38 Top Make-Ready Tips for the Spring Boating Season
Top boat launch tips to make sure you’ll be ready for adventure.
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By Jeff Hemmel | March 2023
Learn more about Boston Whaler boats by viewing our extensive collection of boat tests, reviews and other related content. Boating-exclusive content is produced by expert, longtime boating enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of the boating industry. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or just research the brand, our content is here to help.
Boston Whaler boats have long been touted as “unsinkable,” a reputation that started with the original 13’ model that Richard “Dick” Fisher released in 1958. Sawed in half for a promotional photo, it nevertheless remained afloat thanks to flotation foam that had been pumped into the void between its hull and deck. Over six decades later Boston Whaler continues to live up to the initial promise, with boats that offer a stable, safe and secure ride on the water. Though the soul of that original 13-footer can still be found in the 13’ and 16’ Super Sport, the manufacturer’s diverse list of models now include the 15’-21’ Montauk center console, 22’-28’ Dauntless center console, 24’ – 32’ Vantage dual console, 28’ – 40’ Conquest cabin cruiser, 35’ and 38’ Realm express cruiser, and 23’ – 42’ Outrage center console. All are powered by outboard motors from Mercury Marine.
Boston Whaler currently produces 28 models of boats divided between side console, center console, dual console, cabin cruiser, and express cruiser styles. In sizes starting as small as 13’ and extending as large as 42’ 6”, they’re suited to a wide range of buyers and individual boating pursuits, including cruising, inshore and offshore fishing, overnighting and extended trips, and watersports.
| Boat Types | Sport Boats, Deck Boats, Cabin Cruisers |
|---|---|
| Hull Types | Fiberglass V-hulls |
| Average Length/Size | Sport Boats from 19’-40’; Deck Boats from 25’-29’; Cabin Cruisers from 32’-37’ |
| Fuel Types | Gasoline |
| Cost of New Boats | Priced near the top of the market compared to other similar boats |
| Cost of Used Boats | Priced near the top of the market compared to other similar boats |
| Activity/Usage Types | Recreational cruising, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, wakesurfing, coving/sandbar, long-distance cruising/overnighting, casual fishing |
Boston Whaler builds a rugged, well-equipped fleet of boats, including side consoles in 13’ and 15’ lengths, center consoles from 15’-42’, dual consoles from 28’-40’, cabin cruisers from 28’-40’, and express cruisers from 35’-38’.
As the most trusted source of boating information on the internet, Boating Magazine has produced in-depth reviews of over 70 Boston Whaler boats. These tests are conducted by an expert staff made up of true boating enthusiasts. Tests and reviews include not only performance testing and passenger amenities, but also dig deep into a boat’s construction, handling, and overall safety.
Boating Magazine has produced a variety of reviews of Boston Whaler boats. Video adds another element to any boat review, allowing viewers to see and experience a boat’s features firsthand. Video reviews are hosted by Boating’s same expert editorial staff, enthusiastic boaters themselves who know what to look for in a boat…and how it will improve a viewer’s boating experience.
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Boston Whaler boats, including the types of boats Boston Whaler makes, where they’re produced and how to find a Boston Whaler that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Boston Whaler produces a wide range of models in multiple styles, including side console, center console, dual console, cabin cruiser and express cruiser, all in multiple lengths.
Boston Whaler earned the title of “unsinkable legend” thanks to an ad in Life Magazine showing founder Dick Fisher piloting the rear half of a hull that had been literally cut in half using a crosscut saw. Boats float, even if swamped or, yes, sawed in half due to the fact that the void between the hull and deck is filled with closed-cell flotation foam.
As the name suggests, Boston Whalers were originally produced in Massachusetts. Today, Boston Whaler is headquartered in Edgewater, Florida. The company currently operates two Florida factories in Edgewater and Flagler Beach.
Boston Whaler exclusively uses Mercury outboard power.
Boston Whaler provides a Limited Manufacturer Warranty to the original retail owner if purchased from an authorized Boston Whaler dealer and operated under normal, non-commercial use. This includes a 10-Year Structural Hull Limited Warranty for defects in material or workmanship, 3-Year Limited Warranty on components manufactured or installed by Boston Whaler exluding 13 Super Sport and 15 Super Sport), 1-Year Limited Warranty of accessory components for the 13 Super Sport and 16 Super Sport models, 1-Year Limited Warranty on upholstered items, canvas, track and powder coating.
For full and up-to-date warranty details, visit bostonwhaler.com/boat-ownership.html.
Yes, all Boston Whaler models are easy to maintain. Basic maintenance, including washing and waxing the fiberglass hull, flushing the engine (especially after use in saltwater), and cleaning and using protectant on vinyl surfaces will keep a Boston Whaler boat looking like new for years to come. Boston Whaler has a vast dealer network. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including oil and filter changes, to ensure reliable, safe operation.
The versatility of center console and dual console models make them a good match for recreational watersports including tubing, skiing and wakeboarding. Available Watersport-specific options on some models include tow arches, watersports towers, and wakeboard racks.
As all Boston Whaler models are powered by outboard motors, they are not a viable choice for wake surfing.
Yes, all Boston Whaler boats are excellent choices for fishing, whether inshore or offshore. Fishing-specific features are either standard or can be optioned on many models, including rodholders, coolers, live wells, insulated fishboxes and electronic fish finders.
Boston Whaler has a large dealer network in North America, and can be found in countries around the world. Find your local Boston Whaler dealer here.
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