NAUSET 16 with Extra-large Console and Windshield

[Dave_a]

Here's one for the gray beards who were around when Boston Whaler came out of the egg in Massachusetts:

Q1: was there an option on a classic NAUSET 16 for a larger console and windshield?

I do not see any plans for a "jumbo" or "grande" size console and windshield in the archives.

Q2: are there any woodworking artisans that have built an extra-large windshield for a NAUSET?

BACKSTORY: I decided to save some time and buy a new mahogany windshield from Specialty Marine. A discounted "blemished" item, that I can varnish myself. So what the heck: the windshield was $219 versus full price of $389, and it arrived in two days. I was over the moon. Smart move on my part. A quick sanding, varnish, and I'm in business.

Then I tried a test fit on the console. This windshield is too narrow by by six or seven inches.

I called Specialty Marine and spoke with Amanda. She told me Boston Whaler made a super-sized console and windshield. These were very rare, but Specialty Marine have run in to this problem before. Specialty Marine is paying for the return freight, and I am getting a full credit. I thought that was very nice of them.

[jimh]

I have not make a special search to look in any archives for an option for a larger console on a classic NAUSET 16, but I think there may be a more likely explanation: perhaps Boston Whaler decided to change the size of the console at some point in the production of the NAUSET. For example, perhaps the initial console was found to be a bit too wide, and Boston Whaler just reduced the size by making it six inches less wide on later models. This change might have gone unnoticed by contemporary buyers and by current owners with restored boats.

An interesting survey would be to measure the width of the apparently wider-than-normal console on your NAUSET, publish that dimension, and then solicit other NAUSET owners to contribute the width of their consoles to this discussion. Also, knowing the model year of your boat with the wider console would help locate the epoch when the wider console was used.

The published plans for the NAUSET from Ward Grafton would be a good place to fix the width dimension.

[jimh]

In some correspondence with Ward Grafton, apparently there WAS an option for a larger console on the NAUSET boats.

The standard NAUSET console width was 36-inches. The wider console width was 40-inches.

Ward's drawings are based on the 36-inch-wide console in his 1966 NAUSET 16, and he notes that even the 36-inch-wide console was a bit tight to get around.

[Dave_a]

jimh--thank you for the research. I have reached out to Ward for information. The console is indeed 40-inches-wide.

I would be happy to provide info to continuousWave for the archives.

My boat is a 1964 Nauset [with stencil number] 32229 which falls within the proper data range for a 1964 model year.
I will forward pictures and dimensions later this weekend. I have re-packaged the windshield for return.

Thanks again for the information.

[CassiD]

I also bought a new windshield for my 1964 NAUSET, and I found it to be too small for the center console.

This 1964 NAUSET has been in my family since it was new, so I know the parts are original. The center console is 40-inches wide, as mentioned above.

I am working on restoring the woodwork, but I have to find someone to reconstruct the windshield. The hull is going to a boat yard for restoration, but it is dry and in good shape. It is just a bit worn.

If you look at the 1968-revised drawing [linked from the REFERENCE article of the 16/17] showing wood placement in the hull for the NAUSET, there is a horizontal line showing 40-inches to the outside of the deck cleats in the area of the cockpit where the console, front seat and pilot seat are located.

My console top also has a front and side edge trim that is unusual, consisting of strips of 3/8-inch-wide mahogany nailed with brads to the edge of the plywood deck. Not the strongest design, so there is no wonder it was beefed up.

I am making my own set of drawings as I repair and refinish the woodwork. I can share my drawings as I go, but they will be mostly plan and elevation views with dimensions, not construction joints, dados, splines, and so on.

I am in the early phases of refinishing, and I realize this work will take longer than I would like.

[jimh]

The wood locating drawing dated 1968 does show a 40-inch-wide dimensioned area in the part of the cockpit where the center console would be located. Exactly what that dimension line was intended to denote is not made clear in the drawing, as far as I can tell.

We now have two instances of c.1964 NAUSET 16 boats where the center console windshield is cited as being 40-inches wide.

Ward Grafton's 1966 NAUSET 16 apparently had a 36-inch-wide center console, as mentioned above.

One possible inference to be made: perhaps the original console on the earlier boats was 40-inches wide, and then a production change occurred sometime between 1964 and 1966, making the center console 4-inches narrower in order to improve the clearance with the hull sides so one could walk toward the boat with less interference from the console.

[Blackduck]

I have a 1973 NAUSET, which was made near the end of production for this model, and it has a 36-inches wide console. It is a very tight passage around the sides, and 2-inches less [clearance on each side] would be uncomfortably tight.

[Trowboat]

I believe my [1966 NAUSET 16 stencil number 34629 may] have the 40-inch wide [apparently means console].
I will check soon.

[The console] looks to be made of Teak and not Mahogany. I heard this [unclear if “this refers to the teak construction or the possibility the console was 40-inches wide] was an option for a short time.

ASIDE: I'm pulling out [the] original [console] and redoing with much narrower [console].

[smirkless]

The classic Whaler woodwork drawings on my website now include the 40-inch-wide console.
They are available [for purchase] at:

https://arcshark3d.wixsite.com/olblue66