Advice on whaler rebuild

Was hoping you guys could point me in the right direction on a few things. Having sank my jon boat last weekend with my whole family on board in Trenchards Inlet, I think I am going to work something out with a larger hull.

I have an older 17’-18’ whaler (hull only). Planning to put it on a new aluminum trailer, and repower with a new Yamaha 4 stroke. Rhino-line the inside of hull. The hull is in fairly good shape, no soft spots and doesn’t seem to be water logged. The inside should be good to go with rhino lining, but I was wondering what yalls thoughts were on the exterior gel coat. It is original and pretty well spider cracked etc.

I am not looking for show quality finish, just functional. Do you think I could sand this down myself and re-gel coat or is this a job for a professional. Maybe I could just prep it and let someone else paint it. If someone else, what would be general cost to gel coat outside only roughly? Who would be a good option in the Beaufort area for this?

You say you will Rhino-line the hull. Does that mean you’ll take it to someone and let them spray it? Don’t you think it will be rough?

Check out Monstaliner and Raptor liner as well for a DIY application.

Wadmalaw native
16’ Bentz-Craft Flats Boat

Whalers are heavy hulls. Rhino lining will add additional weight, and then a 4 stroke Yammie is really heavy. Not sure which hull you are working with, but if I just swamped my boat with the family I would be careful about all of this when rigging this “new” hull.

Personally, I think you could probably find a rigged up boat for less than what it will take to do what you want. Now, if you just want a project, and have sentimental attachment, then I would go for it.

I mean you are talking $15k-$20k just for a new trailer and motor and will still have a really old boat. I think a brand new Bulls Bay 17’ is a little over $20k, and it is very wide and safe for a family for a 17’ boat. The lighter fiberglass technology allows a smaller trailer and motor that saves weight, money, and fuel over an old Whaler hull.

“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson

Wilderness Ride 115

never known a non saturated whaler to be heavy, when talking about a 17 Montauk. thy hold a Yamaha 90 4 stroke very nicely.
yes, you can sand the gelcoat off the exterior. its a nasty job, but can be done. you have to be careful, as the fiberglass is not very thick, and its easy to grind into the foam.
new gelcoat is not really a DIY project. I would fill, primer and paint with something user friendly like interlux perfection. it is 2 part, so it gets pretty hard, and lays out nicely with a roller and brush.
all that said, you are going to have over $12k in what you are describing, plus a lot of work.
you would be far better off finding a good used rig for similar money, and no work, unless you just want to tackle the project.

I have a 13 whaler that has already had half of the gelcoat ground off, about 4-5 years ago, and my teenage boys got overwhelmed, and decided a jon boat was a much better plan.
if you want the 13 whaler, you can have it. you need a trailer and some help to load it.

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I have done a couple small project boats and have to agree with the others comments. Unless want the pride and hands on knowledge of rebuilding and older hull as you describe I would not take on the project, it will end up costing you more and will take lots of time. You will be way ahead if you buy a used rig in good shape like this key west 1720 in the link below.

https://charleston.craigslist.org/boa/6101977601.html

Pursuitgang

17 Maverick Master Angler Yamaha F115
16 Hewes Redfish Yamaha 90
2300TE Triton (Sold) (RealTime)
1720 KeyWest 90 Johnson (sold)

Seems like a deal on that Scout but it a Scout! I like my old 17’ Whaler my self, cracks and all. One day I will redo the gelcoat. I have had Rinoliner sprayed on the interior of my 23’ CC and love it. Had it done in black and painted it with 2 part urithane white it been over 12 years and still looks good.