Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/08/13 - 10:42 AM

The maiden voyage was this past Friday in Homosassa at the GCBWOA get together. The boat behaved and ran really well. I appreciate all who were involved in making this happen, my boys and I really appreciated all of your efforts. Please let me know what you think!

<-- Click personal page link to the left

Edited by Joe Kriz on 04/08/13 - 11:41 AM

Posted by CES on 04/08/13 - 10:45 AM

Quite possibly one of the finest examples of a customized Boston Whaler I've ever seen!

Well done!

Do you have a video of her running? Also....what did you GPS at on the top end?

Posted by ursaminor on 04/08/13 - 11:46 AM

James, that has to be the sweetest 15 I've ever seen. Congratulations on getting the work completed and in use. I'll second the request for a link to a video and some GPS numbers. We should have a poll to guess your top end!

Posted by CES on 04/08/13 - 1:24 PM

ursaminor wrote:
James, that has to be the sweetest 15 I've ever seen. Congratulations on getting the work completed and in use. I'll second the request for a link to a video and some GPS numbers. We should have a poll to guess your top end!

My bet is upwards of 65mph!!!

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/08/13 - 6:15 PM

wannabe wrote:
Sweeeeeeeeeet! A nice blend of the wood along with chrome accessories. What did you put on your brightwork and how many coats?

Thanks a lot for the positive comments. Case Boatworks did the wood finishing and rub rail. He didn't exactly tell me how he did it, but from what I gathered, there are five to eight coats of varnish, sanded with 320 between each coat, then after a full cure he sprays some proprietary blend of acrylic over for at least five coats, with 90 minute cure between coats. Finish is pretty amazing, and watertight, all holes, cuts, and screw points had to be pre planned so they could be sealed.

Posted by krafft on 04/09/13 - 6:59 AM

#12

My bet is 57 mph!

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/09/13 - 7:51 AM

#13

jflots, I love those, and I have one with no knob on my wahoo! 1750 cc, but on this boat I only wanted to have an 11" diameter wheel, and this destroyer was all I could find. Bigger wheels did not allow for much room behind the helm. I like the destroyer type wheel because it keeps some of the original design.

Posted by jflots on 04/09/13 - 8:16 AM

#14

I have a 16" stainless Edson on my 18 Outrage and love it. I've transfered it from previous boats 3 times. I believe their smallest wheel is 13".

Did you buff that scratch out? :)

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/09/13 - 8:23 AM

#15

jflots wrote:
I have a 16" stainless Edson on my 18 Outrage and love it. I've transfered it from previous boats 3 times. I believe their smallest wheel is 13".

Did you buff that scratch out? :)

WHAT SCRATCH!?!?!?!?!?!

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/09/13 - 11:27 AM

#16

wannabe wrote:
Sweeeeeeeeeet! A nice blend of the wood along with chrome accessories. What did you put on your brightwork and how many coats?

My apologies to Mike Stennett at Nautical Lumber, I failed to mention that He and his company provided the wooden interior custom built to these specifications, complete with varnish finish. All we had to do on the interior portion of this project was cut outs, and fitting the interior to the hull, and the final acrylic over the top to achieve an automotive durable finish.

Edited by jamesgt727 on 04/09/13 - 11:28 AM

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/09/13 - 12:03 PM

#19

Finnegan wrote:
James - congratulations on a spectacular boat. It is the finest restoration work I have ever seen. Did my 26" Mercury Laser II prop work out OK?

Finnegan, I have yet to run this boat up on a plane for more than 20 seconds. Your prop is still sitting pretty in the box with a fresh rubber hub. Thanks again for that offer, it was fantastic. I have three props to test which includes yours. I am running the 24" Laser II with the plastic flo-torq hub, I have a 22" and your 26". I am pretty confident that the motor will turn the 26" by the little run I did on Saturday. I got the motor up to 4,000 RPM pretty easy, once the prop grabbed the boat got fast.

Posted by CES on 04/09/13 - 1:18 PM

#20

I hope that when you open her up for the first time, you're on smooth water as you'll surely chine walk if you encounter the slightest chop and the hull isn't perfectly modified for higher speeds. I don't know what your boating experience entails so with that said, please be careful!

Posted by ursaminor on 04/09/13 - 6:29 PM

#21

CES wrote:
I hope that when you open her up for the first time, you're on smooth water as you'll surely chine walk if you encounter the slightest chop and the hull isn't perfectly modified for higher speeds. I don't know what your boating experience entails so with that said, please be careful!

I seem to be mirroring CES on this thread but he speaks wisely. With 90+ HP on a boat that's normally considered fast with a 70 things have the potential to get interesting in a hurry. Take your time finding out where the dragons might be hiding and have fun. Don't forget the life jacket and kill switch lanyard!

Posted by Binkie on 04/10/13 - 9:56 AM

#22

Also, you might find that you need a foot throttle for safety and to drive with two hands as "runpastthefence" found out with a 135 on a 15 footer. You can't rely on pulling back the throttle handle if things get dicey. Real raceboats use either a squeeze throttle on kneel down boats or a foot throttle for sit down boats. You need a throttle that when you foot or hand comes off it it will go to idle. A kill switch is useless. I don't think a foot throttle will fit under the console though, and a squeeze throttle would not be applicable on your boat.

rich

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/10/13 - 11:25 AM

#23

Duly noted. I am not a "risk taker", I just like the way the boat feels and looks. I may never see its top speed, just the way I am I guess. I still have a prior boat with a brand new motor, maybe 20 hours of run time, perfectly restored, that I may have hit 3/4 throttle, and I think its a mid 50's boat of similar shape and design. I promise safety for my children. If I ever let my sons use this boat I can assure you it would be stable and have a prop that will be on the limiter at 40 mph, even if the motor blows up first. It should last a long time, and be a fun boat to own.

Posted by Binkie on 04/10/13 - 12:55 PM

#24

I always used to say that "if you ain't skeered you ain't having fun". I'm not so sure about that anymore, I don't know how much of a beating my 75yr old bones can take. I was always careful with my raceboat, but when the adrenalin kicks in its easy to go over the edge. Thats why I don't have it anymore.
I doubt anybody wants to drive a boat like yours at 3/4 throttle. LOL

Posted by dauntless-n-miami on 04/10/13 - 3:40 PM

#25

Hello jamesgt727, awesome looking boat and incredible detail. Inquiry regarding the lower unit and jack plate.

Is the nose cone a Bob's Machine Shop assembly? Which style is it and how was it installed, epoxy or welded?

What brand and model is the jack plate? Also the offset? What mod's did you do to the transom for mounting the jackplate?

I apologize for the numerous questions but I have been considering for awhile now a "Low water pick-up" and jack plate for my Dauntless 15 with a Yamy 90HP.

Thank you in advance for your time...

"Speed doesn't kill, it's the sudden stop with solid surfaces that does" LoL...

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/10/13 - 4:31 PM

#26

DNM, the lower is a Bob's Combo, and I believe the welded first then epoxy fill, the finish is nice. Make sure you specify that the braided hose and tap go on the opposite side of the lower unit fluid fill screw, or you will tick off your mechanic! This Jack Plate is the TH Marine 4" Atlas. It's self contained. Mount the jack plate and outboard as low as you can (we even drilled custom holes lower) so you can utilize the plate more when you running on a plane. My Atlas was dismantled, polished, annodized. The vertical moving plate was painted. I chose the Atlas for style, and its lube and maintenance free. I have a bob's Action Jack 6" on my other boat, works just fine.

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/11/13 - 12:27 PM

#28

Binkie wrote:
I always used to say that "if you ain't skeered you ain't having fun". I'm not so sure about that anymore, I don't know how much of a beating my 75yr old bones can take. I was always careful with my raceboat, but when the adrenalin kicks in its easy to go over the edge. Thats why I don't have it anymore.
I doubt anybody wants to drive a boat like yours at 3/4 throttle. LOL

Thanks, that's funny. I just noticed you are in the Tampa Area, if you need any work done to your boat let me know and I'll give you Eric @ Image Marine's number. He also has the flex-molds to remold the non-skid that we purchased for this boat, those molds are extremely expensive and hard to work with, and I think that may be why most don't use them so if you or if you know anyone in this area, you all are welcome to take advantage of that so be my guest. The molds are the latest "whaler" double diamond pattern from Gibco "FLEX-MOLD GFBW 327". The cut pattern will fit a 13 or a 15 like a charm.

Posted by wannabe on 04/11/13 - 3:15 PM

#29

jamesgt727 wrote:

wannabe wrote:
Sweeeeeeeeeet! A nice blend of the wood along with chrome accessories. What did you put on your brightwork and how many coats?

Mike made some parts for me as well. I am doing all the wood on my Outrage and going for the high gloss look.

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/11/13 - 4:47 PM

#30

Wannabe, I can tell you that Mikes finish was thick and nice right out of the box. The problem we encountered, was matching the color and finish of the rub rail, and extra pcs that were made here locally. I really appreciate the gloss level that was achieved on the wood, from an angle it reflects a near perfect image. And the depth of grain, and golden colors that pop in the sun, are phenomenal. Just be patient, and sand between coats with 320. My wood parts are a combination of stain, varnish, and acrylic, if you need professional help or advise, Ask Mike or Craig I am sure they would love to help..

Edited by jamesgt727 on 04/11/13 - 4:48 PM

Posted by wannabe on 04/11/13 - 5:06 PM

#31

jamesgt727 wrote:
Wannabe, I can tell you that Mikes finish was thick and nice right out of the box. The problem we encountered, was matching the color and finish of the rub rail, and extra pcs that were made here locally. I really appreciate the gloss level that was achieved on the wood, from an angle it reflects a near perfect image. And the depth of grain, and golden colors that pop in the sun, are phenomenal. Just be patient, and sand between coats with 320. My wood parts are a combination of stain, varnish, and acrylic, if you need professional help or advise, Ask Mike or Craig I am sure they would love to help..

Thanks James, I am using West system epoxy with a varnish over the top for UV protection. The guys who do this for a living can be a bit secretive about their methods. Trust me on that. What I have done so far is good as I have a retired autobody shop owner helping me out.

Drew

Posted by Binkie on 04/12/13 - 6:09 AM

#32

Thanks for the mold offer James. but the paint work is complete at this point. I've restored numerous boats over the years basically since I was a teenager, and I've always done everything myself. Thing is I rather work on boats than use them. The custom 13 footer I built (on my personal page) in 2008 I seldom use. The Mercury was new when I installed it in '08, and its got less than 50 hours on it. I'll sell it when the 15 footer is done. Thing is, where I live, Spring Hill, The Gulf is very shallow and full of rocks. After living in Ft. Myers for 35 years the boating here really sucks. We usually trailer down south a bit.

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/12/13 - 6:13 AM

#33

Binkie, Then we have got to get together and run, this boat is our "river" boat and it will be used almost exclusively on the Weeki Wachee River, in Spring Hill. I'll let you know the next time we go up there. We are always there on major "sunny day" holidays. You could always drop your boat in at the ramp in Roger's Park, or I have a boat ramp behind the house on property. I appreciate the fact that you do all of the work yourself, that's really impressive. Your boats look great. Post some pics of the 15.

Edited by jamesgt727 on 04/12/13 - 6:16 AM

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/15/13 - 5:37 AM

#36

I ran it late yesterday evening, and I was on a plane most of the running time. I was running what appeared to be a pretty fast cruise and the boat hit 48.7 mph on GPS, and it seemed to have a lot left. This speed was achieved with the jack plate all the way down, trim all the way down with one bump up on trim. The hull modifications seem to be doing what we had hoped. The boat planes within two boat lengths, runs flat (nose down) and level. A little more seat time, and I'll make a video and share the top speed that is reached.

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/15/13 - 10:28 AM

#38

It was really interesting, the balance of the boat seemed right on, as soon as I brought the motor to a more level position, the boat seemed to "wake-up". At speed, the boat tracks straight and true with zero drama. The hydraulic steering makes it seem so solid. I had one of my boys with me so I was being extra cautious. I have that partial surfacing prop, Merc Laser II, so I've got a lot to learn about this boats running characteristics. As soon as the motor jacks out of the water and takes the stabilizer plate out, things started to feel pretty loose. No drama, just different and light.

Posted by CES on 04/15/13 - 11:20 AM

#39

Ideally your prop should be about 1/2 way out of the water when WOT.... That's the point where your boat will rise above the outboard chines on your hull and you'll only be riding on the portion of the hull you've modified.....

In the Hot boat community, when the boat rises that high at WOT, they called it being "aired out".... Things start to get a bit exciting when a boat is "Aired out" and the pilot isn't sure of what they're doing. Lol..

Posted by CES on 04/15/13 - 11:21 AM

#40

CES wrote:
Ideally your prop should be about 1/2 way out of the water when WOT.... That's the point where your boat will rise above the outboard chines on your hull and you'll only be riding on the portion of the hull you've modified.....

In the Hot boat community, when the boat rises that high at WOT, they called it being "aired out".... Things start to get a bit exciting when a boat is "Aired out" and the pilot isn't sure of what they're doing. Lol..

Here's a video of some of my buddies who are "Aired out"...

http://youtu.be/UC4DvOpLo04

Edited by CES on 04/15/13 - 11:22 AM

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/16/13 - 10:09 AM

#41

I have a couple of friends who will do the "piloting", and their experience is solidly in the triple digits for MPH, I won't be doing it! CES, This is an old video of my friend who still has this boat, and has offered it as the chase.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lwmIy...lwmIyIZ70w

The pilot who will drive is this guy in the flats boat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZkhAK...ZkhAKJvl70

So I am pretty comfortable with these folks doing the chasing and driving, I'll do the watching.

Edited by jamesgt727 on 04/16/13 - 10:16 AM

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/16/13 - 1:00 PM

#44

Finnegan wrote:
James - Is that a Merc 250XS Optimax on the flats boat?

Merc 300XS with Sport Master lower unit. Down where I am on the gulf coast, this type of high-powered boat is really popular, you either see 300XS or 300-350 Verados. From what I can tell people really like to go fast on the water here in FL.

Eric Sent me this "walk-around" video, I thought is was pretty cool, a little grainy on my end but captures the theme of the boat.

http://s1320.photobucket.com/user/jam...8.mp4.html

I guess the music is coming from the boat too

Edited by jamesgt727 on 04/17/13 - 5:34 AM

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/18/13 - 3:20 PM

#45

Finnegan wrote:
James - congratulations on a spectacular boat. It is the finest restoration work I have ever seen. Did my 26" Mercury Laser II prop work out OK?

Finn, the 26" Laser is on, just bolted it on the shaft! Waiting for a spare evening to give it a whirl...probably this weekend

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/20/13 - 1:50 PM

#46

If the weather holds up, looks like a possible high-speed test run early tomorrow morning as the sun comes up. If I'm able to capture the data, or video I will post it here. I have three props to try, Mercury Laser II's in 22", 24", & 26" pitches. So far the boat has proved highly stabile up to almost 50 mph. Time to explore.

Posted by Binkie on 04/20/13 - 6:45 PM

#47

A day to sleep in, same as today only more wind.

Weather for Tampa, FL
63°F | °C ‎Sat ‎Sun ‎Mon ‎Tue

‎Overcast
‎Wind: NE at 13 mph
‎Humidity: 82% ‎82° ‎59° ‎82° ‎66° ‎86° ‎64° ‎84° ‎64°

rich

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/21/13 - 7:16 AM

#48

Rich, you were so right, I have a friend who runs a dive, kayak tour, sailing business, and he showed me an iPhone app called "windfinder", check it out, it's fairly accurate, and predicts wind, weather conditions on a 3hr average, uses realtime data from sensors from multiple points in you area. Tide info too. Most people that discover it love it.

I'm keeping my eye on "baby's nap time" as a window of opportunity...

Edited by jamesgt727 on 04/21/13 - 7:21 AM

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/21/13 - 5:04 PM

#49

The weather broke at noon, and I got some time up on the pad, and I definitely need to try the bigger prop. I got some good data from the run. I'll run it again next weekend, and ask for some prop advice in the meantime.

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/22/13 - 8:51 PM

#50

krafft wrote:

My bet is 57 mph!

56 mph on the redline with the tweaked 22" prop, skipping the 24" and going right to the 26", if the weather cooperates, I should get that prop done one night this week or at least by this weekend. Then I'm going to try a 24" and 26" small-eared chopper and see if there is any go left. Hope is to reach 60. All the speed testing so far, the hull has been stable and smooth. Only a hint of chine walk into a gust, still no drama which I had hoped to avoid. I promise a video when I get the prop testing out of the way and some solid seat time. The GoPro is charged.

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/22/13 - 10:16 PM

#51

CES, she "airs out" nicely! It is truly the most fun I've ever had in a boat. Size and speed do not equal fun. My last boat boat was much larger and much faster, This little boat is one-tenth the specs, but it is a heckuva lot more fun.

Edited by jamesgt727 on 04/22/13 - 10:30 PM

Posted by CES on 04/23/13 - 6:28 AM

#52

jamesgt727 wrote:
CES, she "airs out" nicely! It is truly the most fun I've ever had in a boat. Size and speed do not equal fun. My last boat boat was much larger and much faster, This little boat is one-tenth the specs, but it is a heckuva lot more fun.

Sweet!!! Man, that's impressive bro!

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/23/13 - 6:46 AM

#53

I just picked up a 24" Small-eared Mercury Chopper Prop this morning, in search of a 14" diameter, small eared 26" if anyone has one or knows where I could find a good rubber hubbed used one....If performance is your game, it pays to mention it on screamandfly, I really appreciate the performance folks on that site, totally crazy, Thanks to you all here on Whaler Central too! Less than 18 hours after mentioning the prop situation, I have one!

Edited by jamesgt727 on 04/23/13 - 6:50 AM

Posted by jamesgt727 on 04/28/13 - 5:49 AM

#54

Today is the day, gonna take the boat down to Ft Desoto ramp at noon, drop it in and let her rip. I have two more props to test, and hopefully i'll find "the one".

Posted by ursaminor on 04/28/13 - 6:34 PM

#55

James,

Wow, 56 MPH with a 22"and you're looking for a customized 26"... Stay thirsty my friend.... Seriously, you're killing us. Video please. Mine's still under the winter cover for another few weeks and I need a fix. I may own an Evinrude now but I was raised on inline Mercury's, need to hear that mother wail.

Posted by jamesgt727 on 05/01/13 - 9:58 AM

#56

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfTwpr...e=youtu.be

This is the video of the Homosassa River, FL trip from the GCBWOA Gulf Coast Boston Whaler Owner's Association, which I was proud to be a part of. For any of you all in the snow, or cold, we did this on April 5th, and it was an awesome weekend. If you want to see BLACK MAX and the top speed achieved that day skip to 2:33 (not joking, but kinda). Otherwise enjoy the music!! My wife and daughter did not make this one, so it was just a boys trip and my friend Earl.

Posted by ursaminor on 05/01/13 - 12:10 PM

#58

James,

Thanks for the fix. That was a blazing turn of speed! Also, I was only kidding with the Dos Equis reference, glad to see you and the group were well provisioned. That looks like a great day, it'll be a couple of months before I'm chasing any smallmouth bass with my mask and fins... Looks like you'll have no trouble crewing the boat either, enjoy the rewards of all the hard work!

Posted by jamesgt727 on 05/02/13 - 12:21 PM

#60

More Video from this event, I have not listened to audio, so I will apologize in advance just in case. Video courtesy of Spenceair

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ksjqinyk70j...4%20PM.mp4

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v40hpcly0ii...0%20PM.mp4

https://www.dropbox.com/s/oizozevwba3...4%20PM.mp4