posted 02-01-2007 10:02 PM ET (US)        

With much help from the family here on continuouswave I am happy to report that my first complete rebuild of a classic Whaler is finished! It turned out better than I would have ever expected. Couldn't have done it without the wisdom and inspiration I have found in this community.

Please visit my photobucket album to view the [1973 Boston Whaler 19 "Lo-Pro"] restoration

posted 02-01-2007 11:32 PM ET (US)            

1973 Boston Whaler 19 Lo-Pro
1989 Yamaha 175hp
2001 EZ-Loader galvanized trailer

This boat started out its life in 1973 as the infamous 'banana boat', and when I ran across her last fall she needed some major work. Lucky for me she had a newly rebuilt transom and a new fuel tank all she needed was to be taken apart and completely rebuilt from the ground up.

The only work that I subcontracted was the actual fibergalss work, although I am pretty handy at boat work I know better than attempt to regelcoat a boat on my spare time. For the fiberglass I turned to Adrian (who is a 2cool legend when it comes to fiberglass and is very excited about classic Whalers).

Instead of listing out the laundry list of work I have completed I will breifly detail the major work and let the pictures do the talking.

-Sand old gelcoat and replace with OEM colored gelcoat on hull, topdeck and console

-Rebuild dash out of black starboard and build custom flush mount electronics box

-Refinish original mahogony with 12 coats of K-Spar varnish

-Custom front and rear casting decks to make the topdeck flow much nicer than original set up

-Rerig wires neatly and replace all hoses and engine harnesses

-Update plastic rod holders with aluminum & install leaning post

-Only the neccesary electronics, LMS332 & stereo system

-And, generally deal with a million other miniscule items that come up when updating a 30+ year old boat to 2007 standards.

posted 02-02-2007 07:55 AM ET (US)            

That would be a worthwhile investment down here in coastal Texas.

Awesome job and awesome boat!!

posted 02-02-2007 10:23 AM ET (US)            

It is a pretty simple process to finish out the boat after you take the cap off. The rubrail goes right on perfectly and all you have to do is fill all the holes, reroute the fuel vent and do some glass work on the bench seat if you don't want the mahagony gunnels. I wanted to keep the mahogany gunnels with the rod holders underneath but it wasn't practical because of all the room you give up inside the boat.

One other thing I would like to point out is that adding the front casting deck also added about 200 pounds to the bow which makes the boat ride much better than the Lo-Pro without the weight. I don't seem to porpoise at all and I can get out of shallower water because of less bow rise.

posted 02-02-2007 11:12 AM ET (US)            

what a great looking boat!
you must have spent a fortune on this project, but i guarantee you will get paid back every penny in satisfaction!

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i give this a 10.0 on the "ooo-la-la" meter!

since we're in the crappiest phase of two 70's Outrage restorations, it does my heart good to be reminded of how GR-R-R-eat they look when complete!

posted 02-02-2007 06:27 PM ET (US)            

"That is one sexy looking boat!"

posted 02-02-2007 06:34 PM ET (US)            

The mahogoany is OEM but the rod holders are custom aluminum I had made up to replace the plastic. I couldn't see refinishing that beautiful mahogoany and then covering it up with ugly plastic rod holders.

posted 02-02-2007 07:55 PM ET (US)            

I did no modification to the integrity of the boat, simply removed the top cap. Did not have to trim anything.

I'm simply overwhelmed by the praises I have recieved, as soon as it gets warm there will be plenty of pictures taken on the water.

posted 02-02-2007 10:09 PM ET (US)            

Still this is a way cool looking boat.

Have you thought about a jackplate?

Here is my whaler modification.
http://home.houston.rr.com/acassidy/