"Boston Whaler- The Unsinkable Legend".

I bought my 18' Ventura Whaler because of all the things this boat could offer my family and me.

* Great ski boat
* Excellent (bay) salt-water boat (crabbing, fishing)
* Perfect for just cruising around lake or bay

I bought this 18' 1999 Ventura Whaler new, and it came with a single axle EZ Loader trailer, and a 135 Mercury Optimax Blue Water outboard motor. Additionally, this boat came with notable options such as bow rail, weather curtain package (Washington State has lots of rain), Ski pylon, Ritchie Compass, Mercury pre-rig, and under gunnel rod holders.

Living in the Puget Sound (Bellingham, Washington) I've had a chance to put the boat through a multitude of weather and water conditions.

Yes, the Whaler rides a little bit rough when the water is fairly rough (2-5 foot seas). Remedy is 75-100 pounds of lead in the chain locker - this will dramatically improve the ride.

After about 1.5 years, I had a problem with the chain locker hatch delaminating at the hindges. Whaler sent me a new hatch right away. Whaler even claimed that the passenger fold-down seat had a red bleed-thru problem and sent me a new seat. (Currently, I still have the old seat installed with no bleed through problem noted.)

Mercury Optimax 135 outboard is sufficient power. Starts right up with no smoke or 2-cycle outboard smell. Engine is solid and dependable; boat cruises (loaded with 4 family member, gear, and canvas) at about 24-32 mph at 3200-4000 rpm. Push the throttle max and the boat races at about 42 mph.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 32000
Brand of Motor: Mercury
Primary Location of Use: Inshore waters and bays
Primary Type of Use: All-around recreation