Removing Thwart Seats from Classic 13' Whaler

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: Whaler Repairs/Mods
  Removing Thwart Seats from Classic 13' Whaler

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   Removing Thwart Seats from Classic 13' Whaler

LCnSac posted 03-18-2014 10:21 PM ET (US)
I currently have a decent 12' glass skiff, but after owning 3 Whalers I need to get another 13' Whaler. A 15' would be nicer but the 13' and 17' stability is much better. I fly fish and am always standing on a deck casting, often in moving water with traffic. The 17' is more boat than I need or want and my 12' is fine 80% of the time. I had a 170 and it was way too big.
My plan is to pick up a 1980s 13' and gut the interior and reconfigure similar to a 15' Striper but with a standing height console and a pedestal seat behind, leaving the port side clear. I will ultimately repower with a 4S, probably a 30.
My primary questions are threefold:
1) Is there any structural integrity lost by removing the thwart seats? I want to keep it simple but structurally sound: front and rear casting decks with a side console.
2) Is this a realistic plan? I think I can buy a glass console somewhere, although the closest Carolina Skiff dealer is two states north in Washington. Will I have issues anchoring the pedestal seat to the deck? I'm not afraid to install some backing if need be.
3) How does one determine the best place for the console? I want it placed so there's enough room fore and aft for decent sized casting decks.
As always, suggestions appreciated. This is a fishing boat, not a garage queen or collector piece, so original equipment is not a big consideration for me. Good workmanship is.
Thanks!
John

skred posted 03-19-2014 09:20 AM ET (US)
I'm on my 4th classic 13 Whaler now, and have made some of the modifications you describe. First, the Whaler hull you have will remain structurally strong without the thwart seats, due to the fiberglass-foam-fiberglass bonding in the construction of the hull.
Second: here's a link to a supplier with a variety of nice consoles:
[url]http://www.boaterscatalog.com/cat--Consoles-For-Your-Boat--cmcc&pg=cat&ref=cmcc&catstr=HOME:boat_acc[\url]
Shipping is a little pricey, but not too bad.
The deck has a wood attachment plate embedded in it for the console attachment, and attaching a console through the deck fiberglass should be plenty solid, providing you also seal the screw points, and use a good sealer/adhesive (3M 4200 or 5200) all around under the base.
On my present 13 footer, I moved my side console and stern thwart seat about 1 foot forward of the original location to allow a bit more room a the stern, and better balance the boat. This would still leave adequate room at the bow for a casting platform. (The front edge of my forward thwart seat is 23 inches from the forward bulkhead and hatch area).
Good luck with your project!
skred posted 03-19-2014 09:24 AM ET (US)
Don't know what's wrong with my link: ??
http://www.boaterscatalog.com/cat--Consoles-For-Your-Boat--cmcc&pg=cat& ref=cmcc&catstr=HOME:boat_acc

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: Removing Thwart Seats from Classic 13' Whaler
LCnSac	posted 03-18-2014 10:21 PM ET (US) I currently have a decent 12' glass skiff, but after owning 3 Whalers I need to get another 13' Whaler. A 15' would be nicer but the 13' and 17' stability is much better. I fly fish and am always standing on a deck casting, often in moving water with traffic. The 17' is more boat than I need or want and my 12' is fine 80% of the time. I had a 170 and it was way too big. My plan is to pick up a 1980s 13' and gut the interior and reconfigure similar to a 15' Striper but with a standing height console and a pedestal seat behind, leaving the port side clear. I will ultimately repower with a 4S, probably a 30. My primary questions are threefold: 1) Is there any structural integrity lost by removing the thwart seats? I want to keep it simple but structurally sound: front and rear casting decks with a side console. 2) Is this a realistic plan? I think I can buy a glass console somewhere, although the closest Carolina Skiff dealer is two states north in Washington. Will I have issues anchoring the pedestal seat to the deck? I'm not afraid to install some backing if need be. 3) How does one determine the best place for the console? I want it placed so there's enough room fore and aft for decent sized casting decks. As always, suggestions appreciated. This is a fishing boat, not a garage queen or collector piece, so original equipment is not a big consideration for me. Good workmanship is. Thanks! John
skred	posted 03-19-2014 09:20 AM ET (US) I'm on my 4th classic 13 Whaler now, and have made some of the modifications you describe. First, the Whaler hull you have will remain structurally strong without the thwart seats, due to the fiberglass-foam-fiberglass bonding in the construction of the hull. Second: here's a link to a supplier with a variety of nice consoles: [url]http://www.boaterscatalog.com/cat--Consoles-For-Your-Boat--cmcc&pg=cat&ref=cmcc&catstr=HOME:boat_acc[\url] Shipping is a little pricey, but not too bad. The deck has a wood attachment plate embedded in it for the console attachment, and attaching a console through the deck fiberglass should be plenty solid, providing you also seal the screw points, and use a good sealer/adhesive (3M 4200 or 5200) all around under the base. On my present 13 footer, I moved my side console and stern thwart seat about 1 foot forward of the original location to allow a bit more room a the stern, and better balance the boat. This would still leave adequate room at the bow for a casting platform. (The front edge of my forward thwart seat is 23 inches from the forward bulkhead and hatch area). Good luck with your project!
skred	posted 03-19-2014 09:24 AM ET (US) Don't know what's wrong with my link: ?? http://www.boaterscatalog.com/cat--Consoles-For-Your-Boat--cmcc&pg=cat& ref=cmcc&catstr=HOME:boat_acc