advice/info needed: finding replacement f/g center console for classic 17' whaler

[Delmarva_Bob]

I have a common issue with old whalers, a very old (late 60s/early 70s) 17' boston whaler center console with the large wood center console (w/ reverse angled wooden windshield). Its in horrible shape. I just got this boat last fall have not had time to do much with it til now. I want to use this boat for everyday things all summer, and it will be outside in the weather constantly so I don't want to deal with wood center consoles right now. Does anyone know of any companies that sell nice and fairly reasonably priced aftermarket fiberlass center-consoles that would fit nicely in that space where the large original wooden Whaler center console is now? I am sure some folks have done this for utility/simplicity purposes on their heavy use 17' whalers, when you are not concerned with restoring to classic original condition. At some point later I may tackle that, but right now I just want a nice use-able boat I can fish and do water sports, beach and sailing in, with no worries maintenance or headaches. Thanks for any advice and information anyone can provide.

 

[saumon]

Re: advice/info needed: finding replacement f/g center console for classic 17' whaler

Many blank models available Fiberglass Center Consoles

Some will say it's a sacrilege to remove that sweet Eastport/Nauset/Sakonnet console but, it's your boat...:facepalm:

(and, I don't think those born in late 60's/early 70's will agree that your boat is "very old") :laugh:

 

[Delmarva_Bob]

Re: advice/info needed: finding replacement f/g center console for classic 17' whaler

Thanks Saumon, no worries, I have the highest respect for whalers and love the older originals, I have owned many whalers in my lifetime and always kept or restored the mahogany on all of them, but for example on my small 13.5s that the kids/grandkids would use, I would have 2 interiors, one the original beautiful mahogany wood seats, console, hatch covers, but I would also do a 2nd utilitarian set of seats/etc out of a bulletproof no maintenance polymer material, and use that while the boat was out constantly being battered and abused by the kids and family, then when I would sell the boat eventually I would still have the beautiful mahogany interior parts available to go with the boat as well. This is the same concept now, I just want a nice looking modern fiberglass no worry center console with a rail and small windshield that can be put in for the time being. I am going to keep the original wood center console as well in storage. Thanks.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: advice/info needed: finding replacement f/g center console for classic 17' whaler

as long as you are keeping the old console, you have permission to switch.

I think most marine supply companies sell them and there is always the boat junkyard. I occassionally see them on craigslist around here. Seats with a box and swing back are terribly expensive.

I would also think a Carolina Skiff dealer would be an option since they are often sold "rig your own." Call Vince at Sandpiper in Accomac, if that's close enough to you, tell him a Cedar Island guy sent you.

Take care on sealing your screw holes; in whalers, once water gets in it never gets out!

 

[Delmarva_Bob]

Re: advice/info needed: finding replacement f/g center console for classic 17' whaler

OK thanks very much HC -