Buying a REVENGE to Make Center Console Boat

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Author Topic:   Buying a REVENGE to Make Center Console Boat

unsinkable_2000 posted 01-25-2012 07:19 PM ET (US)
I have a potential buy on a freshwater Revenge that is very tired yet has a great hull. Motor will need to be yanked. What is involved in removing the revenge "top" and converting it back to an open boat? Thinking of possibly a cc or maybe something like a pacific pilot house setup. Are these tops simply fastened or bolted on or are they more involved? Thoughts??
jimh posted 01-25-2012 10:34 PM ET (US)
My thought: bad idea.
Binkster posted 01-26-2012 07:50 AM ET (US)
Why?
I have never done a conversion like that, but if I wanted a 19 ft. Whaler I would jump right in. I really like the look of a 19' LowPro. I have read about these conversions here I believe Len did one. I think the LowPro is just hidden underneath the ugly deck of the 19' Revenge. I think it just unbolts, but I may be simplifying.
macfam posted 01-26-2012 08:19 AM ET (US)
I'll second that: bad idea.
If you're looking to go center console......find one to upgrade. They're out there.
You've got to invest in re-powering, and that could be costly. The end product should be "desirable" for eventual resale.
IMHO, nothing worse than a "bastardized" classic Whaler.
jimh posted 01-26-2012 08:45 AM ET (US)
A REVENGE is missing a number of essential molded components that are needed to make an OUTRAGE.
an86carrera posted 01-26-2012 08:51 AM ET (US)
Here are some pictures of the bastardization process. This one was a revenge to start with but the construction of the Revenge is the same, just a larger cap.
http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y104/an86carrera/ Low%20Pro%20Transition/?albumview=slideshow
Len
Binkster posted 01-26-2012 12:55 PM ET (US)
Len you bastardized that one real good. I always loved the LoPro idea.
As far as;
My thought: bad idea.
I'll second that: bad idea.
I don't see any major missing components.
Well, some folks love to WORK on boats, others just want to go boating in a cookie cutter boat. Whaler did a number of things that sort of worked back in the day, but now can be improved on. Fortunately There are quite a number of us bastards around that will just take an old Whaler and cut her up and see what happens. Most times its for the good. Its the positive reactions at the ramp that we live for. LOL
jimh posted 01-26-2012 12:57 PM ET (US)
Most boaters have good manners, and when they see some hacked up classic Boston Whaler boat at a ramp they keep their comments to themselves.
Tohsgib posted 01-26-2012 02:32 PM ET (US)
Well I will throw one out there for ALL of you "geniuses"...does any of you even know what REVENGE model he is talking about?
1) If this is a 20-25' newer hull the front hatches are going to be wood(if still there) and I can not vouch for a wiring tunnel. Other than that they pretty much are riveted on. You might have to do some minor glass work but since you mentioned the hull is tired it should be no big deal anyway if you are going to paint, etc.
2) If this is a 21 banana it is not possible unless you like to stand in water. If this is a 19' then you are referring to a Lo-Pro conversion and I recommend doing a search first. My 74 revenge had a wiring tunnel, I do not think that my 76 does. This would make for a sloppy conversion.
3) No matter what you decide if you are just making a boat, go for it. If you want to make this a Whaler like it came from the factory, gonna be one expensive job.
JMARTIN posted 01-26-2012 02:56 PM ET (US)
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/cetacea/cetaceaPage70.html
Rigging tunnel on the starboard if it is a newer style hull.
John
unsinkable_2000 posted 01-26-2012 10:28 PM ET (US)
Thanks Tohsgib, No not a banana hull. I have refurbed 2 Eastports, a 64 13, an 18 outrage and a Frontier 25. This boat was under wraps on the st. Lawrence when I looked at it last week. Just a big 80's chunky 25'. My only interest in this project is to save a sturdy, solid hull from the boneyard and perhaps make a nice boat out of her again. The revenge "top" was stressed with some cracks and just plain beat. I love the Revenge line however in this case it is a solid hull with a compromised top and a very very tired 225 evinrude. This boat is tarped in a yard and getting more love from a squirrel than its owner. So, in this case I would be more interested in getting this great hull back on the water. Either, as a outrage type(since it would never truly be an outrage) or a nice utility boat with lots of life and service left in her. At the end of the day, it's a great classic hull so let it perish or do what many of us (for better or worse) like to do and breathe some life and money back into that boat?
jimh posted 01-26-2012 10:37 PM ET (US)
In the cabin of a REVENGE the cabin floor is what will become the bottom of a deck locker on a center console boat without the cabin top. You will need to make a rather large molded deck hatch to cover that whole area and make it flush with the rest of the deck. Also the REVENGE cuts away some portion of the hull liner to make the step into the cabin. You'll have to overcome that foot or two of missing deck, as well. Then there is the center console--you'll need to find one. Then there is the reversible pilot seat--you'll need to make one from parts or find one. As Nick mentioned all the locker covers will be varnished wood instead of molded fiberglass--you'll never find replacements or make suitable substitutes.
The ratio of OUTRAGE to REVENGE production is probably at least 5:1, so you've got at least five time better chances of finding an old OUTRAGE to restore than this REVENGE you have come across.
unsinkable_2000 posted 01-27-2012 07:09 AM ET (US)
Hmmm...interesting. If I get serious I'm going to have to take all this into consideration. I wonder if I can figure out some type of useful utilitarian but attractive setup? I hate to see a good hull go to waste. Thanks for all the input.
Binkster posted 01-27-2012 09:08 AM ET (US)
And thank you for trying to save an old Whaler hull. I hope you figure something out. For some reason I thought it was a 19 footer, I guess becuase that is the most common deck removal project. Why not post some pics, maybe some ideas will come in.
L H G posted 01-27-2012 10:54 AM ET (US)
Look into the one piece fiberglass non-skid bow floor component of the 22 Guardian. Have commercial products make you one in desert tan. It will cover the entire area Jim is describing. Instead of the 4 original recreational model deck hatches, it has a large aluminum hatch for access below.
Check out the boat floor plans on the Commercial site.
Tohsgib posted 01-27-2012 11:12 AM ET (US)
Should not be hard to make a deck cover or buy one like Larry said. That would not be my greatest obstacle on this project. As far as console and seat goes, that is up to you and betting a non-Whaler setup from a boneyard or Craigslist should not be difficult as you have a LOT of room to work with. You may want to leave that front area open so you actually walk down into it, makes for more freeboard.
andygere posted 01-27-2012 11:43 AM ET (US)
You will probably spend a lot less money fixing up the existing cuddy cabin than you would removing it, installing and rigging a center console, buying or making hatch covers, etc., etc. Post a picture or two of the boat, and we can get a much better idea of the condition of that beat cuddy.
All that said, if you can get the boat for a song, it might be a worthwhile project if you don't mind working for free. As others have advised, calculate your estimated investment (including power and rigging) and compare it to what's currently on the market in terms of turn-key boats of similar vintage. I'm continually amazed at the low prices some very desirable Whalers are going for, many with fairly recent repowers and in relatively good cosmetic shape.
Jessielove posted 01-28-2012 08:09 PM ET (US)
Looks like someone may have already tried this:
http://gulfport.craigslist.org/boa/2822802418.html
JMARTIN posted 01-28-2012 11:58 PM ET (US)
Find the more common Outrage and make a Revenge. You will love the built in foot/or stand rest. Customize your interior, get good canvas and you can overnight.
John
flippa posted 01-31-2012 10:42 AM ET (US)
I came across this article while searching for my Revenge last year. It is a step-by-step documentation of just what you are asking.
Here is several hours of reading about the conversion with lots & lots of pictures;
http://www.bdoutdoors.com/forums/check-out-my-boat/ 37192-rebirth-whaler-whaler-sex-change.html
If you have the time, cash, skills and ambition, have fun with that and take a bunch of pictures.
I would never tackle such a project; way too much time and money involved. I paid less for my boat & trailer than these guys did for the engine alone. I believe that it would be much cheaper to find a complete, turn-key boat set up relatively close to what you are looking for.
If it is in decent shape, why not keep the Revenge? They have a ton of deck space, and if it is a Walk-thru model, it is very easy to access the front of the boat while landing fish, just have to keep the ladder in place. Plus it is real nice having a cabin and full windshield in foul weather.
The Revenge is a very dry ride. I stuffed my boat into a wave this past October while coming in to Boston Harbor. Water rolled up the cabin to the mid-height of the windshield. We would have gotten soaked (if not swamped)in my 21 Outrage.
I have had several Boston Whaler center console boats, and after one season with the Revenge, would never go back.
flippa posted 01-31-2012 10:50 AM ET (US)
It kills me to look at that site; all those good parts thrown in a pile. The carnage!
If you do go forward with this, I'll take the cabin vents & a few other misc. parts off your hands.
Owtrayj25 posted 01-31-2012 12:37 PM ET (US)
This has been done several times. If you are handy, especially with boat related refurbishment, most of the commitment is time.

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/011953.html
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011801.html
I have seen pictures of both of these conversions. Acassidy in the 2nd link did an especially good job on his conversion. Most of the OEM parts needed can be found online (ebay, craigs list, etc.)
TommyWhaler posted 02-01-2012 05:26 PM ET (US)
Absolutely a 19 Revenge is the boat to use. Under no circumstances should a 19 Banana be ruined. But a Revenge. That is a different story.
Tohsgib posted 02-02-2012 01:54 PM ET (US)
They are both Bananas and with the outrage you get all the expensive stuff you need to make a lo-pro like console & RPS. You also get the glass front hatch instead of wood. I would never ruin a 19 Revenge but I would an outrage in this case. This post however is not about Banana hulls.

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Author	Topic: Buying a REVENGE to Make Center Console Boat
unsinkable_2000	posted 01-25-2012 07:19 PM ET (US) I have a potential buy on a freshwater Revenge that is very tired yet has a great hull. Motor will need to be yanked. What is involved in removing the revenge "top" and converting it back to an open boat? Thinking of possibly a cc or maybe something like a pacific pilot house setup. Are these tops simply fastened or bolted on or are they more involved? Thoughts??
jimh	posted 01-25-2012 10:34 PM ET (US) My thought: bad idea.
Binkster	posted 01-26-2012 07:50 AM ET (US) Why? I have never done a conversion like that, but if I wanted a 19 ft. Whaler I would jump right in. I really like the look of a 19' LowPro. I have read about these conversions here I believe Len did one. I think the LowPro is just hidden underneath the ugly deck of the 19' Revenge. I think it just unbolts, but I may be simplifying.
macfam	posted 01-26-2012 08:19 AM ET (US) I'll second that: bad idea. If you're looking to go center console......find one to upgrade. They're out there. You've got to invest in re-powering, and that could be costly. The end product should be "desirable" for eventual resale. IMHO, nothing worse than a "bastardized" classic Whaler.
jimh	posted 01-26-2012 08:45 AM ET (US) A REVENGE is missing a number of essential molded components that are needed to make an OUTRAGE.
an86carrera	posted 01-26-2012 08:51 AM ET (US) Here are some pictures of the bastardization process. This one was a revenge to start with but the construction of the Revenge is the same, just a larger cap. http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y104/an86carrera/ Low%20Pro%20Transition/?albumview=slideshow Len
Binkster	posted 01-26-2012 12:55 PM ET (US) Len you bastardized that one real good. I always loved the LoPro idea. As far as; My thought: bad idea. I'll second that: bad idea. I don't see any major missing components. Well, some folks love to WORK on boats, others just want to go boating in a cookie cutter boat. Whaler did a number of things that sort of worked back in the day, but now can be improved on. Fortunately There are quite a number of us bastards around that will just take an old Whaler and cut her up and see what happens. Most times its for the good. Its the positive reactions at the ramp that we live for. LOL
jimh	posted 01-26-2012 12:57 PM ET (US) Most boaters have good manners, and when they see some hacked up classic Boston Whaler boat at a ramp they keep their comments to themselves.
Tohsgib	posted 01-26-2012 02:32 PM ET (US) Well I will throw one out there for ALL of you "geniuses"...does any of you even know what REVENGE model he is talking about? 1) If this is a 20-25' newer hull the front hatches are going to be wood(if still there) and I can not vouch for a wiring tunnel. Other than that they pretty much are riveted on. You might have to do some minor glass work but since you mentioned the hull is tired it should be no big deal anyway if you are going to paint, etc. 2) If this is a 21 banana it is not possible unless you like to stand in water. If this is a 19' then you are referring to a Lo-Pro conversion and I recommend doing a search first. My 74 revenge had a wiring tunnel, I do not think that my 76 does. This would make for a sloppy conversion. 3) No matter what you decide if you are just making a boat, go for it. If you want to make this a Whaler like it came from the factory, gonna be one expensive job.
JMARTIN	posted 01-26-2012 02:56 PM ET (US) http://continuouswave.com/whaler/cetacea/cetaceaPage70.html Rigging tunnel on the starboard if it is a newer style hull. John
unsinkable_2000	posted 01-26-2012 10:28 PM ET (US) Thanks Tohsgib, No not a banana hull. I have refurbed 2 Eastports, a 64 13, an 18 outrage and a Frontier 25. This boat was under wraps on the st. Lawrence when I looked at it last week. Just a big 80's chunky 25'. My only interest in this project is to save a sturdy, solid hull from the boneyard and perhaps make a nice boat out of her again. The revenge "top" was stressed with some cracks and just plain beat. I love the Revenge line however in this case it is a solid hull with a compromised top and a very very tired 225 evinrude. This boat is tarped in a yard and getting more love from a squirrel than its owner. So, in this case I would be more interested in getting this great hull back on the water. Either, as a outrage type(since it would never truly be an outrage) or a nice utility boat with lots of life and service left in her. At the end of the day, it's a great classic hull so let it perish or do what many of us (for better or worse) like to do and breathe some life and money back into that boat?
jimh	posted 01-26-2012 10:37 PM ET (US) In the cabin of a REVENGE the cabin floor is what will become the bottom of a deck locker on a center console boat without the cabin top. You will need to make a rather large molded deck hatch to cover that whole area and make it flush with the rest of the deck. Also the REVENGE cuts away some portion of the hull liner to make the step into the cabin. You'll have to overcome that foot or two of missing deck, as well. Then there is the center console--you'll need to find one. Then there is the reversible pilot seat--you'll need to make one from parts or find one. As Nick mentioned all the locker covers will be varnished wood instead of molded fiberglass--you'll never find replacements or make suitable substitutes. The ratio of OUTRAGE to REVENGE production is probably at least 5:1, so you've got at least five time better chances of finding an old OUTRAGE to restore than this REVENGE you have come across.
unsinkable_2000	posted 01-27-2012 07:09 AM ET (US) Hmmm...interesting. If I get serious I'm going to have to take all this into consideration. I wonder if I can figure out some type of useful utilitarian but attractive setup? I hate to see a good hull go to waste. Thanks for all the input.
Binkster	posted 01-27-2012 09:08 AM ET (US) And thank you for trying to save an old Whaler hull. I hope you figure something out. For some reason I thought it was a 19 footer, I guess becuase that is the most common deck removal project. Why not post some pics, maybe some ideas will come in.
L H G	posted 01-27-2012 10:54 AM ET (US) Look into the one piece fiberglass non-skid bow floor component of the 22 Guardian. Have commercial products make you one in desert tan. It will cover the entire area Jim is describing. Instead of the 4 original recreational model deck hatches, it has a large aluminum hatch for access below. Check out the boat floor plans on the Commercial site.
Tohsgib	posted 01-27-2012 11:12 AM ET (US) Should not be hard to make a deck cover or buy one like Larry said. That would not be my greatest obstacle on this project. As far as console and seat goes, that is up to you and betting a non-Whaler setup from a boneyard or Craigslist should not be difficult as you have a LOT of room to work with. You may want to leave that front area open so you actually walk down into it, makes for more freeboard.
andygere	posted 01-27-2012 11:43 AM ET (US) You will probably spend a lot less money fixing up the existing cuddy cabin than you would removing it, installing and rigging a center console, buying or making hatch covers, etc., etc. Post a picture or two of the boat, and we can get a much better idea of the condition of that beat cuddy. All that said, if you can get the boat for a song, it might be a worthwhile project if you don't mind working for free. As others have advised, calculate your estimated investment (including power and rigging) and compare it to what's currently on the market in terms of turn-key boats of similar vintage. I'm continually amazed at the low prices some very desirable Whalers are going for, many with fairly recent repowers and in relatively good cosmetic shape.
Jessielove	posted 01-28-2012 08:09 PM ET (US) Looks like someone may have already tried this: http://gulfport.craigslist.org/boa/2822802418.html
JMARTIN	posted 01-28-2012 11:58 PM ET (US) Find the more common Outrage and make a Revenge. You will love the built in foot/or stand rest. Customize your interior, get good canvas and you can overnight. John
flippa	posted 01-31-2012 10:42 AM ET (US) I came across this article while searching for my Revenge last year. It is a step-by-step documentation of just what you are asking. Here is several hours of reading about the conversion with lots & lots of pictures; http://www.bdoutdoors.com/forums/check-out-my-boat/ 37192-rebirth-whaler-whaler-sex-change.html If you have the time, cash, skills and ambition, have fun with that and take a bunch of pictures. I would never tackle such a project; way too much time and money involved. I paid less for my boat & trailer than these guys did for the engine alone. I believe that it would be much cheaper to find a complete, turn-key boat set up relatively close to what you are looking for. If it is in decent shape, why not keep the Revenge? They have a ton of deck space, and if it is a Walk-thru model, it is very easy to access the front of the boat while landing fish, just have to keep the ladder in place. Plus it is real nice having a cabin and full windshield in foul weather. The Revenge is a very dry ride. I stuffed my boat into a wave this past October while coming in to Boston Harbor. Water rolled up the cabin to the mid-height of the windshield. We would have gotten soaked (if not swamped)in my 21 Outrage. I have had several Boston Whaler center console boats, and after one season with the Revenge, would never go back.
flippa	posted 01-31-2012 10:50 AM ET (US) It kills me to look at that site; all those good parts thrown in a pile. The carnage! If you do go forward with this, I'll take the cabin vents & a few other misc. parts off your hands.
Owtrayj25	posted 01-31-2012 12:37 PM ET (US) This has been done several times. If you are handy, especially with boat related refurbishment, most of the commitment is time. http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/011953.html http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011801.html I have seen pictures of both of these conversions. Acassidy in the 2nd link did an especially good job on his conversion. Most of the OEM parts needed can be found online (ebay, craigs list, etc.)
TommyWhaler	posted 02-01-2012 05:26 PM ET (US) Absolutely a 19 Revenge is the boat to use. Under no circumstances should a 19 Banana be ruined. But a Revenge. That is a different story.
Tohsgib	posted 02-02-2012 01:54 PM ET (US) They are both Bananas and with the outrage you get all the expensive stuff you need to make a lo-pro like console & RPS. You also get the glass front hatch instead of wood. I would never ruin a 19 Revenge but I would an outrage in this case. This post however is not about Banana hulls.