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Author Topic:   Boston Whaler 13 Center Console

rhysleo posted 08-24-2011 10:23 AM ET (US)
Hi! I recently bought a 1985 Boston Whaler in pretty good condition. So far I love it (not surprising considering it's a BW!). I plan on refinishing it because I've seen that a lot of other 13' Whaler owners have had great success and also because it seems as if it would be a fun project. Because I've never done something like this, I want to start simple and just fill in worn out screw holes and varnish the wood. Could anyone give some tips to a beginner on doing that? I've heard it's very simple, but I really don't want to do it wrong. Thank you!

rhysleo posted 08-24-2011 10:23 AM ET (US)
Oops! That is the wrong subject I put. Forget the center console part!!!
Binkster posted 08-24-2011 02:26 PM ET (US)
You say your boat is in pretty good condition, then in another thread you said you want to paint it. Actually most boats that are painted are basket cases or damaged boats, pretty good sounds like you can restore the gelcoat.
Also you mention you want to restore the mahogany brightwork. Good idea. First remove it all from the boat, and sand it first with 150 and then with 220 paper. Buy yourself an electric 5" orbital sander from Home Depot. If you have any black spots in the wood you can bleach those out with wood bleach available in the paint department. The varnish I use is Pettits Captains varnish, available from boating supply stores, not Home Depot. There are numerous threads and posts on this forum on how to varnish your woodwork, so check them out. Many are written by me, some under various alias.
On your newly restored gelcoat hull, you want to fill all the empty screw holes. Use a marine grade bondo-like filler also available from boating supply stores. When it comes to reinstalling your interior, move the entire interior 6" forward. Your boat will ride alot better, and won't porpoise or pound as much. Measure where your interior is before you remove it so you will have a guide to re-install it. If you are a tall person mount the rear thwart(seat) on top of the seat clamps not in the cutout under the clamps(two longitudinal 1x4s) More comfortable.
Good luck and have fun.
BTW on another post in this thread you write;
"Oops! That is the wrong subject I put. Forget the center console part!!!"
Good idea, don't get in over your head, then it isn' fun anymore.
rhysleo posted 08-24-2011 03:18 PM ET (US)
Hey Binkster. Remember, I'm a complete newbie on this site! The reason there are two forums I posted is because at first I didn't think this thread got published, so I made another one with new ideas in it. :)
I've actually decided no on the painting. So no need to think about that.
Thank you for the advice on the wood. I'm going to give it a shot this winter. I've heard it's not terribly hard. Is there a certain pattern to follow when varnishing? Or can I just put the varnish straight on? And also, how many coats do you recommend?
Lots of whaler owners say to move the interior forward, so I will most likely give that a shot. And I will also most likely use that kind of filler.
TY very much!
-Rhys
Tohsgib posted 08-24-2011 03:38 PM ET (US)
"Many are written by me, some under various alias." That is an understatement Binks.
Between his and my post on your other thread...you got it licked. Don't do it too cold, make sure at least 70 outside, preferably warmer. Set up a place in the garage with tables as this will take you a week as it needs to dry between coats(5-8). There is another thread about how to do both sides at once which cuts down your days so search that. Lastly if you want you can buy a whole new varnished interior ready to install for about $600+ so I recommend restoring yours unless shot(mine was).
This was my restoration in March/April 2010...I'm famous...kinda.
http://www.nauticallumber.com/marine/boston-whaler-interiors/ 88-boston-whaler-13-sport-interior-
Tohsgib posted 08-24-2011 03:41 PM ET (US)
PS...I am the owner of the Gulf Coast Boston Whaler Owner's Assoc. based out of the Sarasota area. You really should attend one of our rendezvous as you will meet many enthusiasts and learn some old tricks. E-mail me and I will put you on the mailing list.
dscew posted 08-24-2011 04:14 PM ET (US)
Tohs, re: your restoration. I do like the key fob.
rhysleo posted 08-24-2011 06:23 PM ET (US)
Tohsgib-Wow. I must say I am extremely jealous of you BW! The wood looks fantastic although I'm not sure I'm willing to pay the extra. I think varnishing is a better option as it will also give me experience. I noticed on that website however that they use a varnish called Interlux Schooner Varnish. Thinking that would be a good varnish to use because the color is nice, it won't fade in the sun and the saltwater that easly, and it seems pretty straight forward to apply. Would you guys agree?
Also, Tohsgib, was is difficult to install the wood? And did you move it forward 5-6" like most people have said they've done? TY!
-Rhys
Russ 13 posted 08-24-2011 08:05 PM ET (US)
Moving the interior forward, really helps the ride.
So does moving the battery under the console.
The 13' is very sensitive to weight placement fore & aft, and will porpose, if too much weight is placed aft.
(Not to mention the added stern squat):-)
Good luck with your project, with varnish make sure it is fully dry, before lightly sanding between coats.

Tohsgib posted 08-24-2011 10:41 PM ET (US)
Mine is stock placement due to a bunch of reasons(rails/storage box). To move on mine would be the best of reasons as my 40hp Suzuki weighs 240lbs....wow. She rides excellent though so no biggie....weight is not the worst thing....except on my body ;)
rhysleo posted 08-25-2011 09:17 AM ET (US)
Gonna think about moving the interior forward. Everyone is saying it helps dramatically, so I would most likely will do it though. Plus I have a four stroke on it, so much heavier than a two stroke.
As for the varnish-I'm actually pretty excited about doing it! The wood looks like crap, so it will be nice to redo it.
I'm actually not living in Miami as my profile says. I'm living up north. Gonna move back down there again very soon. The season ends mid-september up here, so I will start the wood then. Is there a way to post pictures? Or should I copy/paste the links from photo bucket or flickr?
rhysleo posted 08-25-2011 09:26 AM ET (US)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079189057/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079723430/in/photostream/lightbox/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079187525/in/photostream/lightbox/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079188327/in/photostream/lightbox/
Tohsgib posted 08-25-2011 10:50 AM ET (US)
Interesting railing work. Guess somebody did not like it going around the bow. That boat should clean up like new. Do the wood in your basement if up north, less dust. Get a good cover after you are done. Sunlight kills wax jobs and varnish.
rhysleo posted 08-25-2011 11:01 AM ET (US)
You're probably exactly right about the railing. There are filled in screw holes on the bow that most likely was once a different railing. Also, do you think Interlux Schooner Varnish is a good choice? I think I'm going to use it. It's the varnish nautical lumber uses.
Binkster posted 08-26-2011 04:16 PM ET (US)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079189057/sizes/l/in/ photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079723430/in/photostream/ lightbox/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079187525/in/photostream/ lightbox/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079188327/in/photostream/ lightbox/
Tohsgib posted 08-26-2011 08:38 PM ET (US)
Yes the varnish is fine....again any good varnish is fine.

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Author	Topic: Boston Whaler 13 Center Console
rhysleo	posted 08-24-2011 10:23 AM ET (US) Hi! I recently bought a 1985 Boston Whaler in pretty good condition. So far I love it (not surprising considering it's a BW!). I plan on refinishing it because I've seen that a lot of other 13' Whaler owners have had great success and also because it seems as if it would be a fun project. Because I've never done something like this, I want to start simple and just fill in worn out screw holes and varnish the wood. Could anyone give some tips to a beginner on doing that? I've heard it's very simple, but I really don't want to do it wrong. Thank you!
rhysleo	posted 08-24-2011 10:23 AM ET (US) Oops! That is the wrong subject I put. Forget the center console part!!!
Binkster	posted 08-24-2011 02:26 PM ET (US) You say your boat is in pretty good condition, then in another thread you said you want to paint it. Actually most boats that are painted are basket cases or damaged boats, pretty good sounds like you can restore the gelcoat. Also you mention you want to restore the mahogany brightwork. Good idea. First remove it all from the boat, and sand it first with 150 and then with 220 paper. Buy yourself an electric 5" orbital sander from Home Depot. If you have any black spots in the wood you can bleach those out with wood bleach available in the paint department. The varnish I use is Pettits Captains varnish, available from boating supply stores, not Home Depot. There are numerous threads and posts on this forum on how to varnish your woodwork, so check them out. Many are written by me, some under various alias. On your newly restored gelcoat hull, you want to fill all the empty screw holes. Use a marine grade bondo-like filler also available from boating supply stores. When it comes to reinstalling your interior, move the entire interior 6" forward. Your boat will ride alot better, and won't porpoise or pound as much. Measure where your interior is before you remove it so you will have a guide to re-install it. If you are a tall person mount the rear thwart(seat) on top of the seat clamps not in the cutout under the clamps(two longitudinal 1x4s) More comfortable. Good luck and have fun. BTW on another post in this thread you write; "Oops! That is the wrong subject I put. Forget the center console part!!!" Good idea, don't get in over your head, then it isn' fun anymore.
rhysleo	posted 08-24-2011 03:18 PM ET (US) Hey Binkster. Remember, I'm a complete newbie on this site! The reason there are two forums I posted is because at first I didn't think this thread got published, so I made another one with new ideas in it. :) I've actually decided no on the painting. So no need to think about that. Thank you for the advice on the wood. I'm going to give it a shot this winter. I've heard it's not terribly hard. Is there a certain pattern to follow when varnishing? Or can I just put the varnish straight on? And also, how many coats do you recommend? Lots of whaler owners say to move the interior forward, so I will most likely give that a shot. And I will also most likely use that kind of filler. TY very much! -Rhys
Tohsgib	posted 08-24-2011 03:38 PM ET (US) "Many are written by me, some under various alias." That is an understatement Binks. Between his and my post on your other thread...you got it licked. Don't do it too cold, make sure at least 70 outside, preferably warmer. Set up a place in the garage with tables as this will take you a week as it needs to dry between coats(5-8). There is another thread about how to do both sides at once which cuts down your days so search that. Lastly if you want you can buy a whole new varnished interior ready to install for about $600+ so I recommend restoring yours unless shot(mine was). This was my restoration in March/April 2010...I'm famous...kinda. http://www.nauticallumber.com/marine/boston-whaler-interiors/ 88-boston-whaler-13-sport-interior-
Tohsgib	posted 08-24-2011 03:41 PM ET (US) PS...I am the owner of the Gulf Coast Boston Whaler Owner's Assoc. based out of the Sarasota area. You really should attend one of our rendezvous as you will meet many enthusiasts and learn some old tricks. E-mail me and I will put you on the mailing list.
dscew	posted 08-24-2011 04:14 PM ET (US) Tohs, re: your restoration. I do like the key fob.
rhysleo	posted 08-24-2011 06:23 PM ET (US) Tohsgib-Wow. I must say I am extremely jealous of you BW! The wood looks fantastic although I'm not sure I'm willing to pay the extra. I think varnishing is a better option as it will also give me experience. I noticed on that website however that they use a varnish called Interlux Schooner Varnish. Thinking that would be a good varnish to use because the color is nice, it won't fade in the sun and the saltwater that easly, and it seems pretty straight forward to apply. Would you guys agree? Also, Tohsgib, was is difficult to install the wood? And did you move it forward 5-6" like most people have said they've done? TY! -Rhys
Russ 13	posted 08-24-2011 08:05 PM ET (US) Moving the interior forward, really helps the ride. So does moving the battery under the console. The 13' is very sensitive to weight placement fore & aft, and will porpose, if too much weight is placed aft. (Not to mention the added stern squat):-) Good luck with your project, with varnish make sure it is fully dry, before lightly sanding between coats.
Tohsgib	posted 08-24-2011 10:41 PM ET (US) Mine is stock placement due to a bunch of reasons(rails/storage box). To move on mine would be the best of reasons as my 40hp Suzuki weighs 240lbs....wow. She rides excellent though so no biggie....weight is not the worst thing....except on my body ;)
rhysleo	posted 08-25-2011 09:17 AM ET (US) Gonna think about moving the interior forward. Everyone is saying it helps dramatically, so I would most likely will do it though. Plus I have a four stroke on it, so much heavier than a two stroke. As for the varnish-I'm actually pretty excited about doing it! The wood looks like crap, so it will be nice to redo it. I'm actually not living in Miami as my profile says. I'm living up north. Gonna move back down there again very soon. The season ends mid-september up here, so I will start the wood then. Is there a way to post pictures? Or should I copy/paste the links from photo bucket or flickr?
rhysleo	posted 08-25-2011 09:26 AM ET (US) http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079189057/sizes/l/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079723430/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079187525/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079188327/in/photostream/lightbox/
Tohsgib	posted 08-25-2011 10:50 AM ET (US) Interesting railing work. Guess somebody did not like it going around the bow. That boat should clean up like new. Do the wood in your basement if up north, less dust. Get a good cover after you are done. Sunlight kills wax jobs and varnish.
rhysleo	posted 08-25-2011 11:01 AM ET (US) You're probably exactly right about the railing. There are filled in screw holes on the bow that most likely was once a different railing. Also, do you think Interlux Schooner Varnish is a good choice? I think I'm going to use it. It's the varnish nautical lumber uses.
Binkster	posted 08-26-2011 04:16 PM ET (US) http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079189057/sizes/l/in/ photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079723430/in/photostream/ lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079187525/in/photostream/ lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/57193910@N07/6079188327/in/photostream/ lightbox/
Tohsgib	posted 08-26-2011 08:38 PM ET (US) Yes the varnish is fine....again any good varnish is fine.