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Author Topic:   13-Footer: 50-HP

protek9543 posted 12-19-2006 06:25 PM ET (US)
[The author solicits your opinions about the use of a] 1984 50-HP two-stroke on a 1966 [13-foot Boston Whaler boat].
pglein posted 12-19-2006 06:46 PM ET (US)
It'd be very fast. Most 50hp engines weigh no more than their 40hp brethren, so from a weight standpoint, it is not a concern. However, it's not something I would do and then hand the keys over to a teenage kid. I'd also be VERY careful about opening up that throttle as the boat gets a tad unpredictable at speeds over 40 knots, which would be pretty easily attainable with the right prop on a 50hp engine.
jklaiber posted 12-19-2006 07:39 PM ET (US)
I owned a 13ft Whaler with a 50hp Mercury serveral years ago. The motor was too heavy for the boat, so it sat to low in the water in the back. Scum would grow above the waterline and it ruined the gelcoat. The boat seem overpowered and I was reluctant to run it. I would tread lightly in that boat. A friend of mine had the same boat with a 40hp and his son flipped it one day.
Boatplans posted 12-19-2006 08:30 PM ET (US)
Every bass boat in your community will outrun a 1966 Boston Whaler 13 footer, and by a whole bunch.
protek9543 posted 12-19-2006 08:37 PM ET (US)
Hey Boatplans I'm not planning on raceing it.
John
JBCornwell posted 12-19-2006 08:47 PM ET (US)
I had, at one time or another, a 25, 40 and 50 (all JohnnyRude) on my '75 Sport 13.
The 40 was fast enough to scare me, about 40 mph/GPS.
I don't know how fast it might have gone with the 50. It scared me so bad I shut it down at about 47-48 before reaching max speed. She was chine walking.
I settled on the 25. Handled better, rode better and would go about 24-25mph wide open. That's about as fast as I want to go in a 13.
Red sky at night. . .
JB
SenecaWhaler posted 12-19-2006 08:54 PM ET (US)
I love mine!!!
http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/SenecaWhaler/?action=view¤t=b65a9838.jpg
SenecaWhaler
Brys13s posted 12-19-2006 08:56 PM ET (US)
I used to have a 50hp Merc with a 17p prop on my 13.It was a little too quick for it's own good.However it was lots of fun.Just use a little common sence with the throttle and enjoy.Be very selective about who you let drive it.That boat was not designed to go that fast.I have very fond memories of that setup.
SenecaWhaler posted 12-19-2006 08:57 PM ET (US)
Let's try this again!
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/SenecaWhaler/b65a9838.jpg
SenecaWhaler
jimh posted 12-19-2006 09:41 PM ET (US)
Don't worry at all about the motor being newer than the boat. This is often seen on older Boston Whaler boats. Some have outlasted several motors.
Boatplans posted 12-20-2006 05:01 AM ET (US)
SenecaWhaler,
Someone did some very nice work on the trailer. If it were not for the wheels and the hub caps, I would say the trailer was brand new. The boat is nice too. I particularly like the dark color of the mahogany.
Sorry to be off subject in this comment. I very much enjoyed seeing the picture of a fine looking boat.
John
bigpat posted 12-20-2006 11:21 AM ET (US)
i have a 1980 merc 50 hp 4 cyl on my 1976 13' classic sport. i welcome the available power as it needed. with a full bait tank, 12 gallon fuel tank, and a couple of fishing buddies, the boat planes nicely and handles well. if i am out solo without the bait tank, it will do 43 mph by gps @ 4400 rpms. i rarely run that fast as i am never in a hurry--better to give the motor a break and be safe at the same time.
Over the LINE posted 12-20-2006 11:56 AM ET (US)
50hp comes in handy if you haul loads.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v442/OTL4343/Misc/?action=view& current=Huntinggirlswhaler.jpg
I would not hand the keys to kids, even "big kids". The boat can be a handful with a 50hp.
Teak Oil posted 12-20-2006 04:03 PM ET (US)
SenecaWhaler thats a nice 13. When I was growing up we had a 1983 Merc 50 just like that one and I loved that motor. Too bad it was on a pig tri hull and not a Whaler.
Don't get rid of that motor
SenecaWhaler posted 12-21-2006 12:54 PM ET (US)
Boatplans,
Here is the "before" picture of the trailer and the hull.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/SenecaWhaler/Pict0026.jpg
Happy Holidays All!
SenecaWhaler
Boatplans posted 12-22-2006 10:45 PM ET (US)
SenecaWhaler,
There is a great deal of satisfaction in a restoration project. Only a person who has done it understands. I have nothing to add in terms of the way you did this except to further comment on the amazing color of your wood, even more impressive if you did not have the original wood. It is beautiful. That has to be old wood to have such rich color.
John
keystone posted 12-22-2006 11:14 PM ET (US)
I was 14 and it was 1965 when I got my 13' Whaler with a 50HP Merc. Got them brand new and still have them. Boat was $600 and Motor was $600. Both still look like new and run great. I ran an 11" pitch fro skiing and 17" for racing. Looking back There were some scarry incidents as I was so young but never flipped it. I had set the steering in middle which was not original. Whaler did it on the new ones a few years later after me. I found it to ride and handle much better. My buddy had a 50HP Johnson on a 1963 Whaler. I was faster and he tore the back of the transom apart because of the weight. The boat would stand straight up to the sky when he took off. It looked cool. My other buddy had a 1967 65HP Merc on his 13". That was really scarry. I don't think the boat went any faster but it could go out of control easy. I think the 50 HP Merc is a great set up but you have to be careful. I never let my kids use it but I grew up with boats. They did not.
The older Whalers had a slight lip on the back that made them plow in the front in very calm water. I found this to be anoying and dangerous. Anoying because you could not race in calm water and dangerous because it can roll the boat over if not careful. The bigger the motor the more pronounced. This winter I am thinking about looking into taking that lip out. Not sure how big it is or how thick the bottom skin is in the back but I want to do it. I plan on trying a Mark 75 dockbuster on it next spring at an AOMC meet in NJ.
I am reluctant to try taking the lip out of it because the boat looks like new and I would not want damage it. I know it is not a race boat but without that lip it just may be a decent boat to race. I ws hard to beat when I was younger but I know there are some real sick fast boats around these days. Just like to have some fun with it.
Thanks and Merry Christmas,
Tom
JMARTIN posted 12-23-2006 12:49 AM ET (US)
The 13 has a hook in the hull, the 15 does not. A 15 can be a lot of fun at max HP. Once the chine walking starts, I stop. John
Binkie posted 12-23-2006 10:26 AM ET (US)
keystone,
I`m about to start the resto on a `61 13 footer, and have been contemplating removing the hook also, as I have a mid sixties 75hp McCulloch Elgin that I would like to run on this boat. the motor is short shaft 3 cylinder, and doesn`t weigh any more than your 50 Merc. With this motor I can run the boat at the antique (AOMCI) boat meets.
With your boat turned over and a long straightedge, you can measure the hook. I think its about 5/8" It is not simple as there is very little flat bottom on this boat. the skin is not very thick. If you grind the lip (hook) off you will be cutting through the skin and into the foam. You would then have to glass over that area, but that will not get you a flat fast bottom, as the hook actually starts, at least a couple of feet forward of the stern, and on both sides of the runners. I don`t really care about the speed, as I have a race boat and a fast bass boat, but that McCulloch would look cool on that boat, and I could run it at reduced throttle. I`m not sure I want to modify something that was designed by Ray Hunt, so at this point I`m still up in the air on this project.
Rich
Sal DiMercurio posted 12-23-2006 11:29 AM ET (US)
Overthe line.
Your playing with fire by getting in that boat with hunting waders on,....if you go over, your feet will float with your head straight down,.....trust me, I've seen it.
Sal
keystone posted 12-23-2006 08:01 PM ET (US)
Hi Rich,
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping the hook was smaller. I will check mine out too see what it looks like. I once spoke to a guy from Texas who said he added cloth and epoxy to build up the bottom or fill in the space to eliminate the hook and not weeken the bottom. He said it worked great and eliminated the plowing problem. Let me know what you decide to do. I am up in the air also but will let you know if I decide to do it. I know the boat was not intended fro racing but as you know it can go fast in the right conditions ( into the wind with a strong breeze and slight chop). I use to call it a Whaler chop.
I once spoke to the sales person at the NY Boat Show and my family visited the Whaler Factory when we visited Boston. Still have pictures of the Whalers stacked 3 high in the factory yard. The guy at the boat show told me the lip is created because the way the bottom is made and removed from the mold. Not sure if he is right but he did aknowledge the hook in the bottom.
Thanks,
Tom
Boatplans posted 12-24-2006 01:21 AM ET (US)
A discussion about removing the hook from the bottom of a Boston Whaler 13 footer has come up before. I actually considered doing this, along with other improvements, such as a transom jack with a long set back. A careful study of attempting this will finally focus on the bow of a Boston Whaler 13 footer, which is relatively heavy and wide, whereas a modern high speed boat should have a proportionally wider stern and more narrow lighter bow.
The hard truth for those wanting to update a Boston Whaler 13 footer to run as fast as modern designs is that this is a bad idea. The project will not succeed and will probably waste a good hull. A Boston Whaler 13 footer is exceptionally well designed to serve as an all purpose safe little boat. It is designed to run very well with about 10 horsepower and the built in bottom hook helps it do this. Twenty five horsepower is actually more than needed without a load. With 25 horsepower, a lightly loaded 13 footer will drag the bow at full throttle. Thus, 25 horsepower is too much power for efficient running with one person and no load. A fully loaded boat can use 25 horsepower.
I see pictures of modified Boston Whaler 13 footers where attempts are being made to have the little boat do things it was never intended to do. When I see this, I think the 13 footer should be replaced with something larger suited to safely performing the task. If speed is the objective, there are several designs in the same size range that are faster. For example, I have read recommendations for the Boston Whaler 15 footer if speed is the objective, though I have never owned a 15 footer myself. The little 13 footers have very good value, so a well restored one could probably be traded for a nice 15 footer.
I am 64 years old, and remember the great fun I had racing my little outboard powered Thompson cedar strip boat back in the 1950s when 25 miles per hour was fast. Since then, I have owned many boats but I have nostalgia for my first boat, bought by my dad in 1951 and the new motor in 1953. I loved every thing about that boat and its Johnson Seahorse 25. We thought our boat was fast. However, since then I have owned a modern performance boat. I hate to say this to the old men of my generation, the young guys over on Scream and Fly are lightyears faster than we were in our day. However, I have more fun with my little Boston Whaler 13 footer restored to be exactly as designed originally and powered by a small outboard in the middle of the recommended horsepower range. It triggers my nostalgia for the 1950s better than 90 miles per hour on the water.
John
keystone posted 12-24-2006 12:44 PM ET (US)
Hi John,
Thanks for the reply.You make perfect sense and I will save myself the trouble of all the extra work and the possibility of messing up a perfect hull. I know the it was 13'was not designed for speed. I will depend on the Checkmate for speed as that what it was designed for. I like the Scream and Fly web site too. Actually I am not really into the exstream speed. 70mph is my max. After that I can't see where I am going.
My kids always joke with me how I never let them use the Whaler when the were younger. The reason is that with the 50hp it was to unstable for someone that was not familiar with boats. My father took me out since was 5. Maybe I will put the 20hp on it and let them have some fun. I wanted to put this Mark 75 for an AOMC meet and see how it went.
I want to find out how to post pictures so I can post a picture of my boat on this web page. Most people think my Whaler is new. I took really good care of it so it does look pretty good for almost 40 years old. I did change the steering from original with the help of my father. I moved the steering to the center.
I purchased my 13' Whaler in 1965 at 14 with a 50HP Merc. In 1968 the company replaced the original boat with a new one that I currently have because the bottom separated from the inner foam. They never asked what motor was on the boat as the dealer thought they may not warranty it because it was overpowered. I only had to pay the $200 difference in the price that the boats had increased by. They would have fixed the old one for free but advised that I would see the seam in the bottom where the repair was done. Looking back I believe the reason the bottom skin had separated from the inner foam was that I use to store it in a shed standing on its side on the rub rail bottom facing out. Probably a bad idea and resulted in the bottom separating. I have heard form several dealers that Boston Whaler does not give that kind or warranty any longer.
Thanks for your imput. Have a Merry Christmas,
Tom
Binkie posted 12-25-2006 06:53 AM ET (US)
boatplans
We have had this discussion before, and, as usual, your post hits the nail on the head. If my 75hp Mcculloch turns out to be a good runner, I will use it on my 13 footer, for the reason I stated in my above post. I wouldn`t run it over 30-35 mph. My daughter has a 13 footer with a 40 Merc., and with just the driver, at speed,it is more unstable than my raceboat, at double the speed. As far as us old guys going fast, many of those fast boats at S&F are more comfortable to ride in the a 13 foot Whaler at any speed.
Sal Di,
I read your post about your unfortunate trajestry that occurred with your son-in-law wearing waders. In my area all commercial fishermen wear shin high white rubber boots, to keep there feet dry. If you go overboard with these boots, are they dangerous also? I wonder if they can be kicked off when in the water. These boots also seem to be a status symbol around the waterfront, and are comfortable to wear.
Rich
BQUICK posted 12-26-2006 12:19 PM ET (US)
Tom, tried to PM but wouldn't go through....
Here's the note:
I can relate to your 13 ft Whaler….
I got my first one in 68 with a 33 Evinrude, in 70 after realizing what a piece of junk the EvinRUDE was I got a 50 Merc (manual start). Then in 71 I got the new Sourpuss and put the 50 Merc on it with power trim. I used to race around all summer up in RI. Was known as the fastest 13 ft around. Kids and some adults would come from neighboring areas to race the WATER RAT. Those were the days…..
I moved the whole Sourpuss seat assembly hack about 6 inches and ran w/o the middle seat. Ran a 17 in 2 blade bronze prop wand it tached 6000 at top end. Ran between 48 and 51 tops. The 51 was with me sitting back at the motor basically hugging it. The crazy things we used to do!
The power trim made all the difference in the world got the hull completely out of the water thus bypassing the hull speed limit.
That 50 hp lasted until a few years ago (cooling passages corroded thru) when I picked up a 1974 FW 50 manual start. I run it now w/o the power trim and it still runs good bout about 44 with a 15 in 3 blade stainless.
I bought a BRAND NEW 1977 50 merc short shaft, manual start off EBAY and almost new power trim stuff and someday I'll restore it all back to new. The boat is still like new, stored in a barn 11 months of the year.
I wouldn't let my kids run it either.
Tell me more about yours…..what area are/were you in?
BTW I have a 1966 50 short shaft electric start that would be cool on a similar vintage Whaler.
I like your idea of putting a Tower of Power on a 13! Saw one once and it was WILD looking! Manual start 75!
Bruce
keystone posted 12-26-2006 08:56 PM ET (US)
Hi Bruce,
I live on Long Island. I have my original 1965 50hp that I rebuilt in the mid 70's. I kept running the motor when the water pump had crapped out. Had no choice as the current was taking me out to sea. Put 1976 decals on it. Now I am sorry I did not get the original 1965 decals. Can't find them any more. I currently have 3 1965-1967 Merc 500's that are all rebuilt. They are all manual start. Never wanted to have the battery load in the boat.
I plan on trying the Mark 75 on the Whaler this spring. It is a 1959 dockbuster. 60 HP. Has never seen salt water and looks real clean so I will wait until the spring AOMC meet in a fresh water NJ lake. I will take it easy and not push it just to see how it goes. I think it will look nice. I don't think the Mark 75 will have any more power than the Merc 500 but will see. The Mark 75 is a short shaft. I had a friend that had a Merc 650 and another friend that had an early 60's Johnson 50hp on the 13' Whaler. The Johnson 50hp was so heavy it would stand the boat straight up when taking off. I toog a picture once ant the whole bottom was exposed. Wild.
My Mark 75 has both electric and pull start. If I could figure out how to post pictures I would love to post a few of the boat.
Thanks,
Tom
Binkie posted 12-26-2006 10:21 PM ET (US)
Hey Tom, The Dockbuster was a great motor are you a member over at John`s Old Mercury Website? Don`t forget to untie the boat from the dock, before you start that dockbuster.LOL
Rich
keystone posted 12-27-2006 09:27 AM ET (US)
Hi Rich,
I am not a member of John's Old Mercury Website. I am a member of the AOMC. I will make sure to untie the boat and point it out to sea before starting.
The single lever control for the Dockbuster needs some getting use to.
Thanks,
Tom
Binkie posted 12-27-2006 02:02 PM ET (US)
Tom,
I`m also a member of AOMCI. If your in Fl. in Feb. try to make the meet in Lake Wales on 2/2-2/4. I think I`ll bring my Desilva race boat with Chrysler race motor. When I get my `61 13` Whaler finished with my 75hp McCulloch I can bring that also.
Rich
keystone posted 12-27-2006 08:08 PM ET (US)
Hi Rich,
Unfortunately I will not be able to make it to FL in Feb. Do you know Jim Savage? I know he is from FL and may be at your meet. I may be down in April for a short visit. My mom has a house in St. Cloud. They have a boat race in the lake down the street from her house. Real big fast new expensive race boats. East Lake Topakahelia.
Thanks,
Tom

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Author	Topic: 13-Footer: 50-HP
protek9543	posted 12-19-2006 06:25 PM ET (US) [The author solicits your opinions about the use of a] 1984 50-HP two-stroke on a 1966 [13-foot Boston Whaler boat].
pglein	posted 12-19-2006 06:46 PM ET (US) It'd be very fast. Most 50hp engines weigh no more than their 40hp brethren, so from a weight standpoint, it is not a concern. However, it's not something I would do and then hand the keys over to a teenage kid. I'd also be VERY careful about opening up that throttle as the boat gets a tad unpredictable at speeds over 40 knots, which would be pretty easily attainable with the right prop on a 50hp engine.
jklaiber	posted 12-19-2006 07:39 PM ET (US) I owned a 13ft Whaler with a 50hp Mercury serveral years ago. The motor was too heavy for the boat, so it sat to low in the water in the back. Scum would grow above the waterline and it ruined the gelcoat. The boat seem overpowered and I was reluctant to run it. I would tread lightly in that boat. A friend of mine had the same boat with a 40hp and his son flipped it one day.
Boatplans	posted 12-19-2006 08:30 PM ET (US) Every bass boat in your community will outrun a 1966 Boston Whaler 13 footer, and by a whole bunch.
protek9543	posted 12-19-2006 08:37 PM ET (US) Hey Boatplans I'm not planning on raceing it. John
JBCornwell	posted 12-19-2006 08:47 PM ET (US) I had, at one time or another, a 25, 40 and 50 (all JohnnyRude) on my '75 Sport 13. The 40 was fast enough to scare me, about 40 mph/GPS. I don't know how fast it might have gone with the 50. It scared me so bad I shut it down at about 47-48 before reaching max speed. She was chine walking. I settled on the 25. Handled better, rode better and would go about 24-25mph wide open. That's about as fast as I want to go in a 13. Red sky at night. . . JB
SenecaWhaler	posted 12-19-2006 08:54 PM ET (US) I love mine!!! http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/SenecaWhaler/?action=view¤t=b65a9838.jpg SenecaWhaler
Brys13s	posted 12-19-2006 08:56 PM ET (US) I used to have a 50hp Merc with a 17p prop on my 13.It was a little too quick for it's own good.However it was lots of fun.Just use a little common sence with the throttle and enjoy.Be very selective about who you let drive it.That boat was not designed to go that fast.I have very fond memories of that setup.
SenecaWhaler	posted 12-19-2006 08:57 PM ET (US) Let's try this again! http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/SenecaWhaler/b65a9838.jpg SenecaWhaler
jimh	posted 12-19-2006 09:41 PM ET (US) Don't worry at all about the motor being newer than the boat. This is often seen on older Boston Whaler boats. Some have outlasted several motors.
Boatplans	posted 12-20-2006 05:01 AM ET (US) SenecaWhaler, Someone did some very nice work on the trailer. If it were not for the wheels and the hub caps, I would say the trailer was brand new. The boat is nice too. I particularly like the dark color of the mahogany. Sorry to be off subject in this comment. I very much enjoyed seeing the picture of a fine looking boat. John
bigpat	posted 12-20-2006 11:21 AM ET (US) i have a 1980 merc 50 hp 4 cyl on my 1976 13' classic sport. i welcome the available power as it needed. with a full bait tank, 12 gallon fuel tank, and a couple of fishing buddies, the boat planes nicely and handles well. if i am out solo without the bait tank, it will do 43 mph by gps @ 4400 rpms. i rarely run that fast as i am never in a hurry--better to give the motor a break and be safe at the same time.
Over the LINE	posted 12-20-2006 11:56 AM ET (US) 50hp comes in handy if you haul loads. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v442/OTL4343/Misc/?action=view& current=Huntinggirlswhaler.jpg I would not hand the keys to kids, even "big kids". The boat can be a handful with a 50hp.
Teak Oil	posted 12-20-2006 04:03 PM ET (US) SenecaWhaler thats a nice 13. When I was growing up we had a 1983 Merc 50 just like that one and I loved that motor. Too bad it was on a pig tri hull and not a Whaler. Don't get rid of that motor
SenecaWhaler	posted 12-21-2006 12:54 PM ET (US) Boatplans, Here is the "before" picture of the trailer and the hull. http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/SenecaWhaler/Pict0026.jpg Happy Holidays All! SenecaWhaler
Boatplans	posted 12-22-2006 10:45 PM ET (US) SenecaWhaler, There is a great deal of satisfaction in a restoration project. Only a person who has done it understands. I have nothing to add in terms of the way you did this except to further comment on the amazing color of your wood, even more impressive if you did not have the original wood. It is beautiful. That has to be old wood to have such rich color. John
keystone	posted 12-22-2006 11:14 PM ET (US) I was 14 and it was 1965 when I got my 13' Whaler with a 50HP Merc. Got them brand new and still have them. Boat was $600 and Motor was $600. Both still look like new and run great. I ran an 11" pitch fro skiing and 17" for racing. Looking back There were some scarry incidents as I was so young but never flipped it. I had set the steering in middle which was not original. Whaler did it on the new ones a few years later after me. I found it to ride and handle much better. My buddy had a 50HP Johnson on a 1963 Whaler. I was faster and he tore the back of the transom apart because of the weight. The boat would stand straight up to the sky when he took off. It looked cool. My other buddy had a 1967 65HP Merc on his 13". That was really scarry. I don't think the boat went any faster but it could go out of control easy. I think the 50 HP Merc is a great set up but you have to be careful. I never let my kids use it but I grew up with boats. They did not. The older Whalers had a slight lip on the back that made them plow in the front in very calm water. I found this to be anoying and dangerous. Anoying because you could not race in calm water and dangerous because it can roll the boat over if not careful. The bigger the motor the more pronounced. This winter I am thinking about looking into taking that lip out. Not sure how big it is or how thick the bottom skin is in the back but I want to do it. I plan on trying a Mark 75 dockbuster on it next spring at an AOMC meet in NJ. I am reluctant to try taking the lip out of it because the boat looks like new and I would not want damage it. I know it is not a race boat but without that lip it just may be a decent boat to race. I ws hard to beat when I was younger but I know there are some real sick fast boats around these days. Just like to have some fun with it. Thanks and Merry Christmas, Tom
JMARTIN	posted 12-23-2006 12:49 AM ET (US) The 13 has a hook in the hull, the 15 does not. A 15 can be a lot of fun at max HP. Once the chine walking starts, I stop. John
Binkie	posted 12-23-2006 10:26 AM ET (US) keystone, I`m about to start the resto on a `61 13 footer, and have been contemplating removing the hook also, as I have a mid sixties 75hp McCulloch Elgin that I would like to run on this boat. the motor is short shaft 3 cylinder, and doesn`t weigh any more than your 50 Merc. With this motor I can run the boat at the antique (AOMCI) boat meets. With your boat turned over and a long straightedge, you can measure the hook. I think its about 5/8" It is not simple as there is very little flat bottom on this boat. the skin is not very thick. If you grind the lip (hook) off you will be cutting through the skin and into the foam. You would then have to glass over that area, but that will not get you a flat fast bottom, as the hook actually starts, at least a couple of feet forward of the stern, and on both sides of the runners. I don`t really care about the speed, as I have a race boat and a fast bass boat, but that McCulloch would look cool on that boat, and I could run it at reduced throttle. I`m not sure I want to modify something that was designed by Ray Hunt, so at this point I`m still up in the air on this project. Rich
Sal DiMercurio	posted 12-23-2006 11:29 AM ET (US) Overthe line. Your playing with fire by getting in that boat with hunting waders on,....if you go over, your feet will float with your head straight down,.....trust me, I've seen it. Sal
keystone	posted 12-23-2006 08:01 PM ET (US) Hi Rich, Thanks for the reply. I was hoping the hook was smaller. I will check mine out too see what it looks like. I once spoke to a guy from Texas who said he added cloth and epoxy to build up the bottom or fill in the space to eliminate the hook and not weeken the bottom. He said it worked great and eliminated the plowing problem. Let me know what you decide to do. I am up in the air also but will let you know if I decide to do it. I know the boat was not intended fro racing but as you know it can go fast in the right conditions ( into the wind with a strong breeze and slight chop). I use to call it a Whaler chop. I once spoke to the sales person at the NY Boat Show and my family visited the Whaler Factory when we visited Boston. Still have pictures of the Whalers stacked 3 high in the factory yard. The guy at the boat show told me the lip is created because the way the bottom is made and removed from the mold. Not sure if he is right but he did aknowledge the hook in the bottom. Thanks, Tom
Boatplans	posted 12-24-2006 01:21 AM ET (US) A discussion about removing the hook from the bottom of a Boston Whaler 13 footer has come up before. I actually considered doing this, along with other improvements, such as a transom jack with a long set back. A careful study of attempting this will finally focus on the bow of a Boston Whaler 13 footer, which is relatively heavy and wide, whereas a modern high speed boat should have a proportionally wider stern and more narrow lighter bow. The hard truth for those wanting to update a Boston Whaler 13 footer to run as fast as modern designs is that this is a bad idea. The project will not succeed and will probably waste a good hull. A Boston Whaler 13 footer is exceptionally well designed to serve as an all purpose safe little boat. It is designed to run very well with about 10 horsepower and the built in bottom hook helps it do this. Twenty five horsepower is actually more than needed without a load. With 25 horsepower, a lightly loaded 13 footer will drag the bow at full throttle. Thus, 25 horsepower is too much power for efficient running with one person and no load. A fully loaded boat can use 25 horsepower. I see pictures of modified Boston Whaler 13 footers where attempts are being made to have the little boat do things it was never intended to do. When I see this, I think the 13 footer should be replaced with something larger suited to safely performing the task. If speed is the objective, there are several designs in the same size range that are faster. For example, I have read recommendations for the Boston Whaler 15 footer if speed is the objective, though I have never owned a 15 footer myself. The little 13 footers have very good value, so a well restored one could probably be traded for a nice 15 footer. I am 64 years old, and remember the great fun I had racing my little outboard powered Thompson cedar strip boat back in the 1950s when 25 miles per hour was fast. Since then, I have owned many boats but I have nostalgia for my first boat, bought by my dad in 1951 and the new motor in 1953. I loved every thing about that boat and its Johnson Seahorse 25. We thought our boat was fast. However, since then I have owned a modern performance boat. I hate to say this to the old men of my generation, the young guys over on Scream and Fly are lightyears faster than we were in our day. However, I have more fun with my little Boston Whaler 13 footer restored to be exactly as designed originally and powered by a small outboard in the middle of the recommended horsepower range. It triggers my nostalgia for the 1950s better than 90 miles per hour on the water. John
keystone	posted 12-24-2006 12:44 PM ET (US) Hi John, Thanks for the reply.You make perfect sense and I will save myself the trouble of all the extra work and the possibility of messing up a perfect hull. I know the it was 13'was not designed for speed. I will depend on the Checkmate for speed as that what it was designed for. I like the Scream and Fly web site too. Actually I am not really into the exstream speed. 70mph is my max. After that I can't see where I am going. My kids always joke with me how I never let them use the Whaler when the were younger. The reason is that with the 50hp it was to unstable for someone that was not familiar with boats. My father took me out since was 5. Maybe I will put the 20hp on it and let them have some fun. I wanted to put this Mark 75 for an AOMC meet and see how it went. I want to find out how to post pictures so I can post a picture of my boat on this web page. Most people think my Whaler is new. I took really good care of it so it does look pretty good for almost 40 years old. I did change the steering from original with the help of my father. I moved the steering to the center. I purchased my 13' Whaler in 1965 at 14 with a 50HP Merc. In 1968 the company replaced the original boat with a new one that I currently have because the bottom separated from the inner foam. They never asked what motor was on the boat as the dealer thought they may not warranty it because it was overpowered. I only had to pay the $200 difference in the price that the boats had increased by. They would have fixed the old one for free but advised that I would see the seam in the bottom where the repair was done. Looking back I believe the reason the bottom skin had separated from the inner foam was that I use to store it in a shed standing on its side on the rub rail bottom facing out. Probably a bad idea and resulted in the bottom separating. I have heard form several dealers that Boston Whaler does not give that kind or warranty any longer. Thanks for your imput. Have a Merry Christmas, Tom
Binkie	posted 12-25-2006 06:53 AM ET (US) boatplans We have had this discussion before, and, as usual, your post hits the nail on the head. If my 75hp Mcculloch turns out to be a good runner, I will use it on my 13 footer, for the reason I stated in my above post. I wouldn`t run it over 30-35 mph. My daughter has a 13 footer with a 40 Merc., and with just the driver, at speed,it is more unstable than my raceboat, at double the speed. As far as us old guys going fast, many of those fast boats at S&F are more comfortable to ride in the a 13 foot Whaler at any speed. Sal Di, I read your post about your unfortunate trajestry that occurred with your son-in-law wearing waders. In my area all commercial fishermen wear shin high white rubber boots, to keep there feet dry. If you go overboard with these boots, are they dangerous also? I wonder if they can be kicked off when in the water. These boots also seem to be a status symbol around the waterfront, and are comfortable to wear. Rich
BQUICK	posted 12-26-2006 12:19 PM ET (US) Tom, tried to PM but wouldn't go through.... Here's the note: I can relate to your 13 ft Whaler…. I got my first one in 68 with a 33 Evinrude, in 70 after realizing what a piece of junk the EvinRUDE was I got a 50 Merc (manual start). Then in 71 I got the new Sourpuss and put the 50 Merc on it with power trim. I used to race around all summer up in RI. Was known as the fastest 13 ft around. Kids and some adults would come from neighboring areas to race the WATER RAT. Those were the days….. I moved the whole Sourpuss seat assembly hack about 6 inches and ran w/o the middle seat. Ran a 17 in 2 blade bronze prop wand it tached 6000 at top end. Ran between 48 and 51 tops. The 51 was with me sitting back at the motor basically hugging it. The crazy things we used to do! The power trim made all the difference in the world got the hull completely out of the water thus bypassing the hull speed limit. That 50 hp lasted until a few years ago (cooling passages corroded thru) when I picked up a 1974 FW 50 manual start. I run it now w/o the power trim and it still runs good bout about 44 with a 15 in 3 blade stainless. I bought a BRAND NEW 1977 50 merc short shaft, manual start off EBAY and almost new power trim stuff and someday I'll restore it all back to new. The boat is still like new, stored in a barn 11 months of the year. I wouldn't let my kids run it either. Tell me more about yours…..what area are/were you in? BTW I have a 1966 50 short shaft electric start that would be cool on a similar vintage Whaler. I like your idea of putting a Tower of Power on a 13! Saw one once and it was WILD looking! Manual start 75! Bruce
keystone	posted 12-26-2006 08:56 PM ET (US) Hi Bruce, I live on Long Island. I have my original 1965 50hp that I rebuilt in the mid 70's. I kept running the motor when the water pump had crapped out. Had no choice as the current was taking me out to sea. Put 1976 decals on it. Now I am sorry I did not get the original 1965 decals. Can't find them any more. I currently have 3 1965-1967 Merc 500's that are all rebuilt. They are all manual start. Never wanted to have the battery load in the boat. I plan on trying the Mark 75 on the Whaler this spring. It is a 1959 dockbuster. 60 HP. Has never seen salt water and looks real clean so I will wait until the spring AOMC meet in a fresh water NJ lake. I will take it easy and not push it just to see how it goes. I think it will look nice. I don't think the Mark 75 will have any more power than the Merc 500 but will see. The Mark 75 is a short shaft. I had a friend that had a Merc 650 and another friend that had an early 60's Johnson 50hp on the 13' Whaler. The Johnson 50hp was so heavy it would stand the boat straight up when taking off. I toog a picture once ant the whole bottom was exposed. Wild. My Mark 75 has both electric and pull start. If I could figure out how to post pictures I would love to post a few of the boat. Thanks, Tom
Binkie	posted 12-26-2006 10:21 PM ET (US) Hey Tom, The Dockbuster was a great motor are you a member over at John`s Old Mercury Website? Don`t forget to untie the boat from the dock, before you start that dockbuster.LOL Rich
keystone	posted 12-27-2006 09:27 AM ET (US) Hi Rich, I am not a member of John's Old Mercury Website. I am a member of the AOMC. I will make sure to untie the boat and point it out to sea before starting. The single lever control for the Dockbuster needs some getting use to. Thanks, Tom
Binkie	posted 12-27-2006 02:02 PM ET (US) Tom, I`m also a member of AOMCI. If your in Fl. in Feb. try to make the meet in Lake Wales on 2/2-2/4. I think I`ll bring my Desilva race boat with Chrysler race motor. When I get my `61 13` Whaler finished with my 75hp McCulloch I can bring that also. Rich
keystone	posted 12-27-2006 08:08 PM ET (US) Hi Rich, Unfortunately I will not be able to make it to FL in Feb. Do you know Jim Savage? I know he is from FL and may be at your meet. I may be down in April for a short visit. My mom has a house in St. Cloud. They have a boat race in the lake down the street from her house. Real big fast new expensive race boats. East Lake Topakahelia. Thanks, Tom