Showing the Boston Whaler 13 some TLC . . .

[tpenfield]

Greetings,

I have been procrastinating on keeping up with the Boston Whaler. It does not get used much and last season it overheated. I ran some de-scaler solution through the motor to see if that helped with the cooling system, and seems to have improved things. Keeping up with my procrastination strategy, I have not replaced the impeller yet.
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Anyway, the controls (throttle and shift) have become very stiff and the handle is a wee bit broken. I bought an NOS/refurbished control and cable set on eBay to replace the original.
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The trailer bearings have been complaining for a few years, and last year they screeched all the way to/from the ramp. Also, heavy rust scale has deteriorated the hubs and lug nuts to the point that they are long beyond serviceable.
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So, I bought new axle/hub/wheel/springs . . .
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This will be my project for the week, among others.

 

[racerone]

These hulls are " foam filled " I believe.----Checked for water in the foam ?-----Weighed the boat ?-----That motor ( 1983 ? ) needs a new impeller about every 5 years.----If it overheated severely you should do a compression test.---Cylinder head is warped.-----Refinsh to be flat.----Install with a new head gasket.

 

[southkogs]

Those are supposed to be great little boats. I've always wanted one ... or a 17' Montauk

 

[tpenfield]

These hulls are " foam filled " I believe.----Checked for water in the foam ?-----Weighed the boat ?-----That motor ( 1983 ? ) needs a new impeller about every 5 years.----If it overheated severely you should do a compression test.----Perhaps replace head gasket.

Yup, the original 'unsinkable' foam filled design. This boat is a 1971 model, I believe. Probably has some saturated foam.

Motor is appears to be 1980's, based on the model # (1983 ?). Overheat was mild and short lived. Probably should order the impeller.
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[tpenfield]

Those are supposed to be great little boats. I've always wanted one ... or a 17' Montauk

When I was growing up, all the cool kids in the harbor had Whaler 13's w/ 40 HP. Talk about Greased lightning.

 

[tpenfield]

Today's progress . . .

I got the axle assembled.
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4.80 - 12 wheels

The hubs have grease zerks on the back side, which is something I have not seen before, but makes sense.

Next up is the new controls and cables for the outboard.

 

[Willyclay]

The hubs have grease zerks on the back side, which is something I have not seen before, but makes sense.

Drilled & tapped the hubs on my Dad's trailer for zerks many years ago. Worked well for us, just a little awkward for access. Good luck!

 

[JimS123]

I have had boats and boats since I was 19 years old. My Whaler is the best I ever had. It will follow me to the nursing home.

Nice project. Keep us posted.

 

[tpenfield]

I got the controls hooked up today . . . The shift and throttle levers on the engine itself are a bit stiff, but that will be a project for another day.
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Also added a solar charger to keep the batteries fresh.
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Next up is swapping out the old axle/wheel assembly for the new one.

 

[airshot]

I can hear that little whaler crying to be used more often !! I know I would !!

 

[tpenfield]

Yup, maybe it will get used more as the improvements are made.

I got the new axle/springs/wheels installed.
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[Scott Danforth]

Ooh... 2 beer holders at the helm

 

[tpenfield]

Ooh... 2 beer holders at the helm

Custom add done last year.

 

[flashback]

I see some bright work in your future and maybe a nice big Bimini top..

 

[tpenfield]

Yup . . . It was all polyurethane about 5 years ago. The sun had its way.

I also discovered that the bilge pump is not working. So, I have a new one to install.

 

[dubs283]

Any chance of this behavior in your whaler's future?

 

[tpenfield]

Quick update . . .

The Whaler is launched. . .
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The shifting is very stiff, which has been a problem all along. I thought the new controls would help, but they don't. Without the cables attached to the shift and throttle levers on the motor, the control cables move quite easily.

I tried the the penetrating oil on the shift and throttle levers of the motor while testing everything, but the shifting is so stiff, it makes controls very difficult to operate.

I may put a thread in the Johnny/Rude forum for further input before I start messing with the shift lever and linkage.

 

[dubs283]

Sun is harsh

Where's the bimini?

 

[tpenfield]

Back at the house . . . the 5 Foot tide, leaves the boat in shallow water much of the day . . .

 

[dubs283]

Such clear water!

Lil guy looks pretty cute sittin der