Whaler Volume 4 Issue 1 by Dino Marketing Group

whaler THE

B O S T O N

UNSINKABLE

W H A L E R

LEGEND

B O A T S

volume 4 issue 1

M A G A Z I N E

www.bostonwhaler.com

Kingfisher

™

Sperry Top-Sider’ Top-Sider’s Top-Sider’ op s patented ASV T Technology ech echnology decreases decr eases the effects efffects fects of hull pounding and wave crashing. This significantly rreduces educes muscle fatigue and soreness soreness and leads to a better water. day on the water. sperrytopsider sperrytopsider.com psiderr.com

ASV

G whaler president’sletter Keeping the legend growing.

President,BostonWhaler

Huw Bower

VicePresidentofSales, Marketing&CustomerService

Jeff Vaughn

MarketingProgramsSupervisor

Traci Davis

Sales&MarketingCoordinator

Jessica Mogus

WHALER

Magazine

President/Publisher

Douglas Leik

AccountExecutive

Annie Brown

EditorialDirector

GoBoldly

Randy Hess

ManagingEditor

Roger Kamholz DeputyEditor

Bigger. Better. Bolder. The past two years at Boston Whaler have been exciting ones, and I couldn’t be more pleased to be joining the company during this period of remarkable growth and innovation.

Boston Whaler is dedicated to building boats that don’t just meet but exceed expectations. Boats that truly offer a new view on what’s possible, through cutting-edge technologies and intelligent design. You’ll see it in features like the uniquely convertible port lounge on the Vantage models, and in options like stunning upper stations and incredibly versatile leaning posts. Whether it’s entertaining friends onboard, tendering for a yacht or spending all day fishing offshore, Boston Whaler has the perfect vessel. We’re proud to have introduced 10 new boats in the past two years, including seven over 25 feet, and the reception has been positive (see page 31). Like every Boston Whaler, these new boats were designed with active boaters, anglers and families in mind—families like the Yergeys (page 16), who savor boating with their whole clan in the Bahamas, or Australia’s Anthony Clough, whose Whaler is the talk of the Gold Coast. anks to their rugged unsinkability, Boston Whalers are also equally suited for hard work, like protecting Colorado’s waterways (page 32), or scuba diving off the Hawaiian coast (page 44). On a more serious note, I would like to extend our condolences to the victims of the recent Boston Marathon bombing and their famAs boaters, our minds ilies. rough our parent company, Brunswick Corporation, we are always at least recently made contributions toward the Crowdtilt fund to replace partially on the David Henneberry’s boat and to OneFundBoston.org in support of water, but our hearts those most affected in our namesake city. As boaters, our minds are are with Boston. always at least partially on the water, but our hearts are with Boston.

Huw Bower

President — Boston Whaler

Amy Wideman SeniorEditor

Elli Thompson EditoratLarge

Jennifer Chesak ContentMarketingAssociate

Keiza Suzuki

CreativeDirector

Russell Duncan

DigitalCreativeDirector

Kraig Devenport

ProductionDirector

Robyn Bendle ArtDirector

Nathan Vrabel GraphicDesigner

Brittany Huisenga GraphicDesigner

Arlene Waclawek Photographers

Jim Barrett, John Bildahl, Mike Calabro, Steven J. Conway, Jamie Elvidge, Robert Glover

Whaler magazine is published two times a year for Boston Whaler by Dino Publishing LLC. Any correspondence should be directed to: Dino Publishing 350 W. Hubbard St., Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60654 Tel: 312-822-9266 Fax: 312-822-9268 email: dleik@dinopublishing.com The opinions expressed in this magazine are not to be considered ofﬁcial expressions of Dino Publishing or Boston Whaler. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising matter. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or artwork. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright © 2013 Boston Whaler.

whalermagazine

Contents

volume 4 issue 1

features

Whaler Watching

Anthony Clough’s 370 Outrage is the jewel of Australia’s sun-drenched Gold Coast.

Bigger, Bolder & Better Than Ever

With 10 new boats in just two years and a host of innovative new features, Boston Whaler is making bold strides into the future.

Parks & Rec

Colorado’s Division of Parks and Wildlife relies on a large fleet of Boston Whalers to get the job done.

Legends on the High Plains

A longtime angler and entrepreneur uses his 200 Dauntless to roam the “Big Muddy” in North Dakota.

Whaler Watching

d e pa rt m e n ts

Navigate Get social with the Boston Whaler app, make the most of your tender, free radio checks and more. on the cover:

Towing Advice for keeping spirits high and tempers cool as you trailer to and from the boat launch.

Proﬁle In the Bahamas, boating is the tie that binds for Art and Louise Yergey and their family and friends.

The ruggedly capable 280 Outrage heads oﬀshore in pursuit of the catch. Photo by Robert Glover

Hawaiian Treasure For Kona-based tropical fish collector and scuba diving enthusiast Pete Basabe, an Outrage is the key that unlocks adventure.

hooks, news, gear and info

navigate whaler

volume 4 issue 1

Reporting in the Field

WHEN CANADIAN JOURNALIST TODD MARTIN NEEDS TO COVER

A FAR-FLUNG STORY, HIS TRANSPORT OF CHOICE ISN’T A RUN-OFTHE-MILL CAR OR SUV; IT’S A

170 MONTAUK. Todd uses his Boston Whaler to troll for trout, char and kokanee in the freshwater lakes of British Columbia, and then turns his experiences into feature articles for publications including BC Outdoors Sport Fishing and Northwest Sportsman Magazine. It’s all part of a rugged lifestyle that “highlights the diversity of the boat,” Todd says, adding, “I use it not only for fishing and writing but for family cruising and tubing, as well.”

For more on the reliable Montauk series, visit www.bostonwhaler.com.

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SECURE CHOICE To truly relax and enjoy your time on the water, you need to be confident that you have the right insurance. Boaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice is one of the most respected names in boat insurance, offering broad coverage at competitive rates. And you have our guarantee that should you have a claim, our professionals can be reached 24/7 to assist you with prompt, professional courteous service.

Exclusive Offer For Boston Whaler Owners Boaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice is offering an additional $500 worth of fishing equipment coverage free of charge.* * Offer available only on OneBeacon Polices. Underwriting restrictions apply.

For a no obligation quote, give us a call today.

800-768-2121

www.boaterschoiceinsurance.com

[ it’s about the journey ]

Sometimes it’s not about where you go, but what you do while you’re getting there. As a yacht tender, a Boston Whaler offers far more than an inflatable dinghy or RIB. Take the 370 Outrage, for example—sure, it carries passengers safely from yacht to shore and back, but with its serious offshore fishing and cruising capabilities, shuttling duties are just the beginning. The following are just a few of the many possibilities with Boston Whaler as your tender: Make A Day Of It: With ample storage space throughout, each Boston Whaler accommodates multiple passengers and all their gear. The new 350 Outrage even features a convenient side door to make scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming more convenient than ever. Need For Speed: With strong, reliable Mercury Verado® outboard power, your Whaler can do more than just zip back to the yacht—it can pull a skier, wakeboarder or tuber along the way. Plush seating from the bow to the aft bench makes room for a large party to witness the action. Reel It In: Boston Whaler’s unsinkable deep-V hulls are designed for total safety and stability, even in deep offshore water. Angling amenities like huge livewells, rod storage, washdown stations and more provide incredible fishing prowess. Get Up Close: While a yacht’s ability to cruise the shoreline is limited, a Boston Whaler can offer a unique point of view. Consider the versatile new 270 Vantage: with spacious seating, a comfort-enhancing head, and an optional Summer Kitchen, a daylong trip into shallower waters lets you and your crew explore new destinations in style.

let there be light Although you may not have the power to turn darkness into light, Raymarine’s TH-Series cameras allow you to see as if you did. Using FLIR thermal imaging technology, these lightweight handheld cameras detect any range of objects—from buoys and rocks to docks and other vessels—and provide a clear display. Confidently navigate your way back to shore after sunset, and feel safe and secure at all hours knowing you have the visibility to spot any activity on the water or at the marina. The TH24 version provides visibility up to 2,940 feet, and the TH32 reaches up to 4,300 feet. Best of all, you can take the cameras with you on dry land to use for walking, hiking, home security and more. Visit www.raymarine.com for more information.

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WE WON’T TEST YOUR PATIENCE

THAT’S WHAT THE FISH ARE FOR

All new Boston Whalers come standard with a 95-Day Sea Tow membership. Already own a Whaler? Boston Whaler Owners Club members receive 14 months of Sea Tow membership for the price of 12. Use promo code: BWF

Your local on-water assistance experts. Sea Tow \ 800-4-SEATOW \ seatow.com

Join now. Get our FREE App!

Get the Boston Whaler Mobile App Your smartphone is capable of great feats, providing instant access to all the essentials— music, photos, bank statements, Angry Birds… Shouldn’t it be a gateway to your boating life, too? The Boston Whaler Mobile App was designed to put a world of information right at your ﬁngertips. Browse boat models, view the events calendar, read Whaler magazine online, get an in-depth local boating forecast, connect to Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, and much more. The best part? It’s free! Available on iTunes and wherever apps are sold.

Warm Up,

WIND DOWN BOATING SEASON’S HERE, AND THE SUN IS OUT. But Mother Nature can be capricious at times, and even the hottest days aboard your Boston Whaler can quickly cede their warmth, especially come nightfall. Once the sun slips below the horizon, you might need to cozy up some. Nobilo Icon Marlborough Pinot Noir—delivering flavors of ripe blackberries, cherries and plums with integrated oak and velvety tannins— offers subtle warmth after a day on the water. Each glass is a study in savory complexity, and the balance of notes means this pinot pairs beautifully with fresh-caught dishes like roasted sea bass or grilled halibut. After enjoying the rediscovered pleasures of boating, unwind at the dock with a glass of Nobilo Icon Marlborough Pinot Noir. And before you indulge, raise your glass to another season of beloved Boston Whaler boating. Visit www.nobilo.co.nz for more information.

TESTING TESTING... Making sure your boat’s radio is working properly before you head out is just good sense. Now boaters may obtain free VHF radio checks through the Sea Tow’s Automated Radio Check (ARC) service, provided by Sea Tow in association with MariTEL. ARC was born out of the need to support and increase the number of radio checks performed by boaters, while maintaining channel 16 for emergency communications.

The first service of its kind in the United States, ARC is available in major coastal and select inland regions. To use the service, simply tune your VHF to the local ARC channel and ask for a radio check. You’ll hear an automated reply, followed by a replay of your transmission, allowing you to confirm the radio is working and assess signal quality—a simple precaution to help keep you safe and sound.

Learn more by visiting www.seatow.com.

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JJACK A DANIEL’S DA NIEL’ L ISS A REGISTERED R EG IS R ED TRADEMARK. T R A EM A R K . ©2012 © 012 JJD. D. SINGLE S G L E BARREL B A R R L TENNESSEE T ENNE S EE WHISKEY W H ISK ALC./VOL A LC. / VO 47% 47% [94 [9 4 PROOF]. OOF ]. DISTILLED DIS LL ED AAND N BOTTLED BOT T L ED BY JACK JAC K DANIEL DA EL DISTILLERY, DI S T IL ERY, LYNCHBURG], LY NC BU RG], TENNESSEE. T E NE S SEE. COME ME VISIT V I SI T USS AT AT JDSINGLEBARREL JDSI L EB A R R E .COM. C OM.

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QUANTITIES SHOULD E A SE P LLEASE DR I N R DRINK RESPONSIBLY E SPONSI B Y.

A LWA BE BE LIMITED L IMIT . ALWAYS

SUNSHINE

STATE OF MIND

Summertime means freewheeling days out on the water, when the biggest question on your mind should be “Where’s the sunscreen?” So don’t waste a minute of your precious time searching for boat insurance. Turn to the experts at Boater’s Choice, who will shop multiple companies for the best coverage options for you and your family members. Taking into consideration your areas of navigation, marina requirements and special trip endorsements, the agents at Boater’s Choice will take care of the work, saving you time, hassle and maybe even some money. Spend your precious summer hours wisely. Call (800) 768-2121 or visit www.boaterschoiceinsurance.com.

The Whole

PACKAGE

Just as Boston Whalers provide a smooth and relaxing ride, the new Men’s Shock Light from Sperry Top-Sider ensures maximum comfort on the water. The Shock Light features patented ASV Technology, which decreases the eﬀects of hull pounding and wave crashing. This can signiﬁcantly reduce muscle fatigue and soreness for an even more enjoyable day on the water. Adaptive Wave-Siping™ prevents slippage on wet and dry surfaces, and an ultra-lightweight design makes you light on your feet. All of this innovative new technology is delivered in an eye-catching package that will have others at the docks (neon) green with envy. To see the entire collection of Sperry Top-Sider products, visit www.sperrytopsider.com.

ONE OF A KIND Though each Boston Whaler is built with the same quality craftsmanship, you chose yours because its layout and amenities fit you like a glove. Likewise, there’s a unique barrel of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel whiskey waiting for you. Every barrel is distilled to legendary Jack Daniel’s perfection, and no two are alike. Visit the Jack Daniel Distillery for a personal tasting to find the one-of-a-kind barrel that’s precisely suited to your tastes. Naturally, quantities should always be limited. Please drink responsibly. For more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com/by-the-barrel. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark ©2013 JD Single Barrel 47% Alc/Vol (94 proof). JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, Tenn.

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NEED A BOAT LOAN? You can depend on Essex Credit!

Refinance with APRs* as low as With over 30 years in marine lending, Essex Credit understands your boating lifestyle — you would rather be on the water enjoying time with your family and friends than just about anything else. Essex Credit can help! Refinance your Boston Whaler with an APR as low as 3.99%** and start planning your next trip. Essex Credit offers one-stop shopping; handling every detail of the loan transaction — from paying off your current lender to handling the titling and registration. We offer competitive rates and a hassle-free loan process to help make lowering your monthly payments easy. Don’t wait — apply online today!

$75,000 + $50,000 – $74,999 $25,000 – $49,999

3.99%** 4.24%** 4.87%**

Visit essexcredit.com/bw for rates on loan amounts below $25,000

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[ Time Well Spent ] Now that spring is in full force, you’ll want to soak up as much time on the water as possible. With this in mind, Essex Credit offers a competitive refinancing program for Boston Whaler owners so you can focus on the boating season ahead. Essex Credit specializes in boat loan refinancing, with experienced agents ready to answer all your questions. Take advantage of competitive rates that may lower your monthly payments. Essex Credit offers a convenient, one-stop-shopping approach from application to closing, so you can spend time doing the important stuff—enjoying your Boston Whaler. For more information on Essex Credit’s refinance programs, visit www.essexcredit.com. Subject to loan program guidelines and credit approval.

PARADISE IN VIEW: 2013 BIMINI RENDEZVOUS

Get in the spirit with Boston Whaler staff and fellow Whaler owners at the annual Bimini Rendezvous June 18 to 22 at the Bimini Sands Resort in the Bahamas. Set your sights on five days of fun and relaxation in paradise, featuring cocktail parties, a fishing tournament, island excursions, a masquerade party and much more. Reservations for this much-anticipated event are on a first-come-first-served basis and will fill up fast, so be sure to book your personal view of paradise today! Visit www.bostonwhalerbimini.com for more information.

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CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE When you plan an outing on your Boston Whaler with your whole family in tow, you’ll want a full-size SUV with advanced technology to get you to the dock safely. And when you get behind the wheel of GMC’s Yukon Denali Hybrid, confidence is no question. e Yukon Denali’s powerful engine and rigid body structure provide more than enough trailering capacity for many of today’s mid-size watercraft, plus multiple fuel-saving technologies that provide 332 horsepower and an EPAestimated 23 highway mpg. e Yukon Denali also offers higher-standard technologies, including its Rear-Vision Camera System, which shows certain objects behind the vehicle and helps make backing up hassle-free. All Yukon models also feature a standard Automatic Rear Locking Differential to help you maintain traction on slippery surfaces. And did we mention it seats up to eight passengers, so your friends and family can sit comfortably on the ride to the water? e Yukon Denali Hybrid keeps you comfortably in command without compromise by offering GMC’s smartest technology, functionality and efficiency. For more information, visit gmc.com.

Take care of any last-minute boat preparations before approaching the ramp to ensure smooth drop-oďŹ&#x20AC;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;and good launch karma.

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whaler

towing

Mindful Matters

Advice for keeping spirits high and tempers cool as you navigate the boat launch Story by Bruce W. Smith | Photos by Mike Calabro

when it comes to trailering your boston whaler,

there’s no better policy than the Golden Rule, particularly at the boat launch. Everyone is there with a common goal—to enjoy a great day on the water—so it’s only natural that launch-ramp etiquette boils down to employing common sense and courtesy toward your fellow boaters. Etiquette actually begins the moment you pull out onto the road with your boat in tow. Remember, a vehicle trailering a boat is going to accelerate and brake much more slowly than it does without the trailer on the hitch ball. Let the traﬃc clear enough so that when you do pull out, those sharing the road around you don’t have to put on the brakes. Before making any lane changes, look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. It’s also a courtesy, not to mention lawful, to use turn signals earlier than you normally would to make those behind you aware of your intentions. “Most of all, don’t be in a hurry,” says Robert Krouse, trailering engineer with General Motors North America. “Let other drivers pass if they want, and don’t try to pass others unless it’s really necessary.” Robert also encourages cautious driving on hilly terrain. “Downshifting will help you maintain speed on downhills,” he says. “Crest hills no faster than you want to be going once you head down the other side. Grade braking features on GMC’s Acadia, Yukon, Terrain, Sierra LD and Sierra HD models make this task simpler.” Good boaters have a game plan before they turn into the boat ramp or launch area. e routine can be pretty simple: Stay out of other boaters’ way as they head to launch their boats, and have your own boat ready. Handle any last-minute prep—such as removing tie-downs, putting in the drain plug and loading gear into your boat—before

“

approaching the launch ramp proper and in a location where you aren’t blocking traffic. If you watch seasoned boaters, you can see they make it their goal to get the boat in the water as quickly and efficiently as possible. Part of that trick when launching is to have the boat’s operator at the helm and ready to start the engine as soon as the prop is underwater. e tow vehicle driver should pause at that point until the boat operator gives a thumbs-up, signaling the engine is operating. en back the boat down into the water until the top of the trailer fenders are just above the surface, which usually means the boat can slide free and clear of the trailer. As the boat operator moves to the dock on the side away from the boat ramp—or remains far enough out from the ramp to allow other boats to launch—the tow vehicle driver should find a suitable parking space and pull far enough into it so as not to block the alleyway on each side of the vehicle/trailer. e same etiquette applies when the day is done and it’s time to put the boat back on the trailer. Cruise to the dock, drop off the tow vehicle driver, and then back away from the dock (if the launch area is busy) until you see your boat trailer backing into the water. Ease the boat onto the trailer, hook the bow strap and crank the winch tight. Have the driver pull the vehicle up the boat ramp to an area that doesn’t block traffic. Wait to take out coolers, fishing rods, wakeboards, the Porta Potti or the kids until your vehicle and boat/trailer are well clear of the ramp. By following these tips and showing such respect at the boat ramp, the feelings of goodwill toward your fellow boaters are sure to be mutual.

”

If you watch seasoned boaters, you can see they make it their goal to get the boat in the water as quickly and efficiently as possible.

At home in the Abacos or onboard their 345 Conquest, 190 Outrage or 130 Sport, lifelong Boston Whaler owners Art and Louise Yergey have instilled a love of boating in their kids and grandkids.

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WHALER

profile

The Family That Plays Together... Boating is the tie that binds for Boston Whaler diehards Art and Louise Yergey and their family and friends Story by Tim Mies | Photos by Ben Sampson

it’s not uncommon to hear someone say, “my parents are amazing people,” but when it comes from the children of Art and Louise Yergey, you get a sense that there is more to it than obligatory appreciation. For more than a half-century, Art and Louise have devoted themselves to a life of boating and family, instilling in their children and grandchildren a deep and abiding love for being out on the water. Art and Louise were married in 1954, a mere three weeks after they met. “I knew I would marry Louise as soon as I saw her, and I told her so on our ﬁrst blind date,” Art says. Louise grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and anyone who knows her will tell you she’s a true Georgia Peach. Art was raised in central Florida, not far from their home in Winter Park. Boating has been a part of the Yergeys’ lives since their early days as a couple. “It’s such a huge part of their marriage,” says their daughter, Missy. “It’s who they are.” Art and Louise have enjoyed a number of boats throughout the years, but they’ve always had a particular fondness for Boston Whalers. Art says, “A Boston Whaler is a true turnkey operation. Every inch of space is utilized. Every nook and cranny has a purpose.” “We’ve always had Boston Whalers,” says their son, Palmer. “Dad used a Whaler when he taught us how to drive because he said a Whaler is the safest boat. And he’s right— you never feel safer than when you’re on one.” Art and Louise enjoy spending time aboard their 345 Conquest, 190 Outrage and 130 Sport in both Winter Park and the Bahamas. “In 44 years, we haven’t missed a summer in the Bahamas, and they have all been great,” Art says. e Yergeys have had a smaller Whaler in tow on every journey south, as their children fondly recall. “My brother

“

David and I used to take out the smaller Whaler and catch our food for the day,” Palmer says. “ere was always something to catch, and we’d bring it back for Mom to cook. She didn’t mind, as long as the fish was cleaned before we brought it on the bigger boat. at was her one rule.” “Mom was always a trooper,” David adds. “She could whip up an amazing meal right in the galley on the boat. She always made sure everyone was well fed.” Missy, a professional diver at Walt Disney World, remembers finding a love for diving in the Bahamas. “Mom and Dad are the reason I got into scuba diving,” she says. “We would take the Whaler out and go snorkeling and diving for hours. ey taught me everything.” After years of renting places in the Bahamas, Art and Louise finally purchased a home in the Abaco Islands four years ago, equipped with a guesthouse that they call “e Snoring Shack.” ey enjoy entertaining family and guests, and taking one of their boats out for some light island hopping or a longer overnight trip. “At their age, you wouldn’t think they would be as eager to get out on the boats, but they’re still at it,” Palmer says. “ey’re a great team,” David agrees. “My dad couldn’t have asked for a better first mate than my mom. She’s always right by his side through every storm or patch of rough water.” After 59 years of marriage, Art and Louise still feel (and act) like newlyweds. e joy they feel when they’re among family and friends on a Whaler is paralleled only by the immense appreciation their children have for the life their parents gave them. “We owe it all to my parents,” Missy says. “ey are amazing people.”

”

My dad couldn’t have asked for a better ﬁrst mate than my mom. She’s always right by his side through every storm or rough patch.

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whalerwatching Anthony Anthony Clough’s Clough’s 370 370 Outrage Outrage isis the the Jewel Jewel of of Auﬆralia’s Auﬆralia’s Gold Gold Coaﬆ Coaﬆ

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Most people gather along the pristine shores of Australia’s Gold Coast to watch world-class surfing, but today all eyes are on Anthony Clough’s Boston Whaler 370 Outrage. Even the migrating humpback whales have stopped to circle the boat, jumping from the blue now and again as if to take a look. “It always gets attention,” Anthony says. “The general comment I hear is that this Boston Whaler is everyone’s dream boat. That they’d give their right arm to own a vessel like this.”

It’s a good thing the successful young mining executive is comfortable being the center of aention out here on the waterways of Surfers Paradise, a suburb of Gold Coast City,

because it’s impossible to camouflage the prowess of the big Outrage with those triple Verado® outboards holstered out back. “I can drive my 65-foot sport fisher out here and not get a second glance,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in a 10-foot tinny or a 110-foot motor yacht, it’s this Whaler that gets the most attention. Even people who get around in those things with sails on them appreciate it.”

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Out on the waterways of Surfers Paradise, Anthony Cloughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 370 Outrage makes a splashâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even when up against a showing from the local humpback population.

Humpbacks and surfers alike frequent Australia’s Gold Coast region, where idyllic views and year-round sunshine form dream boating territory. A healthy population of game fish further sweetens the deal for anglers like Anthony.

Although the 370 Outrage is certainly the sexiest fishing boat around, becoming king of the Gold Coast canals was the furthest thing from Anthony’s mind when he bought it. “For me, it was all about the performance,” he explains. “I bought this boat for its capabilities—for its handling, its stability, its fishability and, of course, its power. When any other boat is running 20 knots, and doing it hard, we’re sitting on 32 knots and doing it easy.” Andrew Bennett, managing director at Queensland Marine Centre, where Anthony purchased his Whaler, has joined us for an earlymorning fishing expedition. “Conditions along the Queensland Coast can turn very rough very quickly,” Andrew says. “So when you’re running 30 nautical miles straight out to sea, you want to be in a boat that’s extremely capable offshore. But at the same time, there is so much fun to be had on our inshore waterways that you also want a boat you can put the family on for a raft-up or beach party.” For comparison’s sake, the canals and pocket bays along the Gold Coast are very reminiscent of the residential waterways in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Just about everyone here lives on or near a canal or marina and

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keeps some type of boat on hand. Anthony, his wife, Shelley, and their teenage son and daughter, Jesse and Gracie, live on the Isle of Capri in Surfers Paradise. The entire main floor of their modern home opens up to the canal. The Outrage is kept nestled in a custom dockside Seapen dry dock just off the family’s tiny, private beach. “On a perfect day, I spend the morning with friends fishing offshore,” Anthony says, “then I take a break at the house, and in the afternoon load up the family and go back downtown for a swim and a drink.” Downtown Surfers Paradise is Oz-like, with its gleaming towers and futuristic architecture. What was once just a famous surfing destination now features a host of man-made canals and marinas that make it a boater’s paradise, as well. “We get about 300 days of sunshine each year,” Andrew says, “and subtropical temperatures that average 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). There is no extreme. It’s always idyllic. Plus, you’ve got the best surfing beaches in Australia, some of the cleanest waters and zero pollution.” Years of working in developing countries have made Anthony especially appreciative of Australia’s clean air and water. “I just returned

Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends Andrew and Olivia Bennett (opposite, top right) and the Bennettsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; little ones, Tom and Lola (here), get a kick out of the Outrage back at the dock as well.

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from Beijing where the Air Quality Index was 530. Their index only goes to 500, so it was off the charts. Here in Surfers Paradise, it might get up to a 4,” he says. After an invigorating morning of hunting marlin, wahoo and tuna with his buddies, Anthony and his family often spend the afternoon relaxing in Bum’s Bay, a huge cove with no anchorage fees, and a favorite place for locals to meet for a raft-up. This afternoon he affixes the Outrage to a flotilla of many vessels, including the 345 Conquest favored by Andrew Bennett, his wife, Olivia, and their young children, Tom and Lola. However, it doesn’t take long for everyone to congregate on the deck of the Outrage, and its spaciousness amazes all who come aboard. “It’s very deceptive,” Anthony says. “When you see this boat from the water it shows you one dimension, but when you’re physically on it, it’s so much bigger than you would have guessed.” Andrew agrees: “You’d have to have a 50- or 60-foot cruiser to get the same amount of social space you get with the 370 Outrage. Whether you’re diving, fishing or just having some drinks and food, there can be 10 people onboard and there’s still plenty of room left over.” Andrew and his young family do a lot of overnighting, and therefore enjoy the even more commodious accommodations offered by the 345 Conquest. “Either of these Whalers is going to be extremely versatile,” Andrew explains, “but the big Outrage, with its massive deck space, is going to offer better fishability, while our Conquest provides

more useable space below deck, and will be more comfortable if you use the boat primarily for taking your family out, or if you want some luxuries when overnighting.” The 345 Conquest also gets plenty of attention out here on the waterways of Surfers Paradise, but Anthony’s Outrage still steals the show. “There just aren’t a lot of deep, center-console boats like this in Australia,” Andrew says of the 370, “and even more rare is seeing such a long, sleek design with the triple 300s engine package. It’s hard not to notice a boat like this.” At dusk, the families leave behind the clinking and splashing of Bum’s Bay and idle back toward Surfers’ party-centric downtown. “This is arguably the party capital of Australia,” Anthony says. As if on cue, a party barge done up like a faux pirate ship comes into view. “That boat is used mostly for buck and doe shows,” Anthony says as the first giggles and shrieks begin to tickle our ears. The bachelorette party draws closer and the girls forget all about their half-clad hired dancers and start blowing kisses and twirling their boas at Anthony and his impressive Outrage. “It’s always like this, no matter how many times you go out,” he laughs. “I’ve had this Whaler for eight months, and it still draws a crowd.” Surfers Paradise, a.k.a. Boaters Paradise? Partiers Paradise? Fishermen’s? “It’s one of the most ideal places on the planet, especially when you’re a surfer hosting a party on your fishing boat,” Andrew reflects. “Maybe we should just leave it at ‘Paradise.’”

â&#x20AC;˘

With 10 new boats in just two years and a host of innovative new features, Boston Whaler is making bold strides into the future

bigger, bolder S to r y by A my W i d e m a n | P h o to s by B o s to n W h a l e r

& better

than ever

A legend stands the test of time largely through the process of retelling. Each narrator adds a detail, a layer, an image, contributing to a memorable story that deepens with each passing year. With Boston Whaler, this process is readily apparent, as every angler, every family, every water-skier or consummate onboard host adds color and richness to the fabric of the brand and the unsinkable reputation that precedes it. In the early days, Whaler’s “legendary” status was born of that oft-repeated anecdote, Richard Fisher’s successful voyage on a sawed-in-half boat… a feat made possible by something even more crucial to the tale: innovation. At Boston Whaler, that first unsinkable boat was just the beginning. Fisher’s famed gesture underscored a push-the-envelope way of thinking that continues to expand and inspire more legendary boats and, in turn, more incredible adventures. After all, there’s more to a good story than the first chapter. Today’s Boston Whaler is advancing the possibilities in all directions, from subtle adjustments in ergonomics to major breakthroughs in manufacturing, technology and design. e core values remain constant—high functionality, rugged sophistication, seamless transition from hardcore offshore fishing to casual sunset cruises—even as the bar for comfort and capability is raised time and again. And what better platform for bar raising than the lineup itself? Boston Whaler has introduced an incredible 10 boats in just two years’ time, with many more on the not-so-distant horizon. ese new models span the lineup and even include a new family of boats, the Vantage series. e dual-console 230 and 270 Vantage made waves when they first came on the scene in 2012, and they continue to earn accolades (see page 31). Features like the uniquely convertible port lounge seat and cleverly designed layout add up to a game-changing whole. Early 2013 also marked the first appearance of the 270 Dauntless, the biggest member to join the popular Dauntless family. “e 270 Dauntless is as comfortable as it is aesthetically pleasing,” says Jeff Vaughn, Boston Whaler’s vice president of sales, marketing and customer service. “In true Dauntless spirit, it’s equipped for everything from offshore fishing runs to entertaining to watersports—and looks stylish doing it all.” Another stylish contribution to the legend is the 350 Outrage, from the award-winning team behind the 370 Outrage. Designed to serve as a well-appointed offshore fishing or cruising vessel—and perfect as a spacious, versatile yacht tender—the new Outrage is world-class all the

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way. “e 350 Outrage is a perfect example of the direction Boston Whaler has been heading,” Jeﬀ says. “We are consciously and deliberately making innovation a priority. It’s about shaping products that address the needs and desires of today’s boaters, from the way they use onboard space to the functionalities they crave.” Everything about the 350 Outrage is sophisticated—from the spacious bow area with ample storage and seating, to the mid-boat dive door, to the giant aft cockpit featuring upgraded seating and ergonomics. Two leaning post options give the choice between a fully equipped bait prep center with sink and 40-gallon livewell, or the deluxe Summer Kitchen with grill, optional fridge and sink. Both include

(Previous page) The new 315 Conquest navigates Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eastern shore. (This page, clockwise from far left) The award-winning 370 Outrage and brand-new 350 Outrage (both featuring optional upper station) and the 210 Montauk are all well equipped for serious anglers and serious comfort-seekers.

(Clockwise from center) The 270 Dauntless, 285 Conquest and 315 Conquest Pilothouse provide ample comfort and steadfast safety; up close on the 270 Vantage, features like the premium JL Audio speakers, under-seat storage and handy cupholders come into view.

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“We are consciously and deliberately making innovation a priority. It’s about shaping products that address the needs and desires of today’s boaters, from the way they use onboard space to the functionalities they crave.” > Jeff Vaughn, vice president of sales, marketing and customer service

storage galore, a theme that runs throughout the boat. Another definitive offering, the upper station, provides an unobstructed view of the horizon and a host of instrumentation options. “It’s a well-designed approach to an upper station that not only elevates the fishing and boating experience, but also enhances the look of the boat,” Jeff says. And what day on the water would be complete without a soundtrack? Boston Whaler has shown their commitment to high quality sound through their partnership with JL Audio, a U.S. manufacturer of top-notch audio products that now come standard and premium on all new Boston Whaler models. “JL Audio is a leader in sound quality

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and a natural partner for Boston Whaler,” Jeff says. “We’re pleased to offer complete JL Audio systems on all new models.” The 230 and 270 Vantage, 270 Dauntless and 350 Outrage join an esteemed group of newcomers that also includes the 285 and 315 Conquest and the 285 and 315 Conquest Pilothouse. ese brawny and capable models feature a deep-V hull and wide beam for unbeatable offshore fishing prowess, combined with comforts like bright, well-lit cabins, full windshield enclosures and well-appointed heads and galleys. “When we designed the new 285 Conquest Pilothouse, comfort in any condition was of the utmost importance—from the helm to the cabin,” explains Lenn Scholz, Boston Whaler’s vice president of product development and engineering. “is boat stands out from the crowd.” Rounding out the new introductions are the rugged 210 Montauk, delivering purposeful functionality in a classic center-console format, and the bold, sporty 170 Dauntless. “It’s a thrill to witness the continuing advancements in the Outrage family and across our entire lineup,” Jeff says. “Even as we retain our core Boston Whaler values—unsinkability, versatility, reliability—we’re able to push the envelope.” All the better to achieve your goals, be it to reel in a bigger catch, reach a farther-off fishing hole, carve a higher rooster tail, or release a louder belly laugh. Bigger, bolder, richer and more layered. The legend grows.

2 3 0 Va n tag e | n M M a I n n oVat I o n awa r d w I n n e r

I N T H E S P O T L I G H T | the 2013 Miami International Boat Show marked a victory for Boston whaler: the 230 Vantage was presented with the national Marine Manufacturers association (nMMa) Innovation award for the under-24' runabout category. “we’re tremendously proud of the Vantage family and excited to oﬀer our customers these multifaceted dual-console models,” said Boston whaler’s Jeﬀ Vaughn. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the nMMa.”

Features like the spacious, versatile bow area, the convertible aft lounge seat (at left), the multi-position port lounge seat, and the optional watersports tower (above) are among the leading-edge elements that earned the 230 Vantage recognition by the NMMA.

Parks Rec Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Division of Parks and Wildlife relies on a large fleet of Boston Whalers to get the job done

Story by Jennifer Chesak | Photos by Mike Calabro

The Littleton headquarters of Colorado’s Division of Parks and Wildlife (CPW)

operates out of an old speakeasy. Brian Sandy’s office is said to be haunted by the joint’s former owner, supposedly a mafia member who was murdered on the premises. But Brian, an investigator and state boating law administrator, has little time for ghost hunting. Instead, he often hunts for “vanishing” safety gear onboard vessels. Turns out, Colorado’s many epic peaks—including more than 50 summits higher than 14,000 feet—aren’t the only features that lure outdoorsy types to the state. Despite its landlocked locale, Colorado is actually quite the boating mecca, with more than 2,000 recreational lakes and reservoirs. Thirty of Colorado’s state parks are water based. That puts a serious demand on the CPW. Not to worry, though. Since the early 1980s, the division has relied on a fleet of Boston Whalers to help patrol park waters, host safety courses, uphold boater safety laws, and operate search and rescue missions. “I have never seen a Whaler sink,” Brian says. “Before we bought the Whalers, we were using recreational boats that just didn’t have the durability that Whalers provide. When you’re out on the water for 10plus days straight, you need something tough.”

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Brian joins Jeff Carrasco, CPW’s park manager and boat sections supervisor, onboard a Boston Whaler 19-foot Guardian, and the pair shoves off from the dock on Chatfield Reservoir in Chatfield State Park. Brunswick Commercial & Government Products (BCGP) builds the Guardian model for use by the military, U.S. Coast Guard, research organizations and more. In addition to about 50 Guardian boats, the CPW also uses a 24-foot Justice (another Boston Whaler BCGP model). BCGP has contracted with government agencies for more than half a century. It designs its commercial Whalers after receiving extensive input and expertise from experienced law enforcement, fire and rescue, and military personnel, who know exactly the type of vessel they need for their various jobs. “e Guardian provides a good platform for us,” Brian says. “e center-console design lets us work off of either side, or over the bow or stern. It’s great for doing rescues.” Only a few minutes into their shift, Jeff sounds a loud siren and flashes the Guardian’s law enforcement lights. He then maneuvers the Whaler alongside a smaller recreational craft. “How are you doing?” Brian asks the man at the helm.

e Guardian provides a good platform for us. e center console design lets us work oﬀ of either side, or over the bow or stern. It’s great for doing rescues.

(Previous) CPW Park Ranger Jeﬀ Carrasco at the helm. (This page) The entire CPW team, including Park Ranger Brian Sandy (opposite), relies on a ﬂeet that includes Boston Whaler BCGP Guardian and Justice models.

I’ve been out in fourfoot-plus waves and I’ve never had an issue. Whalers last forever. “Well, I was doing great until you guys showed up,” the man replies with a light chuckle. Despite having been stopped, he offers a friendly smile and answers Brian’s questions. Brian and Jeff ask him the age of his daughter onboard. When they learn she is 10, they give the man a verbal warning that she must be wearing a life jacket. e man reaches into a storage bin and retrieves her vest. “If a child is under 13 and is not wearing a life jacket,” Brian explains, “we have a zero-tolerance policy.” In the past three years, the CPW has conducted more than 31,000 boating safety compliance checks during 125,000 safety-dedicated activity hours on the water. Brian then asks the man if he has a fire extinguisher and a throwable PFD. After conducting a thorough search of all the nooks and crannies onboard, the man reveals he doesn’t have either item. Brian and Jeff have no choice but to follow the boater back to the dock and ensure that he either gets off the water or complies with safety laws by purchasing the items at the marina store. He opts for the latter, so that he and his daughter can resume fishing. He politely thanks Brian and Jeff for their work and heads back out. Chatfield is just a short drive south of Denver and Littleton. e water here is already dotted with anglers, water-skiers and other boaters trying to get a jump on the approaching Fourth of July weekend. Beachgoers enjoy a reprieve from the hot weather by taking a dip in the designated swimming area. A few sand-covered kids gawk at the CPW’s Boston Whaler and wave at Brian and Jeff. Jeff points the bow of the Guardian toward the dam that stops up the Platte River at the lake’s southern end. Here anglers ply the sunken gravel pits for smallmouth bass. Chatfield also offers trophy walleye and plenty of rainbow trout. Toward the center of the lake, a skier expertly crisscrosses his towboat’s wake as the vessel makes wide clockwise circles. A spotter cheers at the spectacle. But Jeff flashes the Guardian’s lights and sounds the horn. Signs at the boat ramp state that traffic must run counterclockwise. e boater comes to a slow stop while the Whaler approaches. Brian kindly issues a verbal warning. “You guys have fun,” he shouts, waving to the skier. “Fourth of July is usually one of our busiest weekends on boats,” he adds, surveying the water. “Most of what we pull people over for are moving violations,” Jeff explains. “Like not giving the right of way or coming too close to skiers.” During these stops, Brian and Jeff often check for onboard safety compliance. In Colorado, boaters must have a readily accessible PFD for each person onboard, a sound-producing device, a charged

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Boaters in Colorado’s many water-based state parks can depend on CPW oﬃcers to preserve and protect. (Above) Boat Attendant Jake Grenier and Park Ranger Haleigh Shafer maneuver their Whaler into place, while Park Ranger Jeﬀ Carrasco (top) leaps into action.

The CPW works tirelessly to keep Colorado’s waterways safe, enforcing rules and regulations designed with boaters’ well-being in mind. A ﬂeet of more than 50 Boston Whalers keeps the oﬃcers themselves safe and ever ready.

and serviceable fire extinguisher, a type IV throwable PFD and a valid registration. In addition to checking for these items, the CPW enforces the National BUI (Boating Under the Influence) Check Point Program, with stops on various state park reservoirs and lakes. Boating or operating a personal watercraft with a blood alcohol level higher than .08 is a misdemeanor. And officers have a battery of tests they can run right onboard the Guardian to check if someone is intoxicated. “We’re out here to just remind people to be safe,” Brian says. “We try not to be too invasive into people’s recreational time. We try to be education-based.” Brian and Jeff make a few slow turns around the lake, observing the various boaters out enjoying the water. Looking to the southwest, they notice the sky darkening over the foothills. A drought and several severe wildfires have plagued the state, so precipitation is a welcome site. e wind picks up, causing whitecaps on the lake, but the Whaler handles the chop with ease. “I’ve been out in 4-foot-plus waves and I’ve never had an issue,” Brian says. “Whalers last forever. We’ve still got some of our 1984 Justice models in service.”

Boston Whaler’s extensive and well-supported dealer network ensures that users of BCGP Whalers have easy access to maintenance and service. In Littleton, the local dealer, Great Lakes Marine, gladly assists the CPW with any such needs. Suddenly, flashes of lightning contrast with the dark clouds. “at’s not good,” Jeff says. e ominous sky prompts boaters to make their way back in to the docks. Small droplets of rain begin to pepper the lake, while thunder crashes and echoes through the foothills. Soon all the vessels have left the water—all except one. Jeff pulls the Whaler alongside a small fishing boat stationed near the dam. “Any luck today?” he asks the anglers onboard. ey shake their heads and flash sheepish grins. “e motor won’t start,” says one man. Brian tosses him a towrope, and Jeff carefully pulls the fishing boat back to the marina. As they arrive at the dock, the raindrops turn into a deluge. “Just in time,” says the owner of the stranded boat. “Not too many people are happy to see any type of law enforcement come up alongside them,” Jeff says. “But every once in a while we get the privilege of helping someone out.”

Legends

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A Boston Whaler 200 Dauntless roams the “Big Muddy” in North Dakota Story by Jennifer Chesak | Photos by Steven J. Conway

Al Leingang’s log-cabinstyle home sits alone on the western bank of the Missouri River just north of Bismarck, North Dakota. In his yard, Al grows native prairie grasses and wildflowers. Aside from the fields of harvested corn and wheat that roll in the distance, the rural banks of the “Big Muddy” appear much as they did back in 1804. (Previous and this page) Cruising the Missouri River’s grassy banks, Al Leingang puts his faith in a Boston Whaler 200 Dauntless. Friend and colleague Larry Smith (right, with net) often joins in the pursuit of ﬁsh.

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(This page) For anglers like Al, the Big Muddy oﬀers up riches both man-made and natural, including a healthy run of pike and walleye.

at’s when Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and the Corps of Discovery traveled up the Ohio and Missouri Rivers in a 55-foot keelboat and two smaller pirogues. eir vessels turned the heads of the native Mandan, Hidatsa, Sioux and Arikara tribes they encountered along the way. Fast forward a couple of centuries, and Al’s Boston Whaler 200 Dauntless, docked just below his house, is what now catches fellow anglers’ attention on the upper Missouri. “It’s amazing how many people come up to me and ask about it,” Al says of the Boston Whaler. He greets me at his dock with friend and colleague Larry Smith. As is customary in North Dakota, we talk about the weather ﬁrst. e fall day has ushered in cooler temperatures, and the three of us zip up our windbreakers. ough I’ve never met him before, Al is actually a distant relative. When I caught wind that he owned a Boston Whaler for ﬁshing on the Missouri River, I demanded to meet him. “So where’d you grow up?” I ask, trying to unearth the exact details of our kinship.

“I haven’t grown up yet,” he answers with a big grin. He lowers the boat’s lift and, as we continue to chat, I quickly learn that the man can’t turn a phrase without cracking a little joke. And for that, I instantly like him. “My father always said,” Al begins with a laugh, “‘Son, you’re not totally worthless. You can always serve as a bad example.’” But as a successful businessman, now retired, Al is anything but a bad example. His siding and window manufacturing company is a household name in Bismarck. He is also known for bending the rules. During a particularly brutal North Dakota winter, Al tells me, he once hauled a bunch of sand into a shop warehouse, heated up the building, trailered in his boat, stocked a large tank with some ﬁsh and wet a line. “I only have one life to live,” he explains, “and I’m going to live it.” With his go-against-the-grain mentality, it’s no surprise that when it comes to boat buying, Al strays a little from the regional norm. Known for indestructibility, however, a Whaler proves a great match for the north, where sandbars, wayward logs, rock jetties and

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strong winds all pose a threat to the Missouri River boater. “When you’re battling waves, it’s not like you’re getting hammered,” Al says. “I like the quality. You can have a Whaler forever.” Al is even looking into getting a second Boston Whaler for his home out on Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana, just south of Glacier National Park. “at’s some big water out there,” he says. He reaches up and grabs two poles out of the Whaler’s T-top rocket launchers. He hands one to Larry, an acquaintance-turnedfriend who has acquired several of Al’s entrepreneurial businesses. Now Larry and Al have become fishing buddies as well. Larry often invites Al south to his home in Kentucky for various fishing adventures. “He told me there were 3-pound bluegill down there,” Al says. “That was bull,” he adds with a grin.

Since long before Lewis and Clark floated through, North Dakota’s bountiful fall and spring seasons have been rewarding stalwart inhabitants.

“It’s easy to walk around when catching and netting. It just brings a whole different element. Plus, the helm is so handy with everything right there.”

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“It goes both ways,” Larry says, joking that Al also told tall tales about the “big fish” up north. But Al wasn’t too far off. e Missouri River system normally offers phenomenal pike and walleye fishing. However, the previous year’s unprecedented flooding flushed out a lot of forage. Anglers are reporting lots of catches but with fish somewhat on the smaller side. We enjoy a swath of river all to ourselves with only a few boaters passing by every now and then on their way to reported hot spots farther north. We all offer a friendly wave. Al maneuvers the Whaler closer to a large sandbar patrolled by a flock of geese. ey honk a greeting while we cast. “I love this up here,” Al says. He lifts up the hatch on the bow casting deck to reveal an insulated livewell. “I just fill it with ice and keep my walleye fresh.” e boat also features a convenient raw-water washdown to help clean out the Whaler at the end of the day. “It’s awesome,” Al says. “It’s easy to clean off the sand and fishiness.” e Dauntless is also a big hit with Al’s grandkids, thanks in part to the enclosed head. And overall, the Whaler’s design offers him the best layout for fishing. “I love the center console style,” Al explains. “It’s easy to walk around when catching and netting. It just brings a whole different element. Plus, the helm is so handy with everything right there.” After trolling for a short time with little result, Al points the Whaler north to a spot just upstream from his home. “It’s unbelievable. It really has the power,” Al says of the Mercury 200-hp FourStroke Verado®. “I can get it down to half a mile per hour. And it’s so quiet.” Indeed, we’ve been chatting comfortably even while running. He again slows to a troll, and we discuss the fishing out west on Flathead Lake. In Montana, Al targets mackinaw, bull trout and whitefish. “ey’re fighters,” he says of the latter. “ey’re fun to catch.” To target whitefish, Al uses two lures and a half-ounce jig. He jigs about 120 feet down, using maggots for live bait.

Flathead Lake is one of the deepest in the United States. at makes it a perfect home for not only several species of fish, but also for a cryptid. ose who’ve laid eyes on the Flathead Lake Monster say it’s eel-like and has several humps. e Missouri River holds several beasts, as well—ones that have actually been caught. Paddlefish season in North Dakota runs for a short time in spring. Anglers have reported fish at 5 feet long and weighing around 100 pounds. Paddlefish can live a long life in the Missouri River system, with some roaming the waters for more than half a century. e Flathead Lake Monster, real or imaginary, however, is reportedly four times that in age. When I bring the topic up to the guys, I half expect Al to tell me he’s seen the Montana creature, but he laughs and waves off the tale, opting instead to talk about a different sort of legend, the Unsinkable Boston Whaler. e brand’s sterling reputation certainly played a part in Al’s decision. “It’s foam filled, so it’s all tighter,” he says. Al unzips his jacket. He looks up at the sun rising over the eastern cliff, lighting up the long prairie grasses. “It might turn out to be a really nice day,” he says. e bluff marks the site of Double Ditch, a former Mandan Native American settlement that dates back to the late 1400s. Remnants of its earth lodges are still visible along with the village’s fortification ditches. Interpretive signs now mark the various features of the site. Journals indicate that when Lewis and Clark came upon the bank, the settlement had already been abandoned for nearly 25 years. Floating along the river now, the three of us can’t help but reflect on the Corps of Discovery and that epic journey up the Missouri—the drudgery and the hardships and the slow progress. It only takes a quiet minute to realize we’re all thinking the same thing: Too bad they didn’t have a Whaler.

Story by Jennifer Chesak | Photos by Mike Calabro

HAWAIIAN TREASURE

A Boston Whaler Outrage aids a Kona-based tropical fish collector and scuba diving enthusiast In 1926, Mauna Loa, one of the five volcanoes that form the Big Island of Hawaii, erupted and sent lava flowing into the ocean. The eruption left behind a slab of igneous rock that is now used as a boat ramp in the fishing village of Miloliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here that Pete Basabe launches his Boston Whaler 170 Outrage every morning and retrieves it every evening.

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the best times of day,” pete says, guiding the boat away from the dock, “are when you’re going out in the morning and the sun is coming up, and when you’re heading back later and the sun is at your shoulder. you say to yourself, ‘there’s just nothing better.’” pete, a diver, collects tropical aquarium fish and ships them all over the world. “i started when i was 18, and haven’t stopped,” he says. “i’m now 60.”

He points the Whaler south and heads along the Big Island’s western shore. A boats over the years, but they just didn’t hold up like a Whaler. blaze of orange brightens the sky above the volcanic coastline. Waves rush Their fiberglass stringers separated. In this business, your boat against the black cliffs, sending spray into the air, before sloshing back into gets beat up.” the Pacific. The island of Hawaii is larger than all of the other Hawaiian Pete’s pattern has been to purchase and hang onto a boat for about five years, then sell it and buy another one, taking advanIslands combined. It’s also the only one still volcanically active, thanks to tage of tax write-offs for his business and the Hawaiian obsession Mauna Loa and Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. Miloli’i is known as “the last Hawaiian fishing village.” Most of the resiwith Boston Whalers. “The resale value is incredible,” he says. dents in the unincorporated community live a life steeped in Polynesian Preference-wise, Pete has homed in on the smaller models in tradition. They use solar panels for power and collect rainwater for plumbing. the Outrage family of boats. “We like the configuration,” he says. Pete and his wife, Bertha, recently bought a place about 100 yards off the “There’s a big spot in the back where we can store our fishboxes.” At times he’s had to look on the mainland for a particular water. “We’re going to move in and retire,” Pete says. model, but he says the search is always worth it. “The 170 was Bertha often helps Pete on collection runs when she’s not working as a registered nurse. The couple employs five crewmembers as well. On a typical day, really pristine,” he explains. “They come in by ship on the other they’ll head anywhere from 15 to 30 miles south along the island. “There’s an side of the island, where we have a favorite restaurant. We’ll go area where the water gets pretty rough,” Pete says, pointing off over, eat dinner and pick up our new boat.” in the distance. “Most other boats turn back, but we learned In the future, Pete says he might consider buying (Previous) Pete Basabe, beaming from under the straw hat that that with the Whaler, you can get through it. On the other a Boston Whaler from Brunswick Commercial & protects him from the Hawaiian sun; side of that, it gets pretty calm.” Government Products (BCGP). The company a sampling of the colorful fish he encounters while diving; and a Since 1975, when Pete bought a 170 Montauk, he’s owned 12 designs and manufactures Boston Whalers for skilled member of his crew. (Top row, Boston Whalers. “I’ve had everything from a 22-foot Outrage commercial use, for combat in the military, for center) A glimpse of Mauna Loa to a 17-foot Montauk,” he says. “I did buy a couple of other search and rescue in the U.S. Coast Guard, and at sunset.

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Pete’s 170 Outrage carries him and his crew from the launch ramp in Miloli’i to the deep, rich waters off of the Big Island, where scuba diving and fishing for tuna and mahi-mahi are equally rewarding pursuits, and where the locals are quick to offer a friendly hand.

more. “If I buy one of those, I’d have it forever,” he vows. Pete’s love for the water dates back to his childhood in California. “My mom tells me the story of us being out on the lake on a cabin cruiser,” he says, smiling at the memory. “They’d let me drive it. She always says, ‘At that point, you went off to someplace far away that we would never get you back from.’” At age 16, Pete earned his certification in scuba at the local YMCA. Yet, even in his coastal location, he had little opportunity to dive. After an injury botched his football scholarship, he headed to Hawaii to spend more time on the water. “In California, I went out diving once a month,” he says. “In Hawaii, I dive three or four times a day.” In addition to diving, Pete and crew also use the boat to catch tuna and mahi-mahi. “When you dive several times a day, you have to allow time in between for the nitrogen to leave your body. So we fish. The Whaler is the perfect boat for trolling.” Years ago, Pete recalls, he and Bertha were fishing aboard their Montauk and caught a small skipjack tuna, or aku. Later that day, Bertha spotted a bedroom slipper floating in the ocean and immediately recognized its potential as a brightly colored, if unconventional, bobber. They wanted to continue fishing but didn’t have any live bait

vol. 4, issue 1

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onboard. “We chopped up the tuna we had caught earlier,” Pete says, laughing, “and caught six mahi mahi right off that slipper.” They didn’t have a cooler onboard so they tucked three mahi mahi on each side in the Montauk’s gunnel storage. “We were a bloody mess, and so was the boat. But we just jumped into the water to clean off, and, of course, a Whaler is always easy to clean.” When collecting aquarium fish, Pete looks for angelfish, butterflyfish and tangs—all commonly found in tropical tanks in homes. “I have a small tank with my little pets,” Pete says. “Other than that, I’ve got to manage all the tanks in the aquariums downstairs. We’ve got it down to a science.” After completing a few dives for the day, Pete and crew make their way back to Miloli’i. Upon arriving at the ramp, Pete shares the story of one of the first times he launched out of the small village. On the return, he looked up to witness what appeared to be someone running off with his truck and boat trailer. Turns out a Miloli’i local was just doing him a traditional favor, helping him out at the launch. Now, that same man has worked for him for more than 15 years, and Pete and Bertha are godparents to his child. Pete sums it up best when he talks about his days on the water: “Every day is a treasure hunt.”

MOBILE

MARINE

POWERSPORTS

HOME AUDIO

Our premium audio is now standard on every Boston Whaler.

w w w. j l a u d i o . c o m

MODEL

YUKON DENALI HYBRID

ST YLING

CHROME ACCENTS

MPG

20 CITY/23 HWY *

CARGO

108.9 CU FT **

AHEAD OF THE CURVE WAS OUR STARTING POINT. To make the most advanced full-size SUV available, we equipped it with multiple fuel-saving technologies that offer 332 horsepower and 23 hwy mpg. Then, we added technological features ranging from a standard touch-screen Navigation System † and Bluetooth® †† capability, to a Rear-Vision Camera System and an available Rear-Seat Entertainment System. Since we never stop pushing the limits, we equipped it with the premium features and distinctive chrome accents that make a Denali a Denali. It’s what happens when we constantly engineer ahead of the curve.

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE.

*EPA estimated. **With second- and third-row seats folded. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. †Map coverage for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands available on a separate disc. Coverage not available for portions of Canada. ††Go to gm.com/bluetooth to see which Bluetooth phones are compatible with the vehicle. ©2012 General Motors. All rights reserved. Denali® GMC® WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE® Yukon®