May 17, 2018
By Florida Sportsman Editor
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"This is the 26th boat I have redone," said Jason Paukune of Stuart, when asked about his newly finished 2002 29-foot Wayward center console.
"I started redoing boats in college. I'd wait to get my student loan money, and buy whatever boat that would fit in my mom's garage. I didn't want to work at McDonald's, so I was able to make money with it and do what I love at the same time. The profit would pay my tuition and my hourly pay. I had three boats at one time, in my mom's garage and even at my friend's houses."
Jason found the boat, located in Miami, through a post on Facebook. "The guy was selling the whole boat for $2,500. People were tearing the thread apart, but I saw a lot of potential. It was the perfect boat for the family. I could tow it with my truck, and I needed to be able to do it solo. Also, it was the perfect blend of features for fishing and enjoying the sandbar as well." The Wayward originally came from Belize, and after much research, Paukune could only find one other Wayward online.
Everything but the stringers, transom and rub rail was in need of replacement. "I brought a lot of people into this project, because I knew I couldn't it all with my full time job and the new addition to my family. I needed help." Once the floor was peeled back, two-pound, high density foam was poured throughout the hull. A new aluminum gas tank was set in place, but the old fiberglass tank was also left for structural support.
Getting rid of the rotting wood, the floor and rear bulkhead were both replaced with honeycomb fiberglass board, something that will last a lifetime. Jason wanted to do some hardcore fishing off the boat, so he built in a 40-gallon livewell in the rear bulkhead, as well as two large storage hatches to store all gear and necessities. The console and T-top were resurrected, saving money that could be put elsewhere.
Once faired, the boat got a beautiful spray of seafoam green on the hull, and white on the top-cap. Paukune was able to do all of the wiring himself, also saving some coin. A 250-horsepower four-stroke outboard significantly improved the performance and fuel efficiency from the antiquated two-stroke.
After laying new cushions throughout the boat and redoing the trailer, not only did Jason but the whole family had their dreamboat.
Most would say this boat was destined for the scrap yard, but Jason had a vision in mind, and was able to bring it to fruition.
After filling the hull with two-pound, high density foam and adding a new aluminum gas tank, the floor was laid into place.
The rear bulkhead had rotted, so Jason opted to cut it out and replace it, adding what he wanted in the cockpit.
Many hours of fairing went into the boat before it was ready for paint.
Jason didn't only lay this boat out for fishing, but for family days at the sandbar, as well.
Jason didn't only lay this boat out for fishing, but for family days at the sandbar, as well.
Jason didn't only lay this boat out for fishing, but for family days at the sandbar, as well.
Fore deck with large cushions offer comfort for the whole Paukune family.
Repurposing the console, a clean and simple layout fit perfect with the Paukune's needs.
A 40-gallon livewell centered by two large storage hatches gave Jason what he needed when fishing.
New trim tabs and four-stroke outboard optimize the performance and fuel economy.
The all new components on the trailer compliment the boat when on the road.
The youngest of the Paukune's, Christopher, approves of dad's dreamboat.
