posted 11-21-2002 10:41 AM ET (US)        

I am considering purchase of an older Whaler for refurb. The hull is in good shape and is currently setup as an Eastport but all the wood is really beat.

I would like to change it over to either a Currituck or if possible a Supersport type interior for lake use.

Does anybody have any advice on whether this is possible to do ???? If so, does anyone know of a any plans for the interior peices that might exist ?

Any help you can give in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

posted 11-21-2002 02:54 PM ET (US)            

As far as changing your hull to a new model that can be done, as long as you can either find the items you need to do this from either BW or at a boat junkyard, or make them yourself. I would be happy to email you a pict of my boat so you can see how it is layed out.

posted 11-21-2002 10:09 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for your response. I hate to admit it but I don't even know what a Katama looks like.

I looked in the reference section but didn't see it there. Is it a sit down model or a center console ??

I am looking to convert this boat to a sport or supersport type interior for use on a lake in Maine.

Let me know.

Thanks,
Rich

Meantime any 17 sport/supersport owners who may have good pictures of your boats that would be appreciated.

posted 11-22-2002 12:28 AM ET (US)         

The "sit down" versions of the 16/17' hulls tend to be small/calm water boats, and BW never recommended this configuration for offshore applications. Your back will take a beating.

The owner of that boat has, I think, also indicated that it's not well suited for Lake Erie.

posted 11-22-2002 05:33 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for your reply. I know converting to a sport seems to fly in the face of wisdom, but this boat will be on a small lake and mostly used for waterskiing or cruising.

The primary driver behind not putting back the center console setup is my mother-in-law who "has a fear of sitting up on a bench in a boat".

My other reason is the relative ease to build this configuration if I can find the dimensions. I figure that if I can find the measurements it may cost me $300 in wood to build it. Replacement of the original interior would not only be costly in wood, but is well beyond my capabilities as a woodworker.

Thanks for your advise and let me know if you know of anybody posting here who might have a 17' supersport. I know they didn't make many but I would love to get some pictures and measurements of that interior.