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Some folks at Boston Whaler think the finest hull they ever produced in the Bob Dougherty era was the 27-footer. This hull was still available in the Recreational line as recently as 1998, when Whaler last built the 27-Offshore model. Now, sadly, the classic lines of the 27-foot Whaler are only available from the Commercial Products division.
Back in 1990, this big hull was offered in several models, including as a very capable cabin boat called the 27-Walk Around. When you look at the size of this boat and the complexity of it, you can see how far Boston Whaler boats have developed from their origins as a 13-foot open skiff. These 27's are really big, beautiful boats.
Here are two examples of the 27-WA, one a 1990 from Tom Desmarais of Connecticut, and the other a 1993 boat currently available forsale in Italy (!) and discovered by Tom Zeno. These Whalers do get around.
And don't forget to post a few comments in the forum about these boats. It is more fun to have a little discussion rather than everyone keeping silent--Cetacea is not an art gallery! Talking is allowed.
Tom moved up to this beautiful 27-WA in 1994, after selling his equally nice 18-GTX-OB (see Cetacea Page 26). Tom writes:
"I really enjoyed this boat and thought the performance was great (with twin Johnson 225's), but time restrictions to use it made me decide to go back to a trailer boat.
"I sold the 27 in May and have been Whaler-less over this summer, at least until this weekend (November 6, 2000) when I picked up a good deal on a 1987 20-Temptation with a 200-HP Johnson."
We'll look forward to seeing the Temptation model when you get it into Bristol condition, and in the meantime, here is AXIOM:
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1990 Boston Whaler 27-Walk Around The beamy 27 has plenty of room to accommodate the walk around bow design without encroaching on the cabin or bridge deck. The stern cockpit is large with nice bolsters and room for a couple of chairs. The hull lines are clearly both classic and Whaler. Young Emily, Greg, and Nick are ready for a boat ride. Photo: Tom Desmarais. Scan: JWH |
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1990 Boston Whaler 27-Walk Around At Great Island, Old Lyme, Connecticut, 1997. The overall length and sleek lines of the boat are evident. Photo: Tom Desmarais. Scan: JWH |
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1990 Boston Whaler 27-Walk Around Essex, Connecticut, 1997. Are those headlights in the bow? Photo: Tom Desmarais. Scan: JWH |
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1990 Boston Whaler 27-Walk Around The Whaler Drive engine bracket extends the boat several feet, and also forms a nice swim platform. Twin 250-HP Johnsons provide plenty of power. The electronics box is under the hard top. Photo:Tom Desmarais.Scan:JWH |
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1990 Boston Whaler 27-Walk Around Stretched vertically by the addition of a tuna tower, AXIOM is now taller than many Whalers are long. I bet little Emily loved to ride up there. Photo: Tom Desmarais. Scan: JWH |
Tom Zeno, who currently owns a 1987 27-foot Whaler Center Console Cuddy (see Cetacea Page 04), sent these shots of a 1993 27-WA available for sale in Italy. This boat has really evolved from the earlier design. In particular, the cockpit, cabin, window placement, and second cabin entry are all changed from the earlier model. Tom also provided some shots of the interior accommodations, as were seen in the 1993 Catalogue. [Hey, Tom, do all these photographs of this Whaler mean you're looking for a new boat?]
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1993 Boston Whaler 27-Walk Around FORTUNA looks at home on the Mediteranean. The cabin seems the have expanded, now having a second companionway that enters into the rear cockpit. The bridge deck seating has changed to a pilot seat with a bench opposite. The stern drive bracket is changed but is still bolted on; a walk-through transom door at the port stern has been added. There is also an elaborate bait-preparation station, live well, sink, and shower built into the transom area. Photo: via Tom Zeno |
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1993 Boston Whaler 27-Walk Around Closer view of the bridge deck. It looks like there is something lying against the pilot seat that is not normally there when underway, perhaps the mattress from one of the cabin berths. Notice the cabin fenestration has changed a bit, too. The passenger seat looks L-shaped. The small canvas cover seen here is just for sun and weather protection, and it is removed for operating the boat. Photo: via Tom Zeno |
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1993 Boston Whaler 27-Walk Around Head-on view shows the vertical size of the boat. Not including the pulpit or the outboards, the LOA is 29-feet 5-inches, and the (dry) displacement a mighty 6,000 pounds. The beam is 10-feet! Minimum power to plane required 300-HP; maximum rating, 600-HP Photo: via Tom Zeno |
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Forward Berth and Galley Rather commodious for a Whaler! Part of the berth can be removed and a table set up in this area. Photo: via Tom Zeno |
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Head Compartment A must have if you are living aboard and away from the marina for a few days. Photo: via Tom Zeno |
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Aft Berth The aft berth and dual companionways. The "flying" steps lead up to the bridge deck; the door-hatch leads to the rear cockpit. A second double berth is available for sleeping or storage. Photo: via Tom Zeno |
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Cockpit Details The transom has many built-in features, including a shower/wash-down, bait wells, bait prep station, storage compartments, and a swing-up seat. (Catalogue photo, hence different engines.) Photo: via Tom Zeno |
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FORTUNA One final view before we say "addio." The perfect boat for doing a little fishing and running back and forth from the island villa in the Adriatic. Photo: via Tom Zeno |
This particular boat is being offered at 179,000,000.00 Italy Lira ($79,094.1782 United States Dollars @ rate as of 2000.11.28 15:11:10 GMT.) Of course, then there is transportation back to the states, although you could just buy a villa on the Med and leave her over there!
The list of standard equipment on the 1993 model was very long and complete. The standard boat came with "everything."
Wow, all you need to do is add your favorite VHF radio, a fishfinder, and a GPS!
Trailering a 27-WA is a rather big undertaking, as the boat's beam (120-inches) would require "over-wide" permits on all interstates and most local roads. Even assuming you could get the paperwork, you'd need a heavy-duty tow rig to haul her around. The trailered weight would be approaching 9,000 pounds or more.
That is a look at the 27-foot classic hulled Walk-Around model. If you are lucky to see one of these, I am sure it will make an impression. It's a great Classic Boston Whaler boat! They might make 'em bigger nowadays, but they don't make 'em any better!
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