Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Need some interior advice on 1969 13

Posted by jgortva on 01/17/17 - 12:33 PM
#4

Hello Drafter,
I do not have specific experience with converting to a Super Sport interior, but I do have comments on you replacing your original interior. My last 13 foot Sport restoration was a 1989 model. The gel coat was in mint condition for its age and only needed a buffing to bring it back to life. The original Sport Interior however, was in real bad shape with cracks in the grain of the seats that you could stick a dime into and go a 1/4 the depth of the coin into the cracks. I bought a new interior and went with a competitor of Specialty Marine's named Nautical Lumber out of Michigan. I do not believe he is still in business, but the photos of his interior next to Specialty Marines on both his website and detailed Ebay photos looked superior in regards to the thickness and quality of the wood to the epoxy coating and clear coat finish, etc. I bought the kit and when I installed it into the boat. there were some dimensions of the console and side panels that hold the bench seats in place that were smaller or just off when put side by side with the old interior. Also, of course, since there are no old growth hardwood trees anymore, the seats were laminated out of multiple pieces of wood rather than one solid plank. I ended up using the interior because the stain and finish looked so good and I figured I couldn't restore the old interior and nobody would notice but me. I put my old interior on Ebay for bids and the winner paid $300 for it, so I know there are others out there that know there is a significant difference between original and reproduction interiors. The buyer probably just flipped the seats upside down and refinished that side. With that being said, I do not believe the backrest of the Super Sport interior will give you anymore comfort than a sport interior. The add on sport or factory super sport backrests are in my opinion too far back to be used and will make no difference in comfort.
If it were my boat, I would refinish the original interior you have, add the console, and use for a season like that and see if you could live with it. If not, the only way I believe classic 13 foot sport bench seats can be made more comfortable is to bolt aftermarket fishing boat seats onto the original bench seats. They are available at Bass Pro. I hate the look of them, but I have to admit that Whalers I have ridden in that have them are a much more comfortable than with just the bench seat. They position you higher on the seat and have a backrest that is actually useable.

Jim G.

Edited by jgortva on 01/17/17 - 12:38 PM