My 13 foot Boston Whaler is water logged.?

Question

I have 60's model 13 foot Boston Whaler. It is completely water logged. It now weighs, in my best guess, double what a normal Whaler of the same size would weigh. Is there any way to get the water out and to reduce the weight of the boat? I will try anything. Please Help

Answer 1

I'm presuming the hull is flooded with water. If your reference is to the wood part of the frame, can't help there.

  If its water in the bilge area, you have 2 choices.

  1. Remove the "plug" from the back, get a jack and CAREFULLY, raise the boat until the water starts to drain. If you do it too fast, obviously the weight shift of water will send it crashing down on the stern. ( I'm presuming it is out of the water too.....)

  2. The only other option is to take a drill, and at the bow, drill a small ( about 3/16" ) hole, being careful not to allow water to flood the drill ( electricity )..........do it fast.  If the water doesn't start to drain, take a phillips head s***w driver and work it into the hole until water starts to drain.

  3. Pick up any fiberglass repair kit, fill the hole, sand it and if need a little paint.

      If your Whaler is in water, you'll have to get it lifted to dry land.

Answer 2

I have previous experience with Boston Whalers, having been (in a previous life) manager of a marina.

The number one cause of waterlogged hulls is a crack or hole.  The hull is a composite/foam-filled material.  If a hole allows water inside, it starts acting sort of like a sponge.  The foam, if allowed to stay water logged for a long period will deteriorate and the hull might not be salvageable.

It needs to be thoroughly dried out then any holes or cracks repaired.  

However, to see if that is even worthwhile doing, it should be inspected by a trained Boston Whaler service, preferably at a reputable marina or boat brokerage.  

A boat of that age might be beyond saving.

Answer 3

Wow! Chances are that the gel coat has been broken and capillary action has sucked water into the hull structure. You have to dry the boat out. Put you boat into a very, very warm and dry place and be patient. Next re-do the exterior with a new gel coat. Don't leave the boat sitting in the water! Take it to shore and upend it. It will dry out. Note: Resin and glass form mechanical bonds. Use causes the glass and resin to separate. The interstice invites water to invade the structure and it dissolves the resin!