Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Hoosier Gal on 04/13/16 - 8:10 PM

Howdy all,

I'm beginning to have a problem with the fiberglass gunwales on my 1986 Outrage 20 . The plywood backing in the gunwales is starting to rot out much in the same way the plywood backing in a gas tank lid does. It's not too bad...yet, but I have little doubt it's something I'll have to address sometime in the not too distant future.
I suspect it would be a pretty cut and dry process of replacing the plywood once the gunwales are removed from the hull...and that's the big question.

Can anyone tell me just what's involved in removing the gunwales?

Edited by Hoosier Gal on 04/13/16 - 8:12 PM

Posted by Joe Kriz on 04/14/16 - 11:22 AM

Many screws are under the stainless rub strip that needs to be removed along with the rub rail.

Once the gunwales are removed you should be able to remove the old plywood and replaced it with new.

Posted by whalerman on 04/14/16 - 11:47 AM

As Joe said many screws under the stainless rub strip. Ive done this on an 18 outrage and once I got the gunwales off I tried getting the ply off the outer shell and ended up going thru it, UGH. Ended up going to Boston Whaler CPD and getting "blank" alum gunwales to replace what was there. Take your time and be in the right frame of mind, do not rush it. You will have to take the rub rails loose from mid ship to aft. Be sure to plug the gas fill once you open it!!

Posted by Hoosier Gal on 04/14/16 - 1:24 PM

Thanks guys!

I was afraid I was going to have to remove the rub rail. Rats!
Oh well, that's just one of the pitfalls of owning an older boat.
That's ok, she's worth the effort.