact, I wish there were more videos like this to show people what to look for. When I posted this video, there were no “what to look for” type videos on KZbin. The previous owner was alright, I won’t comment about whether I’d drink with him. But it’s really important to see boats like this so people know what they’re getting into and things to look out for. Thanks for your comment.

[@slydawwg]

@@WhalerNation Ok, understood, ---I don't know if had you a bad experience with a Whaler, as they are very rare--- but I have to repeat this is so non-typical & extreme. I just don't know if it's responsible to show an example like this. Again, this Whaler looks like it was marinated in a big vat of 90% salt & 10 % water for a few years just before he hammered it & loosened the upside down screws. Don't mean to be argumentative. But to me anyway, it's just a far too extreme example. It does bring up some good points & things to be aware of however ---but---

[@WhalerNation]

@@slydawwg I mean, I’ve owned Whalers all my life. I’ve grown up with these boats. My channel is literally dedicated to these boats 😂 I’ve never had a bad experience. I don’t necessarily find Boston Whalers to be rare exactly but that’s another issue. And if you spend any time on the East coast, you’ll see how much people beat on their Whalers. It’s just crazy! It’s a struggle to find them clean, that’s for sure. Check out my other videos and I think you’ll see my channels real focus.

[@slydawwg]

@@WhalerNation I'll do that.

[@chop3625]

That bottom is a mess.

[@cheftomsd]

Look for a used freshwater Whaler many of these issues would not exist.

[@WhalerNation]

Accurate !

[@cheftomsd]

Used boats from fresh water northern lakes, including the St Lawrence River and Great Lakes are used only six months a year and age more gracefully and are in much better shape than salt water boats.

[@WhalerNation]

@@cheftomsd You don’t say! ;)

[@Adam12Designs]

That poor girl was abused

[@WhalerNation]

Haha well said! She sure was and now she’s got a straight up hole in the transom. Can’t even imagine the moisture that has gotten in. This is a good example of what not to buy haha 😆 thanks for your comment!

[@TheSjh196]

@@WhalerNation is it repairable and worth buying a boat with this issue if the price was right?

[@WhalerNation]

@@TheSjh196 well, of course! If the price is right, it’s always worth it. Especially if you know that when repaired correctly, it’ll be worth more. This was an example of a boat that was just too far gone. Definitely not some thing that I would want.

[@TheSjh196]

@@WhalerNation yea I’m new to this . I wanna ask all the right questions before getting into a project . Thanks .

[@WhalerNation]

@@TheSjh196 yes that is very important that tho do that. But sometimes, learning as you go is important too! Where are you from?