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Hi all -
I am looking for some serious advice and looking at some of these renovations, I bet some of you can give me some great guidance!

I just purchased a 1982 Montauk, sight unseen, and received it this morning. I knew it needed some cosmetic work, but to be honest, it's quite a bit worse than I'd imagined. I saw WhalerDan's Montauk and had dreams of a whaler that, for a little elbow grease, would look like that! It's pretty homely looking right now. But it's my first boat and I'm committed to making it *sparkle*.

First things first: One major thing I need to restore is the deck. This boat was Coast Guard whaler in it's first life. It apparently had some really, really major non-skid material all over the interior. The owner I bought it from painted it with what looks like, about 10 coats of epoxy paint. It looks sad. I need to lift these off. Any advice on the best (and easiest!) way to do that?

Aside from that, the console is a handmade wooden one that I believe I need to either fiberglass or to replace with a used console. How difficult is it to fiberglass something like that? Would it be better to buy? I really, really want to do this right - but also as economically as possible?

Any guidance would be very appreciated! Thanks much, Tricia

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Hi Tricia,

Congratulations on your purchase.

For me, it would be much easier to purchase a used console. They show up from time to time on eBay or other places. I would purchase one for your particular 1982 model or maybe the 1986 to 1989 model console if one came available.
Take a look at these original standard whaler consoles.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=58
I would also consider the commercial series console if one became available. If you look around in the personal page area I'm sure you can find a photo.

What type of seating does it have?
Commercial series pilot seat or an RPS?

Other than that, I would clean it up as best as you can, install a console and seat and enjoy the boat.
I'm sure others here might be able to guide you in paint removal.

Good Luck and keep us informed of your progress.

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Tricia -

Congratulations.

There are dozens of members who have done extensive restorations and/or repairs to their boats and can guide you. The challenge is seeing what you have.

When you can, please create a personal page and post lots of photos. There are FAQ's on how to build a page and post photos.

Once we can see the boat, it will help the members give you serious advice, techniques, product suggestions etc. There are several members near you so don't be too surprised if someone offers to come over and help.

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OK, you've already made one mistake. No sweat, everyone makes them. Finding this website was a good next move.

Don't get in over your head. Sell it and try again if you think you are in too deep...

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Joe, Phil and Gigem,
Thanks for the replies! Phil, you are right - I plan to take pictures in the morning and hope to get them posted soon.

Joe, I think I agree with you on buying a used console - it does seem like a much easier way to go, and I'm glad you showed me the link with the consoles - I didn't know there was a picture-listing of all the models. It helps to understand what they look like - thanks! I have tried to google/ebay used consoles, but had zero luck in finding any other than wooden models; I gathered it would take luck to run across someone selling one, but I will take your advice and keep searching.

Gigem - while I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed, I'm not throwing in the towel just yet ;) Not one of my most brilliant moves though. <grin> But I'll keep that under advisement!

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Personally I may agree with gigem....If you can flip the boat for what you have in it you may consider it then look for a better boat. If that is not an option it is time to get to work. My suggestion would be to have the entire hull soda blasted to remove all the old paint and give you a good surface to start with. If you are going to do it, do it all and do it right the first time. I am sure there will need to be a lot of grinding, sanding, and filling to get you to the point of primer. Then you will need to decide whether you are going to paint or gelcoat the boat. Not an easy nor quick job but it is rewarding.

As for the console I do not believe that you can purchase the consoles from whaler any more. However, there is a shop in Texas that is remaking the consoles and they run about $800 - $900 plus shipping. Here is the contact info.

Joe Orlando's Fiberglass
Boat repairs and restoration
Gelcoat work and repair
Boston Whalers
1145 FM 518, Kemah, Tx
281-334-2902

Honestly without seeing your boat no one can give you an exact estimate of time and money it is going to take to get the boat to sparkle again however, for a complete refurb I personally would expect to spend 4,000 - 5,000 easy for a 17' hull. that price would go up if there is large areas of wet foam, delaminating floor sections, rotten and delaminating transom, etc. That also does not include any motor nor rigging either. For an estimate on time. Even with a good constant work ethic I would say it would still take 6- 12 months so long as there is no above mentioned problems.

Yes, it is a lot of tiring work and you kiss loads of money away at times. That said it is also a very rewarding project and there is nothing like the first time you get the finished project out on the water.