Search found 80 matches

by Tom Hemphill
Thu Mar 14, 2024 12:00 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Refurbish older 16-footer with Gel Coat or with Paint
Replies: 2
Views: 57

Re: Refurbish older 16-footer with Gel Coat or with Paint

KevinArthur wrote:Q3: what swim ladder can be mounted to the transom so youngsters can get aboard from the water?

Martin Marine Design makes one specifically for the older 16-foot Whalers. I installed one on my 1970 16-foot Whaler and enthusiastically recommend it and the company.
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Jan 27, 2024 6:18 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Moving Battery
Replies: 8
Views: 548

Re: Moving my battery question

Sorry to answer your question with a question, but where will the electrical cables attached to the battery be located? Overheating cables pose a greater risk than the battery per se.
by Tom Hemphill
Thu Nov 23, 2023 5:58 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 1998 150 Dauntless 60-HP Fuel Economy
Replies: 2
Views: 404

Re: 1998 150 Dauntless 60-HP Fuel Economy

I circumnavigated Manhattan on two occasions with my classic 13-foot Sport. I ran out of gas the first time, so I brought a spare can of gas the second time. This was with a 35-HP classic two-stroke engine and 6-gallon gas tank. You will be fighting the current for a portion of your trip; I found th...
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:45 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Tesla Boat Trailer Towing
Replies: 22
Views: 2561

Re: Tesla Boat Trailer Towing

A Google search for "towing effect on ev range" returns some decent results, including a Consumer Reports article, How Well Can an Electric Pickup Truck Tow?. Their testing (of trucks towing a heavy trailer) showed a range loss of over 40%.
by Tom Hemphill
Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:59 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1969 SPORT 13: Leftover Part
Replies: 3
Views: 1993

Re: 1969 SPORT 13: Leftover Part

If the boat in question has side rails, each rail would be held in position by two standoffs (stanchions) and backing plates. (See http://hemphill.org/whaler/whaler.html)
by Tom Hemphill
Wed May 03, 2023 7:58 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Generic Trailerable Cover for Katama 16
Replies: 10
Views: 3134

Re: Generic Trailerable Cover for Katama 16

I have a 1970 Boston Whaler 16-foot boat, the same hull as yours. I just purchased (through boatcoversdirect.com) a Carver cover described as fitting a "BOSTON WHALER 17 MONTAUK O/B W/ BOW RAIL W/ SIDE RAILS (THRU-02)." It fits my boat's non-pointy bow and the rest of the hull very well. I...
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:13 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: NAUSET Railings and Navigation Lamp: Source for re-chroming or replacement parts
Replies: 2
Views: 871

Re: NAUSET Railings and Navigation Lamp: Source for re-chroming or replacement parts

Seven years ago I related my experience with re-chroming parts in a post on the old forum. The company's estimate was based on $20 per piece, which seemed reasonable to me at the time. It is very labor intensive work.
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Oct 15, 2022 4:12 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Bolt Orientation in Engine Mounting
Replies: 15
Views: 3058

Re: Bolt Orientation in Engine Mounting

Q1: what orientation of the mounting bolts for an outboard engine is preferred? Q2: does a factory manual specification that calls for engine mounting bolts to only be tightened to 4.3-lbs-feet make sense? My Evinrude E-TEC Installation Manual (75- to 300 HP, All Models) says to "install the m...
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Oct 01, 2022 10:26 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Re: Painting and Fairing Older Hull
Replies: 37
Views: 9113

Re: Painting and Fairing Older Hull

Was it the primer or top coat where the mixing ratio was altered?

Incidentally, Interlux Perfection is two-part polyurethane paint.
by Tom Hemphill
Thu Sep 01, 2022 7:55 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 13-footer Holes in Gunwales
Replies: 4
Views: 1647

Re: 13-footer Holes in Gunwales

Your photo shows holes in the gunwales where oar locks could be positioned, but I don't see any evidence of the bronze oar lock socket which I would expect to see. I don't know if the hole should be sealed against water intrusion.
by Tom Hemphill
Tue Aug 02, 2022 6:21 pm
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: Choke Balun
Replies: 1
Views: 1728

Choke Balun

I am wondering if my attic-mounted TV antenna (pictured below) with RG-6 coaxial cable might benefit from a choke balun made by creating a coil in the transmission line near the antenna feed point--and I have slack in the cable.

61pd3w6uPIL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
Fig. 1. An attic-mounted TV antenna.
61pd3w6uPIL._AC_SL1500_.jpg (15.69 KiB) Viewed 1763 times
by Tom Hemphill
Sun Jul 10, 2022 6:33 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Clearing Clogged Drain
Replies: 4
Views: 1380

Re: Clearing Clogged Drain

Use an unfolded metal coat hanger. Some readers may be confused by the reference. I think Phil T is referring to the steel wire coat hangers which dry cleaners put your clothes on when returning. I have to say, in my household, over the past twenty years they have become an endangered species. I on...
by Tom Hemphill
Tue Jul 05, 2022 9:08 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1961 Sport 13Transom Reinforcement
Replies: 9
Views: 3360

Re: 1961 Sport 13Transom Reinforcement

My 1966 13-foot Boston Whaler Sport had two rods which connected the transom and splash well bulkhead. They were made from stainless steel all-thread covered with a plastic sleeve. A previous owner installed them believing it was a good idea. I thought so too; the only downside was the added clutter...
by Tom Hemphill
Mon Jun 27, 2022 7:48 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Mercury 60-HP BIGFOOT Not Charging
Replies: 9
Views: 5878

Re: Mercury 60-HP BIGFOOT Not Charging

Q4: have you been using the same battery since the problem began?
by Tom Hemphill
Fri Jun 24, 2022 9:09 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Identify Trolling Motor Mount From Image
Replies: 5
Views: 1346

Re: Identify Trolling Motor Mount From Image

An image search using DuckDuckGo suggests to me it may have been sold by Attwood Marine.
by Tom Hemphill
Thu Jun 16, 2022 6:32 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Raising Engine Height
Replies: 22
Views: 5474

Re: Raising Engine Height

I hope I can provide the first-person advice being sought: When I bought my 1970 16-foot Whaler, its 90-HP Evinrude ETEC outboard was mounted at the lowest possible position, using the blind lower holes. When I decided to upgrade to a stainless steel propeller, I took the opportunity to also re-dril...
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Apr 30, 2022 11:36 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Length of Lower Drain Tube, 1969 16-footer
Replies: 3
Views: 739

Re: Length of Lower Drain Tube, 1969 16-footer

In a 16-foot Whaler of that vintage, the length of the lower drain tube is 13 inches. You may have hidden damage on yours, indicating it should be replaced.
by Tom Hemphill
Thu Mar 24, 2022 5:58 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Blue Top Legend
Replies: 12
Views: 4709

Re: Blue Top Legend

Jefecinco wrote:...If you didn't have a Columbia you didn't have a bicycle...

The crowd I ran with instead aspired to own English bicycles with Sturmey Archer (3-speed) gears.
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Mar 12, 2022 12:54 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Trailer Road Clearance
Replies: 14
Views: 2287

Re: Trailer to Road Clearance

My trailer (under a classic 16-foot Whaler) has 12-inch wheels. The axle clamps and bunk brackets--the lowest components--have 9.5-inches of ground clearance. The license plate is loosely fastened at the top with nylon wire ties, so it can pivot freely. I have never had a problem with ground clearan...
by Tom Hemphill
Wed Jan 26, 2022 11:47 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Boat Insurance Premium Increase
Replies: 7
Views: 1956

Boat Insurance Premium Increase

For many years, my boat insurance premium had been pretty constant, but 2022's renewal shows a 17-percent increase. The agreed-upon property value is unchanged, so the increase must be for the liability coverage. I think the insurance company may have paid out more for claims in the past year becaus...
by Tom Hemphill
Wed Dec 29, 2021 5:25 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Auto-Manual Postions on Bilge Pump Control Panel
Replies: 7
Views: 6217

Re: 1988 18 Outrage bilge pump switch

Or, better yet, leave the old, reliable pump in place, and add the missing float switch. That way you will be equipped for different use cases: With manual operation, you know your battery won't be drained in your absence. And with automatic operation, you can avoid water underfoot while underway, m...
by Tom Hemphill
Thu Jul 22, 2021 8:49 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2000 CONQUEST 28 Stern Folding Seat Bracket and Hinge
Replies: 7
Views: 4714

Re: 2000 CONQUEST 28 Stern Folding Seat Bracket and Hinge

McMaster-Carr has an enormous selection of fasteners and provides good service.
by Tom Hemphill
Wed Apr 28, 2021 6:01 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Trailer Spindle
Replies: 9
Views: 9410

Re: Trailer Spindle

As a followup, I can report that my axle, bearings and inner seals are all in good shape three-plus years later. There was no evidence of water intrusion when I repacked the bearings recently.
by Tom Hemphill
Mon Apr 26, 2021 11:50 pm
Forum: MARKETPLACE
Topic: SOLD: Side Rail Hardware
Replies: 1
Views: 5017

Re: SOLD

This item has been SOLD.
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Apr 03, 2021 4:14 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Power Distribution on 13-foot Skiff
Replies: 8
Views: 8654

Re: Power Distribution on 13-foot Skiff

Thank you for the compliment.

The second terminal block provides a single disconnect point for all items attached to the console for ease of maintenance.
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Apr 03, 2021 11:43 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Power Distribution on 13-foot Skiff
Replies: 8
Views: 8654

Re: Power Distribution on 13-foot Skiff

Below you can see the wiring method I used on my 1966 13-foot Sport:

electrical_panel.jpg
Fig. 1. Blue Sea Systems Seas ST fuse block on 13-foot open skiff
electrical_panel.jpg (220.54 KiB) Viewed 8642 times


The 10-AWG conductor supplying power to the fuse block was protected with an in-line fuse near the battery.
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Feb 27, 2021 5:43 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1967 NAUSET Repairs
Replies: 3
Views: 2025

Re: 1967 Nauset Repairs

It looks like you have bought a nice and fairly unmolested boat. The damage shown in Figure 1 isn't typical gelcoat crazing. I think the boat was struck in that corner, and the damage may be deeper than just the gel coat layer. The crazing shown in Figure 2 is common, and I would just leave it alone...
by Tom Hemphill
Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:01 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 13-footer Rough Hull
Replies: 18
Views: 6207

Re: 13-footer Rough Hull

I moved the interior forward to get on plane more easily and to maintain it at a lower speed, and to reduce purposing (where the bow oscillates from side-to-side). When my kids were small I could use them as ballast forward to accomplish the same thing. And yes, moving weight forward could compensat...
by Tom Hemphill
Tue Dec 15, 2020 1:06 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 13-footer Rough Hull
Replies: 18
Views: 6207

Re: 13-footer Rough Hull

I moved the interior of my 1966 Sport forward about six inches and it seemed just right.
by Tom Hemphill
Mon Nov 16, 2020 2:13 pm
Forum: MARKETPLACE
Topic: SOLD: Side Rail Hardware
Replies: 1
Views: 5017

SOLD: Side Rail Hardware

For sale is original side rail hardware from a 1966 13-foot Boston Whaler Sport. Included are four standoffs with backing plates and screws and two "T" fittings (without screws). NOT included is the rail itself and rail base fittings. The hardware is cosmetically poor, in need of new chrom...
by Tom Hemphill
Mon Nov 16, 2020 11:46 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Sanding Non-Skid for refinishing
Replies: 4
Views: 2427

Re: Sanding Non-Skid for refinishing

The standard advise, which I agree with, is "don't paint the non-skid." Paint will fill in the depressions, ruining its non-skid properties, and it won't look or wear in a uniform way.
by Tom Hemphill
Mon Nov 16, 2020 11:31 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1977 13 Sport Side Railing Screw Fastener Length
Replies: 13
Views: 4959

Re: 1977 13 Sport Side Railing Screw Fastener Length

On my 1966 13-foot Boston Whaler Sport, the side rails went through what I call standoffs or stanchions, and the end of the tubing was drilled and secured with a horizontal screw into the hull. The standoffs were attached through the hull to backing plates with oval head machine screws, as pictured ...
by Tom Hemphill
Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:32 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Thwart Seats: African v. Honduran Mahogany; 1-inch board
Replies: 4
Views: 2231

Re: Thwart Seats: African v. Honduran Mahogany; 1-inch board

From first hand experience, I recommend against a thwart seat only 3/4 inch thick. My 13-foot Whaler had such, and it flexed in a disconcerting way. Two reinforcing strips (1" by 2") on the under side would separate from the seat, despite being well fastened with glue and screws.
by Tom Hemphill
Wed Oct 07, 2020 5:21 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: DELTA--Another Gulf Hurricane
Replies: 18
Views: 6011

Re: DELTA--Another Gulf Hurricane

The book about the sinking of the El Faro which jimh speaks of is Into the Raging Sea by Rachael Slade.
by Tom Hemphill
Tue Sep 08, 2020 6:15 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2011 Mercury 90 Multiple Run Problems
Replies: 16
Views: 5805

Re: 2011 Mercury 90 Multiple Run Problems

...I would remove the cowling and give the carburetor bowls a rap with the wood handle of a screwdriver. In the 1970s this was a routine fix by those of us "in the know." The same method was also effective for sticking starter solenoids. Bystanders were always impressed by this little bit...
by Tom Hemphill
Sun Aug 30, 2020 1:59 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Fisherman and divers - right of way
Replies: 10
Views: 3810

Re: Fisherman and divers - right of way

I can't speak to the legal questions, but I have a moral (and practical) sense as to who should be allowed to occupy a popular fishing spot. "First come, first served" should be the first determinate. And in the case of a tie, or if the first occupant stays an unreasonably long time, I thi...
by Tom Hemphill
Sun Aug 09, 2020 5:54 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: New Boater Buys 2001 160 Dauntless
Replies: 25
Views: 8848

Re: New Boater Buys 2001 160 Dauntless

...enough fuel in the tow vehicle so that when it backs down the ramp and is sitting at a rather steep uphill orientation the engine won't stall... This is especially important when you are launching at low tide, and the water is rising and can be expected to rise eight feet in the next six hours, ...
by Tom Hemphill
Wed Jul 22, 2020 6:49 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1972 Katama White All-round Lamp Storage
Replies: 8
Views: 2934

Re: 1972 Katama White All-round Lamp Storage

The white all-round lamp on my 1970 16-foot Whaler was added c.1985, with what I believe to be the original equipment for Montauks of the period. The pole mounts to the inside of the transom with chrome plated stand-offs or stanchions. The pole is chrome over brass, 55 inches long. I think the origi...
by Tom Hemphill
Tue Jul 21, 2020 6:04 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Blacking out registration numbers
Replies: 8
Views: 3782

Re: Blacking out registration numbers

I agree, the practice of obscuring your motor vehicle or boat registration numbers seems pointless. That being said, people may want to make it more difficult for entities like Google to complete the dossiers they are assembling on us.
by Tom Hemphill
Tue Jul 07, 2020 5:47 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Buying My First Boston Whaler
Replies: 57
Views: 15923

Re: Buying My First Boston Whaler

Any tips on driving routes from Parlin NJ to Newburyport MA for a first-time boat trailering fool like me? Be advised, vehicles with a trailer in tow are generally not allowed on any roads with "parkway" or "expressway" in their names. Rather than cross the Hudson on the George ...
by Tom Hemphill
Tue Jun 16, 2020 5:20 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1970 Sakonnet Hydraulic Steering
Replies: 4
Views: 1996

Re: 1970 Sakonnet Hydraulic Steering

I have a 1970 16-foot Whaler with 90-HP Evinrude E-TEC engine and have pondered the same question. I haven't yet been able to justify the expense for hydraulic steering. I'm confident I would prefer it over my current mechanical steering.
by Tom Hemphill
Thu Apr 23, 2020 8:41 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Refinishing Mahogany on 1966 SPORT 13
Replies: 4
Views: 2206

Re: Refinishing Mahogany on 1966 SPORT 13

DT--thanks for sharing [the link about wood species] and your good, concise advice on refinishing, as well.
by Tom Hemphill
Wed Apr 15, 2020 6:32 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: 16-AWG Flat Two-pair Black/Gray from PACER GROUP
Replies: 2
Views: 4837

Re: 16-AWG Flat Two-pair Black/Gray from PACER GROUP

According to the provided link, that cable is "constructed from annealed bare copper wire." Through experience, I have found when boating in salt water that tinned copper conductors are essential for this application.
by Tom Hemphill
Sun Dec 15, 2019 11:13 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: NMEA-0183: Two-pair shielded cable with proper wire insulation colors
Replies: 5
Views: 7094

Re: NMEA-0183: Two-pair shielded cable with proper wire insulation colors

Thank you for spelling out and explaining those German acronyms and manufacturing standards. It will be helpful to me as I just bought a Volkswagen. I'm surprised that shielded cable is recommended. Is it to protect the NMEA-0183 signal from outside interference, or to prevent it from causing interf...
by Tom Hemphill
Fri Oct 18, 2019 5:42 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: British Maritime Accident Report
Replies: 10
Views: 17189

Re: British Maritime Accident Report

The accident report mentions that the doomed vessel had no compass; I wonder if one would have benefited them. Likewise, I wonder if user floater had a compass available when he "...just kept turning circles..."
by Tom Hemphill
Mon Oct 14, 2019 10:58 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Specialty Marine Cushions
Replies: 4
Views: 9378

Re: Specialty Marine Cushions

I have a Specialty Marine cooler cushion purchased more than five years ago. When shipped to me it was missing the snap studs; I purchased them locally. The materials and workmanship are of adequate quality and have held up well to light use.
by Tom Hemphill
Fri Sep 13, 2019 5:56 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: SEA STAR SOLUTIONS All-electric Steering
Replies: 2
Views: 7495

Re: SEA STAR SOLUTIONS All-electric Steering

In the event of power loss, would it be a reasonable assumption that the steering would be "frozen" at its last position? That might be less dangerous than a system which relies on its helm to provide ANY directional control.
by Tom Hemphill
Sat Sep 07, 2019 8:35 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Hardware Finish
Replies: 3
Views: 7463

Re: Hardware Finish

On my 1970 16-foot Whaler, a lot of the chrome plated hardware was starting to look shabby. I had it re-chromed at a local shop, because I believe the original hardware to be of better quality than aftermarket stuff. Please see my post on the old forum here to see the result.
by Tom Hemphill
Sun Aug 04, 2019 6:10 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1970 Sakonnet Re-power
Replies: 10
Views: 11920

Re: 1970 Sakonnet Re-power

My 1970 (blue interior) 16-foot Whaler has a 2006 90 HP Evinrude E-TEC motor. I don't think it's too heavy but I wouldn't want anything heavier. My splash-well drains are barely above the water line at rest.
by Tom Hemphill
Mon Jun 10, 2019 6:21 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Thwart Seats on Older 13-footer
Replies: 4
Views: 4225

Re: No seat clamps on 1963 13?

From your picture, it is unclear to me how your thwarts are being retained. My concern with that setup is that the thwarts could depart if not secured (e.g. when being trailered at 65 MPH).