Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Question for 13' Owners and Users
Posted by RyanF on 02/03/09 - 3:53 PM
#1
Hello. I recently aquired a 1969 13' sport model. It is solid, but could use some TLC. I purchased the boat with the intent of repowering in with a 20 to 30 hp modern engine.
It came with a 1969 40 hp Johnson (which I have not been able to really test -winter in Colorado). The steering cables and control cables look to be origional and are pretty near shot and need to be replaced even if the old engine is kept.
I plan to spruce the old girl up this winter; varnish the wood, paint the interior (some spider cracking), spruce up the outside gel coat, etc. Not planning a full origional restoration.
The more I think about the project, the more I wonder if wheel steering really make sense for this small of a boat. As you know, remote steering adds significant cost to repower. It seems that the origional cable steering is obsolete now days and would be replaced with push/pull steering. Maybe tiller steering makes sense on a 13' boat? There are more short shaft tiller motor options.
What do you guys say? Is remote steering worth it on a 13?
Thanks,
Ryan
Posted by Joe Kriz on 02/03/09 - 4:07 PM
#2
I much preferred the wheel on my 13' as opposed to tiller steering.
Posted by Mr Whaler on 02/03/09 - 4:17 PM
#3
I think you will appreciate the wheel more. But the benefit of tiller steering is the fact that you have a little less to bang your knees on.
Wheel is definetley worth it in the long run.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 02/03/09 - 4:21 PM
#4
Rob,
Don't forget to vote in the poll at the top of this page.
Unless you don't want to vote of course...
Posted by Mr Whaler on 02/03/09 - 4:25 PM
#5
Oh, thanks Joe, I didn't catch that.
Posted by chrepp on 02/03/09 - 4:34 PM
#6
I have had tiller and wheel steering. I like the wheel steering because I don't have to twist my back to steer. If you think that your cables are about shot, you may want to invest in a teleflex wheel setup if you go with wheel steering.
Posted by CES on 02/03/09 - 5:52 PM
#7
Steering wheel is so much easier to use.
Posted by breakwaterboatworks on 02/03/09 - 7:35 PM
#9
Keep the wheel. I just voted and it's 100% for the wheel. It's just better
Posted by RyanF on 02/04/09 - 7:46 AM
#10
Okay, the wheel will stay.
Thanks for your input.
Posted by Yiddil on 02/04/09 - 10:09 AM
#11
I have a seahorse 35 HP 1981 on my 13 (1964 ) that has both:)))))
Posted by MW on 02/04/09 - 1:52 PM
#12
Tiller is less Maint. but, wheel is better, the 13 is a "Hot Rod Row Boat", so ya need a wheel.
Posted by kamie on 02/04/09 - 1:57 PM
#13
Not sure this matters but originally Tiller models were limited to 25HP. Go for the wheel
Posted by theo on 02/04/09 - 2:22 PM
#14
Cable steering is pretty simple - a length of cable, a handfull of pulleys, and a corkscrew on the steering shaft. Maybe you can just fix it instead of upgrading to modern steering. Just a thought.