1978 15-footer Red Dot Restoration

[OGSW20]

I just acquired my first 15-footer, a 1978 15-foot Red Dot hull. When I bought it I did not know anything about the Red Dot versions, I think a 15-footer Red Dot is uncommon.

I’ve wanted to own a Boston Whaler for 25-years. A Boston Whaler boat been my dream since I was a kid on my godfather’s Montauk17.

For the last three to four years I have been looking for a Boston Whaler boat. All the ones I saw were out of my price range or not in my area. I feel like this 1978 15-foot Red Dot boat is a keeper

I will be working on:

• repairing some serious crazing on the topside
• top coat refinishing
• spot repair gel coat on the bottom and on the V of the hull
• reconfiguring the layout
• rebuilding carburetors on a Evinrude 50-HP outboard engine

And, as I get started, I am sure there will be more projects.

I’m excited to begin restoration. I hope to find useful information from this forum.

[jimh]

Congratulations on the purchase of the 1978 15-foot Red Dot hull. A Red Dot hull would typically have been ordered for a boat intended for heavier use than just recreation, such as a boat used in commercial service.

The Red Dot means the hull was laid up with thicker laminate layers, producing a stronger and heavier hull. The initial production of the 15-footer began in 1976, and the hull weight was quite light. The hull weight increased in later years of production, perhaps as a realization that the initial layup was a bit too light.

[OGSW20]

Fig. 1. A Red Dot hull 15-footer.

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[conch]

Can you post up a picture of the red dots on the sides of your hull for us all to see?
Thanks

[OGSW20]

Fig. 2. Boston Whaler "Red Dot"

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[jimh]

The Red Dot is usually part of the gel coat layer. The rest of the logo is a decal. That's why they appear in different condition.