“This Boston Whaler Eastporter was built in 1970. She has had only two owners prior to our purchasing her the spring of 2019.“
Seaweed, Boston Whaler 17′
Interview with the Captain — Shawn & Connie Cooney
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy a Boston Whaler?
We owned a larger power boat (24’ Tripp Angler) which we loved. However, we are still in business for ourselves and realized we spent time sitting on the mooring picnicking and not using the boat for boating. Thus, we decided we wanted a smaller boat we could hop on, drop the mooring, and be in open waters in minutes. Which is exactly what we’ve been doing.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
We only considered a Boston Whaler – not sure why, just thought we’d enjoy having a classic.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
Shawn found our boat in Charleston South Carolina – online search. Everything about it looked great. After many dialogue exchanges, Connie flew down and back SC to inspect the boat, and then made the purchase.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
This Boston Whaler Eastporter was built in 1970. She has had only two owners prior to our purchasing her the spring of 2019. Prior to our ownership, the boat had been completely restored in 2011 by High and Dry Boat Works in South Carolina. It was completely disassembled, stripped, and put back together. The hull has been finished with a unique blue awlgrip and white bottom. The bow rail, rub rail, and bimini structure is all new stainless steel. There’s lots of pretty brite work including a custom mahogany transom seat, storage box, console and forward seating.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
We are appreciative of the often-heard comments about both the Boston Whaler’s beautiful, unique blue hull and comments about the sailboat’s pretty classic style.
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
Both Shawn and I grew up sailing, but nothing fancy. I spent summers on Cape Cod sailing on Beetle Cats and Herreshoff 12 ½s; Shawn grew up sailing at Community Boating on the Charles River. He spent his summers in Nova Scotia and mucked around on family fishing boats. Shawn managed the Boston Harbor Sailing Club. We both raced Solings on Boston Harbor while in our 20s. Ironically when we moved to Marblehead, we spent little time sailing. Mostly enjoyed small outboard boats to take the kids around.
What boats have you previously owned?
We’ve owned a Surf Hunter 24, Tripp Angler 24. We also own a beautiful Herreshoff 12 ½ named Neptune which is moored in Salem Harbor.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
We use the boat on any nice day even if for an hour or so. We stay local, take the grandkids on picnics and ice cream in Manchester. And we are quick to take advantage of anyone asking us to join them on their boat.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Shawn does the brite work and mechanical updates himself. Besides winterizing Shawn does all the work, so the biggest challenge servicing the boat is time.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
Our boat is named Seaweed. My oldest daughter’s name means ‘gift from the sea.’ When she was a baby her grandfather cunningly remarked, “Oh, like seaweed.” And the nickname stuck. Also, we own a commercial hydroponic farming business and are connected to the cannabis industry – play on words.
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Seaweed!
