Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by escapeartist on 05/21/11 - 1:23 PM

diameter and shaft would be correct for my 1970 Katama. Want to replace the plastic wheel that it came with. Thanks.

Posted by JohnnyCW on 05/21/11 - 2:32 PM

15 inch (maybe 15-1/2 inch) with a 3/4 inch tapered shaft.

Edited by JohnnyCW on 05/21/11 - 2:33 PM

Posted by Tom W Clark on 05/21/11 - 5:57 PM

Yes, any 15-16 inch is the right diameter but you have to have a 25 degree "dish" not the relatively flat 10 degree "dish" wheels.

It should also be a 5 spoke, not a 6 spoke wheel and have a teak center cap.

The originals were made by Atlantic.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 05/21/11 - 6:34 PM

Does anyone have a photo of one of these Destroyer Wheels that is not on the boat?

I would like to add it to the OEM Part Photos section.

Just for some variations....
My 1978 Montauk had 5 spokes.
My 1985 Outrage 18' has 6 spokes.
My 1989 Outrage 22' Cuddy had 6 spokes.
My 1997 Outrage 17' II had 5 spokes.

Posted by JohnnyCW on 05/21/11 - 6:35 PM

Tom did some of the older models come with the 5 spoke wheel? My 1991 Outrage 17's Destroyer wheel is a 6 spoke and its the original.

Posted by Tom W Clark on 05/21/11 - 7:38 PM

The Destroyer wheel was first offered as an option on the early 1970s. It was a five spoke wheel and that was what was used until 1982 or 1983 when a six spoke wheel (with black plastic center cap) was substituted.

My 1976 Sport 13 had 5 spokes.
My 1978 Striper 15 had 5 spokes.
My 1980 Montauk had 5 spokes.
My 1981 Montauk had 5 spokes.
My 1983 Outrage 18 had 6 spokes.
My 1988 Montauk had 6 spokes.
My 1988 Revenge 25 Walk-Through has 6 spokes.

Posted by escapeartist on 05/21/11 - 9:57 PM

If I find a Destroyer wheel, is it difficult to find both the teak center cap and 25 degree "dish"?

I see several new BW 15.5" wheels on ebay with grip. Anyone have the grip wheel? Like it versus the smooth wheel?

Posted by JohnnyCW on 05/22/11 - 6:49 AM

I just replaced my original wheel a few weeks ago. When I re-powered with a new Etec, I also upgraded to hydraulic steering. The downside to the hydraulic steering on my boat is that the helm sticks out several inches further than the factory setup making standing between the console and helm a little tight. I got back about 1-1/2" by reversing the RPS legs but it was still a bit tighter than I liked. I just installed a 10° dish Destroyer wheel which has been a nice solution. I searched for a wheel with the grips but couldn't find one in a 10° dish but I too am curious what anyone with a wheel with the finger grips has to say.

Posted by Tom W Clark on 05/22/11 - 8:59 AM

No classic Whaler ever used a Destoyer wheel with finger grips.

Beware some of the newer Destroyer wheels made in China, some use non-stainless steel inside the hubs.

Posted by JohnnyCW on 05/22/11 - 11:12 AM

#10

Tom W Clark wrote:
No classic Whaler ever used a Destoyer wheel with finger grips.

Even Whalers have their faults.

Kidding aside, my curiosity about the grips is more about functionality rather than preservation or restoration.

Edited by JohnnyCW on 05/22/11 - 11:13 AM