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Author	Topic:   1969 Whaler 13 interior and exterior finish repair
mfitzgerald	posted 02-29-2004 09:22 PM ET (US)         I have just acquired the 13 ft Whaler I had as a teenager in the late 70's and early 80's - it sat unused in my folks' yard for the past 8 years, covered, but exposed to New England extremes of heat and cold. I expected it to need just minor cosmetic work, but looking at it, the entire exterior surface has developed small cracks in the gelcoat, and the blue interior has smaller, but much more numerous spider web-like cracks. Several questions (this is my first post here, so take it easy on me): Is this common in older Whalers? Can re-gelcoating save it? Will it hurt to throw the boat in the water for a couple of days before then undertaking the repairs? I will not have time to do a proper job of repairs this spring or early summer but would like to use the boat for a week in August. I'll have time next season to do it right. Does anyone have experience with this problem, and do you think it'll do irreparable harm to use it before fixing it properly? What type of repair is recommended, and what might it cost, ballpark? I also need to replace the railings - the fittings were pitted before the long lay-up and are now cracked - suggestions? Thanks!
WhalinNJ	posted 02-29-2004 09:47 PM ET (US)             My '60 13 was in very similar shape to yours, actually from your description probably worse. There is almost no way to damage this boat, take it out and have fun, that is the beauty of a 13 whaler. If there are large cracks or gaping holes below the waterline you may want to repair these as they may lead to water intrusion into the hull, but other than that no problems. As for the spider cracking, i have found this is very common. As you say the only way to repair is to repaint or re-gel using a high build or epoxy primer. Re-gelling will be considerably more expensive if you get it done professionally, and much more labor intensive if you do it yourself. hope this helps. Jim
keltonkrew	posted 02-29-2004 10:51 PM ET (US)             do the gel yourself....It's not that bad
keltonkrew	posted 02-29-2004 10:52 PM ET (US)             here's a link to my 13'. forgot to add to the above post ---------------------------------------------------- htp://www.keltonkre.com/whaler-restore.htm
keltonkrew	posted 02-29-2004 10:53 PM ET (US)             forgot the w ------------------------------------------ http://www.keltonkrew.com/whaler-restore.htm
Jay A	posted 03-01-2004 02:09 AM ET (US)          I agree with WhalinNJ! Let's see if this works...it's my 1970 Whaler. http://www.momentoffame.com/snapshots/MomentOfFame/l46292.jpg

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