CONTINUOUSWAVE

To readers:

Q1: are you familiar with the specific rolling changes and geometry of first-year 1958 hulls?

Via this forum I would like to connect with any readers who are specialists in restoration of very early Boston Whaler boats in order to get advice regarding my restoration of a c.1958 13-footer. I have questions regarding specific hull structure

BACKSTORY
I’m embarking on a complete restoration of a true first-production-year 1958 Boston Whaler 13-footer. This rare hull features the recessed center hand hold molded into the splash well. My absolute priority is preserving its historical value and keeping it as factory-original as possible. I've successfully completed a few restorations in the past of older Boston Whaler hull, but because this specific first-year hull shape has so many unique early quirks, I want to make sure I do everything correctly from the start.

I have photos and measurements.

Thanks, Lance

[Moved to THE GAM as the thread asks for a survey of readers.]

lancebois wrote:Q1: are you familiar with the specific rolling changes and geometry of these first-year 1958 hulls?

To participate in your survey I can reply:

I have no familiarity with the specific rolling changes and geometry of first-year 1958 hulls.

Found a couple old pictures in my archives of a 13' Boston Whaler marked "FP 56". From 1956-1957? The drain plug is in front of the splash well in recess in floor of boat angled down. Pictures show it restored with period Mercury outboard. Boat interior is in Whaler blue with the original "FP 56" near drain plug masked off and painted or gelcoat around it. Maybe an old museum picture?

A first-year 1958 13-footer with the recessed hand hold molded into the splash well is a rare find. Keeping the hull as close to factory-original as possible is the right priority for a boat like that, and I hope a reader with experience on the earliest hulls can help you.