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1978 Sport 13 Restoration
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2020 10:28 pm
by Dive96
I just purchased a 1978 13-footer that I believe is all original and a SPORT model. I'm new to Boston Whaler ownership (and to Forums).
I plan to work with my kids ro restore the boat to as original as possible before next summer.
In the future I will ask questions. I will appreciate any advice and insight.

- Fig. 1. A 13-footer
- 62086794213__A8C48B03-EB35-46CD-A9E5-FD8BFC0B30DC.JPG (146.97 KiB) Viewed 4431 times
Re: 1978 Sport 13 Restoration
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 7:20 am
by jimh
To answer your first question that was implied in your post, the boat shown in Figure 1 appears to be a SPORT 13 in nice condition. There won’t be much work in restoration. It is best to start a new thread in REPAIRS AND MODIFICATIONS to get advice on a specific repair.
Re: 1978 Sport 13 Restoration
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 9:34 am
by biggiefl
Ditto what Jim said. FYI...engine is a 1976.
Re: 1978 Sport 13 Restoration
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 9:42 am
by jimh
Oops—the boat in Figure 1 looks like a SPORT 13 SOURPUSS because it has a seat back and the wraparound railing. A plain SPORT 13 had no seat back and no crossover railing.
Visit the REFERENCE section to learn more:
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/
Re: 1978 Sport 13 Restoration
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 10:51 am
by Dive96
Thanks I'll start a new post in Repairs and Modifications to get input on my plan and specifically trackling the hull
Re: 1978 Sport 13 Restoration
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 12:19 pm
by biggiefl
The boat is a SPORT with the optional wrap around railing and backrest.
The SOURPUS had a console that spanned the entire beam and had center steering as well as denim seat cushions. Your boat is [a SPORT with different seating].
Re: 1978 Sport 13 Restoration
Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2020 12:06 pm
by Dive96
biggiefl,
you said the motor is a 1976. Sounds like you may have experience with these Evinrudes.
I'm wondering if you know other details about this model, and where I could find the model number/serial number, and possibly get a manual online, or other info.
Thanks
Re: 1978 Sport 13 Restoration
Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2020 1:18 pm
by biggiefl
here should be a tag on the bracket with a model & serial #. Model numbers are sometimes on the freeze plugs on the engine block. You then to google the MODEL # a there is a code or:
1976 40604
40605
40654
40655
In 1975 for 1976 model year OMC released the new 35hp. It was smaller, lighter, modern, and had a through hub exhaust. They discontinued the 40hp after 1976 as it was a 1960's designed engine. Good runners, just antiquated.