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My name is Ed and I've raced small one-design sailboats for about 20 yrs. I just introduced the sport to my 8 yr old son, but I'm quickly realizing that we need a small chase boat. I've been around Whalers for years as most clubs use them for safety or mark boats, also tons of coaches. Now that I'm in the market and doing research I'm starting to notice that my sailboat knowledge isn't carrying over to these boats. I've done some fiberglassing, some epoxy work, some woodwork and a TON of sanding and buffing. More recently I've been playing with gelcoat finishes of older boats. I've taken four 90's boats and wet sanded them up thru 400,600,800,1000,1500,2000,2500 & 3000. Then compounding twice, polished & waxed. The results blow my mind each time and the accuracy of the reflections rival sports cars on the road. That's where my knowledge stops.

When buying racing sailboats there are a ton of tricks to check the quality of used boats. There are certain years and styles that you want to avoid. Is there a cheat sheet I can find for 13' Whalers? My hope was to buy an older beat up hull only, fix, fill, sand and paint similar to the Jamestown Dist videos on Total Boat Wet Edge. But how do you ensure that you're not buying a hull with a water logged core? Buyers selling a dirt cheap hull won't exactly be thrilled to help you hoist and weigh the hull. Also is there a way to remove the 95% of the water? I saw a brief article by a guy who drilled holes in low areas and then sat the boat on an incline for days, but then I've seen counter articles saying that the water tends to cling to the core material. Are there moisture meters that work on boats with foam cores? Lastly, I'd like a boat with a steering wheel low on the bench as we will be double deck trailering with sailboats above. Can any 13' be converted to have the wheel over stick steer?

Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing your feedback.

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Thistle you have a lot of questions and many will chime in but here is my 2 cents
There is not such a thing as an inexpensive 13' Whaler, they are very much in demand and therefore hold a lot of value no matter what shape they are in.
You are right about the water/moisture containment/extraction; you'll find many articles on that subject on the net and you can search on this site for more insight.
Personally as a chase boat I wouldn't worry about it.
The 13 will go faster than the Thistle.
Yes you can add steering wheel to a tiller outboard little Whaler.

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I just purchased a 1974 13' Sport and the steering wheel is very flat and low; would be perfect for that need you have. I think you can find an older 13' Whaler for exactly what you need. Mine needed no work and I only paid $2,800 for boat/engine/trailer. Good luck!

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Take a look at the members personal page section.
Scroll down to the 13' Sport models.
All the Sport models have steering wheels.
http://www.whalercentral.com/viewpage...page_id=65

And then look at the 13' Custom models to see what other members have done to their Whaler hull.

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I have a 1968 13' classic in good shape. Bottom has been completely redone. Sanded bare, all nicks imperfections filled, barrier coated and bottom painted. Wood side consel and side boards stripped and spar varnished. Has a 20 gal. Fuel tank installed. Bench seats are padded with marine vinyl for comfort. Full mooring cover and smooth rolling hausclaw trailer with new carpeted bunks. I bought a 16' nauset which I put my 50 hp evinrude on. There is a 35 hp mercury available if interested for a very fair price. I want 3k for this good looking 13' classic. Somebody will get Avery solid, good looking classic for a good price.

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Where are you Kayjacbru?

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Sandusky, ohio. I can text pictures if you wood like

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Great. 248-310-9638.

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I emailed you Kayjacbru. I'm interested as well

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I apologize thistle. My email address on this site is wrong. I have emailed admins and not recieved a reply about changing it. I will try to contact you.

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I have not received an email from you Ted.
My email is in my profile if you would like to update your email address.

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Joe, I sent another email, thanks

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Great Ted.

For security reasons, I responded to the email address you listed and not the one you used to send me that email which was different.
All email addresses must be verified for validity.