When we launched Part I of our partnership with Boston Whaler®, we introduced the world to "Cea Pea"—an abandoned 16-foot Whaler we rescued from a yard on Shelter Island, New York. The Hull Identification Number, once painted on the transom, had long since faded away, leaving the exact year of the boat's production a mystery. Our best estimate is 1968.
After many years of neglect, Cea Pea had seen better days. Despite her dilapidated state, she made her debut as the backdrop of our first capsule’s photoshoot in all her weather-worn glory.
We held our breath as we slid Cea Pea off her rusted trailer into the water on shoot day. True to reputation, she still floated!
The 16 foot model, originally introduced in 1961, changed boating forever by popularizing the now ubiquitous center console layout.
It featured a forward-leaning windshield more commonly seen on commercial vessels. This idiosyncratic feature—purpose-built for glare reduction and spray deflection—became an iconic and charming feature of the model that made it instantly recognizable.
For Part II of our ongoing partnership with Boston Whaler®, we upped the ante: along with 18 new items (and the return of select best sellers from Part I), Cea Pea was reborn and reimagined after a loving restoration.
The rebirth was a labor of love carried out by some of New York’s finest boatworkers, including Chuck’s Fiberglass, Albertson’s Marine, and Wm. J. Mills & Co.—America’s oldest sailmaker.
Chuck's Fiberglass handled all repairs to the fiberglass and foam core, followed by priming and painting the hull. We returned Cea Pea to the timeless color combination all lovers of classic Whalers appreciate: white on the exterior and the signature 'Whaler Blue' interior—an irresistible color palette that’s just as crisp today as it was in the '60s.
Albertson’s Marine installed the varnished mahogany interior, as well as the white rub rail, bow rail and side rails, all supplied by Specialty Marine. They rigged the engine and controls, installed hydraulic steering, fuel systems, and even tracked down a powder-coated steel steering wheel from the 1960s.
A much-needed re-powering by Mercury Marine®, equipped her with a new 75hp fourstroke Mercury outboard that delivers the boundary-pushing performance for which the 16-foot model remains famous.
Wm. J. Mills & Co. is a six generation American business with a history intertwined with that of Boston Whaler. In the 1950s - with the continued rise in motorized boats - William J. Mills II (Bill) expanded the company from sails and awnings into custom marine canvas work. The high-quality of Bill's work led to the start of Wm. J. Mills & Co.'s partnership with Boston Whaler® and a friendship between Bill and Dick Fisher, the founder of Boston Whaler® boats.
Here is a photo of Bill and Dick test-driving a Boston Whaler Nauset 16' together in the 1960s.
Wm. J. Mills & Co. developed a complete set of terry cloth cushions and a custom white bimini top with red screen-printed branding. They also served as the creative bridge between the apparel collection and the boat itself, with their handiwork extending to the collection’s tote bags, tying the nautical heritage of the boat to these very special accessories.
Reflective Image in Greenport faithfully recreated the original name, "Cea Pea" and applied the Harpoon logo hull graphics matching the original 1960s specifications (14" long).
We added some finishing touches of our own: custom chrome-plated "Whaler by Tombolo" badges on both sides of the console, a commemorative brass plaque on the helm seat, and a custom burgee flag by Beaver Flags waving proudly off the stern.
We featured Cea Pea on two garments from the collection. The 1961 Cabana includes a chain-stitched image of Cea Pea on the back, and the Sunburst Souvenir Tee features our favorite vintage catalog image of the 16' model.
Today, over 50 years since she first hit the water, Cea Pea looks as buoyant and beautiful as ever, once again stealing the show as the centerpiece of our most seaworthy collaboration yet.
The comprehensive restoration of this Boston Whaler 16' was undertaken by Tombolo, LLC® in partnership with Boston Whaler® and Mercury Marine®, along with their parent company Brunswick Corporation®.
All additions were designed with input from Charlie Foss, Vice President of Design at Brunswick Boat Group.
The restoration was completed in May 2025.
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