Boston Whaler versus Rib

zip · 25 July 2015, 14:50

Been trying to buy a 7M for the last few months, but not having much luck.

I'm going to go look at a BW for sale here locally today.
It is a project, 21-22 feet long. It has two Yamaha 150 two strokes. One is blown.
Maybe pull them both and install a four stroke?

Anyone have experience with these boats? I know they have a reputation for being seaworthy, but not sure how they compare in performance to a rib.

willk · 25 July 2015, 17:19

I had a passenger onboard recently who keeps a small (maybe 20'?) Boston Whaler on Lake Erie. It was a little choppy at times and I asked him "how the Whaler would go in similar conditions?"

"It would stay at the dock!" was the reply....

I'm not knocking the Whaler BTW, just repeating the comment. In very general terms, I'd guess that the Whaler has a much shallower V and goes faster on calm water? Depends what you want it for I suppose....

Maximus · 25 July 2015, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by zip

Been trying to buy a 7M for the last few months, but not having much luck.

I'm going to go look at a BW for sale here locally today.
It is a project, 21-22 feet long. It has two Yamaha 150 two strokes. One is blown.
Maybe pull them both and install a four stroke?

Anyone have experience with these boats? I know they have a reputation for being seaworthy, but not sure how they compare in performance to a rib.

Sorry me old Mate...BW's are OK for flatfish conditions for Fishing ect..if you don't mind being slammed around a bit in anything more than a gentle chop...but compared to a decent RIB of the the same size in the Rough Stuff??

....They Don't!

zip · 25 July 2015, 17:37

Yep, I started a thread a year or so on the comparison of the BW in general to a rib and agree that most flat bottom boats don't perform that well in anything less than ideal conditions.
I didn't know if anyone here had ever owned one. It is an Outrage.
I still have a couple 7M rib boats that I am looking at, but the clock is ticking.

Pikey Dave · 25 July 2015, 17:54

Buy in haste, regret at leisure😎

.....sh1t happens.......

zip · 25 July 2015, 17:58

^^^^
Yep. I don't plan on doing anything that isn't well thought out.

Bigtalljv · 25 July 2015, 18:30

The outrages should have more of a traditional vee hull than the flat bottom BW 12-17' runabouts but I've never been around an outrage. That said they aren't real popular on the west coast, bet there is a reason for that? Friends have owned Parkers and Makos and have been very happy with them.

If you looking at a BW project then why not a 7m project? They don't have to be a work of art like all of Ryan's

. Engine, out drive, and electrical and a government gray boat works too. No sanding and painting work takes up a lot less space and time.

Jason

95gstnj · 25 July 2015, 18:43

The outrage / Guardian is one of the only hard boats I'd want to have. They are fantastic and ride great. I had a guardian 25 and would have no problem going out in rough stuff. It's not a rib, but it's a great rough weather boat.

Unsinkable, low freeboard, low cut transom to shed water, lots of utility, and hold their value.

My guardian 25 had much more space than a 7m rib, as well as the comforts of a regular fiberglass boat (seating, storage, etc)

Outrage 18, 20, or 22 are great hulls as well

95gstnj · 25 July 2015, 18:46

Also, the guardian 25 draws 16" of water so it's a great flats boat as well. Compare that with around 3ft for a 7m (depending on the setup)

zip · 25 July 2015, 19:02

There are a couple of Guardians for sale.

Jason,
I think a 7M ex mil project would be more than I would be capable of by myself.
With this BW, I would probably just buy a used four stroke from a guy I know and have him install it, and dump the twin 2 strokes. The cosmetic and electrical I would take a shot at myself.
The only spooky part is buying the used motor, which I am sure you can validate.

RyanPratt · 25 July 2015, 23:26

no comparison. they are good boats but dont hold a candle to a 7m Willard.

zip · 25 July 2015, 23:29

Well, ok then, The Dali Lama has spoken.

willk · 26 July 2015, 00:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by zip

Well, ok then, The Dali Lama has spoken.

So a Whaler isn't a Pachen a Willard?

cgoing · 26 July 2015, 03:24

Zip- why not enlist Ryan to help find a boat for you? Better to ask for assistance then settle for a whaler!

zip · 26 July 2015, 04:45

I have had contact with Ryan, and he said that he could build me something real nice for around $125K.
Just kidding.
He does have a project Willard that we had brief communication about last week, but he is still not sure where he is at with it yet.
I'm still trying to purchase that one I have been working on for the last couple of months, but I am pretty close to giving up. The current owners just can't seem to get it together.
A couple of members from this site have contacted me about selling their boats. Hope to view one locally soon.
I know that Todd has a couple coming up soon, but I was trying to avoid paying full pop.
I should have some answers by the end of next week.
The Whaler is a longshot, but it is only 10 minutes from my house, so I am going to check it out tomorrow.

Andre · 26 July 2015, 10:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanPratt

no comparison. they are good boats but dont hold a candle to a 7m Willard.

Interesting how some UK & European made ribs compare to a Willard

RyanPratt · 26 July 2015, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

So a Whaler isn't a Pachen a Willard?

We have had whalers and still have 2. They are great boats we have run the 21' Justice and the 24' Justice and have a personal 23 Dauntles. The issue i have with whalers is their ride as compared to Willards having said that that all rest in where you operate and what the sea conditions are for your area. We love our Dauntless but use it mostly in the bay and rivers as a family rec boat as it has seating that never seams to end a great family boat. Bu i would not go offshore with my family in more than 2-3 it just slaps to much. The same with the 21' and 24' they were good for around 2-4' and would pound no different than most mono hull boats. I have also run into issues with many older whalers holding water in their foam.

Whalers are great boats but just not nearly as good as a Willard for the ride.
Thats just my 2C.

I would hold off and keep my eye out for a willard on GSA. They do come up in CA quite often and would be a good deal most likely 10-12k. I know it is hard to wait but i think you would be quite happy with a 7m vs a hardside.

Andre · 26 July 2015, 15:39

That still does not answer my question but I guess we know the answer.

zip · 26 July 2015, 16:09

Andre,

What European boats compare to the Willard?

Poly · 26 July 2015, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andre

That still does not answer my question but I guess we know the answer.

Do we? I've always been intrigued. Us brits are incredibly parochial and believe our ribs are best. We will extend to Europe when it suits us. But most of our friends in North America have probably limited experience of British boats just as we have of these military spec US boats.