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My 13' Sport is 39 years old today (by invoice that is).
She was invoiced to San Carlos Marina in Fort Myers, FL on this date in 1972. And for the first time in 39 years her faded, cracked and scratched orginal Boston Whaler decals were removed in preparation for her facelift. It was a strange feeling as I scraped them off and thought of the individual that placed them there 39 years ago. I then thought about what I as a 13 year old kid would have been doing when this grand little boat was beginning her journey of almost 4 decades to me now as a 52 year old kid.
Just a little mind wandering as I contemplate her restoration (sort of) to her former glory.
THESE ARE GREAT BOATS!!!
P.S. A huge thumbs-up goes to Boston Whaler for maintaining these records (mostly hand written) and to Chuck Bennett for being such a class act guy to help us know the history of our Grand Boats.
Edited by brorobin on 07/05/11 - 8:59 PM
Robin Chaplin
1972 13 Sport - 1994 25hp Mercury
It was my Dad's, now it's Mine, one day I'll pass it down, 'til then it's Happy Whalering.
First off, Happy Birth Day to the little one. I completely understand the wandering thoughts. My current project boat started life as a work boat in the U.S. Navy. A gray hull, then at some point painted white. I had to wonder what type service called for the face lift to the white. Could the old girl have served duty taxing brass around? Possibly shuttling sailors to shore leave? What about the 18 year old seaman that painted her? What a life these boats live!
Our Lil' Joe just turned 38 on June 23rd (by invoice - see my personal page). There has got to be a way based on serial number, though, to figure out exactly when the came off the line.
Like you, I often drift back and think about the time I first took a ride in her (Holy Cow! I had hair!!).
I second your compliments of Chuck Bennett. He is amazing and worth his weight in gold to Boston Whaler, being their consummate spokesperson, diplomat and all around face of the company to us. He has helped me on many occasions and is ALWAYS a gentlman..
I have called Mr. Bennett on both of my project boats. On the 19 I called, and gave him the information I had. He told me it would take a while to get the information from the original books. I went back into the yard. Before I could resume whatever I was doing my wife was walking out of the house with the phone in her hand. Yep Chuck was calling with the information. He is a great person and I must think he loves these old boats as much as we do.
