1968 Sakonnet (2)

PROJECT 81

BOAT HISTORY: This all-original 1968 Classic Boston Whaler Sakonnet 16 was acquired from the son of the original owner in Central Pennsylvania. She has been stored indoors in a heated garage for her entire life and has never been kept in the water. The Sakonnet was used predominantly on Pennsylvania lakes, along with an annual one-week trip to Canadian lakes. She has always been used exclusively in freshwater and has never seen saltwater. Her journey to TDC Marine marked the first time she had traveled east of Pennsylvania since leaving the Boston Whaler factory in Rockland, Massachusetts, in 1968.

BOAT CONDITION: This Sakonnet 16 is in excellent original condition. The interior mahogany is beautifully preserved, with a rich gloss to the marine varnish. All chrome and stainless-steel fittings and hardware remain in excellent condition, with no rust, corrosion, or pitting. The original interior and exterior gelcoat are in remarkable condition, without the crazing commonly found on older Whalers. She has never been kept in the water and has never received bottom paint.

MODEL HISTORY: The Boston Whaler 16' hull was introduced in 1960 and began the center-console revolution in the boating industry. Prior to the Boston Whaler 16' center-console models (Nauset, Sakonnet, and Eastport), the center-console design did not exist. The Sakonnet, produced from 1962 through 1975, was described in the original catalog as "a luxuriously practical sport fishing vehicle." This popular Classic Boston Whaler model outlived its two sister models, the Nauset and Eastport, by two model years.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT: For a $1,070 premium over the bare hull, the Sakonnet included bow and stern lights; mahogany Reversible Pilot Seat with cabinets; white-painted mahogany bow casting platform; center console and windshield; mechanical steering; Morse MT-2 single-lever engine control; stainless-steel bow rails; bow chock; fire extinguisher; and the highly coveted red Ritchie Explore Model 15 compass.

EXTRA OPTIONS: This Sakonnet features numerous factory canvas options, including a Wm. J. Mills forward dodger with aft enclosure. Additional options include an installed bilge pump, console-mounted rod holders, custom cushions, console cover, Reversible Pilot Seat cover, and full mooring cover.

PROPULSION: She is equipped with a 2009 Mercury ELPTO 3-cylinder 90-hp outboard motor with automatic oil injection, hydraulic power trim/tilt, and electric start/choke. A Mercury Quicksilver hour meter and ignition key switch with safety lanyard are also installed. She retains the classic, iconic Morse MT-2 single-lever engine control with its distinctive red control knob.

The Mercury was installed as a new leftover motor in the summer of 2012 and was used for only a few seasons before being winterized and placed into storage. The hour meter clearly displays just 96.6 hours of use since new. Compression is a consistent 120 psi across all three cylinders, and the motor looks and operates in new condition.

Mercury's inline 3-cylinder outboards have earned a reputation as some of the company's finest motors ever produced, offering an excellent power-to-weight ratio. This Mercury has been fully serviced, including the water pump, spark plugs, fuel filter, fuel/water separator, carburetor cleaning and synchronization, and gear oil. She remains in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition, with zero rust or corrosion and glossy original factory paint.

TRAILER: She is fitted to a new Load Rite Elite 17220090VT galvanized bunk trailer with torsion axle, keel rollers, and side bunks.

TDC COMMENTS: This is one exceptionally nice, highly optioned, all-original Classic Boston Whaler Sakonnet 16. Freshwater Sakonnet models that retain all their original features and have never been modified or abused are extremely difficult to find. This is one of the nicest 16' classic Whalers we have ever seen.

For anyone seeking a classic Boston Whaler 16' Sakonnet for sale, this beautifully preserved example presents an exceptional opportunity. With her remarkable originality, extensive factory options, and extremely low-hour Mercury power, she is certain to draw attention wherever she goes.

You will be the envy of the boat ramp, harbor, gas station, or wherever she makes an appearance. This Sakonnet draws significant attention, and we know she will make someone very happy.