Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by 73whaler13 on 10/20/08 - 10:22 AM

A dealer in OR is closing out their '08 inventory and offered me a 50hp 4strk Suzuki for $4,400 (no sales tax in OR) plus Suzuki is adding a 6 year warranty plan at no additional cost. I was planning on repowering with a 40hp Suzuki, but they didn't have an 40's. The 50 is the same weight and size (20" shaft) as the 40. It's definately more motor than I planned on, but other dealers in my area can't come close to the price even for a 40.

Anyone here ever ran a 50 on a 13 whaler? I plan on moving my seating forward and I purchased a 12 gal tank to go under the forward. The battery will be located under the drivers seat. I may still need to add a little weight to the front locker, but hopefully not much. I put a deposit on the motor, but it's not too late to cancel my order. Any comments or concerns would be much appreciated.

Posted by 1531665anthony on 10/21/08 - 10:18 AM

I HAD A 40 YAMAHA ON MY 13 AND THERE WERE TIMES THAT I WISHED FOR THE 50. GO FOR IT. YOU ARE GETTING A GREAT DEAL. DOES HE HAVE A 150 HP FOR A 19 OUTRAGE 1974 MODEL?
WHEN YOU LOAD THAT 13 DOWN WITH FAT MEN AND GEAR YOU WILL BE GLADE YOU HAVE THAT 50. THE ONLY THING IS THAT YOU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO INSURE THE BOAT BECAUSE THE 13 IS RATED FOR A 40. I WOULD STILL GET THE 50!:)

Posted by 73whaler13 on 10/21/08 - 10:40 AM

Insuring the boat could definately be a problem. I do keep it on a boat lift during the summer and in the garage during the winter, so it would be difficult for someone to steal it (although not impossible).

The problem that I'm running into now, is that my boat is not done being re-gelcoated. It was supposed to be done a couple of months ago, but it's not. The shop that I bought my new motor from is willing to hold it for me until my boat is ready to be rigged, but I'm nervous let them keep the motor not knowing when my boat will be ready. It seems like one shop after another is closing down and since I'm in Seattle and this shop is in Portland, it's not as if I can easily keep an eye on them.

I was planning on picking up the motor on Thursday, but they have taken it out of the crate. How would you guys transport a new motor that is not in a crate?

Posted by CES on 10/21/08 - 10:52 AM

Put some old tires in the back of your pickup truck, lay a balnket or something soft on top of that and then lay the motor down on it's side. Tie it down so it is snug and doesn't bounce around too much.

Posted by 73whaler13 on 10/21/08 - 11:41 AM

CES wrote:
Put some old tires in the back of your pickup truck, lay a balnket or something soft on top of that and then lay the motor down on it's side. Tie it down so it is snug and doesn't bounce around too much.

The dealer is telling me that if I transport the motor without it being rigged to my boat, that it may void my warranty. Any thoughts?

Posted by Binkie on 10/21/08 - 11:42 AM

Many people run 50hp motors on their 15 footers. the two cylinder 50 OMC motors were a popular choice. I would go for it. I would bring the motor home, and rig it yourself. and get a credit from the dealer. Its really very simple to do, and instructions are provided with the controls. Just rent an engine hoist for a few dollars to make the lifting easily. If you have enough slack in your steering cable, or buy a new cable, move your entire interior forward 6 inches. It really makes a difference in the way the boat rides and handles. See Erik's remodel of his 13 footer.
If I didn`t have a raceboat when I feel the need for speed, I would have a 50 on my 13 footer instead of a 25.
rich

Posted by Derwd24 on 10/22/08 - 11:09 AM

Check into it more, Suzuki should allow you to rig it and not void the warranty. You could also bring it to a local dealer for inspection before the first time out, and they can confirm to Suzuki that the install was done properly, which will prevent any warranty claim issues in the future....

Posted by 73whaler13 on 10/22/08 - 3:00 PM

#10

They now tell me that I can rig the motor myself, but that I need to have an authorized Suzuki dealer inspect the motor before it is fired up for the first time. They also agreed to re-crate the motor and I'm going to pick it up tomorrow.

The stars must be aligned, because the shop called and said that my boat will be finished a week from this Friday. The hull will be ready to see this weekend. I'll take some pictures of both the new motor and new gelcoat soon.

Posted by CES on 10/23/08 - 8:53 AM

#12

Dude, that thing is going to scream!!! I drove a 1974 13' with a 2003 40hp Yami on the back and it was chine walking on me. My little girl was squeezing my arm like there was no tomorrow and I had to slow the boat down to a speed closer to what my slow Whaler does, about 32mph. I think the GPS read about 42mph.....pretty fast for a boat so low in the water. That 50 will scoot your Whaler along like Banshi!

Edited by CES on 10/23/08 - 8:53 AM

Posted by kamie on 10/23/08 - 2:50 PM

#13

73whaler13 wrote:
Insuring the boat could definately be a problem. I do keep it on a boat lift during the summer and in the garage during the winter, so it would be difficult for someone to steal it (although not impossible).

No problem on insurance, just tell the company what you have. If your current insurance company won't write a policy, PM me and I can give you the name of someone that will. The Insurance agent I use insures many whalers, including mine.

Posted by 73whaler13 on 10/24/08 - 10:23 AM

#14

Thanks Kamie...I'll let you know if I run into any trouble with the insurance.

I picked the motor up yesterday along with the side control, wiring harness, and rigging kit. I wasn't sure how long the shift cables need to be, so I didn't buy those. I'll post some photos this weekend of the finished hull and motor.