15 Whaler Build

[BADFI$H]

I thought I would share a recent build I did on one of my favorite boats. I have been fortunate enough to have owned around 13-14 different Boston Whalers (of which I currently still have 3), but never had the time/circumstances/money to fully rebuild one until recently.

The purists will probably hate it, and that is fine. The purist in me was unsure at first too. But my 40 year old back appreciates an upright sitting position and the ability to stand up and drive when needed.

Enjoy!

[BADFI$H]

What I started with…

[BADFI$H]

It’s not that I didn’t like the Tohatsu 70 TLDI. It was a great little motor, and one of the reasons I bought the boat. But it was a little on the heavy side at around 310 lbs. If you know these boats, then you know they are very sensitive to weight as most small boats are. I decided to sell the Tohatsu in favor of a F70 Yamaha.

[BADFI$H]

In fact, I actually stripped down everything on the boat. This happens to be a center console model which is “supposedly” rare. I have owned 3 other factory center console 15’s so go figure. While I love the built in rigging tunnel, the console is simply a cut down standard console which is the console used in every classic 80’s Whaler up to the 25 Outrage. It is simply to low and wide in my opinion, so it had to go.

I know my limitations. And while I love to rig boats, I am not a fiberglass and paint guy by any means. That being said, I decided to trailer the boat up to Palm City from Key Largo to my good friend Bryan Lowery with Native Customs.

[BADFI$H]

I had done much research over the years on what is needed to make a 15 Whaler stable at speed. While I was not looking to do 60 or 70, I did want to possible hit 50 without experiencing the dreaded chine walk. So I decided to forgo a pad in favor of just having the strakes extended to the transom.

An Atlas Microjacker was also on the punch list to keep the skeg from dragging. You can run these motors really high on this hull. A 15” shaft would probably work out just fine most situations.

[KMac]

Love this..

[blaster]

Fantastic! I think this is awesome. Keep us updated.

[BADFI$H]

Next all the holes got filled on the topside, lots of sanding and then high build primer. The strakes look like they weren’t meant to be there as they intersect the bump out on the transom perfectly!

[BADFI$H]

So a few things transpired during this time. I decided to go another direction in regards to the motor. I also found a really unique console that I had to have.

Bryan also made me a one off fiberglass anchor hatch. I planned on attaching it with a piano hinge on the side so an anchor line could be run through the front notch.

[BADFI$H]

I decided I really wanted a specific gray for the hull that I had seen on a 39 SeaHunter down here in Key Largo. After contacting SeaHunter, I ordered AwlCraft 2000 in Medium Gray for the hull and Chevy White for sure he interior and non skid.

[LFBB]

Forgive my ignorance but what is the purpose of the rut in the hull under the console, looks like 6'-8' long and maybe 6" wide?

[BADFI$H]

Some more shots of the paint outdoors.

[BADFI$H]

I felt that on such a small boat with limited beam, adding a toe kick to the console would be great and also allow me to stand up and drive when necessary. Very happy with the decision.

[BADFI$H]

Forgive my ignorance but what is the purpose of the rut in the hull under the console, looks like 6'-8' long and maybe 6" wide?

It is a rigging tunnel. There is a plate that covers it. It allows for the rigging to be run from the rear of the boat to the console concealed instead of on the deck.

[LFBB]

Thanks

[Tiretyme]

I think it’s awesome and you sir definitely have skills!!