*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: We could get the money, but it would be WRONG-Richard M Nixon
I am looking at dual consoles. This boat best fits my family's needs - using it in the Chesapeake Bay and local rivers for fishing, skiing and cruising. I have lines on two good boats: a 2003 Aquasport 215 Osprey with a 2 stroke Yamaha 200 OB with about 450 hours on it and a 1996 Boston Whaler Dauntless with a older Sea Pro 150 OB (no idea of the hours). Both are in good shape and include a trailer. The Whaler is in better shape, has been used less and is well cared for. The Aquasport seems to be the better fishing set up, has more features (fresh water, live well, etc) and has seen a fair amount of use. The list of the Aquasport is 16k, but I think I can get it for 12k or so and maybe less. The Whaler is at 15k, probably with little wiggle room, and likely will need a new motor in the next several years. I'm leanig toward the Whaler. Although I grew up on the water and my father has always owned a boat, this will be my first boat purchase on my own. Any thoughts on what is the better boat, especially for the $$?
I would probably lean towards the aquasport. Whalers tend to be overated. You pay more for the name. I had a 22 aquasport fish it all over ri and off shore.
Age difference aside, it sounds as though the Whaler is in pristine condition, that is the one I would go for. You will ultimately end up re-powering at some point and given that they only have one engine, you can probably find a nice used unit. For what it is worth, I like both brands.
a 2003 boat vs a 96 boat?? Id take the 2003
A Whaler vs Aquasport? um-of course the Whaler is in better shape-the finish and quality is apparent even on the older hull. Folks usually take pride in their Whalers & this one is no exception.
Id take the Whaler........with a re power you will have a great boat.
If you get the other you will have an Aquasport
Of these two particular boats as you describe them, the Whaler.
BUT these are two somewhat different riding boats. Don't know if it is possible for you to get a ride on them or not, but if so, I'd strongly recommend it.
First off, get both boats surveyed. That being said, I would opt for the Aquasport. People already mentioned that it is newer, that right there is a good reason. It is a good boat, probably not overbuilt like a BW, but a boat that is more than enough to get you from point A to point B safely, with a family.
Consider that Aquasport, with decent compound/wax, will look great. Take into consideration the amount of money you will spend to repower the BW if the engine isn't up to par.
You mentioned you boat in the Chesapeake, both boats should handle fine. I have spent quite a bit of time on a 20 Dauntless powered with a 250 Merc, and it is a hard riding boat, but solid.
With a family, the Aquasport might also be a better choice, being that it boasts a head. You'd hate a year from now to realize that you would have been better off with a head.
Check storage on both boats. From experience, I can tell you that when out on the BW, storage was limited when out for the day. Good luck with your search.
The Aquasport is not in as good a shape as you'd like, but it has a 2003 Yamaha 200 2 stroke which are bullet proof motors. I would definitely take it if it is true that you have a possibility of getting it for $12,000 or less. Being only a 2003 you should be able to buff it and get the shine back out. If the Whaler will need to be repowered in a few years it will end up costing a lot more than the Aquasport. The power that it has right now is not as good as the Aquasport to begin with. I agree with Captain Jay, Whalers do tend to be overated, but they are still better than Aquasports. If the Whalers outboard needs to be replaced in a couple of years than it (the outboard) is not worth much. With that being said, you are pretty much spending $15,000 for a 1996 Whaler hull, which seems a little high for todays market .
I owned a Aquasport 2004 215 DC for about 4 years and loved it!!! The Yamaha 200 is an awesome motor and the perfect power for this boat. Go with the Aquasport!
Dual Console: Aquasport or Whaler? 
THT sponsor
. 
i prefer aqua 
