Whaly Boats USA    

Frequently Asked Questions

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JUMP TO:

NEW BOAT OWNERS

WHY WHALY?

USCG TESTING

PERFORMANCE

MAINTENANCE

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NEW BOAT OWNERS

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Q: I just received my new Whaly Boat, what should I do first?

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A: Welcome to the growing Whaly family. Before you launch your boat please review the following: 

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1.  Before you launch your boat make sure drain plugs are installed and secure.

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• Models: 210, 270, 310, 370 & 435 have two plugs on the backside of the boat:

  • Plug #1: The red & black snap-in plug drains the floor or deck of the boat.  This one is usually NOT installed. when boat is delivered.  It must be inserted into hole located on the center of the outside wall of the transom. It is screwed in from the inside of the boats. If you trailer the boat, it can be inserted from the outside. 

  • Plug #2: The second plug, shown above on the right, is all black, flattened, with an "O": ring. It has a cross-hatch on the head.  This one should already be installed in your boat. (iI is located on the outside wall of the back of the boat, above the snap-in plug. This hole drains the inner cavity of the hull of the boat. To remove, (do NOT use a screwdriver as it will damage or strip the top of the plug). A metal bracket (as shown above) .

• Models 400, 455 & 500: Have one black plug shown above on the right, is all black, flattened, with an "O": ring. It has a cross-hatch on the head.  This one should already be installed in your boat. (iI is located on the outside wall of the back of the boat, above the snap-in plug. This hole drains the inner cavity of the hull of the boat. To remove, (DO NOT use a screwdriver as it will damage or strip the top of the plug). A metal bracket (as shown above). 

    2. Confirm your boat has the USCG required Capacity Sticker (the yellow/white/chrome sticker)           clearly visible. If your boat doesn’t have one reach out to: Sales@whalyboatsusa.com. 

    3. Be certain your boat contains the required safety equipment according to your state laws.​​

    4. Enjoy your Whaly Boat!  - Share your fun on Whaly Boats USA instagram, using the hashtag                    #whalyinthewild.

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WHY WHALY?

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​Q:  What makes Whaly boats different from other boat manufacturers?

A: We can tell you why, but instead here’s what our customers are saying: 

“First maintenance free boat we’ve owned!” 

"Better than a RIB - no patch kit needed"
“We don’t have to worry about the boat deflating (we’re replacing our dinghy).” 
“I love that scratches and dents can be easily repaired like new.” 
“I was impressed with how the boat handled in choppy waters!”

Need more reasons? 

 

• Incredibly sturdy, molded in one piece

• Made from high density plastic (Polyethylene) that is 100% recyclable

• Stability is the boat’s main feature: A sleek design combined with comfort

• Low-maintenance (needs only soap and water or an occasional high-pressure cleaner)

• Fun colors which are color-fast and UV-stabilized

• Spacious interiors

• USCG-certified

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Q: What  are the advantages of a HDPE Polyethylene Boat?

A: Whaly boats were created by enthusiasts with a passion for life on the water and a desire to “build a better boat.” High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) was chosen as the material for many reasons, including: 

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WEATHER HARDY
The best part about Whaly boats is the durability of the high-density polyethylene which makes them resistant to cold and hot weather and are UV stabilized...designed to be left alone outside! 

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MORE DURABLE THAN ALUMINUM, FIBERGLASS OR INFLATABLE BOATS
Materials matter!  The standard materials from which other boats are made are simply not as durable in their composition. Because PE is less rigid than other materials, there is some “flex” and “give” which means your Whaly boat is extremely impact-resistant and will hold up over time.

 

UNBELIEVABLY INDESTRUCTIBLE
Your boat and your investment are protected. No one wants to have to deal with damage, or worse, destruction of the vessel used for personal pleasure or for professional pursuits!  Watch our video in which there are several different methods used to demonstrate how Whaly boats made with PE can withstand just about any scenario that would destroy other boats.

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EXCEPTIONAL BUOYANCY AND PERFORMANCE
A boat that doesn’t float is called an anchor, right?  Boats constructed using other materials leave the potential for gaps or weak spots where water can come onboard.  Because PE is a compound in bead or powder form that is poured into a closed mold, then heated and cooled, there are less pathways for water to find its way in.  Whaly boats, even those models with articulating bows and reinforced hulls, provide confidence that you’ll stay afloat. 

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PUNCTURE PROOF AND UNSINKABLE
PE to the rescue! When taking on life’s most important emergency tasks, time is of the essence yet variable factors including those underneath the water’s surface can quickly turn the tide and put a rescue mission in jeopardy. PE is puncture-proof, which means your Whaly boat is unsinkable in moments when life depends on it.

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CAN BE BEACHED ON ROCKS OR CONCRETE
No more “amateur hour” mishaps.  How many times have you seen a beached or deflated vacation rental boat that had run aground or had gotten stuck as a result of a less-experienced boater?  The strength and durability of PE allows it to remain undamaged and can be launched from even the most abrasive and challenging surfaces.  Whaly boats are the way to navigate your business or personal watercraft through even rocky circumstances. 

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NO ANTIFOULING NECESSARY
Enjoy the savings. Enjoy the time you save from cleaning.   No need to spend time or money on expensive hull care and repair. If the boatIf boat is used regularly, barnacles have a tough time attaching to polyethylene, so you can simply enjoy your Whaly more.

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NO POLISHING OR WAXING NEEDED
PE doesn’t have the high-gloss finish of painted boats, but it does come in a wide array of colors that will look as beautiful with regular use as it does the day it is delivered.  Whaly boats require no polishing or waxing. 

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ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND 100% RECYCLABLE
PE is an ethically responsible material that is environmentally friendly and, unlike fiberglass, is 100% recyclable.  

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PE Reference LINK

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UNITED STATES COAST GUARD CAPACITY STICKERS

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Q: Why are there two capacities plates/stickers on my boat? 

A: Whaly Boats models (excluding 210 model)  are certified by the US Coast Guard to meet all applicable essential safety requirements. You must follow United States Coast Guard Capacities as listed on your boat.  

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• The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has different safety standards for boats than the European Union. This means that the capacity of a boat, as determined by the USCG, may be different from the capacity as determined by European standards.

• The USCG's safety standards are more stringent than European standards. This is because the USCG takes into account a wider range of factors when determining the capacity of a boat, including the weight of the boat, the weight of the passengers, the weight of the gear, and the sea conditions. 

• As a result, it is important to always follow the USCG's capacity limits, even if the boat was manufactured in Europe or if the capacity information on the boat is in European units. Exceeding the USCG's capacity limits could put you and your passengers at risk.

 

 

PERFORMANCE

Q:  I’m having trouble getting my Whaly Boat to plane?

A: There are many factors that can impact how your boat planes, including but not limited to total weight, weight distribution, water conditions, motor performance, tilt of motor, cavitation plate alignment, prop diameter, pitch, and condition. Some Whaly owners report improvements by: 

• Shifting weight forward

• Using a smaller pitch prop

• Adding a Hydrofoil

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Q.  How much weight can the opening bow on the 500 and 455 models handle?

A: They have been tested to accommodate up to  400lbs

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Q: I’ve seen pictures with a stainless-steel hoop around the engine. What is this? 

A: This is called a turbo swing. It is used for towing skiers, wake boarders, other boats, etc. It also protects the engine when backing up or when the boat is in a Marina. Turbo swings can be found at most full scale marine retail shops.

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MAINTENANCE

Q: What regular maintenance is required on a Whaly Boat? 

A: A light scrub or occasional power-wash is generally all that’s required to keep your Whaly Boat looking like new. 

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​Q: Will barnacles adhere to HDPE (polyethylene)?

If the Whaly sits in the water, unused for an extended length of the time, yes, barnacles will gather. However, unlike fiberglass and aluminum, removing them from a Whaly is much easier - They  scrap off easily with stiff brush. Then power wash. 

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Polyethylene boats used frequently rarely require bottom paint. A boat that sits for long periods of time may require bottom treatment. Only use an antifouling primer that is compatible with Polyethylene.  Whaly dealers in UK and Ireland recommend:

 

1. Clean and abrade the hull with 80 grit sandpaper.

2. Apply antifouling primer that will adhere to Polyethylene.

3. Allow to dry properly between coats.

4. Apply 2nd coat of antifouling.

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Q:  Can minor surface scratches be removed from polyethylene?

A: Yes, minor damage to the high-quality polyethylene can be removed or smoothed by heat gun or propane torch. Polyethylene can also be heat welded. Heat welding should only be attempted by experts, as excess heat could compromise the Whaly boat’s double-walled construction. 

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Q:  How do I know if my motor is positioned properly?

A: The cavitation plate (fin directly above propeller) lines up directly with the bottom of the hull. The engine should be centered on the transom.

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