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I like Boston Whaler's and I am looking at restoring an old 13 foot Whaler. After lookig at this Web-site there are some good tips to watch for such as possible damage to the hull causing water to saturate the foam.

I haven't purchased this boat yet and will be able to get a serial number and picture. Would someone be willing to answer general questions if I get stuck trying to make a repair?

Thnaks


Jerry

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Hello Jerry,
I have spent the last 13 months restoring a 1976 17' sport that my father had bought new. I think I used the boat more back then than he did. He also had a 19' outrage and then a 21' outrage. The boat I have now survived hurricane Katrina in the New Orleans area and I was able to acquire the boat late last year. It was trashed from being left out in an open grassy field in south Louisiana since the hurricane. The boat was full of spider cracks, discoloration, crazing, rotten wood, and general disrepair (there was a weed growing in the tunnel in the deck.) I will finish my work and have it ready for the water in about 45 days. I've researched many, many Continuous Wave articles on gelcoat, paint, gelcoat vs. paint, sanding, varnishing, epoxy, rub rails, and other stuff. I created a new mahogany console from scratch, applied 10 coats of varnish, filled in spider cracks with gel coat paste, sanded my butt off, am about to paint the non-skid with Interlux paint, had the dealer do some work (new drain tubes, replaced the rub rail, and outside gelcoat repair.) I had to completely rebuilt the original trailer from scratch as well. The only original part on the trailes was the frame.

I've been in boats all my life in south Louisiana (over 45 years.) My father is an avid boater. He has had numerous boats including two Bertrams, four Boston Whalers, a Chris Craft, and some others inbetween.

I I think I can help you if you have a question. Hope I can find your thread on this site.

Lee Mehrhoff

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Of course we'll help you, this is "Whaler Central" we have "Expert's" in every field.

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Its a good idea to see how she drafts with an engine on the transom. Also check for soft spots in the deck and any delamation.

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W/C has "Whaler inspection documents" (check list) avail. if you click on "downloads" (upper left screen).

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Ask anything Jerry. All of us will help you.

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The main thing will be to keep having fun doing the work..

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Jerry Porter,

From the photos you just posted in your personal page, it appears to be a 1966 Sport 13 model that has been painted inside and out.

It is also way overpowered with an 85 hp motor as these models were rated for 40 hp maximum...

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You will find that is a wealth of knowledge and information on this site and the majority of members are more than anxious to offer advice and help in any way they can........Remember though, if you don't ask you won't get an answer, so don't hesitate to ask

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First thing to do is get the snow out of the boat and check the floor for any soft spots. Joe I think he meant the engine is a '1985'.

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Thanks Kevin...

I didn't notice that as I never use the abbreviated year in type..
So he has a 1985 Yamaha but we don't know the hp....

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Not much to see looking at the pictures. By the way, what's all that white stuff? lol

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Padding for a soft ride!