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The "Squirrelly" 16SL Hull
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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas
ContinuousWave: Post-Classic Whalers
The "Squirrelly" 16SL Hull
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| Author | Topic: The "Squirrelly" 16SL Hull |
| RFK |
posted 05-12-2005 06:16 PM ET (US)  
Several years ago I ordered a Bimini top from Mills. (I love it.) In the process I talked with Bob several times. At one point he told me ( this is paraphrase) that not every product of Whaler was good,and that I ought to watch out because the 16SL hull was a bit "squirrelly". I think he thought I had just bought the boat. Actually I bought it in 1992 and it has been on most the Great Lakes, the Hudson River,Puget Sound, and most places in between. But I know what he means. 90hp on a 15.5ft hull can get you in trouble. On the other hand the storage in the boat is incredible and the freeboard allows us great fall trips that in our other Whalers always brought the prospect of spray that was really cold. Also it is a beautiful trailerable boat that is a delight to tow, yet when you get there will take on any water. (Behind a GMC Safari I got 17mpg to Seattle and back.) This thread is about post-classics. How do people feel about their 16SLs? Do you want to trade it in, and for what? What are the good things you have experienced, and the bad? Now that my ego is is better I would like to send Bob a note. |
| daveweight |
posted 05-13-2005 03:18 AM ET (US)
We have owned our 16Sl for 20 months now and apart from some early porpoising issues which were down to operator error and a strange engine height setup we have never really noticed anything Squirrelly about our hull.WOT two up is just over 43 knots or 49 mph and if I lose 80 pounds we should see her go over the magical 50 mph. We have no problems with this sort of speed, and on our RYA Powerboat course last year we were shown by our instructor just how stable at high speed this hull is. Build quality and finish are excellent with no evidence of spider cracks, delamination or any other hull nasties. In short we love WASP to death and wouldn't dream of swapping her. I won't knock any other Whalers as I have no experience of them but this Reebok Whaler has been an excellent buy for the two families who share her especially as we can get all seven of us on the water at the same time which was our main consideration. -...- .- .-. |
| RFK |
posted 05-13-2005 08:26 AM ET (US)
Thanks for responding. It is lonely at times, as there weren't a ton of SLs made. I think we have corresponded before. Aren't you in England? I am curious about in what kind of waters you are using the boat? E.g.Salt or fresh water? Also, can you describe the "training" you got for high speed operation? Thanks, Dick |
| daveweight |
posted 05-13-2005 09:38 AM ET (US)
Dick We use our 16Sl in and around the English Channel and Thames Estuary both of which are very shallow, Britain sits fairly on the Continental Shelf so depths go from 100-30 feet. This means that we are always on a shelving seabed with steep chop and short wave intervals. Opportunities to run fast in freshwater here are almost nil so we are all at sea. The Royal Yachting Association runs all kinds of courses both for sail/power and inland waterways as well as PWC, these are not compulsory yet but the course we took qualified us for the International Certificate of Competence which is a requirement in some parts of Europe. Ideally courses are taken in a sea school boat but because of some adaptions to WASP we took the course in her. The instructor was initially nervous about this because he didn't know what a Boston Whaler was,(go figure).The level two course we took is two 8 hour days involving all aspects from launching and recovery to navigation and a high speed passage with man overboard drills thrown in for good measure. The most impressive part of the high speed drills we undertook was to run circles around a Cardinal buoy decreasing the size of the circles until we thought we were as tight as we dared to go, he then said to increase throttle and see what happened and believe it or not we actually decreased the size of the circles we were running with no sign of the hull letting go, we were gobsmacked to say the least. These courses are tailored to the individual so with 35 years in boats under our belts the instructor probably figured that our skills just needed honing a bit, we still learnt plenty though. I think you may have corresponded with my brother Chris co-owner of WASP -...- .- .-. Dave |
| daveweight |
posted 05-13-2005 10:54 AM ET (US)
Dick I don't know about not many being made. We are starting to think that there may be only one in Britain and ours was modified for use as a Water And Shore Patrol boat hence WASP. We have bow rails the like of which were never seen on a Whaler anywhere else -....- .- .-. Dave |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 05-13-2005 02:07 PM ET (US)
RTK we talked some time back when we first bought our whaler and were a little worried by the bad press so to speak, but as Dave has already said we have been really surprised at how dry and capable our SL16 is and indeed after a long run at speed with the instructor driving WASP he commented on how stable the boat felt loaded with four adults and all our cold weather gear (course was last october 04) I can't say that I don't hold a small envious spot for a revenge 25 cuddy but then we wouldn't be able to tow it down to the Isle of Wight for our summer boating so dream on I guess. kind regards Dick. chris |
| RFK |
posted 05-13-2005 05:40 PM ET (US)
Guys, Thank you so much for the information. It sounds like your RYA training goes beyond what we have in our Coast Guard Auxillary courses. I am delighted that you are so pleased with the boat. Think about sending pictures. I am intrigued with your description of the rails. There is a picture of our boat in Ceterea. This was on our Lake Michigan. Tell me what the boating will be like when you go on holiday. Do you trailer your boat? What do you pull it with? Also, how much did you know about Whalers when you bought the boat? And where did you find it? |
| RFK |
posted 05-13-2005 05:47 PM ET (US)
I forgot to ask about power. What outboard do you have and what was the issue with the height of the motor? Dick |
| RFK |
posted 05-13-2005 05:54 PM ET (US)
Chris, You mention you envy a Revenge 25. The boat I envy is a Revenge 22. I just think it is a gorgeous boat. And I have passed up several because what it would mean, i.e. tow vehicle, garage etc. Dick |
| Sheila |
posted 05-13-2005 10:19 PM ET (US)
I went down to the marina to putter today and chatted a bit with a dockmate (is that what you call people whose boats are berthed near yours?). It was the first time we'd spoken, and I ran into him on the way to my boat, so he didn't know which boat was mine. He's got a Grady White walkaround. When I told him the Whaler was mine, he said, "I used to have a 16SL. She was a great little boat!" Brought me to mind of this thread. Chris, if you ever make your way to my corner of the USA, I'd be honored to take you out for a cruise on my Revenge 25. |
| erik selis |
posted 05-14-2005 02:35 AM ET (US)
Although I have never been out in a 16SL I can only imagine that this boat will have an excellent ride and will also handle very well. I think the 16SL hull was the basic template for the design of the new Legend series. If you look at the pictures on this link you will find many similarities between the 16SL lines and the 170 Montauk. Sure there are differences but these hulls seem much more connected than i.e. the 17-Montauk and the 170 Montauk or the 15-Sport or the 150 Sport. http://users.skynet.be/extreme-vissers/16SL.htm What I really like about the 16SL is the storage room. If anyone would like some pictures of a nice 16SL feel free to e-mail me and I will send them to you. Regards, Erik |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 05-14-2005 04:25 AM ET (US)
Dick The SL16 is powered by a 90hp elpto 2 stroke which when we bought her she had a trim limit pin installed which caused porposing at lower speeds. our summer vacation is currently spent at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, an Island aproximately 30 miles x twenty just off the southern coast of England which while we are there hosts Cowes Week which i would think may be a world famous event amoung yacht racer's. (hundreds of boats everywhere) We tow WASP down from London about 100 miles with my 4L Jeep Cherokee (I like American engineering )to a short ferry journey and spend three weeks camping and boating together with Dave's family and my Family sharing fishing boating Chore's and all. We Knew nothing of Whalers when we bought the boat but as a young boy I had always thought that the Thunderbird on a tv program called FLIPPER was a Boston (I fell in love with American trucks at about the same time) Dave spotted the boat on the web and rang me saying did I want to go and look at it. "Yeah" WASP was about 150 miles away in Somerset, she had been sold by the Water And Shore Patrol at our usual Slip in Kent and we have returned her to her original home. I would love to post some shots but have only had broadband for a couple of weeks and I don't no how as yet. Sheila I'll be sure to take you up on your kind offer (envy)terrible sin. Erik I would love some nice shots and I will try to get in contact soon. regards chris |
| RFK |
posted 05-14-2005 08:42 AM ET (US)
Thanks for sharing. When you get used to the broadband I hope you send pictures of WASP. Had the Water & Safety people cared for the boat? Typically how would they have used the boat. You mentioned they had a costomized bow railing for the boat. Was this to allow crew to stand when boarding or inspecting other boats? It is interesting that the government people didn't have the motor setup for optimum performance. Your vacation trip sounds interesting. I have to get out my maps and check the place out. Also, I am happy our tv programs produced some good. Dick |
| RFK |
posted 05-14-2005 08:55 AM ET (US)
Erik, thank you for the comparative pictures. Our boat was delivered with a Calkins trailer and after a couple of seasons I traded to an Eagle drive-on bunk trailer. The Calkins was difficult to load and unload because of the variations in ramp angles and water levels at places we visited. Some meant that the car was almost launched before the water was deep enough to get the boat off. The Eagle makes a lower presentation to the water and has been good. Dick |
| RFK |
posted 05-15-2005 08:50 PM ET (US)
Erik, I checked out your pictures. I didn't realize your boating is in Europe and on the Med. It broadens my horizon that two repsonses to my thread are Whaler owners in England and Belgium! And Erik it appears you know all the Whaler owners in Belgium! Your trailer, incidently, looks very similar to our first one. The traler light assembly you use is different from ours, but must give people ample warning. Dick |
| daveweight |
posted 05-16-2005 03:33 AM ET (US)
Dick Both boat and engine were very well maintained, I think that the story goes that they spent more time polishing and tuning than they did patrolling. Seriously though WASPS jurisdiction would have been the surfline out to about half a mile offshore looking after swimmers and windsurfers etc and keeping the PWC drivers on the straight and narrow, any further comes under the auspices of the Coast Guard. The engine set up may have been to counteract the effects of all the safety equipment carried including a six man life raft. The bow rails are walk through, they terminate about a foot before the bow cleats and then swoop back into the boat and end on plates either side of the anchor locker they are great for exiting over the bow. I am sure they are custom made because we could not find anything like them on Tom Clarks excellent CD's. We boat all year round and as both of us get 7 weeks paid leave or more per annum we tend to boat during the week when the slips are quiet. our trip to the Isle of Wight is 3 weeks long and with fuel at $6.30 for an imperial gallon of 4.54 litres the fuel bill for our holiday is considerable. Erik Thanks for the comparative pictures, the similarities are striking when you view them like that. -...- .- .- Dave |
| erik selis |
posted 05-16-2005 04:37 AM ET (US)
Chris and Dave, it's my pleasure for posting the pictures. I really like the 16SL. There's a really nice one for sale in Amsterdam for a reasonable price. I'm trying to convince a buddy of mine to go take a look at her. He's planning on buying a used Whaler and is looking for something in the 17-ft range. Here's a link to the information on her. Click on the "occasions" menu and scroll down until you see the 16SL. Cheers guys, Erik |
| erik selis |
posted 05-16-2005 04:47 AM ET (US)
Dick, I may not know all of the owners around here (yet) but the BW dealer has asked for my data base. It's always good to know if a nice one would become available. We are also planning on organizing some BW related events of our own over here. Most trailers over here have a slide-out rail that includes the lights and license plate. This rail has to be removed when launching the boat and sticks out beyond the furthest point of the engine when driving. Erik |
| daveweight |
posted 05-16-2005 05:41 AM ET (US)
Erik That's a nice looking boat, it looks like you pay as much or more for whalers as we do, it converts to £8247 or $14879 which is more than we paid for ours although WASP is 1 year older I think. Nice comparison though. We use a similar system for trailer lights and we cannot imagine immersing the electrics in salt water. -...- .- .-. Dave |
| RFK |
posted 05-16-2005 06:39 AM ET (US)
Thanks for the information. I have a ski hitch on our Whaler and though I don't pull many skiers these days, it acts as a nice rack for our bimini and a place for a throw life preserver. Also helps old people get in the boat. I also added one of those plastic add-a-step to the swim platform step because it was really difficult for folks to get back in the boat. You guys seem familiar with our boat suppliers so you will see them in Overton's or West. The pictures from the Amsterdam dealer are impressive. And I like the price on the 16SL! Dave, it sounds like you made a good deal on your boat. All clean and customized!
|
| daveweight |
posted 05-16-2005 07:17 AM ET (US)
Dick WASP has a double stainless steel arch over the outboard, the twin horns hang underneath it and an 8ft antenna is attached to the side. There are two clips on the front edge to hold a stainless swim ladder which bolts onto the rear side handrails on the boat. We think this thing went to sea looking like a Christmas tree when it was a patrol boat as there are mountings for another 2 4ft whip antennae. We tow inflatable toys from the lifting eyes on the back of the boat but the securing points are there already for a ski pylon if we ever want to go that route. -...- .- .-. Dave |
| RFK |
posted 05-16-2005 08:16 AM ET (US)
Whoa! Dave, what a picture! All that strung on that boat! What do they use now for their work? What a compliment to the 16Sl. Just for it to stay afloat with all the stainless steel, plus a six man life boat and the crew. The boat is 1050lbs, you wonder what it was when they put it in the water. Well it certainly gives you unique equipment. You say seven of you go out. How do you have everyone placed? (When we take six adults I take two of the these new canvas armless folding chairs and place them between the seats. Works great.) |
| daveweight |
posted 05-16-2005 10:17 AM ET (US)
We are two families with a total of 3 adults 2 teenagers and 2 smaller children so we have one either side of the engine, pilot and co pilot, 2 on the front seats in front of the consoles and 1 small one on the bow cushion or me standing between the consoles looking out for floating debris if it is choppy. This works well and although WASP is slower to plane she still runs well with this crew. As a patrol boat we think the crew was probably 2-3 but with a 90hp Mercury 2 stroke even with all that kit she still went well according to the ex crew members we have since met, many of whom wanted to purchase WASP when the council were selling her off (this is against council policy so they lost out). The replacement is a much larger White Shark for which the council paid about $100000, so much money that they couldn't afford to spread 200000 tons of sand on the beach the year they bought the boat. Dave |
| andygere |
posted 05-16-2005 12:11 PM ET (US)
I've always thought the 16 SL looked like a scaled down version of the 21 and 23 foot Walkaround models that were made from 1991 to 1993. Those boats seem to be held in high regard, and I would expect similar performance characteristics from the 16, assuming proportion and balance is similar. A forum member that goes by the name of Underdog has one, powered by a 115 hp Fict. He seems to really like the boat, which I've seen it a several of the NorCal Rendesvous events. You may try a search on his screen name to find more information. |
| bobgilsp |
posted 05-16-2005 12:45 PM ET (US)
I have owned a 16SL since 1997 and consider it to be quite seaworthy. I had porpoising until I raised the motor in order to place the AV plate about 1.5" above the very bottom of the Vee in the hull. That move also gained me some speed. She will now porpoise only when trimmed out too far. She now has a Honda 90 4-stroke on the transom & is a little stern heavy. She won't stay on plane at slow speeds, so I might try a hydrofoil. The 16SL gets little respect on this site, but I believe that is primarily due to her being a Reebok era boat that didn't sell well. Those who prefer the classic Montauk also don't seem to like the dual console appearance as opposed to a center console set-up. I am pleased that owners & former owners have spoken up on this thread to offer their actual experiences. Even a Reebok Whaler can be a good Whaler. |
| RFK |
posted 05-16-2005 01:28 PM ET (US)
Thanks for saying that, Bob. Frankly, I was trying to tap into that bias, which I also sense. The main thing is those of us who own them do enjoy them. And as far as I'm concerned they represent what is best about Whaler; well made, safe, tough, and enjoyable. While 16SL doesn't represent radical change, the twin consoles, high freeboard and the storage capacity certainly offered something new at the time. |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 05-16-2005 03:22 PM ET (US)
I may be able to shed a little light on the slow take up of the SL16 f you look at Tom Clarks excellent cd's you will see that a SL16 was $12,645 the price of a 17 Montauk was just less than $9000 dollars in 1994 this is probably the equivalent of $30,000 to $20,000 dollars today and could certainly account for a portion of sales loss. regards chris |
| RFK |
posted 05-16-2005 05:24 PM ET (US)
Chris, I would agree that price was a major factor in the demise of the 16SL. Our boat with motor, trailer etc. came to almost $19,000. That was in '92. If it hadn't been for a good trade-in of a 15ft.GSL, we wouldn't have it. That was a huge price for a boat that size in those days. But I also think that the boat caused a certain wonderment on where the ownership might be taking the line. What else might play, or played, into perceptions, who knows. |
| daveweight |
posted 05-18-2005 05:19 AM ET (US)
To all It looks like this thread is going to die on the vine, obviously not many SL16 owners out there. I am pressurising Chris to get pictures of WASP posted but until then hurry up and wait as they say in the Navy. _..._ ._ ._. Dave |
| bobgilsp |
posted 05-18-2005 11:34 AM ET (US)
I wish we could hear from someone who had a bad experience with a 16SL. Then we might know why Mills had referred to its hull as "squirrelly". Keith "Underdog" near San Francisco has a 16 SL, but if he responds, he will have only good things to say about his boat. |
| good |
posted 05-18-2005 01:14 PM ET (US)
I too have a 16sl,(1992 with 1996 johnson 90). At maximum speed of 48 mph the rear end feels a little light like it wants to come around. Maybe that's what he meant by squirrelly. |
| UnderDog |
posted 05-18-2005 05:26 PM ET (US)
Hello, Did someone metion my name?......thanks Andy and BOB. for the record, I only have the max hp allowed for a 16SL its a 90Hp evinrude ficth. My family has had a great time on this whaler and have had a great time scuba diving off of my whaler. I have had 4 divers with two tank each and still have got up on plane. In My humble opinion, I have more deck space than a 17 foot Montauk.But I would trade My 16SL in a heart beat for Andy's Beautiful 1989 22 foot OUTRAGE Cuddy. I love my 16SL but I am not stupid but, I know Andy is not either. Keith |
| RFK |
posted 05-19-2005 06:50 PM ET (US)
Chris, Look forward to seeing the pictures. Meanwhile, this has been fun. Now I have to figure out how to package this for Bob. Peace, Dick Kunnert |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 05-20-2005 04:59 PM ET (US)
Dick with a bit of luck you should get a picture via email. regards chris |
| RFK |
posted 05-21-2005 09:01 AM ET (US)
Chris, Got it. Beautiful custom job. I sent a note to Bob at Mills and invited him to check out this thread. Dick |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 05-21-2005 01:27 PM ET (US)
Erik can't seem to get your email address to work, could you please email me. regards chris |
| BobbyMW |
posted 05-23-2005 09:31 PM ET (US)
I just joined the forum to respond to this thread as the owner of a 16SL, as previous posters have requested personal experiences. I've grown up around Whalers, mostly 13s and Montauks, but have been very pleased with the 16SL. Some of the criticisms are true - a constant eye on engine trim is vital, and at high speed the boat feels light on the water - but the advantages are far greater. The dual console design opens up the deck more than a center console does; the built - in storage is huge for a 15'5" boat, it planes at low RPMs, takes waves predictably and is very dry. It also has comfortable seating for four, and two more can rest on the rear jump seats if the seas are calm. I've spent all of my time in this boat on the Severn River and in the Chesapeake, which can range from glassy flat to brutally choppy, and while it's not always comfortable, it's always safe. I think one of the reasons for its lack of commercial success is the price, due in large part to the integral fuel tank, copious storage, built in seating and large options list. While this created an uncomfortably expensive boat when it was new, it makes for a good value as a used boat. It's kind of like the 12' Impact: a very cool boat, but at 15k for a 12' dinghy, an economically poor choice. Ultimately, a great boat for some boating lifestyles and those who don't mind the post-classic designs and Reebok stigma. -Bobby |
| RFK |
posted 05-24-2005 09:51 PM ET (US)
Okay, we have a few 16SL owners on this thread, so can you help me with this question. What do you think the designer had in mind for the two compartments at the stern of the boat? How do you use them? For dry or wet storage? |
| BobbyMW |
posted 05-25-2005 11:33 AM ET (US)
RFK, I don't use them, except occasionally to store a coil of rope or get something out of the way. However, I think you could use it as a small bait well, given the easy drainage. -Bobby |
| bobgilsp |
posted 05-25-2005 12:35 PM ET (US)
RFK- I use the starboard compartment for the boat's battery. It is likely to get wet there, so I put the battery inside a plastic battery box. I usually store some spare bottles of drinking water in the port compartment. |
| daveweight |
posted 05-26-2005 02:59 AM ET (US)
Dick Out of the many possible choices of lockers which are you referring to, would they be the two under the jump seat cushions or the two set into the deck just aft of the two excellent pedestal seats? Dave -...- .- .-. |
| RFK |
posted 05-26-2005 07:13 AM ET (US)
Dave, I meant the two in the floor behind the seats.Sorry, I wasn't clear about that. I use the starboard one to hold the transom tie downs. The port one I typically use as a cooler. It is amazing how well the ice holds up. All that insulation around it really keeps things cool. On one occasion I used it as an emergency livewell. I have my battery under the starboard rear seat. Now that I don't have a separate oil resevoir, storage under port rear seat is available. I was thinking about carrying a trolling motor in the center storage area and getting a plate for the swim platform to use in emergencies. Anyone done that? |
| daveweight |
posted 05-26-2005 07:39 AM ET (US)
Dick I assumed they were the ones but was just showing off about the number available on an SL16, we normally stow docklines beach shoes etc in those. Alternatively if I ever forget to put the bung back in the ski locker before we launch we use the drain holes in the rear lockers to drain the boat of the 1000 pounds of water we have taken on board (guesstimate), once WASP is on plane you can actually see a gap between the hull and the sea through these drain holes. We have planted a racing boat foot throttle on one corner of the ski locker (it was the only place to put it without cutting the console around) so we only have access to our biggest locker when WASP is at rest as we have to unclip the throttle cables from the deck clips to get into the locker. I intend to use the boats lockers for beer coolers whilst on the campsite for our 3 week summer vacation as we don't have an electric hookup on the campsite, I will report back on their efficacy. Dave -...- .- .-. |
| bobgilsp |
posted 05-26-2005 08:59 AM ET (US)
RFK- In my last post, I was referring to the two stern jump seats. I don't use the two rear lockers for much. If anything, I'll store transom/trailer tie-down straps, bungee cords, or spare lines back there. |
| RFK |
posted 05-26-2005 05:41 PM ET (US)
Dave, I am thankful I have never flooded the ski locker. But I am impressed that you could get the boat up on plane with it full! Also, your method of draining it is interesting. So you pull the plugs on all three compartments! What is strange is that the starboard rear compartment drains over into the port compartment if you have the plugs in. Also, imagining your floor throttle is a twist. |
| RFK |
posted 05-27-2005 09:19 AM ET (US)
P.S., Dave, According to Southampton University most the rock structure on the Ilse of Wright where you vacation is from the cetacean era. So you are in the right area with the right boat! |
| daveweight |
posted 05-27-2005 09:36 AM ET (US)
Dick Put the plug in the ski locker drain, remove the other two and then gun the throttle and just before the boat comes on the plane with the bow high in the air most of the water from the ski locker migrates to the back of the boat and out of the stern drains. Then pop in the rear drainplugs and Bob's yer uncle. If you study the photo of WASP which Chris sent you, the foot throttle is visible just below the fire extinguisher on the stbd console as a grey piece of metal. We also have a Protrim Racing boat technology Tilt and trim which is a stalk behind the left hand of the steering wheel so you never have to remove your hand from the steering wheel except to change gear. I am on one weeks vacation as of today so will carry this on then. Many thanks Dave -...- .- .-. |
| RFK |
posted 05-27-2005 05:58 PM ET (US)
Dave, "Bob's yer uncle". You have to help me with a translation. I think the ski locker ought to hold three weeks supply of beer! I will check out the photos again. You really have some interesting modifications. Dick |
| RFK |
posted 05-27-2005 05:59 PM ET (US)
Dave, "Bob's yer uncle". You have to help me with a translation. I think the ski locker ought to hold three weeks supply of beer! I will check out the photos again. You really have some interesting modifications. Dick |
| Sheila |
posted 05-28-2005 12:26 PM ET (US)
Dick, a reasonably close Americanism would be, "you're good to go." |
| RFK |
posted 05-28-2005 04:15 PM ET (US)
Thank you, Shelia. And an interesting website. |
| Sheila |
posted 05-29-2005 01:47 AM ET (US)
You're welcome, Dick. It is an interesting website, isn't it? And I never would have found it had you not asked about the translation. So now it's my turn to thank you. |
| RFK |
posted 05-29-2005 08:38 AM ET (US)
Incidently, data about the 16SL is now part of the Reference section, thanks to Jim. |
| RFK |
posted 05-31-2005 10:32 AM ET (US)
Now it all begins to make sense! After reading Jim's corporate history and the fate of Boston Whaler boats under Reebok, I can see the "classisists"issues. Peter Van Lancker and Hunt Assoc. created a mini- Black Watch boat in the 16SL. After looking at some 26' foot Black Watch boats of the late 80's and early 90's the geneology is clearly there. Hadn't made that connection before. Jim, thank you for the history lesson. |
| randyt |
posted 05-31-2005 09:12 PM ET (US)
It is nice to see so much positive about the SL16. When it came out, I was the first guy at the Whaler dealer to see it and I was impressed! About a year ago (or so) I was told after a question on this forum about the SL16, that many thought it was an inferior boat to other Whaler's. I thought it was a great solution to some the issues I had with the previous Whaler's of the same relative size. It appeared to be a good family boat type boat; lots of internal storage/ fuel and wind protection for two. However, it was really expensive and I had to pass. I am thinking about selling my Revenge 22 and the replacement boat will most likely be a SL16. Randy |
| JCB |
posted 06-01-2005 03:15 PM ET (US)
It's great to see so many 16SL owners! I have had my 16SL for almost 3 years and have been extremely satisfied with the boat's performance and versatility. the 16SL is great for Skiing, fishing the creeks and just offshore, and comfortable for a great evening booze cruise. Has anyone else had problems with spidercracks in the deck? |
| RFK |
posted 06-01-2005 09:24 PM ET (US)
Yes, I have some spider cracks in the deck. Close to the starboard pedestal chair. Our boat is 11 years old and I wouldn't call the problem major. Regarding porpoising. The boat came with a 90hp. Johnson. In 2001 we put on a 90 hp Yamaha 2-cycle. Porpoising is less a problem with the Yamaha than it was with the Johnson. I have much more control over the tilt with the Yamaha than with the Johnson. But in both cases I was, or am, able to control the situation with simply adjusting the tilt of the engine.The overall performance of the boat was improved with the Yamaha. I am not technical enough to tell you what characteristics have made the Yamaha a better performer. |
| flue_fisker |
posted 06-06-2005 03:40 AM ET (US)
Hello Fellow 16SL owners... My name is Adam and I recently purchased a 16SL. I wasn't in the market for a boat but was provided with the opportunity to purchase this boat for less than 5K from a friend of mine. I jumped all over the deal. Today I made my first voyage and I have the following comments: space on the boat is excellent, three of us fished easily and the gear was nicely stowed away in the many storage compartments dual console is a nice option, makes passing from the stern to the bow of the boat comfortable, safe and easy I was really happy with the overall stability of the boat as we fished, as we leaned over the side to reach and grap the fish the boat never really felt unbalanced, this was a major problem with our previous boat propoising was a problem at lower speeds, but in truth I am very inexperienced in regards to running power boats, so I am trying to learn by reading the comments made on this thread and others regarding this boat, I am pretty sure with a little more experience I should (hopefully) substantially reduce the porpoising problem, wondering if someone out there might write a bit more on some of the specifics of this problem and reducing it, like i said I am fairly new so I noticed the boat porpoising I just didn't know how to control/correct it with my first trip under my belt I look forward to taking out her out again, I am new BW owner and I can't really compare the 16Sl with other models, but based on today's trip I have no complaints just great thoughts about the model Thanks Adam, fellow 16 SL owner |
| daveweight |
posted 06-06-2005 05:25 AM ET (US)
Dick Sorry about the confusion over language, will try to do better in future. Having said that though I love some of the Americanism's found on this site. Sheila Spot on with the translation thank you, and I wish we could attend your rendezvous Adam Welcome to a fairly select band of SL16 owners, these boats are few and far between but I definitely think that your appreciation for your new boat will increase as you pick up more experience with it. Back to work now but we managed 2 trips on the River Medway last week in Wasp and 2 on the River Thames in my brother's non Whaler unsinkable boat, smooth water and nice weather for most of the week and we repaired the brakes on Wasps trailer so Chris will be happier when we go on our main vacation in July. |
| RFK |
posted 06-06-2005 08:30 AM ET (US)
Adam, I will share what I experience with our 16SL and porpoising. (You didn't say what power you have on the boat nor the prop size.) I almost always start with the motor all the way down. When I get on plane I adjust the tilt to lift the bow. I will sometimes keep tilting until the porpoising starts, then I back off. With our Yamaha I am running a steel 15.5 pitch prop. I am on plane at 15mph and I can tilt the motor up over the 1/4 mark on the tilt meter without experiencing porpoising. (Actually I can take it to the 1/2 mark and be okay depending on speed.) With our old Johnson I typically ran either 17 or 19 inch aluminum pitched props. I used the same technique, all the way down until I planed, then tilt up. I had a much narrower band of tilt with those props. I don't think it would allow me to get to the quarter mark with beginning to porpoise. But I has sufficient bow lift to allow me to run efficiently. When the boat begins to porpoise I simply tilt the motor down a mite. Dave, Please don't apoligize for the language, I love to hear the different phrases. |
| RFK |
posted 06-06-2005 08:36 AM ET (US)
P.S. Adam You paid less than 5k! What a friend! Heavens, I am still vane enought to believe our boat is worth $9-10k. Had your friend cared for it, or had he beat it up badly? You got the boat, motor, and is there a trailer? |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 06-06-2005 12:10 PM ET (US)
Adam Dick is spot on with the trimming start off with full trim in (down) come up on plane, trim untill the boat starts to bounce and then trim down a touch. Our SL will also stop porposing by increasing speed so you have a choice, we have learned to control the boat very well without doel fins etc engine is a Mercury 90hp 2 stroke with a laser 2 22pitch prop. welcome to the world of Sl's. |
| flue_fisker |
posted 06-06-2005 02:24 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the Great replies...I planning another trip this weekend and I will definitely use your recommendations...sorry for not giving the HP and prop info but mine has a 90HP yamaha with a steel prop....not exactly sure of the prop pitch....but I am in the market for an extra prop for the boat...do you guys have any suggestions on which prop, etc is best to help aid in reducing porposing...just thought I'd ask.... as for boat Dave.... think you're right in thinking that your 16SL is stil worth in the 9-10K range...I got mine for under 5K because my friend got it cheaper than that from a lady his dad works for....the boat had very few hours being that the original owners were an elderly couple....they bought it for their grandchildern that visited once a year....the boat came with a 90HP yamaha, a pacifica trailer, excellent condition overall being that the couple serviced the engine often and had the boat painted before they sold it for pennies to my friend's dad....my only concern is that the boat was stored in water and I have noticed that one of the mounting brackets for the motor is pretty rusty...I am thinking of replacing it fairly soon....but besides that....I think she's in excellent condition.....no major damagae at all....best part the boat is loaded with all the options.....bilge pump in the ski rack area, bimini top, swim ladder, etc....the couple paid a lot for the boat when the first boat her in 1992..... I am really happy to be part of the 16SL owners club...I look forward to reading your discussions on this forum in regards to this boat...as of right now I am still trying to think of ways to mount a trolling motor...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.... thanks agin for the info.... Adam |
| Shadoobie |
posted 06-06-2005 02:24 PM ET (US)
I just joined this forum, and I must say I'm happy to find other SL owners out there! I've only seen one other since I bought the boat used several years ago. I've been boating my whole life, and the 16SL is simply the most versatile boat I've ever seen, and put together with very high quality. I take it up shallow creeks as well as in and out of ocean inlets (North Carolina coast) -- this boat does it all. I will never sell her. Anyway, I read with interest comments about draining water from lockers, etc. I've noticed that water collects on top of the fuel tank which is supposed to drain out of a small hole in the port floor locker aft of the passenger seat. If the circular fuel tank access doors are pried off, many times I can see standing water in here unless I make an effort to drain this water into the aforementioned floor locker and then drain this by pulling the plug while planing. It bothers me that water can collect in the same area as the fuel tank and that a special effort must be made to remove the it while the boat is in the water. Before I haul out I typically must tilt the boat to port to get this to drain completely. I've never had problems with water in my fuel or any other fuel related problems, but this issue still bothers me. Anyone else ever notice this? |
| RFK |
posted 06-06-2005 10:15 PM ET (US)
Adam, You are one lucky fellow! You should be able to find the size of your prop by looking at the base of one of the blades or at the base of the prop where it is attached to the motor. Then you need to talk about what activities you want to do with the boat. There are great articles on prop issues other places on this website. There are experts galore. Shaboobie, I admit that rarely do I take the covers off the deck over the fuel tank. I do not have water problems with our gas. I did replace the fuel gage sending unit in the tank several years ago but that is all. I am assuming our drain system is working. |
| RFK |
posted 06-07-2005 07:45 AM ET (US)
Adam, Check out the Refernce section, propeller basics. |
| Shadoobie |
posted 06-07-2005 09:08 AM ET (US)
When I pull heavy water skiers, I always place my spotter in the bow looking backwards. The extra weight up front really helps when trying to get on a plane with a heavy load. |
| bobgilsp |
posted 06-07-2005 11:03 AM ET (US)
Our 16 SLs are starting to age. I'm concerned about the below-deck gas tank and how long they will last. Has anyone had to replace their tank? I've also had water accumulate on top of my tank, but it seems to evaporate. This could be the result of my dry-dock storage. I leave the boat on its trailer when not in use. What routine maintenance should the tank receive? |
| RFK |
posted 06-07-2005 10:08 PM ET (US)
Bob, Ours has not given us trouble. This is a question that the broader CW audience might want to comment on. |
| daveweight |
posted 06-08-2005 10:34 AM ET (US)
Well that is nine SL16's owned by ContinuousWave members and one other seen by Erik in Holland which poses the question, where are the other 300 or so? With their high build quality I don't believe that they are all dead. We haven't looked at the area around our fuel tank for water ingress, probably too scared at what we might find if we did, perhaps we are hoping that with milder weather we may not suffer with such high rates of condensation(he says hoping that this is a likely cause) -...- .- .-. Dave |
| RFK |
posted 06-08-2005 04:55 PM ET (US)
Dave isn't it nice to be among a select few! In our travels I have only seen four others, two on Marco Island, Florida, Central Lake, Michigan and Ashland, Wiconsin. You mention the boat Erik saw, then you also mentioned you were repairing your trailer brakes. I followed Erik's link to see his buddy's paint job but I was fascinated with the trailer the Montauk is sitting on. Pega trailer, I think. I went to their website and what a great design they have for BW boats; rollers in the center and bunks on the side. |
| daveweight |
posted 06-09-2005 04:53 AM ET (US)
Dick I know Erik has mentioned in the past what the trailer regulations are for Belgium and Holland but I don't remember what they are right now. In the UK anything over 750KG has to be braked, we do not have trailer testing on an annual basis unlike Erik, but most trailers we see seem to be in fairly good nick(condition) and as previously posted we also use removable trailer boards so that we never immerse the lights/electrics in the water. We have never come across another SL16 in England nor have we heard of one on the Internet, perhaps there are no more here. Dave -...- .- .-. |
| RFK |
posted 06-09-2005 10:20 AM ET (US)
Dave, Several years ago I had a tilt steering mechanism installed in our boat. (I love it.) Two Rivers Marine in Wisconsin installed it. They are a marvelous BW dealer. The owner told me he could sell all the 16SLs he could get as people on the lakes loved them. He said other dealers along Lake Michigan were not high on them since they didn't sell quickly. I am sure Montauks etc. looked safer if the goal was to use the boat on Lake Michigan, and for fishing. |
| bobgilsp |
posted 06-10-2005 02:24 PM ET (US)
Have any of you had problems with the "glove compartment" in the passenger console? Mine pulled out of the screws that attach it to the inside of the door to that compartment once when I came down hard from a wave. I'm reluctant to remount it because I find that I have more room & easier access to it without those shelves being in there. The shelf portion now lies on the floor of that console with the shelves pointing vertical rather than horizontal. This way, I can place small items between the vertical shelves & put bulky items like PFDs or beach towels in there as well. Bob |
| RFK |
posted 06-11-2005 08:39 AM ET (US)
Bob, The answer is yes. The original wire broke but I replaced it with a stronger one. I have left the shelf in place and use the glove box for holding misc. items e.g tools, registration papers, sun block, navigation information and maps. But while we are talking about different aspects of the boat, have you folks kept the original auxilary electrical outlet in its two prong mode? There are few, if any, 12v accessories that come with a two prong plug. Most come with a plug. I have modified one accessory from the single to the two prong mode, but I don't like the idea of getting something new and immediately redoing the plug. It seems to break the integrity for keeping moisture out. The outlet is a Perko part so I am looking to change it. Obviously this is the biggest deal in the world, since I have had the boat a long time and haven't found it necessary to do it!
|
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 06-11-2005 10:41 AM ET (US)
bobgilsp Whole glove box interia fell to the floor with the radio in it actually broke the fibreglass around the screw holes after taking some big waves. we have screwed it back in at the moment but access is poor and to do a decent repair i think the console will have to be removed. rick regards chris |
| bobgilsp |
posted 06-13-2005 12:52 PM ET (US)
Dick & Chris- I still have the original 2-pronged auxiliary power plug, which I never use. If I find a 12v. accessory that I wish to run off of it, I think I'll buy one of those converters that plugs in with two prongs & gives you a "cigarette lighter" receptacle at the other end. Bob |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 06-13-2005 01:37 PM ET (US)
bobgilsp bob I havn't seen a converter of this type does that 2 pin plug have a name (din, phono,etc) regards chris |
| erik selis |
posted 06-13-2005 02:10 PM ET (US)
Guys, I just found out that the same BW dealer in Amsterdam has a second 16SL for sale. It's not up on their website yet but a buddy of mine saw it when he was there last week. Erik |
| RFK |
posted 06-13-2005 05:25 PM ET (US)
Erik, What a kick! One of the largest 16Sl collections is in Amsterdam! The boat has international appeal! This is getting hard to take. Keep this going and 16SL will have to be reclassified as a classic! And I just remembered where I saw another boat. It was on the bow of a huge private yacht in Cozumel! I was on a dive boat at the time and said that's our boat. Our fellow divers said, "Yeah, right." I said,"No the tender!" Chris, |
| bobgilsp |
posted 06-14-2005 11:36 AM ET (US)
Chris- I don't know the name. I think I saw it in a catalog years ago. I'll have to check West Marine, Boaters'World, & Overton's catalogs to see if it is still available. Chris- Bob |
| RFK |
posted 06-15-2005 06:32 AM ET (US)
We seem to have lost Porpoising Adam. He was going to test our suggestions on ridding the porpoising effect on his boat. Adam, what happened? How did it go? |
| 95Outrage17 |
posted 06-17-2005 11:06 AM ET (US)
Hey guys, I was just checking out the post-classic forum and I stumbled upon this thread wondering what an 16SL was. After I saw the pic I realized that there is a 16SL not far from me (about 15 min in the Whaler). I'm in Nova Scotia, Canada. It was certianly, I think, the most different looking Whaler I had even seen and I always liked it. I figured it was kind of rare as that was the only one I ever saw. Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know that there's another one around. Looks to be about a '95, would that be right? Has a 90 or 115 Evinrude on it if I remember correctly. I'll have to remember not to race it ;D - Chris |
| RFK |
posted 06-17-2005 09:44 PM ET (US)
Thank you, Chris, for sharing that info. I believe the production years are '90-'94 for the 16SL. You will have to talk with the folks and have them send their stories. Dick |
| flue_fisker |
posted 06-18-2005 05:30 PM ET (US)
RFK: Sorry for the no posts...but I have been following the posts regarding the 16SL....there's been some great info posted....in regards to my porpoising issues with my boat....unfortunately I havent been able to take her out and try the recommendations posted on this thread....during my last trip...just around the harbor...a warning alarm came on....at first I wasn't sure what had happened but realized quickly that the water exhaust on the 900HP Yamaha had stopped....basically the engine was overheating....after a few checks and repairs we cleared the exhaust outlet which had salted up being that the boat was in dry storage for 2 years....I thought I had resolved the problem but on my next trip I noticed again the lack of water exhausting out of the engine....my plan now is to change the water pump and thermostat....any other suggestions.... hopefully then we can take her out and work on the propoising issues...I will definitely let you know how that goes....thanks again for all the great info....proud to be a 16 SL owner.... Adam |
| 95Outrage17 |
posted 06-18-2005 10:47 PM ET (US)
Hi Dick, I'm glad I could share the info! Well, the 16SL I was talking about has the thick red stripe below the gunwale (like my '95 Outrage 17) and that's why I thought it was a ~'95. Anyway, when I first saw that 16SL, I was really interested as in my mind Whalers were center console boats. It was like no Whaler I'd ever seen. I've wanted a Whaler for a long time and when I first saw the 16SL I was trying to convince dad that it would make a good replacement for our '82 Doral 16'. Dad didn't like Whalers because they were "too open", so that's why the 16SL intrigued me. Since then things have changed in our family; We bought a Bayliner 32', the Doral was sold to my uncle and aunt, and therefore dad wasn't so worried about getting a center console Whaler anymore, as he goes out in the Bayliner. I love our Outrage, we've had it one week today :D I've always wanted a Whaler and this one fits the bill perfectly. I'll have to see if I can talk to the owners of that 16SL this summer and tell them about CW!
|
| RFK |
posted 06-18-2005 11:40 PM ET (US)
Sorry about the menchical problems, Adam. Anxious to hear from you when things gets straightened out. Outrage 17 you do sound thrilled with your new boat. Hope you get a chance to talk with those neighbors. Dick |
| RFK |
posted 06-19-2005 09:55 AM ET (US)
95Outrage17, I had another thought regarding your description of the dual console boat you are seeing. You will have to get up close to confirm if is a 16SL vs. a 16 Ventura. You may be right that marking are of that of a later produced boat. Since you are a youthful afficionado of Whalers, you might hit your dad up for Tom W Clark's cd of all the Whaler catalogs for your birthday or Christmas. Dick |
| 95Outrage17 |
posted 06-21-2005 06:35 PM ET (US)
Hi Dick, I sure am thrilled with our Whaler! I've wanted one ever since I found out about them, and I've been boating since I could stand (I'm 22 now). I think we made an excellent choice picking an Outrage 17. Seems to be just the right size for us. I've haven't had a chance to take it out in anything real nasty yet, but I'm looking forward to it! |
| RFK |
posted 06-22-2005 07:52 AM ET (US)
Outrage17, I was looking through some of my old catalogs and saw where the Outrage 17 was introduced at the same time as the 16SL. So we share lineage in that we both have boats introduced during the Reebok tenure of BW. Pretty soon Dave and Chris will be taking their boat to the Isle of Wright. I hope they send pictures. If nothing else a picture of their beer supply could be impressive. Dick |
| 95Outrage17 |
posted 06-22-2005 08:50 AM ET (US)
Hi Dick, Yeah, the first Outrage 17 was produced from '90-'95. I'm not sure if there was a '90 model year though. It was the last "classic" Outrage hull to be designed. I was thinking about the 16SL and Whaler catalogs last night, but I don't have one with the 16SL in it. I'm pretty sure I don't have anything between 1988 and 1995. I'll have to get that CD! - Chris |
| daveweight |
posted 06-22-2005 09:30 AM ET (US)
Hi Dick 4 weeks to go and counting we are having a mini heat wave here in the UK right now so I only hope it lasts. The camp site we use on the Isle of Wight is about a mile from a large supermarket so the beer store is immense, we drink Irish Whiskey at night sitting round a Coleman lamp under the stars and plan the following days itinerary which normally goes something like breakfast, petrol, boat ramp, supermarket for beer and ice cream, supper, Whiskey and bed. It's a hard life organising a family vacation. We just had a couple of runs out on the River Thames last weekend, Chris has a French foreign language exchange student staying for a week and she had never been out on a boat so we obliged with a sightseeing tour of London by river. Seven of us in WASP at the same time, it was slow to plane but once there she went well. Sunday Chris and I went down to recover the boat and the Thames was so still, no wind at all and we just had to have an early morning cruise with just the two of us on board to remind us of just how well WASP goes lightly loaded. We love our SL16. Dave -...- .- .-. |
| JCB |
posted 06-22-2005 10:07 AM ET (US)
Shadoobie, Off the NC coast? I am in Greenville, SC right now. I was in a fishing tournament out of Bogue Inlet, Swansboro NC, a couple of weekends ago in my 16SL. The boat is a Spanish Mackerel fishing Machine! I too have water on the gas tank. You can suck most of it out if you have a wet vac or open the hatch and let it evaporate. But it doesn't really drain on its own. Has anyone considering putting a flats poling platform on the transom? John |
| RFK |
posted 06-22-2005 04:48 PM ET (US)
Dave, Great story about boating through London! I feel like a piker, just been through Milwaukee and Seattle! (Been through Chicago, but not on the Whaler.) John, No to the platform. Going to make a flats boat out of it? Dick |
| RFK |
posted 06-24-2005 08:15 AM ET (US)
Dave and Chris, We have been to London a few times and walked along the Thames,but it would be special to look out and see the Weight brothers cruising up the river in the WASP! You got to get a photo for CW. What kind of Irish Whiskey? Dick |
| daveweight |
posted 06-24-2005 09:49 AM ET (US)
Jamiesons Irish Whisky will normally do it, straight with no ice on a lovely warm night and at least half a bottle each to put you off to sleep and keep the darn birds from waking you up at 4Am. Photo's are Chris's department so we will hurry up and wait as he is having some problems with his internet provider. All the best and have a good weekend's boating. We may give this weekend a miss as we are providing rides around the river the weekend of 2nd-3rd July for all and sundry at Greenwich Yacht Club where we have just become members. Dave -...- .- .-. |
| wdcham |
posted 06-27-2005 09:37 PM ET (US)
Yet another 16SL checks in! Only 299 to go. Glad to find this forum. Mine is based in Penobscot Bay, Maine; Vinalhaven Island to be exact. I bought it late last summer from Wayfarer Marine in Camden/Rockport; it is a '91 with a very lightly run '03 Evinrude 90 recently attached. It was originally registered in Norfolk, Virginia; how it got to Maine I have no idea. I agree with all about the stability, solidity, convenience, storage, high freeboard and water-deflecting leading to a totally dry run over great distances. We have had up to seven people, adults and children, on some island hopping picnics up here and all were safe and comfortable. A great boat from that perspective. But, and this is a real but, handling is another matter. There seem to be two speeds: really slow and really fast--often too fast for even the 2-4 ft. seas that are common around here. Getting on plane with the bow sticking several feet out of water filled with lobster buoys and other hazards takes some guts, and then once up on plane a 20-25 knot minimum speed needs to be maintained or the boat decelerates and settles off plane. Because the helm console is on starboard, I often have to stand in the middle to balance the boat, making the throttle hard to control. If I leave the throttle unattended, the engine speeds up on its own to speeds that feel dangerous, particularly with children aboard. I admit to being a complete novice with this boat. My only prior experience is with an Old Town mahogany runabout with 30hp, a lovely short-range good looker, so I am still on a steep learning curve with the BW SL16. I am still mastering trim tabs, finicky micro-moves on the throttle and bow-slamming in rough water. I am reading this forum eagerly for tips and so far plan to look into hydrofoils, elevating the engine a bit, and mastering the zen of trim tabbing. Any other suggestions for our many non-glassy days? I want to love this boat--indeed there is much to love--but so far am in a bit of a learning struggle. David PS Not at all surprised about Amsterdam. Slow speed picnic cruising in the canals is big Sunday sport there and this boat is PERFECT for that. |
| RFK |
posted 06-28-2005 06:54 PM ET (US)
David, I will take a shot at answering the issues you raised. The Whaler manual says, " Start with the engine trimmed in; this will depress the bow and lift the stern, allowing for a faster plane. Once, on plane, the engine can be trimmed out to raise or lighten the bow". There you have it. Your description tells me your engine is "trimmed out" when you hit the throttle to get on plane. What size prop do you have on the boat? My suspicion you have something like 13X17 or maybe even 13X19. If you are going to carry that many folks you may need to go to 133/4x15. That is what I am using and it gives me great lift with the engine trimmed in to begin. (My wife does not like speed, and we many times have four or six adults in the boat.)It puts the boat up on plane quickly, so I am not looking up at the bow. With the 133/4x15 prop at 3500rpm my speedometer is showing 20-21mph and I can trim the engine out so the water is hitting the boat back under the console. So the bow is not pounding. Dick |
| wdcham |
posted 06-29-2005 07:51 AM ET (US)
Hi Dick: Thanks for your helpful comments and guidance. I will certainly look into the prop issue. I admit to not really knowing what size I have, but an earlier post tells me how to find out. As to planing, indeed I do alway trim the engine in all the way before attempting to get on plane. Nonetheless, the bow shoots way up in the air, blocking vision even when I stand. Once on plane, I take the trim out some and generally get a good ride in smooth water at 3-3500 rpm, 18-23 knots. At the 1st sign of chop I start bouncing around and consequently slow down a bit, adjust the trim some, but invariably I am soon off plane. I have discovered that these problems seem to be common to 90's (early Ree http://www.whaler.com/Rec/default.asp?content=customersatisfaction Under "Performance" there is much discussion of all the woes I suffer, most having to do with engines heavier than the boat was originally built for causing an overweight stern. While mine is 90hp, which the SL16 is rated for, I'm sure the new engine weighs far more than the original. The next step seems to be hydrofoils, which the ads make sound like nothing less than a miracle cure for bow rise, rough water, keeping on plane, etc. Doel and Whale Tail seem to get high marks as manufacturers. Do you--or any others on this thread--have any direct experience with hydrofoils? Recommended brands? I am looking to find hidden downsides and so far can only come up with having to drill four holes in the cavitation plate to mount the unit. Or are hydrofoils overhyped? thanks again for your feedback. |
| RFK |
posted 06-29-2005 08:13 AM ET (US)
David, What you report is very different than my experience with my 90hp Yamaha.(The Yamaha only weighs around 260#.) Prior to this engine I had a four cylinder Johnson with a 13x17 prop and sometimes ran with a 13x19. With that engine/prop configuration and four or more adults I did have a time getting it on plane. And the bow was high for a time. So I guess I am agreeing that the engine/prop configuration on your boat is contributing to your problems. Is the pin on your motor bracket in the lowest hole? I do not have a fin on this boat. I don't see a need for it. I did use a Doel fin on a SS15 BW I had and the fin did help get the boat up on plane.Which fin on the market is best you will find debated on other threads. Certainly there are 16SL owners using their boats on big water and reporting good outcomes. I guess your experience and other reports are what led Bob Mills to call the hull "squirrelly". There are times when 15.5ft. becomes a deficit to managing rough water. Dick |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 06-29-2005 06:10 PM ET (US)
David we also run a 16SL and do not use any form of fin its all about balance with this and many small boats, we try and ensure that children only occupy the rear seats and that we run with slightly more weight on the starboard side and can usually achieve a good trim. We do take up to severn crew (four adults 3 children). Remember fuel in your balance equation a full tank will weigh the best part of two hundred pounds so if your going out with a full load of crew and dont need 24 us gallons of fuel dont take it, carry some spare in the bow or under floor locker. we can always find an acceptable compromise these day's using either more down trim or more speed to push the bow down but it did take some encouregement from other 16SL owners on this forum and a little practise. power 90hp 2 stroke mercury 305# laser2 22p regards chris |
| RFK |
posted 06-30-2005 10:38 AM ET (US)
David, I looked at the website you referred us. The Dauntless 15 is a very different hull than the 16SL, i.e. check out the dimensions. Personally I can't go to any direct comparison between these two boats as to handling characteristics. Not saying the Dauntless is better or worse, just different. My counsel is simply based on my experience with the 16SL and I am quite sure that is where Chris Weight is coming from. But he can speak for himself. |
| bobgilsp |
posted 07-03-2005 02:42 PM ET (US)
Have any of you solved the problem of the recess in the splashwell (the one that allows access to the two lower transom through-bolts that mount the outboard engine) filling with water & not having a drain hole? That rectangular cover isn't watertight. My attempts to put silicone sealer around the cover have been to no avail. I'm thinking of filling that void with the spray-in insulating foam that you can use around the house to seal off air leaks. At least that would displace any water that seeps in. Bob |
| RFK |
posted 07-04-2005 08:36 AM ET (US)
Bob, I am having trouble relating to your problem. Both our engine installations only used the top bolt holes. So the transom on our boat does nt have "lower holes". But that area of the transom has two drain holes, so standing water there is not an issue. Maybe we need pictures to help. Dick |
| daveweight |
posted 07-04-2005 10:33 AM ET (US)
I guess Bob is referring to the horizontal plate held down in the splashwell by 4 screws. I have to admit that we have not investigated this space as yet because the stern of Wasp floats fairly high for most of the time so we will just keep an eye without removing the plate to check for ingress. This weekend went well with Wasp performing faultlessly all day Saturday and most of Sunday running visitors to the Yacht Club up and down the Thames at our Open Weekend, a family of six at one go was the most we managed to carry but at that we managed to plane. Cost was fairly high for fuel at the prices we pay, but good for the Club's image and the management committee were happy with our efforts. Dave -...- .- .-. |
| RFK |
posted 07-04-2005 11:36 AM ET (US)
Dave, Thank you with your help. No, I have not taken the plate off either. Can't tell you what it serves. Iwill do that just to check it out. I am curious about the Greenwich Yacht Club. Was your boat fairly unique to the club? And how many members were giving folks rides over the weekend? Where is the club in relation to the city of London? Dick |
| bobgilsp |
posted 07-04-2005 12:03 PM ET (US)
Dave is correct in that I refer to the hollowed out space beneath the horizontal plate held down by 4 screws, just forward of the outboard engine. Dick is correct that the 2 holes will allow watrer to drain out while the boat is underway. However, I believe that engines are supposed to be secured to the transom by at least 4 through-bolts, so these 2 bottom holes are designed to accommodate the two bottom bolts of the bracket that secures the engine to the transom. Dick, please check this out. If I'm correct, and you only have two bolts securing your engine, your transom might be receiving undue stresses. Bob |
| RFK |
posted 07-04-2005 03:06 PM ET (US)
Bob, Okay, I did investigate under the plate and I did have water in the well, but I don't see anything that causes me concern. The well is finshed off and integral to the transom area of the boat. The two large bolts in the transom are well sealed. The only opportunities for water to get into the foam are through the four screw holes which are not large and seemed, at least in my situation to be sealed by silicone sealant. Having a rainy day, thank you Lord as we are having a dought, I cleaned it all up and resealed the plate. It seems to be good to go. The boat is now 13 years old and is showing no signs of transom stress. The inital engine rigging came from a Whaler dealer and he just used the top bolts and put a tub full of what appeared to be 3M 5200 on the bottom of the bracket. The second dealer is very reputable and he did not use the lower bolts, but I don't see any glue. Others might comment whether their engines are bolted in four places. Dick |
| daveweight |
posted 07-05-2005 02:47 AM ET (US)
Dick Greenwich is due east of the center of London, straight down the Thames about 6 miles from the Houses of Parliament at Westminster. Wasp is completely unique at the Yacht Club which does however have a motor boat section. On Saturday there were about 3-4 motor boats including Wasp giving rides on the river and then on Sunday we were on our own.We had the Tower Bridge Lifeboat a huge RIB with twin turbocharged inboards come downriver to give a demonstration plus events for the kids ashore and a barbecue and 20 piece Jazz band in the clubhouse, go to www.greenwichyachtclub.co.uk for a link to the website. On the basis of your investigations under the plate we may adopt the "if it aint broke don't fix it" philosophy. Dave -...- .- .-. |
| RFK |
posted 07-05-2005 11:35 AM ET (US)
Dave, Sounds like an interesting event, and thank you for the orientation. Will checkout the website. I think you are fine relative to the transom well. Dick |
| bobgilsp |
posted 07-05-2005 12:30 PM ET (US)
Perhaps other owners of 16SLs will comment on whether they use 2 or 4 bolts to secure the engine to the transom. We might also post something on one of the other sites, such as Performance or GAM, to see how many bolts other Whalers use. Bob |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 07-06-2005 05:01 PM ET (US)
Bob I will check but I am sure there are 4 bolts as the engine is raised about 40mm above the transom top. regards chris |
| bobgilsp |
posted 07-07-2005 01:02 PM ET (US)
Dick, Dave, & Chris- Please review the query I posted on the GAM site about how many bolts should secure the engine to the transom. The consensus seems to be to use all 4 bolts. JIMH even posted cites to the Reference Page. Bob |
| RFK |
posted 07-11-2005 05:43 PM ET (US)
Bob, I am comfortable with the way the local dealer mounted my engine. You mention Dave and Chris Weight. I just want to express to them again sorrow for what the people of London are going through. They have been enjoying the Thames and the freedom to cruise through their city. Recent happenings certainly give a different spector to all we do. I might mention Adam and David who made cameo appearances on this thread. How are the porpoises doing? Was our counsel helpful? Adam's great buy was acting up. Did the repairs put him back in action. David was questioning whether the boat fit the water he traveres? What's the outcome? Dick |
| daveweight |
posted 07-13-2005 03:10 AM ET (US)
Dick Thank you for your kind thoughts, however. The sun is shining the underground and buses are 99% back to normal and people are back to work, this is not the first and will not be the last time that the people of London have suffered terrorist bombing. On another tack from a different thread on this site, where is the best place to fly your national flag? The answer is anywhere you want to. My Cross of St George is hoisted on an old washing line post in my garden and will stay there despite local councils banning the use of Nationalist symbols lest we upset our immigrant population. For the record I am very much not racist but I am a Nationalist. There has been some backlash against Muslims and even Sikhs after last Thursday's bombings, I live in an area where I am almost a minority but I know well that the people who carried out the bombings are not real Muslims they are just terrorists who shelter under the religion of Islam. Enough of my ranting, I apologise. Now back to that SL16 and our holiday in less than 2 weeks and counting. |
| RFK |
posted 07-13-2005 08:05 AM ET (US)
Dave, I have three flags flying from a pole in our side yard; US, State of Illinois, and the Chicago Bears. The Bear flag would be the most dangerous in this neighborhood as there lurk Green Bay Packers fans throughout the area and they are known for their lack of civility and couth. Many of them consume stinky cheese and beer, then pass much gas, both orally and anally. My only boat change this summer is that I ordered another prop. I am picking up 17" Turning Point aluminum today. I generally run with a Turning Point 15" steel prop, but I got such a deal on this aluminum that I am going to try it mostly to get a sense of what a 17" does for performance. (Turning Point has changed its hub and mine is their original so they are selling out their inventory of the original props.) A friend has invited us to join them on a lake in Wisconsin. He says there are tree stumps in certain parts of the lake,so I have decided to use aluminum there until I get the lay of the land. August is your big vacation month. Take a lot of pictures. I am anxious to see the WASP in action. Dick |
| JCB |
posted 07-19-2005 05:45 PM ET (US)
Has anyone needed to replace the gas tank fuel gage sending unit? If so, where do you order these units and are they difficult to install/calibrate? I also seem to be having problems with the gas flow from the tank to the Water/fuel seperator and therefor problems with the engine. There seems to be something blocking gas from the tank to the primer bulb. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would like to fix this on my own. The sheisty mechanic I took my boat to last time did a miserable job. Thanks, John |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 07-19-2005 06:56 PM ET (US)
JCB Just my thoughts here try removing the bulb unit and blowing back into the tank that should tell you whether there is an actual blockage from the tank. try running the engine with the filler cap lose it may be that the tank breather is blocked and is therfore creating a vacuum in the tank. As far as I am aware there are no user replacable parts in the tank pick up system so lets hope its an external problem. regards chris |
| RFK |
posted 07-19-2005 10:08 PM ET (US)
I have replaced the fuel gage sending unit. I believe I got the name of the company from this website. Reference section has all the OEM companies. It was a simple task. Good luck, Dick |
| JCB |
posted 07-21-2005 12:16 PM ET (US)
I had a mechanic work on the boat and handle some simple tasks. He did not order the correct fuel gage for the tank and tried to rig another one on it, thus ruining the original mounting system designed for the tank. Since then i have had all sorts of fuel related problems. First, the sealant he used between the gage and the tank deteriorated allowing massive quantities of water to enter the tank. now the gage doesn't even work any more and the tank has some sort of line blockage (probably sealant related). Needless to say this mechanic is sub-par and I have not been happy. Has anyone replaced a tank in its entirety, and if so where can you order one? Any other suggestions would be a great help. John |
| bobgilsp |
posted 07-21-2005 12:44 PM ET (US)
John- I had my tank's sending unit replaced several years ago by a good boat mechanic. The units must be fairly generic. He didn't have to special order it. Probably had it on his shelf, and he wasn't a BW dealer. He sold Smoker Craft boats & Mercury outboards. Bob |
| RFK |
posted 07-22-2005 08:35 AM ET (US)
John, My advise remains the same. Use the reference section and the information on the tank manufacturer. You should be able to get the tank, gage and coupling.
|
| 95Outrage17 |
posted 07-26-2005 12:28 AM ET (US)
Hi guys, I came across this and thought I'd post it as I figured you guys might like to see it: http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=6075&Region=-1&subcategory=-1&CAT=6 Enjoy your 16SLs! - Chris |
| JCB |
posted 07-26-2005 09:51 AM ET (US)
Dick, Thank you for the reply, however, I can only find the information on the Montauk On-deck tanks. Where in the reference section did you find the information on the 16SL tanks? Thanks for your help, John |
| RFK |
posted 07-27-2005 12:36 PM ET (US)
John, I will check our boat and see if I can get you the name of the tank. Dick |
| RFK |
posted 08-01-2005 05:08 PM ET (US)
John, The tank on our 16SL is from Florida Marine Tanks in Hialeah, Fl. The # is 305-620-9030. Hope that helps, sorry for the delay. Dick |
| JCB |
posted 08-10-2005 04:48 PM ET (US)
Dick, Thank you for your help. I have taken up the floor and the Manufacturer's label has been waterlogged beyond recognition. Thank you for your help. Also, how many gallons will that tank hold? I am considering selling my 16 SL if anyone knows of an interested buyer near the South East US who will treat her well. All seats have been refurbished. I have installed a Marine CD player, and a Lowrance LMS 337 GPS & Depth finder, a new bimini top and the most comfortable captains chairs available and soon to have a brand new aluminum gas tank. John |
| RFK |
posted 08-10-2005 10:07 PM ET (US)
John, Your tank holds 24 gallons. If you are going to sell it why not post it on Market Place? These folks really have connections throughout the country. I am curious, what kind of chairs did you install? Did you have to replace the posts? You have a lot of equipment on it! I am sorry you you are not able to use it. Do you have pictures? Dick |
| RFK |
posted 08-11-2005 05:59 PM ET (US)
While a lot of the folks were in Charlevoix, Nancy and I were up in Wisconsin near Hayward. (A six hour trek for us.) We love the Wisconsin lakes. I again loved the 16SL because it is so adaptable to whatever water you encounter, plus I got 20mpg towing it on the way up. Public launch areas sometimes are minimal. I believe lake residents like them that way, but with the 16SL I have no trouble man-handling the boat when I have need to do it. The one milestone for me this weekend was my final water skiing effort. At 69 I wanted to give it one last hurrah. I made it up and got that out of my system and thanked God for the health to do it. |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 08-14-2005 04:55 AM ET (US)
Dick back to the original post, just back form the Solent. 36 knots six on board and no problems, sure boat was airborn for short periods but came back to earth predictably and always sure footed the more we run her the more confident we get. As to her sea keeping ability alway's dry even in sw force 5 across from porstmouth to the isle of Wight and compared to all the other similar sized boats we came across alway's able to just travel two or three knots faster. All in all very please with the SL and a great all round boat for a family, we fished it ,cruised with seven on board and did a little tubing with six on board and one in the ring could not ask for more and the 90hp mercury 2 stroke as usual didn't miss a beat either. regards chris |
| RFK |
posted 08-15-2005 12:31 PM ET (US)
What size prop were you, or are you, using? I hope you have pictures of the Isle of Wright. Dick |
| CHRISWEIGHT |
posted 08-15-2005 01:22 PM ET (US)
Dick were running a 22p laser2 with open vents which sounds a bit on the steep side and indeed she will struggle a little with hole shot severn up, but it is a small boat with a big load. The engine is raised well above the transom probably 50mm although I have not actually measured. Generally the boat is used through most of the year with myself and Dave on board and leaps on plane highest recorded speed pedel to the metal 44 knots mostly airborn in six inch chop with full gas and lightweight teenage navigator for company and yes it did feel a little, well maybe a lot squirrelly. Pulls about 5350 rpm @ wot prop is unmarked and 2 stroke mercury 90hp howls. As to the pictures well there are one or two but I am yet to set up a usefull posting space so its a bit of a round to it as dave would say. best regards Chris |
| RFK |
posted 08-15-2005 04:02 PM ET (US)
You guys do push it to the line! I have to look for that prop. Frankly, that is a lot more speed and bumps than my 1st mate wife would like. You obviously have done a great deal more crew training than I have accomplished. Your story reminds me of some pictures Tom Clark had several years ago of he and his brother on top of huge wave. Dick |
| gilljt |
posted 08-17-2005 01:44 PM ET (US)
My wife and I have just purchased a 1991 16SL from someone in Naples, FL, USA for $5500. This included a 1993 90HP Evinrude and a trailer. We trailered it about 130 miles home to Jupiter, FL, USA. We've only had it out once, but, so far we are very pleased with it. This is our first boat so we can't give much of a comparison with any other boats, but it does seem very stable and dry. We saw another very nice 16SL for sale in Jupiter, FL, USA but they were asking about $12000, which is more than we wanted to spend on our first boat. |
| RFK |
posted 08-18-2005 08:38 AM ET (US)
Welcome to the 16SL Club! I think other 16SL owners would join me in saying it sounds like you got a very good deal! I suspect a boat bought in Naples wouldn't be too misused! Therefore, you did well! As you use the boat let hear from you on how it goes. Dick |
| murraytownsend |
posted 11-22-2009 02:42 PM ET (US)
I purchased a 1991 BW 16 SL recently. I would like to find an owners manual. Also, I porposing is a problem, even with a sand bag in the forward locker. Has anyone tried trim tabs? If so, what kind and model? |
| Jefecinco |
posted 11-23-2009 10:10 AM ET (US)
Murray, Wow, did you notice that the thread is over four years old? Porpoising can be a problem on any boat if the engine is trimmed out too far. The fix is easy... trim out until the boat just begins to porpoise and then trim in just enough to stop the porpoising. I don't believe adding weight to the bow area is a very good way to proceed nor do I believe trim tabs are very useful on a 16 foot boat under normal circumstances. As you have recently purchased your boat it may be useful for you to evaluate the engine mounting height and propeller choice you've bought. Unless the prior owner was experienced and knowledgeable it is unlikely that the optimum propeller is installed and the engine mounting height may not be ideal. Some owners mount a hydrofoil device to the engine anticavitation plate to reduce a tendency to porpoise. This is often useful on smaller Whalers like yours but I believe it is preferable to begin with optimizing engine mounting height and propeller choices. I do not have a 16SL but my 16 Dauntless is similar and I have worked through this issue. As porpoising is not limited to newer Whalers it may yield more and better responses if you post your question on the "Mods & Repairs" section. Butch |
| Ramhouse |
posted 11-24-2009 02:48 PM ET (US)
Richard here. Just picked up a 16sl a couple of months ago, Sept, 09. It was sitting in a field behind this old house for 5 yrs. Didn't think it had a motor, but the old guy put it in the garage with the fule tank. Some cracking in the bow and some on the rail but other wise all is good for the price. Looks great sitting next to my 13'. Spent the last month sanding with 400,1200,2000 then buffing out and it looks great! Few chips here and there but it's 18 yrs. old. I'm in Southern California and there is another 16sl about 60 miles south of me too. The only thing that doesn't work is the tilt and trim, which i'm learning obout now. I got it narrowed down to one of the relays. Can't wait to get it out. Wasn't looking for another boat but this was an interesting looking hull and thought it would be great on the ocean, since my wife gets a little uncomfortable when i tell her i went out about 5 miles in my 13 footer. Been reading a the guff of the 16 and i don't see why it never had a hayday? Seems like all that have one loves 'um! |
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