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Well after looking at many, many whalers I settled on this 1958 (1st year) 13 footer. It seems to be in good condition with a nice trailer. I just towed her 200 miles home today. Any and all advice on compleating this project is MUCH appriciated.

[img]http://www.whalercentral.com/images/ppimages/15902/jkhlr6.jpg[/img]

EDIT:
Had to remove some photos as they took way too long to load. Please start a personal page to share your photos.

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Look's to be in "GOOD" shape, figure two seat's need replacing, some rails, and re-power, nice project, just right, not too much. Good Luck !

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The boat i restored last year was a very fun thing to do i enjoyed the project...It looks like you found a nice hull to start with..have fun and enjoy. What are you powering it with?

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Probably not too many 1958's out there...looks like with some elbow grease it'll be an awesome classic. The hull looks good, just needs sanding and new paint. Any damage/holes on the bottom? Check out Nautical Lumber for new interiors, they have great stuff that you really can't find anywhere else. I have a 1962...these babies are tanks...good luck with the resto! post pics! i love the old ones! too cool!

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I didnt realize that the cut ou transom was an issue before I bought this boat. My questions are :

Are there any newer outboards that have a 15" shaft in the 25-40 hp range ?

If I build up the transom, add a Kentfab aluminum plate, or jack plate does it decrease value as it is not original or increase it as it can now accept a new o/b ?

Which option is best ? (the Kentfab plate is more than I paid for the boat)

Thanks so much !! Looking foward to your answers / opinions !

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I would not alter the transom, as you don't need to. Mercury indicates availability of new 4-stroke engines 25-40HP in 15" shaft length.

I used to own a 1958 Sport 13 Whaler, hull number 110, which was the 11th Whaler ever built.
Wish I still owned it. Sold it in the Albany NY area in 1971. I've been looking for it to re-surface on the web, but no luck. I believe they only made about 100 boats in that first year.

Article and photo here:

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refe...nials.html.

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There's a few fellas on here that have newer 15" shaft motors. I think Nissan, Mercury and Tohatsu. Here's the web link to Tohatsu and if you look under the specifications section, you'll see it offers a 15" and 20" shaft motor for the 40hp motor.

http://www.tohatsu.com/outboards/40tl...0tldi.html

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Nissan, Tohatsu and Mercury 25-30 hp 4 strokes are one and the same. (157lbs.) All built in Japan by Tohatsu. I own the Mercury version and run it on my '61 13 footer. Just about the only motor still available in 15" shaft other than the 25hp Yamaha tiller model. My Merc/Tohatsu is a great motor if you don`t overload your 13 footer. 2 people max.
The best motor for a 13 footer is a 35 cu in 35hp OMC 2 stroke built from '78 to "05, I think. Lite weight, about 110lbs, with plenty of torque, and of course available in short shaft. If you can find a 35hp Chrysler with the bullet shaped gearcase in good condition and short shaft, they have the lightest weight of any 2 strike under 40hp, and will outperform most 40s.

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yep, there's a kid with a 13' near where I keep my boat, he has 2 stroke OMC 35 hp on the back of it. He probably weigh's 80 lbs (wet). The Kid fly's like a "Rocket" in the thing.

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Evinrude's E-Tec is also available in a 15" shaft if you want to go new/newer.

I would second not altering the transom if you can live with it.

John K.

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Yamaha also sells a 25 hp 2 cycle as well as a 25 hp 4 cycle in short shaft. I have not found any brand that offers the 15" shaft with power trim and tilt. I wonder if there is some reason for that. Maybe there's not enough room on the transom to tilt? Try www.edsmarinesuperstore.com for prices and links to several manufacturers. It's better to deal with a local maine shop though.