Should I restore my 15 Sport or just use and deal with it later?

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  Should I restore my 15 Sport or just use and deal with it later?

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Author Topic:   Should I restore my 15 Sport or just use and deal with it later?

dnh posted 01-24-2012 10:55 AM ET (US)
I have a 1986 15 Sport with a 2006 Yamaha F60 on it.
I am ashamed to say the boat has been let go over the last two years or so, for a variety of reasons. I used to keep it covered, on a trailer, or a boat lift. Its been in the water at a marina for a while with high humidity, lots of birds, etc.
Basically, it looked really good except for the spider cracks probably 2 years ago. Now, the cracks look much worse, its got mildew and mold down in those cracks, the wood I spent SO much time on needs to be replaced (hatch and one of the seats are actually split in two, so re-doing the wood will not cut it), etc. It now looks like a 26 year old boat instead of a new boat.
I have recently moved and lost all in-water / lift storage ability. My new house is elevated and I can keep the boat under the house.
I am debating whether to (1) just keep using the boat a few more years and let it go or (2) do a complete overhaul from the hull up.
I have had the boat since 1988 (my dad bought it then) and I am never going to part with it. However, with it in the state it is in, I have sort of lost interest in it for the first time I can remember.
I do have a 1995 Outrage 21, which still looks brand new, original showroom condition, basically, but I am at the ponit where the trusty 15 seems to have gone by the wayside. I have sort of drifted away from this site, because it made me feel guilty that my boat was beat up and no longer the way it used to look.
Need help and advice.
ScooterCO posted 01-24-2012 11:05 AM ET (US)
My vote is to clean her up and keep her.
Call and order a wood kit before halls goes away.
dnh posted 01-24-2012 11:07 AM ET (US)
Yeah, I was not going to sell her, I worded it poorly. Thank you. I think the question is, do I ride around and let her go to pieces for now, or spend the time and money on a full restore.
Here she is in happier days.
The dog died a long time ago too.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v672/dnh2/march05084.jpg
andrey320 posted 01-24-2012 11:19 AM ET (US)
Do you have enough time / energy / resources to do such a project?
(Keeping in mind that you seem to have lost interest in it….)
I’d start by spending a day or two cleaning her up and then a few days using it. Sometimes your mental state can dictate your thinking and lead you to act based on incorrect conclusions. Perhaps the boat does not need a full re-build. Maybe just new wood or even re-finish of the wood would do the trick.
I would not want to go into a full re-build project without being enthusiastic about the outcome.
Just my humble opinion.
djacksonrn posted 01-24-2012 11:20 AM ET (US)
Wow, that looks a lot like Shem Creek. Been working on some odds and ends on my Katama this winter, just about ready to put her back in the water for the spring. The Katama was in fair condition, but has cleaned up nicely. She'll eventually need the interior re-coated (undecided about using gelcoat or a zolatone-type coating), but I'm really pleased with how she looks so far. Throw a little elbow grease at her, and if you have some buddies, a case of beer and you'll be amazed at how fast she comes back to life. Holler back if you need any help, I'm up in N Chas. There's a guy out on James Island named Kurt Oberly who runs High and Dry Boatworks and does great Whaler rehab.
djacksonrn posted 01-24-2012 11:21 AM ET (US)
Plus, I might know a guy with a wood kit for a 15 at a good price...
jfortson posted 01-24-2012 11:23 AM ET (US)
In my opinion, almost any Whaler is worth fixing. If it was in the water and floating normally, everything I would think is in OK shape.
If your interest is not in fixing it up now, park it under your house where it will be somewhat protected. Since you have a sentimental attachment, it is likely that one day you will get the urge to restore it.
Many years ago I had a 16' Whaler that I started restoring and lost interest. About a year later, it hit me and I spent the next 4 months totally enjoying the process.
If you are not going to part with the boat, obviously parking it is next, but I think one day, if not now, you will get back into it.
dnh posted 01-24-2012 11:23 AM ET (US)
djacksonrn - thanks. The boat is over next to Kurt's place right now. I know him well.
I think starting with cleaning the boat really, really well, and getting in it and running it is a good start.
I am dying though to have it completly redone, glossy, brand new look. Probably go with a colored hull, etc.
I dont have many toys of my own, wife seems to have everything she wants, so if I want to spend the money on this, I am not going to feel bad about it.
Just need something to make it fun again.
Tohsgib posted 01-24-2012 01:43 PM ET (US)
Try and wetsand and buff first. Then get a new interior finished and shipped to your door from Mike @ Nautical lumber. Get a nice cushion set from Hall's and you will love driving it again.
westcoastwhaler posted 01-24-2012 01:56 PM ET (US)

Since it is going to be stored under the house and out of the weather, your only deterioration issues going forward are critters. If it was me, I would clean it up real good, wax the gelcoat and use the boat until I had the time/money to fix it up. I would also take care to service the engine regularly and grease all fittings.
I would get a cover and provide ventilation to keep the mildew at a minimum and then when the time/money/desire returns, I would fix her up.
Sorry about the dog.
dnh posted 01-24-2012 02:08 PM ET (US)
Thanks guys.
andrey320 posted 01-24-2012 06:14 PM ET (US)
Two boats is not many toys?
geo15sport posted 01-24-2012 09:44 PM ET (US)
I've been working on my 1976 Sport 15 for going on a year. I'll be ready to test ride by spring. I've had the boat since my Dad bought it new and have put many a mile on her. My friends told me I was going to have to paint the hull but thanks to this forum I brought the gel coat back to life. I'm a wood worker so I took pride in repairing and refinishing the wood rather than buy new replacements ( a friend bought nautical for his and looks fantastic). My point is that a fine classic that has sentimental meaning is extremely rewarding to restore and doesn't have to be finished in a couple of months. You'll enjoy both the restoration and showing off the like new classic.
martyn1075 posted 01-25-2012 01:29 AM ET (US)
I was just about done with my post and I went back and read westcoastwhaler's and I totally agree a cover is helpful even though its stored under the house it will help keep dirt and dust from settling in.
The boat may not interest you now at this time but I bet maybe five or ten years down the road you probably get the buzz back on for it so I would just clean it cover it and put it to rest until that day comes. Stored correctly it should be just fine I would think. I would probably be more concerned about the engine then the boat after a lengthy time without use.
Martyn
Binkster posted 01-25-2012 08:55 AM ET (US)
The thing is any endeavor that you start, if you don't have your heart into it will not go well. Its very hard to make yourself interested if your really not. Same thing happened to me in 1989. At the time I had a 24' Aquasport that restored a few years before and the wife and I fished with all the time. The boat restoring hobby was always in my blood. Then I got back into playing golf, got hooked again and my wife and I used up all our spare time playing for over 10 years. The boat sat covered in the back yard all of this time. I felt guilty and hated to look at it. I knew it was falling into disrepair. At the end I basically gave the boat and the twin inline six Mercs away. finally I saw the light, retired, play golf only once in a while and have restored 4 other boats since then. If you really want to make a commitment not to use this boat, I would sell the engine,(depreciation), clean up the boat really well and leave it uncovered, but out of the elements under your house. Covered boats become mildued when not used, and not looking at them gives you a guilt feeling, but working on a boat that you are not into makes in into a job instead of fun.
MarkoOR18 posted 01-25-2012 11:18 AM ET (US)
This sort of scenario hits us all from time to time.
It sounds to me like to boat has sentimental value to you, but there is presently a lack of motivation to put the effort in to bring it back to its former glory.
I'd suggest keeping it "in the family" for when that motivation returns. You could either store it as everyone suggests, or loan it to a family member or close friend who has an interest in it so it gets some use and maintenance. If storing, I'd put it out of sight, so you are not viewing it every day and feeling bad about it. If putting it in the care of another, make it clear it is a loan, and not a gift!
The classic 15 is such a great boat. Perhaps one day a child, nephew or similar will get interested in boating...restoring the 15 would be an extremely rewarding project to do at that time.
ScooterCO posted 01-25-2012 04:28 PM ET (US)
I like Marko,s suggestion the best.. that is, loan it to someone who will use it and take care of it.

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Author	Topic: Should I restore my 15 Sport or just use and deal with it later?
dnh	posted 01-24-2012 10:55 AM ET (US) I have a 1986 15 Sport with a 2006 Yamaha F60 on it. I am ashamed to say the boat has been let go over the last two years or so, for a variety of reasons. I used to keep it covered, on a trailer, or a boat lift. Its been in the water at a marina for a while with high humidity, lots of birds, etc. Basically, it looked really good except for the spider cracks probably 2 years ago. Now, the cracks look much worse, its got mildew and mold down in those cracks, the wood I spent SO much time on needs to be replaced (hatch and one of the seats are actually split in two, so re-doing the wood will not cut it), etc. It now looks like a 26 year old boat instead of a new boat. I have recently moved and lost all in-water / lift storage ability. My new house is elevated and I can keep the boat under the house. I am debating whether to (1) just keep using the boat a few more years and let it go or (2) do a complete overhaul from the hull up. I have had the boat since 1988 (my dad bought it then) and I am never going to part with it. However, with it in the state it is in, I have sort of lost interest in it for the first time I can remember. I do have a 1995 Outrage 21, which still looks brand new, original showroom condition, basically, but I am at the ponit where the trusty 15 seems to have gone by the wayside. I have sort of drifted away from this site, because it made me feel guilty that my boat was beat up and no longer the way it used to look. Need help and advice.
ScooterCO	posted 01-24-2012 11:05 AM ET (US) My vote is to clean her up and keep her. Call and order a wood kit before halls goes away.
dnh	posted 01-24-2012 11:07 AM ET (US) Yeah, I was not going to sell her, I worded it poorly. Thank you. I think the question is, do I ride around and let her go to pieces for now, or spend the time and money on a full restore. Here she is in happier days. The dog died a long time ago too. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v672/dnh2/march05084.jpg
andrey320	posted 01-24-2012 11:19 AM ET (US) Do you have enough time / energy / resources to do such a project? (Keeping in mind that you seem to have lost interest in it….) I’d start by spending a day or two cleaning her up and then a few days using it. Sometimes your mental state can dictate your thinking and lead you to act based on incorrect conclusions. Perhaps the boat does not need a full re-build. Maybe just new wood or even re-finish of the wood would do the trick. I would not want to go into a full re-build project without being enthusiastic about the outcome. Just my humble opinion.
djacksonrn	posted 01-24-2012 11:20 AM ET (US) Wow, that looks a lot like Shem Creek. Been working on some odds and ends on my Katama this winter, just about ready to put her back in the water for the spring. The Katama was in fair condition, but has cleaned up nicely. She'll eventually need the interior re-coated (undecided about using gelcoat or a zolatone-type coating), but I'm really pleased with how she looks so far. Throw a little elbow grease at her, and if you have some buddies, a case of beer and you'll be amazed at how fast she comes back to life. Holler back if you need any help, I'm up in N Chas. There's a guy out on James Island named Kurt Oberly who runs High and Dry Boatworks and does great Whaler rehab.
djacksonrn	posted 01-24-2012 11:21 AM ET (US) Plus, I might know a guy with a wood kit for a 15 at a good price...
jfortson	posted 01-24-2012 11:23 AM ET (US) In my opinion, almost any Whaler is worth fixing. If it was in the water and floating normally, everything I would think is in OK shape. If your interest is not in fixing it up now, park it under your house where it will be somewhat protected. Since you have a sentimental attachment, it is likely that one day you will get the urge to restore it. Many years ago I had a 16' Whaler that I started restoring and lost interest. About a year later, it hit me and I spent the next 4 months totally enjoying the process. If you are not going to part with the boat, obviously parking it is next, but I think one day, if not now, you will get back into it.
dnh	posted 01-24-2012 11:23 AM ET (US) djacksonrn - thanks. The boat is over next to Kurt's place right now. I know him well. I think starting with cleaning the boat really, really well, and getting in it and running it is a good start. I am dying though to have it completly redone, glossy, brand new look. Probably go with a colored hull, etc. I dont have many toys of my own, wife seems to have everything she wants, so if I want to spend the money on this, I am not going to feel bad about it. Just need something to make it fun again.
Tohsgib	posted 01-24-2012 01:43 PM ET (US) Try and wetsand and buff first. Then get a new interior finished and shipped to your door from Mike @ Nautical lumber. Get a nice cushion set from Hall's and you will love driving it again.
westcoastwhaler	posted 01-24-2012 01:56 PM ET (US) Since it is going to be stored under the house and out of the weather, your only deterioration issues going forward are critters. If it was me, I would clean it up real good, wax the gelcoat and use the boat until I had the time/money to fix it up. I would also take care to service the engine regularly and grease all fittings. I would get a cover and provide ventilation to keep the mildew at a minimum and then when the time/money/desire returns, I would fix her up. Sorry about the dog.
dnh	posted 01-24-2012 02:08 PM ET (US) Thanks guys.
andrey320	posted 01-24-2012 06:14 PM ET (US) Two boats is not many toys?
geo15sport	posted 01-24-2012 09:44 PM ET (US) I've been working on my 1976 Sport 15 for going on a year. I'll be ready to test ride by spring. I've had the boat since my Dad bought it new and have put many a mile on her. My friends told me I was going to have to paint the hull but thanks to this forum I brought the gel coat back to life. I'm a wood worker so I took pride in repairing and refinishing the wood rather than buy new replacements ( a friend bought nautical for his and looks fantastic). My point is that a fine classic that has sentimental meaning is extremely rewarding to restore and doesn't have to be finished in a couple of months. You'll enjoy both the restoration and showing off the like new classic.
martyn1075	posted 01-25-2012 01:29 AM ET (US) I was just about done with my post and I went back and read westcoastwhaler's and I totally agree a cover is helpful even though its stored under the house it will help keep dirt and dust from settling in. The boat may not interest you now at this time but I bet maybe five or ten years down the road you probably get the buzz back on for it so I would just clean it cover it and put it to rest until that day comes. Stored correctly it should be just fine I would think. I would probably be more concerned about the engine then the boat after a lengthy time without use. Martyn
Binkster	posted 01-25-2012 08:55 AM ET (US) The thing is any endeavor that you start, if you don't have your heart into it will not go well. Its very hard to make yourself interested if your really not. Same thing happened to me in 1989. At the time I had a 24' Aquasport that restored a few years before and the wife and I fished with all the time. The boat restoring hobby was always in my blood. Then I got back into playing golf, got hooked again and my wife and I used up all our spare time playing for over 10 years. The boat sat covered in the back yard all of this time. I felt guilty and hated to look at it. I knew it was falling into disrepair. At the end I basically gave the boat and the twin inline six Mercs away. finally I saw the light, retired, play golf only once in a while and have restored 4 other boats since then. If you really want to make a commitment not to use this boat, I would sell the engine,(depreciation), clean up the boat really well and leave it uncovered, but out of the elements under your house. Covered boats become mildued when not used, and not looking at them gives you a guilt feeling, but working on a boat that you are not into makes in into a job instead of fun.
MarkoOR18	posted 01-25-2012 11:18 AM ET (US) This sort of scenario hits us all from time to time. It sounds to me like to boat has sentimental value to you, but there is presently a lack of motivation to put the effort in to bring it back to its former glory. I'd suggest keeping it "in the family" for when that motivation returns. You could either store it as everyone suggests, or loan it to a family member or close friend who has an interest in it so it gets some use and maintenance. If storing, I'd put it out of sight, so you are not viewing it every day and feeling bad about it. If putting it in the care of another, make it clear it is a loan, and not a gift! The classic 15 is such a great boat. Perhaps one day a child, nephew or similar will get interested in boating...restoring the 15 would be an extremely rewarding project to do at that time.
ScooterCO	posted 01-25-2012 04:28 PM ET (US) I like Marko,s suggestion the best.. that is, loan it to someone who will use it and take care of it.