Boston Whaler jet boats

[jdlough]

I'll probably end up spending the extra cash for a true Whaler 17' boat with an outboard, but just checking out my options here.

The used 16-17' Whalers with outboard seem way over priced.

So, I'm just kinda sorta considering some of the Whaler jet models.

From what I read, the OMC models were the worst boats on the planet, ever.

The early Yamaha Rage boats were ok?

The 18' and over Rage boats were all ok?

It just seems odd that Boston Whaler could make the best rated boat, and at the same time make the worst rated boat.

The Rage jet hull look decent. As a project boat, is it worth the time and effort to replace the transom and convert it into an outboard boat?

Is the Whaler Rage jet boat the piece of carp that it seems the internet says it is? To be avoided at all costs?

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Boston Whaler jet boats

yep, the OMC ones ARE the worst ones on the planet, period... If someone gives one to you, and it runs, then run it until it dies and don't drop a cent into it. The sportjet powered ones aren't bad, and you can still get parts for them.

As far as converting it to an outboard, that might be tough. The hull isn't designed for weight hanging out over the transom, and the transom itself has zero structural components like a normal transom would. Jets don't mount to the transom, they mount to the bottom.

 

[JB]

Re: Boston Whaler jet boats

Classic Boston Whaler 17s are high priced, not overpriced, and worth every cent. Every Whaler I ever owned sold for as much as (or more than) I paid for it.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Boston Whaler jet boats

Classic Boston Whaler 17s are high priced, not overpriced, and worth every cent. Every Whaler I ever owned sold for as much as (or more than) I paid for it.

and to go along with that, the whaler jet's aren't whalers in the traditional sense. I don't know for a fact, but i'm fairly certain they did almost none of the design or hull molds even, they simply jumped on the mid 90's bandwagon of small jet boats, and rebranded someone elses hull mold.