Hobbies And Interests
Classic Whalers
The most defining characteristic of an old Boston Whaler is its hull. The hull is entirely constructed from one piece, meaning that it has a combination of strength in a light weight body, allowing it to reach optimal speeds without sacrificing durability. As such, the hull, bonding foam and liner of the boat must be of the same structure for it to be an authentic Boston Whaler.
Testing Hull Integrity
To test the durability and authenticity of an old Boston Whaler, tap a small plastic mallet over the hull and liner of the boat's entire hull and deck. You should listen for a dull "thump" sound to indicate its durability and water-tightness. Any dull sounds can indicate that the foam has delaminated or is water-logged. A wavy look to the hull or movement under your hand probably indicate a very serious problem.
Wood Condition
Classic Boston Whalers were built from top quality teak and mahogany wood, another key identification mark regarding authenticity. Wood trim is a defining marker of the Boston Whaler model and its good original condition is key to the boat's value. It can also be very expensive to replace.
Motor &Accesories
If the Whaler is being sold with its original motor, keep in mind that old Whalers came with premium motors like the Evinrude or Johnson outboards. A Whaler with a Mercury or Yamaha motor is of a more recent make and model, as those motors came with Whalers that were made after the company was purchased by the Brunswick Corporation. Another defining characteristic of old Whalers is that their identification tags and numbers are embossed and attached by rivets to the storage locker area, and these tags are crucial to identifying the age of the boat.