Rebirth of a Whaler/Whaler Sex Change

?? fisherman · Mar-08-2006, 01:19 AM

I will add a bunch more to this thread very soon with a bunch of pics as the transformation takes place, but for now I am just going to put up a couple of pics of the whaler Chuck bought recently and add more plus a full story when I get the chance. Its getting late so here is what we are starting with, a 1987 20' Boston Whaler Revenge walk thru cuddy.

I will continue to add to this thread as the progress takes place rather than start a new thread each time. We actually kicked some major ass this past weekend and got a ton of work done! More to come soon,

Work had already began when this photo was taken as the removal of the bottom paint had been started

The unknown fisherman

**Jason** · Mar-08-2006, 01:33 AM

Lets see that cuddy go bye bye!

Mots · Mar-08-2006, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misuse

Lets see that cuddy go bye bye!

No way dude, I like my cuddy

Gives me a place to get off my back.

Look foward to seeing the transformation.

Good luck guys

Mot's Sr. · Mar-08-2006, 07:24 AM

Was wondering what the hell Chuck was doing, looking forward to more updates on this project.

Captain Hook · Mar-08-2006, 08:46 AM

Was this the whaler that was on Craig's list 2 weeks ago?

Chesapeakechuck · Mar-08-2006, 10:45 AM

Yeah, this boat was listed on Craig's list a few weeks ago...It looks a bit different now, though

Dos Locos · Mar-08-2006, 10:48 AM

Congrats Chuck, give me a PM or call if you need any help one of these weekends.

?? fisherman · Mar-08-2006, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misuse

Lets see that cuddy go bye bye!

Oh thats definetely where we are going with this!!

I here ya Greg as I really like ALOT off things about my Skippy. Not only the sleep/rest factor but also that I can store a ton of tackle in there for most any encounter while on the water, but make no mistake this boat will be born again a BAD little center console whos purpose is to hammer the inner banks, islands and coastal fishing.

I have sorta followed inline with Jason in that I really do have a heavy liking for CC boats due to many of my fishing styles and for some reason I have really been getting a hard-on to fish a small CC boat again after some really quality fish.

Ok here goes the story with more progress and pics on the Whaler.

Approx 2 weeks ago (give or take a few days) I came across a 20' Boston Whaler Revenge for sale that was very local and needed much work, as the boat had been sitting for at least 3 years and the engine as well as numerous other things on it were TOAST!

The really ironic thing about all of this is that about a month ago I was telling Chuck that it would be great to find a Revenge 20 for a good price and convert it to a CC outrage 20. The problem is there just isnt a bunch around and the 20' Whaler is very rare!! I have owned about 5 whalers, all the way from 13' to 20' models and had in fact owned both the 20' CC outrage as well as the 20' Revenge. Little did either of us know that by some strange fate this exact boat we were talking about would come up for sale SOON, and not only that but just minutes away and very local.

When I saw the ad (Allcoast/Craigslist) and what it descibed I could not belive my eyes, as it was the perfect scenerio, thrashed boat,engine shot, owner with a bad back who wants it gone!! To be honest I was really kinda bummed when I saw the ad because I had just purchased two more boats in the course of a month as well as a new kayak!!!

and I knew there was no way for me to get another! Trust me guys I DO NOT have alot of money and this was money from both mine and my wifes home equity, and lucky for me she has been cool about all of this, but I bought these boats because in my mind they were good decent deals and I LOVE to work on boats, but the fact is I will have to unload something here in the next few months as there is no way I can keep all of these boats!! Shit I can barely afford the Skippy I have and now I plunged into 2 more, what a idiot!!!

Anyways back to the Whaler story, I called the guy up and got the address and he told me I could come by his place and check the boat out while he was at work, which was perfect since I really like to poke around and take my time checking out a boat. The minute I saw the boat I knew this could definetely be a great project boat, and thats when I was really REALLY bumming that I wasnt able to purchase it, but I knew I had to call Chuck and convince him to make the plunge, and thankfully it didnt take much convincing.

When Chuck first saw the boat he was both excited and a little skeptical at the same time I think, as the more you looked at the boat the more thrashed it looked, but the thing is you have to know when to look beyond certain things and see the beauty that lies beneath the beast and the fact is all the bad that showed on this boat was the stuff that would come off anyways!!

Ok, I am done with all this chit chat and will straight cut to the chase now, Chuck talked the guy into a damn good deal IMO and the purchase was made, and the boat was towed to his place and with a little moving things around we were able to park it next to my last boat purchased where Chuck has so graciously let me store it.

Im really digging this project as I love working on whalers and if I can convince Chuck of doing this thing right (which I belive he will do) it will turn into one very bitchin 20' CC!

Thanks Chuck for letting me help along with the transformation of this whaler, we kicked some serious ass in just two short days!!

Ill let the pictures do the talking.

Bottom paint which Chuck will attempt to remove allthough he is getting discouraged at this point

Remover in place and setting up

Rub rail comming off

Everything need to be stripped off before the top shell comes off, and here is the windsheild being removed

More to come later as I got to get ready for work.

The unknown fisherman

?? fisherman · Mar-08-2006, 01:15 PM

More pics.

Everything being stripped before the removal of the top shell (cuddy)

Off comes the walkthru rail

Top and rail removed

A look inside the cuddy which will eventually have 4 new hatches. One will be the anchor locker and then there will be two smaller storage areas and the best part is there will be a HUGE fish hold! also of note Chuck will be selling the mahogony hatches as there should be a good market for them and they are in great condition.

More to come soon.

The unknown fisherman

**Captain Curt** · Mar-08-2006, 01:46 PM

Thanks for sharing the face lift guys. Pics of the work are great. Glad to see that there are more crazy bastards like Brandon and I. All of us sharing these pics and info on our projects will help each other learn how to make our rides some of the best out there. You guys planning on being ready for the season?

Curtis........

The boat Hanna...........

?? fisherman · Mar-08-2006, 01:56 PM

More pics

Getting the two lower shells ready for removal from the cuddy

Chuck disconecting all the lines going to the engine. Actually we just cut most of them since basically none of this will be reused.

Bilge cover completely rotted out. All this will be new and bitchen Starboard

Port side lower shell is off, next comes the starboard side

Off it comes!

With both side now off we are getting all giddy as we cant wait to get the whole damn shell off!! I was in hyperdrive at this point

Next Chuck worked on removing the rubrail base

After Chuck removed all of the rubrail base I worked on drilling out all 200 or so rivets that hold the caprail on. While doing so I had the enjoyment of listening to Chuck mumble to himself and get pissed while working on the removal of the bottom paint

At this point it didnt take long to realize that our best bet was to cut the top cuddy shell into sections since we both knew it wasnt going to be reused and it was damn near impossible to try and ship and sell that thing to someone.

Once we made our cut close to the caprail we had to then use a hand saw so as not to damage any of the caprail and gelcoat in the new areas that will be seen.