Boston Whaler Boats: Worth The Hype?

Boston Whalers are highly regarded in the boating community. They are known for their safety, craftsmanship, and durability. The company has been producing boats for over 60 years, and their reputation for quality is such that their vessels are said to hold their value better than any other boat on the market. Boston Whalers are versatile and customisable, making them suitable for a range of activities, from fishing to cruising and watersports. While some users have noted that the boats can be bumpy in choppy waters, overall, the Boston Whaler is considered a good boat.

Boston Whaler's reputation for being 'unsinkable'

Boston Whalers are widely regarded as unsinkable, a reputation that was cemented in 1961 when company founder Richard Fisher publicly tested his fail-safe boat by sawing it in half while floating in water. Fisher then used the stern section to tow the bow back to shore, as documented in Life magazine. This demonstration of the boat's buoyancy and structural integrity, along with its safety, innovation, and high-quality construction, has earned Boston Whalers a reputation for being unsinkable.

The unsinkable nature of Boston Whalers is attributed to several factors, including the Unibond™ hull construction, smart design, high-quality materials, and forward-thinking technology. The hulls are designed to be unsinkable, with insulation and a cap that contribute to their durability and longevity. The boats are purposefully engineered to be safe, functional, and low-maintenance, providing peace of mind for owners.

The company's older hulls, such as the 18 Outrage, are known for their lightweight construction and excellent seaworthiness, ensuring a safe return even in challenging conditions. Boston Whalers are also recognised for their attention to detail, luxurious comfort, and quality fit and finish. The boats offer versatile layouts that cater to both performance fishing and family boating, making them a favourite among fishermen and boaters.

While some people have disputed the unsinkable claim, with reports of boats capsizing, the overall consensus is that Boston Whalers have an established reputation for buoyancy and reliability. The brand is trusted by government agencies and military forces worldwide, further reinforcing its status as an unsinkable legend in the boating world.

The variety of sizes available

Boston Whalers are available in a wide range of sizes, from 11 feet to 42 feet 6 inches. This variety ensures that there is a Boston Whaler suitable for a range of buyers and individual boating pursuits.

The smallest Boston Whaler is the 110 Sport, which is 11 feet long. This boat is ideal for those seeking a compact and lightweight option that can be easily stored and transported. The 110 Sport is perfect for recreational use, as well as yacht tender or work boat duties.

The mid-sized options include the popular Montauk series, which range from 15 feet to 21 feet in length. The Montauk is a versatile and easy-to-own center console boat, offering features such as a forward deck for stand-up casting or seating, and optional packages for fishing or passenger comfort.

The Dauntless series, ranging from 17 feet to 28 feet, are classic "bay" boats that can navigate both inshore and offshore waters. The Vantage series, measuring between 24 feet and 32 feet, is another versatile dual-console option aimed at active families.

For those seeking a larger boat, the Conquest cabin cruisers offer sizes between 28 feet and 41 feet. These hardtop cabin cruisers combine luxurious amenities with Boston Whaler's trademark ability to handle various weather and water conditions.

The largest Boston Whaler is the flagship 420 Outrage, a highly capable offshore performer and an excellent entertaining platform. This 42-foot boat features innovations such as Mercury Joystick Piloting and Dynamic Running Surface hull technology.

The classic look and feel of the boats

Boston Whalers are known for their classic look and feel. The Montauk 17 is the most popular Boston Whaler of all time and is likely the best boat the company has ever built. It is unsinkable, simple, versatile, and easy to own. The boat is incredibly stable and dry, with well-placed grab rails, and doesn't require a truck to trailer. The Outrage 18 is another classic model, offering a softer ride and heavier weight due to its internal fuel tank. The Outrage 22 offers the same benefits as the Outrage 18 but in a bigger size, making it an excellent offshore performer with ample storage space.

The Sport 15 is perfect for lakes, inshore fishing, and watersports. It is fun to drive, fast, safe, and easy to board, making it a great choice for kids. The Sport 13 is the most famous Boston Whaler, known for being unsinkable, basic, and easy to use. It usually comes with mahogany or blue interiors.

Boston Whalers are built with a focus on craftsmanship and quality. The mahogany on the console and the overall workmanship are superb. The boats are durable, with a reputation for being "unsinkable" due to the flotation foam between the hull and deck. This feature was famously demonstrated by founder Richard "Dick" Fisher, who remained seated in the boat as it was sawed in half, proving its unsinkability.

Boston Whaler's diverse range of models

Boston Whalers are built for a variety of purposes, from fishing to cruising and day trips. The company offers a wide range of models, from 13' side consoles to 42' cruisers. Here is a closer look at some of the popular models:

Boston Whaler Montauk

The Boston Whaler Montauk is a centre console boat known for its practical design, rugged utility, and easy cleanup. It is available in various sizes, including the popular Montauk 17, which is known for its simplicity, versatility, and ease of ownership. The Montauk series offers features such as portable fuel tanks, a reversible pilot seat, a self-bailing hull, and efficient power.

Boston Whaler Outrage

The Outrage series delivers a combination of hardcore fishing capabilities and luxurious cruising. This family of boats offers a smooth ride, powerful Mercury Verado power, and customizable electronics. The Outrage comes in a range of sizes, from the smaller 180 Dauntless to the larger 420 Outrage.

Boston Whaler Dauntless

The Dauntless series offers smooth-riding performance and a spacious centre console layout. It is well-equipped for watersports, inshore and offshore fishing, and other outdoor activities. The Dauntless is available in sizes ranging from 22' to 28'.

Boston Whaler Vantage

The Vantage series is a multifunctional family of boats offering ample space and best-in-class amenities. The Vantage is ideal for offshore cruising, fishing, and watersports. It features a roomy cockpit and is available in sizes from 24' to 33'.

Boston Whaler Conquest

The Conquest series is a family of boats that combines the open-cockpit versatility of a centre console with the comfort and amenities of a cabin cruiser. These boats are well-suited for saltwater fishing and sophisticated entertaining. The Conquest comes in sizes ranging from 28' to 40'.

Boston Whaler Realm

The Realm series offers the perfect combination of centre console versatility and cabin cruiser comfort. The 350 and 380 Realm models provide state-of-the-art navigation and propulsion technology, making them a breeze to operate. The Realm is designed for unforgettable experiences, whether it's fishing, diving, entertaining, or overnight trips.

Boston Whaler Super Sport

The Super Sport series is designed for ease of use and storage capabilities, making it a great choice for first-time boat owners and veterans alike. These boats are simple to operate, trailer, and store in a garage. The Super Sport models range from 13' to 16' in length.

The affordability of the boats

Boston Whalers are known for being affordable boats that come in a variety of sizes for both weekend trips on the water and offshore fishing. They are durable and well-known, with a classic look and feel. The boats are also easy to maintain.

Boston Whaler offers a range of models to suit different budgets. The 13' and 16' Super Sport models are a throwback to the original 13' Boston Whaler, with a side-console and outboard power. These smaller boats are ideal for family use, fishing, utility, or tendering, and their compact size makes them easy to trailer and store in a garage.

The Montauk series, which spans from 15' to 21', combines a center helm console with leaning post seating and a forward deck that can be used for stand-up casting or recreational cruise seating. The Montauk 17 is the most popular Boston Whaler of all time and is likely the best boat the company has ever built. It is simple, versatile, and easy to own, with a self-bailing hull, well-placed grab rails, and mechanical steering.

The Outrage series ranges from 23' to 42' and includes offshore-ready center consoles built for hardcore fishing and comfortable cruising. The Outrage 18 is another highly sought-after model, known for its beautiful woodwork and soft ride.

The Dauntless series, with sizes from 22' to 28', are classic "bay" boats that can navigate and fish inshore waters as well as take on coastal and offshore conditions. The Dauntless models offer versatile layouts that can be modified for family cruising or fishing.

The Vantage series, available in 24', 28', and 32' lengths, is a versatile dual-console aimed at active families. These boats provide abundant passenger space and amenities such as storage, a wraparound windshield, and an optional hardtop.

The Conquest family, with sizes ranging from 28' to 41', is a line of hardtop cabin cruisers that combine luxurious amenities with Boston Whaler's trademark ability to handle various weather and water conditions.

The Realm series, with sizes of 35' and 38', combines the open-cockpit feel of a center console with the comfort of a below-deck cabin. These boats offer an open bow cockpit, a convertible V-berth, and an enclosed stand-up head compartment.

In addition to the base prices of these boats, there may be additional costs for optional packages, accessories, and maintenance. However, Boston Whalers are known to hold their value, so they can be a good investment for boat owners.

Frequently asked questions