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Author Topic:   Fiberglass Replacement Console or Seats

world2xplor posted 07-29-2002 12:39 AM ET (US)
Are there any companies out there making fiberglass consoles and/or seats that I could use or adapt to my 1969 13' classic? Perhaps something from the BW factory? I've been out of the BW scene for years and recently bought a 13' that is very much in need of TLC and updating. The wood is shot, so I thought that fiberglass would really update the look as well as being less maintenance than wood/varnish.
where2 posted 07-30-2002 05:32 PM ET (US)
If you're looking for something ready made shipped to your door, good luck. You can get wood interiors that way, but I haven't seen any plastic/glass interiors that way. However, if you want ZERO maintenance, you could use all your wood as a pattern for the 3/4" Starboard.
NOTE: You will need to reinforce any Thwart Seats made from Starboard, as the longer lengths of unsupported plastic tend to sag.
DaveIsaacs posted 07-30-2002 05:46 PM ET (US)

Brown Towles at Finn Addict marine made starboard replacements for various wood parts on whalers, including the 13.
I was happy with the bow locker hatch I ordered for my Montauk.
I don't know if he is still doing it but this was the e-mail address back in April 2001: FINADD2@aol.com
-Dave-
world2xplor posted 07-31-2002 01:28 AM ET (US)
Thanks so much for the help/suggestions guys. I'd really just thought that I might find a console or seat out of fiberglass that might be a bit less maintenance and perhaps might also be a bit more multi-functional, i.e. perhaps storage, a small electronics box, a cushioned seat, etc. Besides, the difference in price between what I just paid for mine vs. a new one, made mine impossible to pass up and is turning out to be a fun project. Try $300 for the complete running boat. 35hp Merc and a 9 month old galv. trailer. The whole thing was painted with about 4 coats of primer and 6 layers of camoflage spray paint. I've stripped it all off to find literally millions of stress cracks, so am planning to have the whole interior done in white Rhino-liner and will paint the hull in Awlgrip and anti-fouling. When I'm done, I'll send before and after pix to Cetacea....

world2xplor posted 07-29-2002 12:42 AM ET (US)
Are there any companies out there making fiberglass consoles and/or seats that I could use or adapt to my 1969 13' classic? Perhaps something from the BW factory? I've been out of the BW scene for years and recently bought a 13' that is very much in need of TLC and updating. The wood is shot, so I thought that fiberglass would really update the look as well as being less maintenance than wood/varnish.
Chris posted 07-29-2002 06:56 PM ET (US)
I believe you can still order a complete GLS interior from BW. It is a one piece mold consisting of Helm, foward thwart seats, and console unit. Correct me if I am wrong guys but the idea of that interior was made by BW specifically with retro-fits in mind.
lhg posted 07-29-2002 08:11 PM ET (US)
I recently saw a Classic 15 yacht tender where all of the 15 Sport wood had been replaced with black starboard, detailed exactly the same. It was surprising well designed and looked good, and was probably quite durable.
Starboard raw material, however, costs more than mahogany or teak.
Tom W Clark posted 07-29-2002 08:33 PM ET (US)
world2xplor,
There are lots of options for you if you want a fiberglass aftermarket console and/or seat(s). I don't think you are going to get anything from Boston Whaler itself though.
But why take an old Whaler and try to make it like a new one? If you don’t want wood that’s fine. You can buy a newer Whaler that has no wood. But if your boat is a 1969 you will not necessarily be enhancing its resale value buy altering it from its classic configuration.
If you do make changes I wouldn’t suggest Starboard. It may look OK and hold up well but not only does it cost an arm and a leg, it’s heavier, less strong and stiff, more difficult to work and (in the case of black) will be hotter than hell in the sun.
If you don’t like varnishing that’s fine too. Just paint the wood. It won’t look quite as nice but it will work fine.
If you are trying to achieve a really customized rig then that’s another matter. You may have special seats in mind and want a console to meet your specific needs. There are many outfits that make fiberglass (or plastic) consoles that can be adapted to the 13’ Whaler.
scarlson posted 07-30-2002 08:09 PM ET (US)
My buddy has a 13' of that vintage and he bought a "pontoon boat" seat out of Cabelas or Bass Pro shops and it fits perfectly. Its white and tan and the tan matchs the whaler gel coat. Folds down for trailering and is very comfortable. We put it in for two reasons. One is he hung a 40 horse black max merc with a SS prop on it and it will throw you out, the second is we go on Erie and that boat can beat the hell out of a couple of old guys. But to look at it you would swear it was factory, and its very well made. If you want I'll get where he bought it and send a digital picture of it in the "Pocket Rocket". No we didn't take out the origional seat or screw it to the wooden seat itself, so it can always be returned to origional.
world2xplor posted 07-31-2002 12:40 AM ET (US)
Thanks so much for the help/suggestions guys. Mr. Clark, I understand your on not trying to make and old BW into a new one. I'd really just thought that I might find a console or seat out of fiberglass that might be a bit less maintenance and perhaps might also be a bit more multi-functional, i.e. perhaps storage, a small electronics box, a cushioned seat, etc. Besides, the difference in price between what I just paid for mine vs. a new one, made mine impossible to pass up and is turning out to be a fun project. Try $300 for the complete running boat. 35hp Merc and a 9month old galv. trailer. The whole thing was painted with about 4 coats of primer and 6 layers of camoflage spray paint. I've stripped it all off to find literally millions of stress cracks, so am planning to have the whole interior done in white Rhino-liner and will paint the hull in Awlgrip. Scarlson, I would appreciate knowing the info about the pontoon-boat seat, if it's not too much trouble. When I'm done, I'll send before and after pix to Cetacea....
jimh posted 07-31-2002 08:47 AM ET (US)
[Combined two threads by same author asking same question simultaneously in two forums. Posting the same question in multiple forums is really poor form. It divides the responses between the questions, it makes more work for the moderator, it makes the author appear to be rude and impatient.--jimh.]
george nagy posted 07-31-2002 09:21 AM ET (US)
You know I had a 1983 15 sport with a custom fiberglass aftermarket interior. I have seen at least one other 15' with the same interior which was moored almost directly across from where LHG docks his WHALELURE (sound familiar lhg?).
It was a great setup. the front seat was a molded fiberglass box with a swing hatch on top which was easily removeable. The rear seat and console was molded together. The console had a small plexiglass door which concealed a small storage compartment. I think I will get my act together and find some pics to send to JIMH.
Not to long ago I was at the ramp and saw a guy swimming in an older 13'(blue inside) which had the same interior. Yes swimming in and believe it or not it was a yamaha. I would bet with some digging around and calling a few older dealers we might be able to find out where this aftermarket stuff came from. Maybe even get a hold of the mold if out of production.
bhobbs posted 07-31-2002 09:48 PM ET (US)
Carolina Skiff has a CC that fit nicely into my 16. $280 with cash discount. Added W/S and grab bar. Not oringinal but very functional which is what I was looking for.

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Author	Topic: Fiberglass Replacement Console or Seats
world2xplor	posted 07-29-2002 12:39 AM ET (US) Are there any companies out there making fiberglass consoles and/or seats that I could use or adapt to my 1969 13' classic? Perhaps something from the BW factory? I've been out of the BW scene for years and recently bought a 13' that is very much in need of TLC and updating. The wood is shot, so I thought that fiberglass would really update the look as well as being less maintenance than wood/varnish.
where2	posted 07-30-2002 05:32 PM ET (US) If you're looking for something ready made shipped to your door, good luck. You can get wood interiors that way, but I haven't seen any plastic/glass interiors that way. However, if you want ZERO maintenance, you could use all your wood as a pattern for the 3/4" Starboard. NOTE: You will need to reinforce any Thwart Seats made from Starboard, as the longer lengths of unsupported plastic tend to sag.
DaveIsaacs	posted 07-30-2002 05:46 PM ET (US) Brown Towles at Finn Addict marine made starboard replacements for various wood parts on whalers, including the 13. I was happy with the bow locker hatch I ordered for my Montauk. I don't know if he is still doing it but this was the e-mail address back in April 2001: FINADD2@aol.com -Dave-
world2xplor	posted 07-31-2002 01:28 AM ET (US) Thanks so much for the help/suggestions guys. I'd really just thought that I might find a console or seat out of fiberglass that might be a bit less maintenance and perhaps might also be a bit more multi-functional, i.e. perhaps storage, a small electronics box, a cushioned seat, etc. Besides, the difference in price between what I just paid for mine vs. a new one, made mine impossible to pass up and is turning out to be a fun project. Try $300 for the complete running boat. 35hp Merc and a 9 month old galv. trailer. The whole thing was painted with about 4 coats of primer and 6 layers of camoflage spray paint. I've stripped it all off to find literally millions of stress cracks, so am planning to have the whole interior done in white Rhino-liner and will paint the hull in Awlgrip and anti-fouling. When I'm done, I'll send before and after pix to Cetacea....
world2xplor	posted 07-29-2002 12:42 AM ET (US) Are there any companies out there making fiberglass consoles and/or seats that I could use or adapt to my 1969 13' classic? Perhaps something from the BW factory? I've been out of the BW scene for years and recently bought a 13' that is very much in need of TLC and updating. The wood is shot, so I thought that fiberglass would really update the look as well as being less maintenance than wood/varnish.
Chris	posted 07-29-2002 06:56 PM ET (US) I believe you can still order a complete GLS interior from BW. It is a one piece mold consisting of Helm, foward thwart seats, and console unit. Correct me if I am wrong guys but the idea of that interior was made by BW specifically with retro-fits in mind.
lhg	posted 07-29-2002 08:11 PM ET (US) I recently saw a Classic 15 yacht tender where all of the 15 Sport wood had been replaced with black starboard, detailed exactly the same. It was surprising well designed and looked good, and was probably quite durable. Starboard raw material, however, costs more than mahogany or teak.
Tom W Clark	posted 07-29-2002 08:33 PM ET (US) world2xplor, There are lots of options for you if you want a fiberglass aftermarket console and/or seat(s). I don't think you are going to get anything from Boston Whaler itself though. But why take an old Whaler and try to make it like a new one? If you don’t want wood that’s fine. You can buy a newer Whaler that has no wood. But if your boat is a 1969 you will not necessarily be enhancing its resale value buy altering it from its classic configuration. If you do make changes I wouldn’t suggest Starboard. It may look OK and hold up well but not only does it cost an arm and a leg, it’s heavier, less strong and stiff, more difficult to work and (in the case of black) will be hotter than hell in the sun. If you don’t like varnishing that’s fine too. Just paint the wood. It won’t look quite as nice but it will work fine. If you are trying to achieve a really customized rig then that’s another matter. You may have special seats in mind and want a console to meet your specific needs. There are many outfits that make fiberglass (or plastic) consoles that can be adapted to the 13’ Whaler.
scarlson	posted 07-30-2002 08:09 PM ET (US) My buddy has a 13' of that vintage and he bought a "pontoon boat" seat out of Cabelas or Bass Pro shops and it fits perfectly. Its white and tan and the tan matchs the whaler gel coat. Folds down for trailering and is very comfortable. We put it in for two reasons. One is he hung a 40 horse black max merc with a SS prop on it and it will throw you out, the second is we go on Erie and that boat can beat the hell out of a couple of old guys. But to look at it you would swear it was factory, and its very well made. If you want I'll get where he bought it and send a digital picture of it in the "Pocket Rocket". No we didn't take out the origional seat or screw it to the wooden seat itself, so it can always be returned to origional.
world2xplor	posted 07-31-2002 12:40 AM ET (US) Thanks so much for the help/suggestions guys. Mr. Clark, I understand your on not trying to make and old BW into a new one. I'd really just thought that I might find a console or seat out of fiberglass that might be a bit less maintenance and perhaps might also be a bit more multi-functional, i.e. perhaps storage, a small electronics box, a cushioned seat, etc. Besides, the difference in price between what I just paid for mine vs. a new one, made mine impossible to pass up and is turning out to be a fun project. Try $300 for the complete running boat. 35hp Merc and a 9month old galv. trailer. The whole thing was painted with about 4 coats of primer and 6 layers of camoflage spray paint. I've stripped it all off to find literally millions of stress cracks, so am planning to have the whole interior done in white Rhino-liner and will paint the hull in Awlgrip. Scarlson, I would appreciate knowing the info about the pontoon-boat seat, if it's not too much trouble. When I'm done, I'll send before and after pix to Cetacea....
jimh	posted 07-31-2002 08:47 AM ET (US) [Combined two threads by same author asking same question simultaneously in two forums. Posting the same question in multiple forums is really poor form. It divides the responses between the questions, it makes more work for the moderator, it makes the author appear to be rude and impatient.--jimh.]
george nagy	posted 07-31-2002 09:21 AM ET (US) You know I had a 1983 15 sport with a custom fiberglass aftermarket interior. I have seen at least one other 15' with the same interior which was moored almost directly across from where LHG docks his WHALELURE (sound familiar lhg?). It was a great setup. the front seat was a molded fiberglass box with a swing hatch on top which was easily removeable. The rear seat and console was molded together. The console had a small plexiglass door which concealed a small storage compartment. I think I will get my act together and find some pics to send to JIMH. Not to long ago I was at the ramp and saw a guy swimming in an older 13'(blue inside) which had the same interior. Yes swimming in and believe it or not it was a yamaha. I would bet with some digging around and calling a few older dealers we might be able to find out where this aftermarket stuff came from. Maybe even get a hold of the mold if out of production.
bhobbs	posted 07-31-2002 09:48 PM ET (US) Carolina Skiff has a CC that fit nicely into my 16. $280 with cash discount. Added W/S and grab bar. Not oringinal but very functional which is what I was looking for.