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Hello all,

I'm new to posting on here because I just got back into restoring my Whaler and love this site for so much useful information!

I've been into the restoration of my 1989 27 FC now for 2.5 years. I took some time off from it due to boat partner involvement and budgetary issues. I bought this boat for $13.5k with a brand new triple axle trailer. There were no engines on it as the previous owner ran out of money. But he had installed a new Armstrong bracket and had plumbed the entire boat. I also had two 2010 Verado 300's that I had traded for some work so that helped with my decision to get a larger boat. I had my fiberglass guy come and look at the structure and he said it looked solid so I trust the bones are good.

The first thing I did was to gut the entire interior and sand the exterior. The gelcoat was bad on the boat and I couldn't get it back to even semi-new. Then I had my fiberglass guy fill all the holes, the helm had large holes that were all glassed in. These were all holes that had previously been cut for electronics or speakers, not structural. Then they painted with Awlcraft the entire boat, interior and exterior(except cabin). I had the engines repainted as well(they look like glass). I also had a bottom job.

I then hung the engines and have partially rigged them. If anyone has Verados, which I know some of you do, they are a beast to rig and expensive. We installed the steering pump, DTS, all the controls, linkage, etc. I'm also buying the Mercury VesselView with the only analog gauges being fuel. In the process we added new Lenco trim tabs to the rear as the ones on there were shot.

I have a ton of other items I've bought or had made: plexiglass rear lids, all bilge and other pumps, fuse holders, circuit breakers, battery relays. Some of this was all bought on ebay used so I've been budgeting somewhat wisely.

With all that said though...I'm in the boat for around $35k to date(yes that includes the engines). I've budgeted $7k on electric and another $5k on the interior. That will put me to around $50k but could see it go up to $60k if I just go crazy on interior or electronics. My question is: is that way too much on a restoration project of this magnitude? I look at the newer Whalers and see that I can't get into anything for much less than $50k used and forget about a new Whaler of this size. I think this is going to be one bad ass modern but still vintage Whaler. But I'm not a restorer so I have no idea.

Anyway, any comments good and bad are welcome!

And thanks for all the help so far with your previous posts!

HTOWNGUPPY