Whaler Volume 7 Issue 2

WHALER THE UNSINKABLE LEGEND

B O S T O N

W H A L E R

B O A T S

volume 7 issue 2

M A G A Z I N E

www.bostonwhaler.com

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THE ACADIA ALL TERRAIN HAS ARRIVED. Get away from it all without roughing it. The first-of-its-kind 2017 Acadia All Terrain balances off-road capabilities with a comfortable cabin. To help carve your own trail, an advanced S:9.5”

Shown with dealer-installed accessories. ©2016 General Motors. All rights reserved. The marks appearing in this ad are the trademarks or service marks of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors.

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All-Wheel-Drive system makes it possible.

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whaler ­president’s letter Keeping the legend growing.

President, Boston Whaler

Nick Stickler Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Customer Service

Jeff Vaughn Director of Customer Experience

Nate Abdalian Manager of Content & Event Marketing

Traci Davis Marketing & Sales Event Coordinator

Anna Collins Digital Media Specialist

Katie Toot Marketing Administrative Assistant

Kristin Osweiler

Legacy

WHALER

Magazine

President/Publisher

This spring, I was delighted to step aboard as Boston Whaler’s new President. It’s a great honor to helm a company as passionate and innovative as this one. There’s a palpable enthusiasm that runs deep, both within our organization and throughout our amazing owner family.

Take this issue of Whaler magazine as a prime example of boaters who are creating their own joyous legacies, from a mom in Mississippi sharing boating adventures with her son (page 26), to a couple in Montana fostering an appreciation for nature with their grandchildren (page 42). And I love the story that Larry Marchese shared with us (page 14); he and his sons worked for months to return a 50-year-old Boston Whaler back to its original glory, teaching themselves from scratch the ins and outs of boat restoration.

Each story is a testament not only to the strength of our boats, but also to that of our owners. The Whaler community is filled with people who embrace the chance to roll up their sleeves and dive in, welcoming every opportuThe Boston Whaler nity with a confident smile. We pride ourselves on building legacy is built on boats you can rely on to embrace those opportunities right the passion of our along with you.

The Boston Whaler legacy is built on the passion of our employees, dealers employees, dealers and of course our owners—past, present and of course our and future. I’m excited to help grow this legacy, and I look owners—past, forward to hearing your own stories of time well spent present and future. on the water.

Nick Stickler

Douglas Leik

Editorial Director

Randy Hess

Managing Editor

Amy Wideman Senior Editor

Elli Purtell

Editor at Large

Jennifer Chesak Editor at Large

Alexa Poteet

Creative Director

Russell Duncan

Digital Creative Director

Kraig Devenport Art Director

Justin Goode Graphic Designer

Brittany Huisenga Photographers

Mike Calabro, Steven J. Conway, Robert Glover, Richard Steinberger

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 www.dinopublishing.com email: dleik@dinopublishing.com

President — Boston Whaler 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 © 2016 Boston Whaler.

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whalermagazine

Contents

volume 7 issue 2

features

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Rugged, Regal and Ready

A Whaler 315 Conquest Pilothouse takes on Vancouver and beyond, proving itself the perfect vessel for an owner determined to fish, taste and see everything British Columbia’s waterways have to offer

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Captain Mom

One Tennessee mom uses a Boston Whaler 150 Super Sport to build memories with her family, bonding with her youngest son over watersports action and cruising fun on Pickwick Lake.

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Cruising Croatia

A group of Whalers journey to Split, Croatia, to explore Eastern Europe’s most breathtaking coastline and soak up some of the local culture.

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That Big Montana Sky

That Big Montana Sky

departments

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Navigate Catch the latest retro wakeboard action, download free technology updates, snag a boat slip online, cruise to the Abacos and much more.

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Towing Embark on a journey across the state of Maine, stopping at several gorgeous inland lakes, with this trailering itinerary courtesy of GMC.

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A pair of retirees enjoy Flathead Lake on their highly capable Boston Whaler 210 Dauntless. From wild horses to bald eagle sightings to award-winning onwater dining, “Big Sky Country” holds endless appeal.

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Profile Two young brothers restore a 1965 Boston Whaler back to its original glory, in a D.I.Y. project deserving of legendary status.

On The Cover: Missy Marshall and her son Barrett enjoy Tennessee’s Pickwick Lake on their 150 Super Sport.

Photo by Robert Glover

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HOOKS, NEWS, GEAR AND INFO volume 7 issue 2

A Whole New

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ONLINE EXPERIENCE Have you visited the new bostonwhaler.com? Optimized

for mobile, tablet and desktop, the fully revamped website is easier to navigate than ever and contains a wealth of engaging content for deeper insight into Whaler ownership. Enjoy photos, videos, downloadable spec sheets and more. Be sure to check out the new Build Your Whaler section, which lets you choose the hull color, accessories and propulsion options to create your perfect boat and calculate the MSRP based on your choices. Head to the new bostonwhaler.com and enjoy a vibrant, informative online experience that celebrates all things Whaler.

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Head for the Islands Seeking a mid-season escape? For spectacular sightseeing, epic fishing or total relaxation, there’s no place quite like The Bahamas. Consider the Abacos, a 120-mile-long chain of islands at the northern edge of the archipelago surrounded by bathtub-warm water and wildlife galore.

There, you can explore the charming colonial architecture of Green Turtle and Elbow Cays; indulge in tropical island cuisine in Hope Town; play 18 holes of a championship golf course on Treasure Cay; or stretch out and catch rays on any number of pristine white beaches… The opportunities for fun are nearly endless. And at just under 200 miles, the trip from Miami or Fort Lauderdale by Whaler is totally achievable—and undeniably enjoyable.

Plan your Bahamas adventure today. Visit bahamas.com.

ROCK & ROLL…

BUT NOT AT SEA Every Boston Whaler boat is designed to deliver a soft, smooth, stable ride, even in rough waters. Now there’s a product designed to add stability while at anchor: The Seakeeper 5 uses gyro stabilization technology to significantly reduce boat roll, dramatically cutting down on the type of movements that can cause seasickness. Currently available on the 350 and 420 Outrage, the Seakeeper apparatus is lightweight and uses only modest electrical power and no outside appendages. In addition, Whaler’s naval architects put the boats through extensive testing to ensure the system is structurally sound.

The proof is in the performance: Head to seakeeper.com to read more on this revolutionary technology and to see a video of boat roll action “before” and “after” Seakeeper is activated. Easy-peasy, never queasy.

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KEEPING IT CLASSIC Step off the docks and warm up with this fresh take on a classic New Zealand dish, courtesy of Nobilo Wines and Matt Lambert, head chef and owner of acclaimed restaurant The Musket Room. “In this recipe, the lamb takes on a fantastic texture from salting it in advance and is finished with nice, subtle earthy accents,” Lambert explains. The dish pairs perfectly with a glass of Nobilo’s Icon Pinot Noir—just the thing for a cozy winter evening. Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS LAMB & JUS 2 New Zealand lamb racks 6 cups chicken stock 1 cup Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 basil leaves, chopped 4 mint leaves, chopped 1 tbsp butter Lemon juice

VEGETABLES 8 baby zucchini, halved 8 toy box eggplants, halved 8 yellow patty pans, halved 2 large red peppers, sliced Olive oil

METHOD LAMB Trim and French the bones. Apply a liberal amount of salt.

Wrap in plastic and let stand for 4-5 days. Grill or pan roast to an internal temp of 115°F/46°C and let rest for at least 10 minutes.

JUS Reduce the stock by 2/3. Separately reduce the Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir to 1/8 cup. Add garlic, basil and mint, then add the red wine reduction to jus base. While stirring, add the butter and combine thoroughly. Add small amounts of lemon juice to taste.

VEGETABLES Heat olive oil in a large pan until shimmering. Cook vegetables, cut-side down, on medium heat until golden brown and al dente, approximately 3-4 minutes.

To serve, slice the lamb and stack in a way so that the bones are sticking up. Place the roasted vegetables in a stack flush against the lamb. For more warming recipes, visit nobilowines.com/us/entertaining.

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COMEBACK KID To celebrate its 25th anniversary and say thanks to its loyal customers, Hyperlite is bringing back the popular Hyper Pro board.

This classic from 1991 revolutionized the industry with its sleek carve and three-fin setup. You’ll experience the same thrilling ride as boarders did 25 years ago, with the addition of a standard M6 insert pack so you can mount your favorite Hyperlite boots or bindings.

Even the graphics are the same as the original from the early ’9 0s. (Hello, neon!) This board will only be around for a limited time, so visit hyperlite.com to place your order and prepare for an epic throwback run behind your Whaler.

FREE TECHNOLOGY UPDATE The award-winning Evolution autopilot systems from Raymarine® just got even smarter. Evolution R4 is a free update that adds new features and enhancements to the system, including Sensor Fusion and TrackIQ™ Intelligent Autopilot Tracking. This update further leverages the system’s state-of-the-art 9-axis heading sensor to smooth and refine the navigation data produced by Raymarine’s GPS sensor and instrumentation.

Inside every Evolution sensor core is a sophisticated set of 3D sensors, which include a gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer. These tiny sensors precisely detect your Whaler’s heading, attitude, and rates of pitch, roll, heave and yaw. With R4 Sensor Fusion, the Evolution sensor core intelligently filters the negative effects of vessel motion from the GPS and wind instrument data streams. The result is even more precise trac ing.

And the best part? When your Raymarine multifunction display (MFD) is updated to LightHouse II Release 17, it will automatically upgrade your autopilot to Evolution R4 as well. Software is available now on Raymarine.com, or through your MFD’s online update system.

www.bostonwhaler.com

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Design + Performance™ and Legendary Performance Fabrics™ are trademarks and Sunbrella® is a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc.

L E G E N DA R Y P E R F O R M A N C E FA B R I C S ™ S U N B R E L L A .C O M

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FA D E P R O O F / E A S Y C A R E / B L E AC H C L E A N A B L E

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Dare to Dream

&Style

Ride in Comfort

With its signature Denali accents, distinctive lighting

Grueling hours in the gym. Countless miles traveling around the world. Endless studies of the wind and currents. These are the ingredients that make an elite sailor on the U.S. Sailing Team Sperry. Team sponsor Sunbrella®—the maker of canvas fabric for your Whaler that’s unrelenting in the face of sun, salt and rain— brings you their story in the documentary “Uncharted Waters: In Pursuit of the Athletic Dream.” Now that the gathering of the world’s top sailors in Brazil is complete, see what it took for team members to finish near the top of the pack in Guanabara Bay. If you find inspiration on the water, come aboard for a once-in-alifetime journey. Made possible by Sunbrella®. Watch the story at sunbrella.com/uncharted.

and bold lines, the 2017 GMC® Sierra® Denali® is destined to turn heads—whether you’re retrieving your Whaler from the boat ramp or out for a night on the town. Its unique grille features a distinct pattern and reflects light from every angle. Chrome door handles, mirror caps and side moldings add an additional dose of style. And with a comprehensive array of driver-alert technologies, including Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist, the Sierra Denali is impressive through-and-through.

Visit gmc.com for more information.

JUST ADD WATER Interlux introduces Micron WA (Water Activated), the newest addition to their range of industry-leading Micron Technology antifouling paints. Using a novel paint technology called Water Activated Matrix, Micron WA delivers vibrant color and a uniform appearance, along with powerful antifouling performance that increases fuel efficiency and reduces wea

Headache-Free Refinancing Boston Whaler prides itself on delivering a headache-free boating experience. Essex Credit, an industry leader in financing and refinancing ​​shares that same commitment to keeping worry low and enjoyment high. Essex is pleased to offer Whaler owners incredibly low​r​ efinancing rates. Choose from Essex’s competitive​​ loan term options—from five years to 12 years to 20 years—to fin the ideal plan for you and your lifestyle. Visit essexcredit.com today to begin the quick and easy refinancing process

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Consisting of a densely packed, structured arrangement of biocide, coloring pigment and voids, Water Activated Matrix appears matte when first applied. However, upon immersion, water enters the paint film and filters through the matrix, saturating the pigments and developing the bright, crisp color of the paint, while simultaneously releasing the active antifouling ingredients.

Application is simple: Use a brush or roller, indoors or outdoors, any time of the year. Fast drying times allow for quick launching. For more information, visit yachtpaint.com.

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Quality Canvas If the canvas on your Boston Whaler is starting to show its age, there’s an easy solution: Great Lakes Boat Top, a trusted provider for highquality aftermarket canvas. Great Lakes has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the largest and best manufacturers of marine canvas products, with offerings including Sunbrella® canvas, which comes with a 10-year fabric warranty. Count on Great Lakes Boat Top’s superior customer service to make your purchasing experience easy, and count on new canvas to provide the style and sun protection your family deserves.

Visit greatlakesboattop.com/boston-whaler to get started.

REST INSURED There’s peace of mind that comes from knowing your Boston Whaler is covered by the right insurance policy.

Boater’s Choice understands; that’s why their team of knowledgeable marine underwriters will “shop” for the best price and coverage options based on your needs, choosing from among A-rated carriers to provide you with the right support. And that’s why Boater’s Choice has been the trusted provider of comprehensive boat insurance for Whaler owners for nearly 25 years. For a no-obligation quote today, visit boaterschoiceinsurance.com

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ESCAPE WITH EASE Reeling in an epic catch is a formidable task, but nabbing a spot to park your Whaler on vacation shouldn’t be. With Snag-A-Slip, securing boat slip space is easier than ever. Just visit Snag-A-Slip’s online boat slip rental system to search for and reserve space in minutes. No hassle, no pulled muscles. So whether your next getaway includes oversized mahi-mahi or oversized tropical beverages, securing a slip is as easy as Explore. Book.

Boat.™ Head to snagaslip.com to learn more.

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Let a GMC Sierra Denali and 220 Outrage help you enjoy Maine’s wildlife—such as moose and the boreal chickadee—and its lakes, including Moosehead Lake (bottom le) and Flagstaff Lake (bottom right).

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WHALER

towing

Maine Attraction

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Embark on an epic journey across the sylvan state of Maine, stopping at several gorgeous lakes along the way.

Story by Elli Thompson Purtell | Trailering photo by Mike Calabro

Maine gets a lot of attention for its beautiful coastline, whale-watching and drool-worthy fresh lobster. But the Atlantic isn’t the only body of water that shines in Maine.

Dozens of inland lakes provide opportunities for fishing, watersports and cruising, with thick pine forests and abundant wildlife completing the picture of northwoods serenity.

Getting to all of the lakes across this expansive state isn’t for the faint of heart. But with a GMC Sierra Denali and Boston Whaler 220 Outrage, you can confidently hit the road and explore all the hidden treasures this state has to offer.

Sebago Lake About two and a half hours from Boston and just 30 minutes from Portland, Maine, Sebago Lake is the perfect place to kick off your Maine road trip. The state’s second largest lake, Sebago Lake boasts 105 miles of shoreline. Launch from one of the lake’s two public boat launches to take advantage of the deep and abundant waters. Ice Age glaciers carved Sebago Lake up to 316 feet deep, making it ideal for a variety of watersports. If fishing is more your thing, cast a line for trout, largemouth bass, walleye, landlocked salmon and more. When you’ve had your fill of time on the water, take advantage of the surrounding Sebago Lake State Park, one of Maine’s original five state parks.

Hike or bike the park’s trails, and stay overnight at its 250-site campground.

Fl agstaff Lake Head northeast to Flagstaff Lake, a 20,300-acre reservoir that was once a much smaller lake. In 1950, the Long Falls Dam impounded the Dead River to enlarge the lake for hydropower electricity production, submerging the townships of Flagstaff, Bigelow, Dead River and Carrying Place in the process. Today, you can access the lake through six boat launches, and float over

the underwater ghost towns. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail and set up camp amid the heady red pines. While you’re enjoying the beautiful nature, keep an eye out for old relics from the past, or visit the Dead River Area Historical Society, which displays a collection of memorabilia from the townships’ pasts.

Moosehead Lake The largest lake in Maine, Moosehead Lake consists of hundreds of miles of shoreline, clear blue waters and more than 300 islands. Several public launches allow easy access to the lake, and a handful of resorts and restaurants offer docking as well. Despite its popularity, Moosehead Lake’s impressive size provides plenty of opportunity for finding solitude. And because the lake doesn’t have a mooring law, you can drop anchor and spend a quiet night under the stars. The Moosehead Region’s wildlife will keep you occupied for days. Look out for an array of birds—including rare species like the boreal chickadee and the black-backed woodpecker—as well as black bear, foxes, otters and, of course, the lake’s namesake moose. Hire a guide for excellent fishing, or bike the surrounding trails.

Chesuncook Lake Continue even farther northeast for your last stop at the 25,183-acre Chesuncook Lake, which was formed by the damming of the West Branch Penobscot River. This uninhabited lake is an hour’s drive from the nearest town, affording true peace and quiet. Access the lake by the public boat launch on the south end, and experience first-hand the untouched beauty that helped inspire Henry David Thoreau’s book “The Maine Woods.” Mount Katahdin towers in the distance, while lake trout, landlocked salmon, white perch and cusk swim below. While you’re soaking up all this remoteness, the Atlantic ocean will seem a world away.

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(Top) Jackson and Casey Marchese reap the rewards of all the hard work they put into restoring their Whaler, from refinishing its wooden seats (center) to installing a new engine with help from family friend Pat Desmond (above).

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WHALER

profile

Like New

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In a major D.I.Y. project, two boys and their father restore a 1965 Boston Whaler to its original glory.

Story by Amy Wideman | Photos courtesy of Jackson, Casey & Larry Marchese

When brothers Jackson (14) and Casey (13) Marchese approached their dad, Larry, last year with the idea of restoring a boat, they probably knew the reaction would be positive. “We’re a project family,” Larry explains. “Any time the kids say, ‘Hey dad, can we…?’ I’m like, YES. We’re all in.”

The Marcheses live in Braintree, Massachusetts, not far from the original Boston Whaler manufacturing facility in Rockland, and have a home on New Hampshire’s gorgeous, sprawling Lake Winnipesaukee—a boater’s paradise if ever there was one.

So they put the feelers out for a boat in need of a little work, and soon family friend Pat Desmond called with just the thing: a 1965 Boston Whaler that had spent its life with one owner on Sebago Lake in Maine. “It was pretty beat up, so we got it for cheap,” Larry says, chuckling. “My wife just about fell over when we brought it home.”

It wasn’t so much the condition of the Whaler that Nina Marchese found appalling; it was the total lack of boatrestoring knowledge that her husband and sons possessed at the time. But for Jackson, Casey and Larry, that was half the fun. “We watched every video we could find,” Larry says.

“We hit the message boards, the chat rooms, sites like Continuous Wave—there’s a ton to be learned there.”

As winter settled over New England, the boys and their dad cobbled together a 10-by-25-foot shed in their backyard from scraps of lumber and shrinkwrap, a workspace large enough to house the Whaler and just sturdy enough to shield them from the rain and wind… “but not the cold!”

Larry laughs. They set about disassembling the boat, taking pictures of everything as they went for reference.

Casey and Jackson’s first job was to sand out the warts and cracks that time had inflicted on the boat’s exterior. After Dremel-ing out all the spider cracks, they skim-coated it with epoxy filler until the faring was perfect. “They worked relentlessly, methodically and carefully,” Larry recalls. “They were so committed to the project, it was hysterical. They’re

in their hockey masks at night running the angle grinder, sparks flying. They’re out there before practice, after practice and again as soon as they get their homework done.”

By springtime they were onto the wood parts of the classic Whaler, sanding the mahogany and varnishing until it was restored to its original beauty. Pat Desmond, unofficial “technical advisor” on the project, helped them swap in a new 25-horsepower engine the boys could legally operate. Finally, after practicing with a spray gun on sheets of cardboard until they were confident in their painting skills, they applied a coat of Awlgrip.

After all those hours and hours of TLC, the boat was ready to run—and run and run. “They’re so independent and responsible with it,” Larry says. “As they’ve gotten more experienced, we’re comfortable with them going off and exploring the lake. They love to take their friends out, pull each other on the kneeboard. We know the boat is reliable and they really take good care of it.”

The family applauds Boston Whaler for its help with the process. “We knew the reputation; it’s a fabulous company,” Larry says. “And that really bore out. We’d call customer service with the hull ID number and they would answer questions and help us understand the history. They were always positive and enthusiastic.”

“It helped get my wife to bless the project, actually,” he adds. “I showed her the old videos of the Whaler cut in half with employees standing in both halves and not sinking, like, ‘The kids will be fine!’”

The boys have even received offers to purchase the boat— $15,000 in one case—but aren’t likely to sell any time soon. “If you’re careful when you dig in and restore it, if you take the time to learn the right way to do it, then you really do restore it back to something as spectacular as it was 50 years ago,” Larry says.

“It’s really an amazing thing to have been a part of,” he continues. “Jackson and Casey are so proud of it. And when they say, ‘We did this with our dad,’ I just beam.”

RUGGED, REGALand READY A Whaler 315 Conquest Pilothouse takes on Vancouver and beyond STORY BY JENNIFER CHESAK PHOTOS BY ROBERT GLOVER

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B ob Alliston became acquainted with the Whaler brand while fishing for salmon in British Columbia’s remote Queen Charlotte Islands. He and his son Rob were visiting a lodge that uses Boston Whaler boats for its excursions.

“We were getting out into some pretty heavy seas,” Bob says. “A Whaler is the most seaworthy boat a guy could imagine.”

After three visits to West Coast Fishing Club’s lodges, Bob decided he needed a Whaler to use for creating his own adventures close to home and beyond.

“We’ve got some nice fishing right out of Vancouver,” he says of the area’s salmon, crab, sea bass and cod.

“And if I get kicked out of the house,” Bob adds with a laugh, “the boat’s a good place to sleep.”

He’s joking, of course. But the Boston Whaler 315 Conquest Pilothouse does serve as a home base for Bob when he’s in the city. He and his wife, Sharon, actually live in Langley, just southeast of Vancouver in the Fraser Valley. The boat’s slip in Bayshore West Marina is near downtown Vancouver, where residents have the perfect mix of outdoor and city life at their fingertips. So when Bob’s not out catching his own dinner, he can easily walk from the dock to the city’s fine dining. “Vancouver is beautiful,” Bob says. “It’s got everything—great mountains, fantastic scenery. It’s a walking-around city, and people are very friendly.”

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Bob Alliston’s 315 Conquest Pilothouse gives him the perfect platform from which to explore the islands around British Columbia, including the area’s many prime fishing spots.

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From epic mountain views to friendly locals to world-class marinas, Vancouver provides endless opportunities for a Whaler owner eager to enjoy the good life.

Bob’s an amicable, easygoing fellow himself. He’s enjoying his recent retirement after selling a successful business that makes polymer coatings for pipelines and for marine applications. But for him, retirement doesn’t mean sitting around on the couch. Instead, he’s launching two new businesses. One is the creation of a new antifouling paint, and the other involves getting folks onboard his Whaler. He’s planning to offer guided cruising and fishing tours for Vancouver visitors with the help of some friends who are professional captains. “You gotta keep your hand in it and have fun things to do,” Bob says.

One of the coolest and closest boating destinations to Vancouver is Indian Arm, a glacial fjord that extends north of Burrard Inlet.

Sheer granite cliffs and thickly wooded slopes flank the waterway.

The rugged terrain lacks commercial development, and explorers of the arm feel as if they are in remote wilderness rather than a short boat ride from the city. The arm’s waterfalls will be hotspots for Bob’s pending tours.

In addition to his new entrepreneurial ventures, Bob’s outdoor passions include skiing and playing golf. For the former, Bob has a house in nearby Whistler, where the runs are world-class and the views are breathtaking; and for golf, he and Sharon like to use their Whaler to get to and from various courses. “We just throw the clubs on the boat and go,” he says.

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“ ” Vancouver is beautiful.

It’s got everything— great mountains, fantastic scenery.

Bob has taken his Whaler as far north as Desolation Sound, and as far south as Victoria, on Vancouver Island’s southern tip. “We’ve been to at least half of the Gulf Islands up our way,” he says.

The islands lie in the Strait of Georgia, which separates the mainland from large Vancouver Island. A favorite for the Allistons is Pender Island, which boasts the luxurious Poets Cove Resort & Spa. They also like the quaint village of Ganges on Salt Spring Island.

Ganges is home to a farmer’s market that, in addition to offerin produce, also features crafts, paintings and handmade goods from local artists.

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Whether fishing, cruising, entertaining friends or hosting guided tours, the 315 Conquest Pilothouse rises to any challenge. For Bob and his wife, Sharon, retirement means seeking out new and exciting ways to take advantage of the boat’s many capabilities.

”

The service at M&P Mercury has been terrific. Everyone wh works there—they are a good bunch. I am very pleased with how the whole sale has gone with our Whaler.

Vancouver Island has some great ports of call as well, including the popular Nanaimo, which has galleries, museums, shopping and dining, and is also a prime destination for kayaking, snorkeling and diving.

Bob and Sharon also like Comox for its beaches. “One of the trips we are gonna do is head down to Seattle, dock in Seattle Harbor, and go to a Seahawks game,” Bob says.

They credit some of their exploring adventures to M&P Mercury, where they bought their Whaler. The dealership hosts gatherings for its customers all over the region. “We go everywhere M&P puts on an event,” Bob says. It’s a great way for him and

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Sharon to share in the camaraderie of like-minded boaters and to swap tales of their travels. M&P’s excursions are just one of the many things Bob says he likes about the dealership. “They’ve been wonderful,” he adds. “The service has been terrific. Everyone who works there—they are a good bunch. I am very pleased with how the whole sale has gone with our Whaler.”

Of course, he’s more than satisfied with the Whaler itself, as well.

The Pilothouse provides creature comforts on fishing trips in colder weather. “The layout is terrific,” he says of the 315. “Our vision is good, and we stay warm and dry.”

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Getting to an offshore destination is no sweat, thanks to the 315’s twin 300-hp Mercury FourStroke Verados. “With the Mercs, it goes real fast, and we can get out there quickly,” Bob says. “They’r quiet and reliable, and combined with the technology on the boat, everything is just state- of-the-art.” He lauds the Joystick Piloting for ease of maneuverability in tight spaces or while docking. “It’s neat stuff,” he says.

The technology onboard was a selling point, but like many owners, Bob credits the Boston Whaler’s build for the brand’s incredible reputation. As someone in the field of engineering, Bob did his research, and raves about the Unibond construction. “It won’t sink,” he explains in layman’s terms, “even if you get a break in the hull.”

The durability and reliability make Bob feel confident whether he’s fishing offshore, cruising to a Gulf Island or just heading somewhere nearby with clients taking a boat tour. And all that peace of mind helps him kick back and enjoy every new adventure. Bob sums it up perfectly: “Life is good.”

TM

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Images for illustrative purpose only.

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CAPTAIN MOM A TENNESSEE MOM USES A BOSTON WHALER 150 SUPER SPORT TO BUILD MEMORIES WITH HER KIDS. Missy Marshall knows how to seize the day. And perhaps her favorite way to do so is by, quite literally, seizing the helm of her Boston Whaler 150 Super Sport. She picked out the boat for its safety, durability and ease of use—not to mention its good looks.

Not long ago, Missy’s husband, Barry, suggested she go pick out a couple of personal watercraft (PWC) that the family could use to play around on Pickwick Lake in Tennessee.

So she and her youngest son, Barrett (11), went to take a peek.

“We looked at each other and said, ‘I don’t really enjoy this,’” she explains of the PWCs. Instead, they opted for a boat— specifically one they fell in love with at first sigh

Story by Jennifer Chesak | Photos by Robert Glover

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“There she was,” Missy says of the 150 Super Sport. “Everything from the size to the color was perfect.” And so was the brand.

“I was very familiar with Boston Whaler,” she adds. The family spends time down on the Gulf Coast, and they have seen Whalers aplenty. “Anyone who has a yacht—if they know what they’re doing, they use a Whaler as a tender,” Missy explains.

The Whaler reputation stood out in her mind as she went forward with the purchase. “I wanted a way to get the kids out on the water that would be safe,” she says, “and I wanted something that would last.” She could see herself enjoying trouble-free days with Barrett on Pickwick, which is about a 90-minute drive from their home in Collierville, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis.

Missy’s husband is a pilot for American Airlines and is frequently away on travel. The two oldest Marshall kids are away at school. Their daughter Alex (22) is a senior at Columbia College in Chicago, and son Blake (21) is a junior at the University of Arkansas. Missy and Barry’s middle daughter, Addyson (15), is a freshman in high school and very busy with activities like competitive cheer. That often leaves Mom and Barrett to entertain themselves.

Missy says she loves hauling Barrett and his friends around the lake on a tube whenever they get a chance. Longtime family friends, the Curlees—Nicole (15), Patrick (12) and Kyle (8)—are always eager to tag along, too. Nicole often spots while the boys ride the wake.

A 60-hp Mercury® engine powers the 150 Super Sport, and Missy appreciates it for its reliability and manageability. “With me being the primary operator,” she says, “I like that it has enough power to pull the kids, but not too much.”

The Whaler’s size and handling makes Missy feel confident at the helm, and that’s why she didn’t hesitate to make the purchase, which happened to be the first Whaler sold at Captain’s Choice Marina in Luka, Mississippi. “I really enjoy the independence and that I’m able to get out and feel comfortable,” she explains.

One of features that puts her at ease is the boat’s stability. It comes in handy on busy Pickwick, a popular destination lake for at least three states. “As you can imagine, on weekends and holidays, the water gets very rough and you feel as if you’re on the ocean,” Missy says. “The Whaler is made to take it. It’s just a smooth and steady ride.”

The buying process was pretty smooth, too. “They don’t have to push the Whaler brand. It just sells itself,” she says. Missy lauds the staff at Captain’s Choice for being very accommodating and customer-service oriented. “They are first-class and very genuine.”

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In addition to tubing, Barrett likes to kneeboard and wakeboard behind the Super Sport. “Th Whaler is great for helping him get more consistent with his skills,” Missy says. She also uses the boat as a way to teach her son about boater’s safety so that he’ll be able to take it out with his friends when he’s of age.

When they aren’t partaking in watersports, Missy and Barrett often cruise the Tennessee River to search for and pick up litter.

That may sound like an unusual task, but Missy is the executive director of Keep Tennessee Beautiful, a department of the University of Tennessee in Memphis, so ecological preservation is a topic she’s quite passionate about. The organization, sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, serves as a state resource center for litter prevention, recycling and more.

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(These pages) Missy Marshall and her youngest son, Barrett, enjoy bonding time on their 150 Super Sport. Naturally, friends and relatives jump at the chance to tag along; fortunately for all, there’s plenty of space and horsepower to go around.

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“

”

We looked at the Whaler as an investment for our family—something to help us create a lot of memories, and something that would withstand time. We plan to pass our boat down to our kids to make more memories.

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One of Missy’s favorite things about boating in the South is the access to other bodies of water. The family launches near Pickwick Landing State Park, and from there they have the choice of heading north or south on the Tennessee River and accessing its nine dams via the TVA lock system. They can also get onto the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

“We’re not landlocked,” Missy says. “I love seeing the Loopers coming through and just hearing their stories and listening to their adventures.” She’s referring to folks who’ve embarked on a Great Loop cruise to circumnavigate the eastern half of the United States.

Missy has lived in Florida and eastern Tennessee, so boating is a natural part of her life. She’s enjoying passing on the tradition to her kids. “I am a lover of the water,” she says. “We looked at the Whaler as an investment for our family—something to help us create a lot of memories, and something that would withstand time.” She’s is quick to point out all of the vintage Whalers she’s seen over the years, many with beautiful wooden bench seats. “We

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plan to pass our boat down to our kids to make more memories,” she adds.

The Marshalls began cataloging those special moments right away. “Oh my goodness…” Missy says. “Even the first night we got it, we went out beyond the marina and watched the sunset and thought, ‘This is all a person needs.’” The 150 Super Sport has also served as a good ladies’ retreat. Missy and her cousin like going out kid-free to kick back in a cove, listen to music and float away a fine Sunday afternoon When the kids have fall or spring break, Missy and Barry also trailer the boat down to Orange Beach, Alabama, where they like to hang out on the beautiful white sand. “That’s just another reason the boat is so practical,” Missy says. “It’s so easy to pull.” She raves about the Whaler’s simple maintenance, too: “It’s made to fish. I’m kind of a clean freak, so I love that I can just hose it off There’s no carpet.

Ultimately Missy just doesn’t have a single complaint.

“It meets all my criteria,” she says. “Oh, and it’s pretty!”

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Family friends Nicole (in bow, opposite), Patrick and Kyle Curlee (below) are welcome guests on the Marshalls’ Whaler. Tennessee’s Pickwick Lake is an ideal playground for boating families, providing access to many of the state’s waterways.

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cruising

CROATIA A group of Whalers journey to Split, Croatia, to explore Eastern Europe’s most breathtaking coastline and soak up some of the local culture.

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Story by Tre Travers with reporting by Alexa Poteet Photos by Mike Jones

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W

Whaler owners are an adventurous bunch. When the boat beneath your feet is as reliable and assured as a Boston Whaler, there’s almost no destination off limits.

Whalers can be found in all corners of the globe, enjoying all manner of activity: wakeboarding in the Abacos, tournament fishing in Puerto Rico, sightseeing in Abu Dhabi, braving frigid winters to commute by water in Switzerland…

So while it wasn’t surprising to spot a group of Boston Whalers darting along the rocky shores of Croatia this summer, it was certainly a sight to behold. Just imagine: a new 320 Vantage, with its athletic dual-console profile and tan hull; a sleek, versatile 2 40 Dauntless, ready and raring for action; and a nimble 150 Montauk, classically handsome in white. As the trio skirted effortlessly along the Dalmatian coastline, beachgoers lowered their sunglasses to take in the view.

Of course, the Whalers were not alone in claiming “easy on the eyes” status. The Adriatic Sea holds some 1,000 islands in total, a collection of craggy structures piercing through cerulean waves. These waters hold several lifetimes’ worth of territory to explore, and enough striking vistas to overload Instagram. In recent years, boaters have flocked to Croatia’s coast to enjoy watersports, pristine beaches and wildlife galore, and it’s not difficult to see wh

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The Croatian port city of Split (right) is a prime boater’s playground, with views best seen by water. The island of Vis (top right) rewards those who arrive by sea.

Our Whaler trio began its trip in Split, the second largest city in Croatia. At the center of town sits a well-preserved Roman palace, commissioned by Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD. The UNESCO World Heritage site holds a maze of shops and restaurants just begging to be strolled through.

Over in the harbor lies the Riva, a popular promenade that’s been called “the city’s living room.” Blessed with spectacular surroundings, the Riva’s cafes and restaurants invite boaters to sit for a spell under the welcome shade of palm trees and appealing architecture.

Split holds many other attractions for Whaler boaters, including excellent fishing opportunities. Healthy populations of Amberjack, Atlantic bonito, tuna, mackerel, mahi-mahi and even squid beckon anglers to drop a line. And you never know what those anglers might shout if they hook the big one; languages spoken in the region include French, German, Italian and Russian, in addition to Croatian. The diverse cuisine, too, reflects Split’s standing as the third largest port on the Mediterranean—countless people come and go on any given day.

Departing by water from Split, the choices are nearly unlimited. A hungry boater might start by heading to Solta, where local olive oil tours are hosted by esteemed producer Olynthia. There’s no better place to learn the finer points of oliveoil tasting than under a canopy of native Dalmatian olive trees.

And what galley gourmand couldn’t benefit from keeping a bottle of Croatia’s best on hand?

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Another great destination is Stomorska, a seaside town in a protected harbor just across the water from Split. The promenade there features many restaurants and open-air bars good for a cold beverage on a warm afternoon. Visitors can follow the winding roads back into charming old towns filled with quaint terra-cotta houses set against limestone walls.

Having taken in their fill of stone walkways and village life, the Vantage, Dauntless and Montauk crews set off to explore the Blue Grotto sea cave of nearby island Vis. Depending on the season and time of day, sunlight will reflect through the water covering the cave’s white floor, bathing the walls in a brilliant aquamarine. It’s a must-see for any boater in the region, and in fact the Blue Grotto and its emerald-hued neighbor, the Green Grotto, draw more than an estimated 10,000 tourist visits each year.

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By Vantage, by Dauntless or by Montauk, the Dalmatian coast is a feast for the senses. European boaters flock to the many secluded beaches and charming island villages populating the Adriatic Sea.

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The island of Hvar, a major naval base of the Venetian Empire, was a center of Croatian literature during the Renaissance. Today’s residents work mostly in the fishing and tourism industries, so naturally it’s an inviting location for boaters.

Seeking even more solitude, the Whaler group then made its way to the island of Hvar. Covered in lavender fields and stone fruit trees, this fertile location resembles Provence in more ways than one. Hvar produces nearly 8 percent of the world’s lavender oil, which makes a perfect souvenir for slipping into a head or cabin. “Lavender walks” run by local farms are definitely worth checking out.

The town of Hvar is one of the oldest in Europe, with a deepwater channel shielded by a mountain ridge and the hills of the Kabal Peninsula, making for smooth entry to explore the historic destination. On the island’s southwest coast lies Dubovica beach, a breathtaking and remote expanse that’s accessible only by boat. No cars allowed, but Whalers welcome.

Next, the group cruised to the nearby island of Sveti Klement, where the fields of rosemary and aloe release a heady perfume.

Consisting largely of a 300-year-old estate in Palmizana that was purchased by Italian professor and botanist Eugen Meneghello, the island boasts imported exotic plants from all over the world for a one-of-a-kind botanical park by the sea.

As with Dubovica beach, the best sandy beach on Sveti Klement, Vinogradisce, is only accessible from the water, giving the lucky Whaler owners a good shot at enjoying total privacy. Cultural attractions just inland include art galleries and restaurants, off ring the chance to refuel before heading back out to sea.

Indeed, whether you travel by 240 Dauntless, 320 Vantage, 150 Montauk or any other Unsinkable member of the lineup, the true challenge of Croatia for a Boston Whaler owner isn’t getting from island to island; it’s deciding which island to explore first.

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11/29/16 12:29 PM

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THAT BIG MONTANA SKY A pair of retirees explore Flathead Lake on their capable Boston Whaler 210 Dauntless Story by Jennifer Chesak | Photos by Mike Calabro

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There’s a country duet called “Meet Me in Montana” that’s about returning to your roots, after realizing that no place else quite measures up.

Dan Seals and Marie Osmond recorded the Paul Davis tune, and it became a number-one hit in the mid-’80s. Today, it could really be the theme song for Boston Whaler owners Bill and Kristy Whitsitt, who’ve done just what the lyrics suggest. After living elsewhere for many years, they’ve chosen to retire “underneath that big Montana Sky,” with Flathead Lake out their back door and a 210 Dauntless at their beck and call.

“Our kids live all over,” Kristy says. “We wanted to retire somewhere they’d want to come and visit us. Northwestern Montana is great in any season. We really do play all winter long. And it’s the sweetest thing to finally be back home.

Some people might not believe Kristy about the weather; after all, how could a spot just miles from a place named Glacier National Park have a reasonable winter? But, in fact, it’s possible.

The Whitsitts live in Bigfork, a small unincorporated community at the northern tip of Flathead Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States.

The lake and the Continental Divide work together to help keep the winter months in Bigfork much milder than, say, the fla ter eastern part of the state, or Montana’s frigid neighbor, North Dakota. The Flathead Valley does get plenty of snow, which is great for the Whitsitts, who love to snowshoe and ski. “We even took a class on how to track animals,” Kristy says. “This community is very active in the winter. If you’re bored, it’s your fault!”

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Naturally, in the summer months, they can be found on their Dauntless enjoying all that the big lake has to offer. “We wanted a boat built for rougher conditions,” says Bill, a longtime admirer of the Whaler brand. The Whittsitts’ 40 years living in Washington, D.C., weren’t as amenable to boat ownership, but their move to Montana made it possible.

“This lake has a reputation for getting some heavy chop,” Bill continues. “Storms can come up quickly, and you can get some pretty interesting conditions.” Geography is to blame for that, but the Whitsitts knew a Whaler could handle whatever Flathead threw at them. They were also tied to having a boat that had a shallow enough draft for beaching and going up the Flathead River. “It was that combo of functionality and durability that sold us,” Bill adds.

Their first Whaler was a 170 Montauk, which they bought after Kristy saw a Boston Whaler commercial on TV. Kristy grew up on a ranch in central Montana and hadn’t spent much time around boats. “When I first learned that we were going to be on the water,” she explains, “safety was my biggest concern. For us alone and for when we have our precious cargo onboard.”

She’s referring to their four grandchildren, whom they love to pull around the lake on a tube. The television commercial in question featured the iconic image of a Boston Whaler being cut in half with a chainsaw, and the two halves remained floating. “I turned to Bill and said, ‘Honey, that’s our boat; it’s unsinkable,’” Kristy recalls.

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The 170 Montauk proved a good experiment for the Whitsitts. It was great for pulling the kids on the tube, swimming off the boat, beaching it, and anchoring in shallow water. But wanderlust took over, and Bill and Kristy realized they wanted a little more range out on Flathead and a little more room for the growing grandkids. Th Dauntless fit the bill. “We can go anywhere with no issue at all, and it gives us the functionality of a bigger boat, plus a ski pylon,” Bill says. “For fishing, it has the livewell and rod holders.” And the 200hp Mercury® FourStroke Verado sweetens the pot. “It’s a wonderful, quiet, powerful, responsive machine,” he adds.

The Whitsitts bought both of their Whalers from Gull Boats & RV in nearby Missoula. “It was an extremely good process,” Kristy says. “They couldn’t have been nicer.” Selling the 170 Montauk was a cinch, too. They had many folks clamoring to get their hands on the pristine-condition freshwater Whaler, and they quickly passed it along to some lucky buyers in Seattle.

On Flathead, the Whitsitts enjoy fishing for whitefish and lake trout—they can get pretty big—and also northern pike along the shores and marshes. But their favorite boating pastime is bald eagle watching, which is a big hit with visitors. Bill and Kristy love to head to Wild Horse Island, a large, protected day-use area. The Salish and Kootenai nations used the island to pasture horses and keep them safe for centuries. The area currently has five wild horses, but it’s also teeming with bighorn sheep, mule deer and birds—including bald eagles. As a staunch reminder of the region’s storied history, pictographs and petroglyphs from thousands of years ago decorate cliffs on Flathead’s western shore in a spot aptly named Painted Rocks. Both Wild Horse Island and Painted Rocks can only be accessed by boat.

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Flathead Lake, the state’s biggest lake, provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities and viewing wildlife, including the bighorn sheep of Wild Horse Island.

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Bill and Kristy use their 210 Dauntless for a wide range of activities: fishing, bald eagle watching and spending time with the grandkids.

In addition to heading to these off-the-beaten-path places, the Whitsitts also like to spend time at the restaurants in Bigfork.

“Everything is mom-and-pop establishments that you wouldn’t fin anywhere else,” Kristy says of the eateries, boutiques and galleries.

The village has only about 2,000 residents year-round, but in the summer months, it swells with visitors. Bill and Kristy favor the holidays, when the area becomes a Christmas village of sorts with decorations, lights and other fanfare.

The community is accessible from Bigfork Harbor, which is about a 10-minute boat ride from Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor, where Bill and Kristy keep their Whaler. Their favorite spots for dining include Showthyme, which serves upscale American dishes with locally sourced ingredients, and Grill 459, a steak-and-seafood place with award-winning cuisine. Many times they opt for an adventure, however, and pack a meal they’ll eat onboard after

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heading up the Flathead River. There, they often find a fellow boating friend or two and tie up for the evening.

All in all, the Flathead Valley has been a great place for the couple to retire. But when Bill starts rattling off the list of things he’s still involved in—including running a statewide foundation and serving as a visiting professor—Kristy chimes in: “At the end of the day, what it boils down to is that he’s seriously flunkin retirement.” She flashes Bill a big grin On the other hand, one could argue that he’s doing it just right—living on the Flathead River and spending quality time with his sweetheart in any season. When they compare their marriage to a Whaler boat, saying “it’s unsinkable,” the whole romantic scenario rivals that aforementioned duet: There’s no place they would rather be than in each other’s arms, underneath that big Montana sky.

www.bostonwhaler.com

12/1/16 9:41 AM

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