posted 12-03-2001 12:02 PM ET (US)            

We just bought a 13' Whaler a month or so ago. It's a 1974 with a '75 Evinrude 40hp on the back. I was out side Mission Bay over the weekend. The boat cruised comfortably around 18kts as per my hand held GPS (a little over 20 MPH). Full throttle speeds weren't too much faster maybe low twenty's in kts or about 25 MPH.

Our boat has a really old motor with a really goofy, big lower unit. I'm sure it's not as fast as newer motor would be. (but it runs fine and fast enough for us) I also need to trim the bow up more because at top speed it seems to plow the front of the boat into the water as opposed to ride over it. I think it would be a pretty rare day you would want to do 25 MPH in the ocean very long in a 13, but that's my opinion.

I found it difficult to go very fast without feeling I would shake the boat or my back apart as it crashed into the wind waves.

I would have no problem going out a few miles in good weather with a hand held VHF and a GPS. Just head north in the morning and ride with the waves on the way home.

The boat itself is really stable. I can stand in a corner of the stern without shipping any water.

It is a little busy this time of year, but the boat is kept in the water in Mission Bay and is ready to go in a moments notice. I could give you a ride over the weekend if you wanted to try one out on the water first hand.

posted 12-03-2001 01:01 PM ET (US)            

Yup, its wet, you get pounded heading into it, but its safe. My folks let me older brother, me, and yonger sister run all over in it. We started at 14-12 yrs old. Believe it or not, NY State had a boating law, those 16-12 yrs old could operate a motorboat if they took the State boating course.

With the 33 we could do about 26.98 knots. We could never catch Dad's bigger boat that did 27 kts. We also towed the boat on many trips to Maine, Nantucket, and Block Island.
For single handed comfort, I found that sitting on a seat cushion and using another as a backrest, it was plenty comfortable sitting on the deck, down low.

posted 12-03-2001 02:46 PM ET (US)            

I'm talking about this kind of seat, http://www.garelick.com/products_seat02.htm I think they run about $100 more or less. These seats are an option if you can't find a model with a factory back rest like the sourpuss or the super sport.

posted 12-07-2001 07:32 PM ET (US)         

The 13 fits in my garage perfectly. It is quick and easy to launch and take out. I can get the boat set-up and ready to go with a minimal amount of time for those spur of the moment fishing trips.

My wife loves the boat but hates the wooden bench seats. To placate her, I bought a 48" wide folding padded bench seat from Cabela's for approximately $100. Both the seat and backrests are well cushioned.

I epoxied four combo 1/2 lag 1/2 threaded inserts (1/2 inch diam) into the Cabela's bench seat. I drilled four matching holes into the wooden bench seat (I hated to do it, but had to keep the wife happy...). I bought plastic handled nuts (large wing nuts but with large, easy to grip plastic handles) to secure the Cabela's seat to the wooden bench seat.

When the wife wants to enjoy the boat, all I do is place the Cabela's seat onto the wooden bench seat, slide the bolts into the holes, then secure the set-up with the plastic handled nuts (Orchard Supply Hardware).

When I want to use the boat, all I do is reverse the process and remove the bench seat. Everyone is happy.

I did epoxy heavy duty carpeting to the bottom of the Cabela's seat to prevent scratching of my recently re-finished wooden mahogany bench seat.

Hope this helps.