Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

[michaux]

Hello
I am looking for the best quality 17 foot boat I can find (used)
Use will be a mix of fun / skiing / fishing for 2 adults plus 2 boys (10 and 8)
I was thinking a of a Boston Whaler but the premium I would have to pay here in England is too much (1990s boat in good condition for $15,000).
I would prefer an outboard to keep maintenance low and reliability high
Thanks in advance

 

[gus-gus]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

I am finding as time passes, the only boat to have for me is a Whaler. I honestly knew they were good but the same thing happened to me when I bought my first BMW motorcycle, the quality and safety to get back home alive made it the only choice for me.
They are exceedingly expensive here also, but I am finding deals exist and with some spit and polish can once again carry people out there for another decade. My thought is to set your goal for which boat you want, be patient and search for a deal.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

A whaler is hard to beat.
After that: your stated goal is "best quality" so we'll skip comments about seaworthiness for your use, type of waters, etc.
Grady White and Wellcraft have the good quality reputation as do old hulls from Mako, Seacraft, aquasport and Parker, although Parker's usually aren't outfitted as well for family use.
But when you are looking at older and used boats, and disregarding the low-end boats, "quality" is far more a function of condition (how it has been maintained) than brand. In that regard, too, boats made with features that don't hold up to outdoor use (carpet, upholstery, low-end fittings) naturally lose "quality" with age even if reasonably well maintained. So, someone shopping for good used boats are better to focus on design, first, and condition, second, rather than brand. That being said, I'd be more likely to take a chance on a quality name, and many would buy a Whaler sight unseen.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Boston Whaler
Wellcraft
Key West
Edgewater
Angler

 

[JB]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

When the word, "quality" pops up, very few brands fit.

For me, there is no other than Boston Whaler. I might put Everglades second.

Expensive? You bet.

First thought: You get what you pay for.

Second thought: I sold my 1966 Sakonnet (see avatar) in 1983 for more than I paid for her, new, in 1966.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Check the Carolina Skiff web site for several models that are similar to the Boston Whaler. Of course the Carolina Skiffs won't have the very high quality, prices or almost cult-like status of the Whalers, but I'd check 'em out before buying! Good Luck!

 

[michaux]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Many thanks for all the input.

So, it seems a Boston Whaler may be the answer.

The budget may stretch to a 17 foot boat.

But should I go for a V-Hull Outrage or a Montauk, given that use will be in creek and inshore waters around Auckland, New Zealand?

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Four people on a 17 foot boat will not be too roomy, no question it could be done, but I would aim a little bigger for 4 full timers.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Many thanks for all the input.

So, it seems a Boston Whaler may be the answer.

The budget may stretch to a 17 foot boat.

But should I go for a V-Hull Outrage or a Montauk, given that use will be in creek and inshore waters around Auckland, New Zealand?

View attachment 120616

The Outrage will handle choppy water a bit better than the Montauk. Boat are great quality boats however, I'd go with the Outrage if I were you.

Boston Whalers are hand down, the best boat money can buy.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

My first boat was a '68 Sakonnet like the one in JB's avatar....wish I hadn't sold it. My third boat was a 17' Montauk....wish I hadn't sold that one either. Both were head and shoulders above ALL other boats I've owned in terms of quality. Yacht grade in small craft is almost unheard of, but that's what you get with a Whaler. They weren't fancy or particularly comfortable, but if you want the very best they're hard to beat.

Boston Whalers truly are in a class by themselves, especially the pre-Brunswick boats. You pay a premium, but you get what you pay for IMO.

The v-hull boats ride a little better. If it was me I'd go Montauk over Outrage....but I'm biased.

 

[JB]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

The 1980s Montauk 17 is head and shoulders above any other boat in its class. I have owned two Montauks as well as the Sakonnet and a half dozen other Whalers. My Daughter has a 90s Outrage 17 that is no match. I had two Outrage 18s (1980 and 1983) that were great offshore boats but lacked the Montauk economy and agility.

Best fishing boat ever made. 1973 to 1999.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Whalers are top drawer for sure! They make lots of boats for the Navy and Coast Guard, and you know they get the best equipment our tax dollars can provide! The great thing is that you can buy a good used one, take care of it, and possibly sell it in 5 years for what you paid...can't say that about many boats! A new Whaler is way outside my budget!:redface: Good Luck!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

All good advice to a yank. But you started off buying in England, and now you want to use it in NZ. Not planning to drive it there, I hope?

As heavily into serious boating that the Kiwi's are, there may be native options, too. See what the Maori fellows use in Rotorua.
You may also find it worthwhile to buy a whaler on the west coast USA and ship it, motor or not. As I said before, whaler is the one boat you can buy practically sight unseen. Maybe a US whaler dealer can sell you a trade-in.

Then there's this interesting tug-boat like vessel down at Queenstown...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Bayliner hands down

 

[JB]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Bayliner hands down

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Oh wait...its Nov 1 not April 1!. Sorry...my bad!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Oh wait...its Nov 1 not April 1!. Sorry...my bad!

You're a regular riot, Alice!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Bayliner hands down

... and, they're off! ...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Advice - best quality 17 foot boat

Four people on a 17 foot boat will not be too roomy, no question it could be done, but I would aim a little bigger for 4 full timers.

17 whaler is plenty of room for two adults and 2 children. Not so with a 17' BAYLINER!