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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.
I just picked up a 1969 16ft. I am afraid that my foam may be saturated. There is no visible evidence of expansion from freezing. Its cold here in Michigan now. The lakes are still frozen. How do I tell if there is water in the foam?
(please use the full 4 digit year for clarification)
You could wait till the ice is gone and put it into the water to see where it floats and compare that to there similar Whalers. Take a photo and post it to photo bucket and post a link to it here. Does it have bottom paint? Any water line on the paint? Again, post a photo. One accepted way to tell is to weigh the hull and compare it to factory specs but with boats that old there is always some water which has seeped in over the years through unbedded fittings and screw holes. Post some photos and you'll get a lot of opinions.
I winter in Ft. Myers and summer in St. Joseph, Michigan. It’s now about 12 years since I’ve joined this group. I gave my 1972 whaler to my daughter and sold the 17’. Bought an O’Day 28 sailboat and sailed on Lake Michigan. Yesterday I bought a 2005 130 Sport.
Unless you have significant water intrusion which you could tell from the waterline, don't worry. All old whalers have a little water in them. Don't open a can of worms, enjoy your boat!
So where exactly should my whaler sit in the water? Apart from a sandy beach with a cold one LOL.
Should I use dead rise or draw? or what? measure at the stern? bow? with motor? without? Maybe I should just get it weighed so I can sleep at night. there's still ice here in Clarkston MI anyway
Look at all the pictures that are posted here. All 16'7" hulls were the same. The interiors were different but all float about the same. Compare to yours when the ice melts.