17' Boston Whaler

[rookieboater59]

Hi folks thinking of buying a used whaler thats a basket case. The hull is ok but the floor needs replacing and there is no console so my question is how costly would it it be to bring it up to par and do you think it would be worth my while to restore it. The person wants 300.00 and it does not come with a trailer. oh I do have my own motor. Any feedback would be appreciated<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Pogo123]

Re: 17' Boston Whaler

Depends some on the size, but even replacing all the flooring for less than $300 you'd end up with a Whaler worth around $1200 for the 13' to $2000 for a 17' without a console ... around here, that is.<br /><br />Used trailers in this area, also size dependent, run from $100 to $300 (12' to 17' capacity).<br /><br />Since you mention "console", I conclude that this is something bigger than 13 foot. You can make your own console fairly cheaply, which is what I'd do. Last one I built cost just under $200 including trim and top, but without guages or wiring.

 

[Pogo123]

Re: 17' Boston Whaler

Oops ... I see now it was a 17 footer in the topic line ... Duhhh.<br /><br />Bottom line is, in my opinion, $300 for a watertight 17' Whaler hull is one good buy.

 

[AJ168]

Re: 17' Boston Whaler

Whalers are great boats, sounds like you're gonna have yourself a great project boat. I've seen consoles for $300. You'll also need steering and controls, maybe $400.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: 17' Boston Whaler

I was under the impression that whalers had a solid fiberglass floor(I am probably wrong)? How exactly is the floor bad?

 

[JB]

Re: 17' Boston Whaler

There is not a wooden "deck" under the floor of the Boston Whaler 17s. There is wood strategically placed under the deck as anchors for consoles, seats, etc. The rest is just fiberglass over high density closed cell foam.<br /><br />Go to continuouswave.com, into the reference section and download the wood placement diagram for the 17' hull. That will tell you where there is wood and where there isn't. You will have a much bigger and more difficult task than just "replacing the deck".<br /><br />Good luck.