posted 08-31-2002 01:38 PM ET (US)        

I have read the research info on this site which is excellent and I think I am narrowed down in my search to 1973 or newer (want a 20" transom) . I do still have a ton of questions which I would look to you Whaler enthusiasts for help.

Here Goes:

1. Are there differences for the different years other than the transom change also were there any bad years?

2. Is there a difference in the hull for a Super Sport / Sport / Standard. I understand the differences b/w the models, but don't know if there is any structural difference in the design of the boat.

3. Can you convert the interior of a Sport / Standard to create a Super Sport ? Would you be able to get the railing setup somewhere?

I am not in rush to get a boat, but my thinking is that with the change of seasons here in New England this is a great time to buy a boat. So far all that I have seen have been pretty rough. My thought is if I do some work on the right hull can I create the boat I want. I also wonder if this is a worthwhile venture financially versus just buying right boat.

I would appreciate any thoughts.

posted 09-02-2002 03:22 PM ET (US)            

I'm a free-lance photo-journalist just south of the border near Vancouver, B.C. and will use this boat for marine assignments. I like the bow rail set-up on the supersports for working on salt water.

posted 09-02-2002 04:01 PM ET (US)            

If you are looking at 1973 model year and newer (Desert Tan interior) then there is only one significant change to the hull itself and that is the interior mold which changed slightly beginning with the 1979 model year. The bow locker was enlarged and step pads with non-skid were added to the corners of the bow. The outside of the hull and the rest of the interior was unchanged.

There is no difference in the hull between any of the 13' models within a given year. The hull of a Standard, Sport and Super Sport are all the same.

There is no real reason why you could not turn any 13' hull into a Super Sport if you really wanted to. An older (blue interior) hull might not have all the wood backing for the parts of a Super Sport but you could probably come up with satisfactory work around.

There is no reason the wrap around bow rail of a Super Sport could not be added as well. There might be some slight differences in the interior of the hulls from older to newer that might necessitate altering the rail but then again it might work as is.

If you want an exact duplicate of the rail Whaler used on the Super Sport then you will have to buy one from CMI Marine in Hingham, MA (781-740-1260) and it will not be inexpensive nor will the shipping be cheap.

An alternative would be to add the the traditional Whaler bow rail to the side rails that came on many 13's. There is a good photo of this arrangement here: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/13/testimonials.html

This bow rail is actually taller and probably safer than the Super Sport rail though perhaps not as sleek looking.

posted 09-03-2002 09:23 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for your reply. Ironically I live two towns away from Hingham,MA so at least shipping could be saved.

I appreciate your advice and I'll keep looking for the right boat. The info you give is very valuable just in case I run across a hull in good shape at a good price and it isn't exactly what I want.