Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 1972 Sport 13 Deck Repair
Posted by TLXWhaler on 08/31/21 - 6:22 AM
#1
I recently purchased a 1972 Sport 13. The previous owner installed swivel seats (see photos). I am inclined to leave them in for when i do take the board out fishing, but I am also going to install a new rear bench seat which will go over the rear swivel bracket for everyday use. Two questions:
1) Is it ok to leave the bench seat brackets installed? I don't want any water intrusion issues. Should I silicon around the base and screws?
2) If i do remove the brackets, what is the best way to repair the holes in the deck - especially since it is textured?
Thanks in advance!
Edited by TLXWhaler on 08/31/21 - 6:23 AM
Posted by Phil T on 08/31/21 - 7:12 AM
#2
You want all screws to have a dab of sealant (not adhesive) under the head.
Whie I buy a boat, I go around and back out all the screws and add a dab then retighten, wipe excess.
For the desert tan gelcoat, Locketite Marine Epoxy in white cures to a very close color match. Use packing tape to get a smooth finish.
Posted by TLXWhaler on 08/31/21 - 8:03 AM
#3
Thanks, Phil. Can you elaborate on what you mean by "Use packing tape to get a smooth finish"?
Posted by Phil T on 08/31/21 - 8:20 AM
#4
For each screw hole -
Using painters tape, mask off area around hole (1-2" diameter).
Mix up the Locketite. With a disposable syringe (craft store or Amazon), or plastic putty knife, fill the hole just to the top, no more.
Cover the hole with a piece of 2" long piece of clear packing tape to get a smooth surface. If the epoxy spreads wider than the hole, remove tape, wipe off excess, reapply tape.
Let cure. Remove all tape.
For sealant I use Boat Life's Life Caulk. Never silicone.
Edited by Phil T on 08/31/21 - 8:22 AM
Posted by TLXWhaler on 08/31/21 - 8:43 AM
#5
While I'm at it, the top of the transom looks like it needs some repair - see the image below. Can you point me in the right direction here?
Posted by Phil T on 08/31/21 - 9:09 AM
#6
Photo needs to be less than 200kb in file size and be a .jpg
Resize and try again.
Edited by Phil T on 08/31/21 - 9:10 AM
Posted by TLXWhaler on 08/31/21 - 9:15 AM
#7
Sorry, here you go.
Posted by Phil T on 08/31/21 - 10:22 AM
#8
Your photo shows the common problem of "green line separation".
Dick Fisher wanted to advertise how thick the fiberglass of the hull was so they did not gelcoat the outer top edge of the transom on the classic 13, 15 and 17's up until the 1990's.
If it does start to split open, not every boat has it, but MANY do, the recommended repair is to insert epoxy and clamp. Seal the entire edge.
Posted by TLXWhaler on 08/31/21 - 11:14 AM
#9
Sorry for all of the questions, but I am new to all of this. What type of epoxy would you recommend?