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After nearly 27 years with an Evinrude 50HP VRO engine I had my 1985 15' Super Sport re-powered at the end of the 2012 season on Lake Champlain, where she has spent all of her active years on the water. I bought her from the dealer in 1986 after she had spent the 1985 season as the dealer's demo, where I lived across the street at the time.
I had the woodwork redone about 6-7 years ago with only marginally satisfying results. So, along with the new 50HP 4 stroke Mercury, I replaced the bow hatch cover with a new one and bought a new set of white vinyl cushions (that I had never spent the money on before).
With the renewed confidence that comes with the new motor and the revitalized look of her new hatch & cushions I can hardly wait for the 2013 season to begin.
I was 31 years old when I bought her. I am now 58. I was single when I bought her. I now have a wife, a daughter whose a senior in college and a son who starts his freshman college year in the fall. The mortgage is paid. I'm thinking of maybe retiring early this year or next.
It's been a long trip and the Whaler has been there the whole time...and she looks and runs better than I do. I am really looking forward to spending more time together, starting this summer!
All our numbers match closely....I am 55, my boat is a 13 foot SSL bought in 1993 when we were told we couldn't have babies...she is a freshman in college in MA.
Only difference I think is though I have awesome weather year round you probably use the boat more often. Still, with 76 degrees in the forecast for the weekend, I am pretty sure we will be heading to Mission Bay, San Diego
Love your post! I can't help but pick up on the foreshadowing here. Two years ago at the age of 31 I bought my first boat ever, a 1986 15' SS with the original 1985 60 HP Johnson. The gentleman I bought her from was the original owner. Long story short, I am happy to say that I found the boat of my dreams, and in the meantime I have found an awesome girl that I will be marrying soon.
Cheers, on the admirable point of life you have come to. I'm a bit jealous of the thought of retirement, bringing a great deal more time out on the marsh with the old girl.
