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milehiwhaler posted 04-17-2012 10:08 PM ET (US)
I recently came across Fisher Pierce hull number 55 here in Colorado (ironically). I will be posting some initial pictures here later this evening. It is unique in that it had a tray mounted/incorporated in the upper portion of the rear splash well. It does need work but is not in a state of disrepair. I have solicited help from a few people here on the Continuous Wave site. I appreciate their knowledge, suggestions and sincerity. Any suggestions from others here would be appreciated.
milehiwhaler posted 04-17-2012 11:59 PM ET (US)
Here is a link to the first group of photos. I will be taking better pictures this weekend of the interior and exterior.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v519/joeldhendrickson/Fisher%20Pierce%20Hull%20Number%2055/
kwik_wurk posted 04-18-2012 12:43 AM ET (US)
That's a nice little project, should be fun. Where were was the hull number stamped?
Jeff posted 04-18-2012 10:04 AM ET (US)
Interesting find. I guess you now own the oldest known Whaler..?.
Those are shots I took and Tom W Clark has hosted from the Miami Boatshow 2008 showing Steve Karris' 13. It is (was) the oldest known Whaler and it is stencil number FP 56.
http://home.comcast.net/~tomwclark/FP_56_Drain.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~tomwclark/FP_56.JPG
Whatever you do, I would not paint over that stencil number.
ScooterCO posted 04-18-2012 10:39 AM ET (US)
Wow, way cool and here in Colorado!
Now you are obligated to do a full on restoration..
The oldest whaler known...........
Scott
Littleton CO
milehiwhaler posted 04-18-2012 10:45 AM ET (US)
Jeff-
You had participated in a recent post discussion on old whalers. I posted a question in the string but it never got picked up.
Do you happen to know the source to point to regarding your statement on the FP boats and the Boston Whaler logo?
"1958 was actually not the year the first 13's ever built. Those were built in 1956ish / 1957 and they have FP (Fisher-Pierce) in the stencil with a rear sump like the images below. They did however, have the Boston Whaler Logos on them."
I had been told that the 56 and 57's did not have the logo. I don't dispute your comment but any refernces/resources to confirm would be appreciated. Thank you.

Jeff posted 04-18-2012 10:54 AM ET (US)
Actually, after going back and looking at images of Steve Keris' (not Karris) Whaler there was an image I found in a video showing his boat from the side and there was not a Whaler Logo. So, They may not have had the decals. I do not see one on your hull. Is there a decal on your hull, or evidence of one?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdB0WX8rO-A
hauptjm posted 04-18-2012 10:58 AM ET (US)
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v519/joeldhendrickson/ Fisher%20Pierce%20Hull%20Number%2055/
milehiwhaler posted 04-18-2012 12:29 PM ET (US)
Jeff-
I did not see evidence of a logo and I have had an opportunity to speak with Jim K. He provided some very helpful advice about logos, drain tube locations, and some of the information on early accessories (like the norman pins and brass oar receptacles). I did not think about looking at Jim K's video as a resource. I did see the logos on the redo of his boat for the 50th Anniversary. I promise not to paint over the stencil.
Jessielove posted 04-19-2012 09:07 PM ET (US)
Does anyone know what Andre Velez's hull number is on his '56? I seem to recall that the stenciling was painted over or missing.
Did he ever sell it?
Jeff posted 04-19-2012 09:39 PM ET (US)
milehiwhaler,
I asked on Whaler's Facebook page yesterday if they (Whaler) knew of one that is older than your FP-55. It seems they do not. It may be worth looking into doing a restoration at the factory like Steve did.
milehiwhaler posted 04-20-2012 11:20 AM ET (US)
I am concerned about having a restoration completed that respects the hull, documents the work with some photos and any applicalbe materials speced and is logistically and financially reasonable. I think that the Whaler factory did an exemplary job with the 50th Anniversary hull. I don't think Colorado may be the best location for the this work to be completed.
I was briefly on the Boston Whaler Owners page on Facebook for the first time and did not see an area that allows dialogue. Maybe I am missing it. (Could you help Jeff?)
As with Dick Fisher starting the production hull numbering at 99 or 100 (if memory serves me correctly), I wonder if he started the prototype numbering at 50 (hence FP 55, 56, etc.)
I have heard nothing about hull numbering methodology on these early hulls.

martyn1075 posted 04-20-2012 11:31 AM ET (US)
Always a budget concern but what a beautiful piece it will become if done correctly. I can't imagine a better place then the Whaler Factory. I guess it would be quite costly but at least you know its in good hands I would think.
Does anyone know what these rare models are worth after a complete restoration from a reputable group that shows factory new?
Martyn
Jeff posted 04-20-2012 11:40 AM ET (US)
Mile, here is the discussion
https://www.facebook.com/whalerownersclub/posts/291782914230818
Honestly, due to the hull's significance, I would be more concerned about not spending the correct time, effort and money to restore it to it's needed glory.
milehiwhaler posted 04-20-2012 12:28 PM ET (US)
Jeff-
Thank you for the FB link. I meant to relate that I am concerned and focused on making sure that the hull receives very good treatment.
As mentioned by a few people that I had early correspondence with, the hull may be old but it needs to be in adequate condition for restoration (of specific concern is delamination on something this old) or its basically junk. I examined the exterior and it appears to be in good shape and solid. I plan to take pictures and video (knocking and pressing on hull) this weekend to represent its integrity. The hull is upside down and on pallets in the garage so the next step is flipping it over and performing a similar examination of the inside. There are a few holes in the non-skid section and typical to greater than typical spidering in the gelcoat. No waves present in the fiberglass.
If anybody has any knowledge on the FP numbering sequence it would be very helpful.
milehiwhaler posted 06-19-2012 11:41 PM ET (US)
I took FP55 to a local boat repair guy this weekend . After contemplating the advice of others, I have decided that I am going to have the interior and exterior of the boat sanded and preppred (minus hole and crack filling) as if the intention is to apply new gelcoat throughout. There is a random paint smear of some kind of white paint on the exterior and a few patch jobs (mainly small)in other areas. Also the rub rail is being held on by small nails. My ultimate goal is to see what lies beneath the paint and patch and be able to honestly represent that this boat is worthy of restoration.
I was very satisfied to get the boat out in good bright Colorado sunlight and inspect the for soft spots, waves and interior spidering. I think the exterior is in very good condition considering its age. Very solid and no soft spots. The hardware (norman pins, and oar receptacles are present. But it looks like the boat may have had a bow light at some point (more research required). Even better is the fact that spidering on the interior is not bad at all (I have seen 60 and 70 vintage boats with worse). The non-skid floor shows the most damage and does have some soft spots. My boat guy believes these can be properly fixed both structurally and aesthtically.
Based on a positive outcome from the "prep sanding forensics" and some good photo documentation, I may be willing to part with the boat. Specifically, I would like it to go to an individual or organization that will take good care of her,
Any suggestions on what I am doing both in process and intent would be appreciated.
I have added five new pictures to my photobucket account of the interior.

milehiwhaler posted 06-20-2012 12:04 AM ET (US)
Let's try this link for the five photo update...
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v519/joeldhendrickson/ Fisher%20Pierce%20Hull%20Number%2055/
Russ 13 posted 06-20-2012 11:03 AM ET (US)
I checked out an early 13 that was redone at the factory for a dealer in Bonita Springs, Fl. It looked good, but the attention to detail was not what I would have expected, for such an early Whaler.
(I do not have any details on the cost, or how detailed a restoration was requested.)
Interesting find, should have dry foam in that climate.

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Author	Topic: FP Hull Number 55
milehiwhaler	posted 04-17-2012 10:08 PM ET (US) I recently came across Fisher Pierce hull number 55 here in Colorado (ironically). I will be posting some initial pictures here later this evening. It is unique in that it had a tray mounted/incorporated in the upper portion of the rear splash well. It does need work but is not in a state of disrepair. I have solicited help from a few people here on the Continuous Wave site. I appreciate their knowledge, suggestions and sincerity. Any suggestions from others here would be appreciated.
milehiwhaler	posted 04-17-2012 11:59 PM ET (US) Here is a link to the first group of photos. I will be taking better pictures this weekend of the interior and exterior. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v519/joeldhendrickson/Fisher%20Pierce%20Hull%20Number%2055/
kwik_wurk	posted 04-18-2012 12:43 AM ET (US) That's a nice little project, should be fun. Where were was the hull number stamped?
Jeff	posted 04-18-2012 10:04 AM ET (US) Interesting find. I guess you now own the oldest known Whaler..?. Those are shots I took and Tom W Clark has hosted from the Miami Boatshow 2008 showing Steve Karris' 13. It is (was) the oldest known Whaler and it is stencil number FP 56. http://home.comcast.net/~tomwclark/FP_56_Drain.JPG http://home.comcast.net/~tomwclark/FP_56.JPG Whatever you do, I would not paint over that stencil number.
ScooterCO	posted 04-18-2012 10:39 AM ET (US) Wow, way cool and here in Colorado! Now you are obligated to do a full on restoration.. The oldest whaler known........... Scott Littleton CO
milehiwhaler	posted 04-18-2012 10:45 AM ET (US) Jeff- You had participated in a recent post discussion on old whalers. I posted a question in the string but it never got picked up. Do you happen to know the source to point to regarding your statement on the FP boats and the Boston Whaler logo? "1958 was actually not the year the first 13's ever built. Those were built in 1956ish / 1957 and they have FP (Fisher-Pierce) in the stencil with a rear sump like the images below. They did however, have the Boston Whaler Logos on them." I had been told that the 56 and 57's did not have the logo. I don't dispute your comment but any refernces/resources to confirm would be appreciated. Thank you.
Jeff	posted 04-18-2012 10:54 AM ET (US) Actually, after going back and looking at images of Steve Keris' (not Karris) Whaler there was an image I found in a video showing his boat from the side and there was not a Whaler Logo. So, They may not have had the decals. I do not see one on your hull. Is there a decal on your hull, or evidence of one? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdB0WX8rO-A
hauptjm	posted 04-18-2012 10:58 AM ET (US) http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v519/joeldhendrickson/ Fisher%20Pierce%20Hull%20Number%2055/
milehiwhaler	posted 04-18-2012 12:29 PM ET (US) Jeff- I did not see evidence of a logo and I have had an opportunity to speak with Jim K. He provided some very helpful advice about logos, drain tube locations, and some of the information on early accessories (like the norman pins and brass oar receptacles). I did not think about looking at Jim K's video as a resource. I did see the logos on the redo of his boat for the 50th Anniversary. I promise not to paint over the stencil.
Jessielove	posted 04-19-2012 09:07 PM ET (US) Does anyone know what Andre Velez's hull number is on his '56? I seem to recall that the stenciling was painted over or missing. Did he ever sell it?
Jeff	posted 04-19-2012 09:39 PM ET (US) milehiwhaler, I asked on Whaler's Facebook page yesterday if they (Whaler) knew of one that is older than your FP-55. It seems they do not. It may be worth looking into doing a restoration at the factory like Steve did.
milehiwhaler	posted 04-20-2012 11:20 AM ET (US) I am concerned about having a restoration completed that respects the hull, documents the work with some photos and any applicalbe materials speced and is logistically and financially reasonable. I think that the Whaler factory did an exemplary job with the 50th Anniversary hull. I don't think Colorado may be the best location for the this work to be completed. I was briefly on the Boston Whaler Owners page on Facebook for the first time and did not see an area that allows dialogue. Maybe I am missing it. (Could you help Jeff?) As with Dick Fisher starting the production hull numbering at 99 or 100 (if memory serves me correctly), I wonder if he started the prototype numbering at 50 (hence FP 55, 56, etc.) I have heard nothing about hull numbering methodology on these early hulls.
martyn1075	posted 04-20-2012 11:31 AM ET (US) Always a budget concern but what a beautiful piece it will become if done correctly. I can't imagine a better place then the Whaler Factory. I guess it would be quite costly but at least you know its in good hands I would think. Does anyone know what these rare models are worth after a complete restoration from a reputable group that shows factory new? Martyn
Jeff	posted 04-20-2012 11:40 AM ET (US) Mile, here is the discussion https://www.facebook.com/whalerownersclub/posts/291782914230818 Honestly, due to the hull's significance, I would be more concerned about not spending the correct time, effort and money to restore it to it's needed glory.
milehiwhaler	posted 04-20-2012 12:28 PM ET (US) Jeff- Thank you for the FB link. I meant to relate that I am concerned and focused on making sure that the hull receives very good treatment. As mentioned by a few people that I had early correspondence with, the hull may be old but it needs to be in adequate condition for restoration (of specific concern is delamination on something this old) or its basically junk. I examined the exterior and it appears to be in good shape and solid. I plan to take pictures and video (knocking and pressing on hull) this weekend to represent its integrity. The hull is upside down and on pallets in the garage so the next step is flipping it over and performing a similar examination of the inside. There are a few holes in the non-skid section and typical to greater than typical spidering in the gelcoat. No waves present in the fiberglass. If anybody has any knowledge on the FP numbering sequence it would be very helpful.
milehiwhaler	posted 06-19-2012 11:41 PM ET (US) I took FP55 to a local boat repair guy this weekend . After contemplating the advice of others, I have decided that I am going to have the interior and exterior of the boat sanded and preppred (minus hole and crack filling) as if the intention is to apply new gelcoat throughout. There is a random paint smear of some kind of white paint on the exterior and a few patch jobs (mainly small)in other areas. Also the rub rail is being held on by small nails. My ultimate goal is to see what lies beneath the paint and patch and be able to honestly represent that this boat is worthy of restoration. I was very satisfied to get the boat out in good bright Colorado sunlight and inspect the for soft spots, waves and interior spidering. I think the exterior is in very good condition considering its age. Very solid and no soft spots. The hardware (norman pins, and oar receptacles are present. But it looks like the boat may have had a bow light at some point (more research required). Even better is the fact that spidering on the interior is not bad at all (I have seen 60 and 70 vintage boats with worse). The non-skid floor shows the most damage and does have some soft spots. My boat guy believes these can be properly fixed both structurally and aesthtically. Based on a positive outcome from the "prep sanding forensics" and some good photo documentation, I may be willing to part with the boat. Specifically, I would like it to go to an individual or organization that will take good care of her, Any suggestions on what I am doing both in process and intent would be appreciated. I have added five new pictures to my photobucket account of the interior.
milehiwhaler	posted 06-20-2012 12:04 AM ET (US) Let's try this link for the five photo update... http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v519/joeldhendrickson/ Fisher%20Pierce%20Hull%20Number%2055/
Russ 13	posted 06-20-2012 11:03 AM ET (US) I checked out an early 13 that was redone at the factory for a dealer in Bonita Springs, Fl. It looked good, but the attention to detail was not what I would have expected, for such an early Whaler. (I do not have any details on the cost, or how detailed a restoration was requested.) Interesting find, should have dry foam in that climate.