Before Posting, Please Read Our Posting Guidelines Below.
1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
Recently bought a 1985 15' Sport CC from its original owner. Everything is original and in pristine condition including the 70 VRO Johnson. I only have two mods I'm looking to make, for now . I was hoping to get some feedback from the veterans.
First is to replace the two original OMC metal 6 gallon tanks with a 15 gallon Moeller, which would be placed under the seat. The higher capacity would be nice, but I was thinking it will be a bonus to get some of the weight forward. What do you think? Also what line and connectors would you suggest?
Second, and more difficult is to install bow rails. It currently has side rails only. Seems to be a nice thing to have between someone sitting in the bow and the water. Is this a DIY install or should I pay to have it done?
Thanks in advance for your insight.
One other question...it was packaged with an older Caulkins roller trailer. I've never launched from a roller (always had bunk trailers in the past). Is there anything special I need to know? And is it more abusive to the hull?
Shelscot, I have an '89 15' with a 50 horse Johnson. I had a 16 gallon tank under my seat and changed it out for a 12 gallon tank. The new 12 gallon tank doesn't fit under the seat and I notice the weight in the back. With your 70 horse motor and weight I would try to get the tank forward some. I also miss the space I lost with the new tank out in the open. I put a bow rail on our boat and I did it myself. The bow rail install wasn't to bad but I did use pictures from other guys personal pages. We are happy with the bow rail. We have a two year old who goes out with us quite a bit and it just feels more safe, plus when we go fishing it is a lot easier and safer for whoever is fishing from the bow.
I am assuming that the trailer has keel rollers? If that is the case and they are in good shape, don't unhook the bow strap and back down the ramp. You run the risk of loosing the boat. Make sure someone has a hold of the line or you will be swimming after your boat at the launch ramp. If the keep rollers are not in good shape, fix / replace them as it makes loading / launching so much easier.