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Hey guys,

I just bought a 1958 Whaler with a 1973 50hp on the back. I know nothing about boats just yet... but I hope to re-do everything on this boat and make something very nice. I hear theres the standard and the sport models in this year... If this is true, can someone tell me how to tell the difference? A few changes have been done to the boat since 58' and I don't know the history, so please provide as many details as possible to identify.

Thanks in advance,
Shawn
:)

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1958 was the 1st year of production. You may have the oldest whaler known to this site. Can you find the stencil number inside of the transom area, or in the bow locker area?

-John

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I know the Title has 1958 on it... but I'll peak around for anything else tonight. Is there any photos out there to show what I'm looking for?

thanks,
Shawn

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Let me see what I can find as far as photos.

Hold tite.

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Look at the personal pages, sort by length and you'll get the idea, I can't get the files into the right format. Let me give you an idea from a personal page...

Look at the second photo here.
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...er_id=7818

My number is in the splashwell, but its a baby compared to yours if it is a '58. Mine is from the late 70s. I have heard some of the older boats have the numbers in the bow locker.

If is has been repainted, or whatever, you will probably have to sand to find it.

-John

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I believe in an 1958 the stencil is found in the cockpit splashwell in front of the transom bulkhead.


Here are images I shot of Steve Karris's 1958 that Whaler restored and used for their 50th Anniversary display.

The oldest whaler that I know to have been owned by a member was hull# 110 (which would make it the 11th whaler ever made) which was owned by Larry Goltz LHG/Finnegan

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Once you find your stencil number, you can view the approximate year here:
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=61

To view different models, look at the personal pages and the Whaler Model Specifications section:
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...allery.php

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I doubt you will ever see a 58 ft whaler but I'm hearing they will be coming out with a new 37 footer in the near future.

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Well it seems like it was painted or gel-coated over. I cant tell the difference yet (too new to boating). Will the stencil reveal itself if I went to town with sandpaper? Or will that sand off before I noticed it?

Thanks,
Shawn

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It should magically appear with lots of elbow grease and some 180 grit. Many have had the same troubles locating due to it being painted or gel coated over.

-John

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From what I understand from reading this site, the standard would be set up as a stern drive boat meaning you would not have steering cables or steering wheel. Sport would have had remote steering. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong. All the hulls in a given year are the same the difference is in the wood interior fittings. On the other whaler site a member sells a DVD set that has all the whaler catalogs that show all the set ups. It costs something like $59.00.

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Jeff, is there any way you can post more pics of that "58 Whaler? I would love to see more of it. Is it travelling the country making appearances at boat shows this year? We have a boat show in Richmond this weekend and we do have a Whaler dealer in town. Maybe I'll check it out.

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There are a couple more photos in the Special Events section here:
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...album_id=4

I may have a few more from the trip.

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This is technical I know, but the appropriate wording is that the Standard model is a "tiller" steer and the Sport model is a remote steer.

I believe "stern drive" is a reference for a unit that has the prop shaft extended through the aft keel section while the engine is usually inboard amidships, the prop is guarded by a shroud of some sorts fore and immediately followed aft by some rudder configuration.

For outboards with no steering wheel or cables, you are looking for "tiller." I only corrected because you asked. ;) "Someone will correct me if I'm wrong."

-John

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I believe you are talking about Tom W. Clark. He is one of ours too. B)

See here, he is a moderator... (not an admin anymore? or still?)

http://www.whalercentral.com/profile....lookup=365

-John

Edit:
John, I added www to your link. Otherwise people think they are logged out.

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LabCab,

That CD collection would be from Tom W Clark.
He is an admin/moderator here on WhalerCentral.
http://www.whalercentral.com/viewpage...age_id=138

And here is a link to his CD:
http://www.tomwclark.com/

His CD collection is also shown in the scrolling Sponsors panel in the upper right of our site.
http://www.whalercentral.com/viewpage...age_id=127

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Hey Shawn. I will be working in Ft Pierce next week. Maybe we can get together and I can help you look for the stencil number. Let me know.

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Protek, check your personal email acct, I sent you an email...

Others... I wrote to Boston Whaler about the location of the 1958 whaler and this is what I got...
(as a request if its going to be at the central fla boat show)

Our restored 1958 13' is residing at our dealership in Bonita Springs, Bonita Boat Center, and unfortunately will not be at the show.