1232 project

Been trolling the site for a while now, finally got my boat to get started on. 1232 Sea King by Smokercraft. Bought two, but the wife will only let me keep one. Have someone coming to buy the 2nd tomorrow morning. Looking forward to getting started!

Pics

Started in on the cutting last night. Going to open up the floor plan, create small storage around the perimeter, and small decks front and rear. Most if not all fishing will be done from the floor, which I believe will be foam, with FRP decking. The raised decks will be carpeted.

Got the front framing done, plywood attached to lay out hatches. Start on the back tomorrow.

Well, didn't get as much done over the 4th as I thought, but did get the boat in the water to test for leaks and stability. I don't believe there will be much standing in this thing, but sitting on the buckets, it was very stable. I went ahead and put in a plywood floor and got my hatches cut and hinged. Thinking of doing something else for the floor and vertical sides though. This rig will be hand loaded, so weight is a bit of a factor. I don't have the money for aluminum, but I was thinking of doing some 1/2" foam with FRP for the floor and sides to save weight, anyone done this and care to weigh in? Also, scored a nice 30lb Minnkota Endura Transom mount motor on Craigslist for $40.00 yesterday!

I've got a foam backed FRP deck in the front of my boat and it's rock solid!!!

If you're using the board foam make sure you:

1.) Buy only "Extruded Polystyrene" this is the only type that is closed cell and shouldn't absorb water

2.) Paint the boards with an exterior latex paint so they're totally sealed off from any potential gas spills

Once the boards are sealed you should be able to use most construction adhesives to attach the FRP (it's really just polyester resin fiberglass) but I strongly suggest taking a scrap of foam, coat it in the latex and double check the adhesive doesn't cut through the latex somehow and eat the foam before you go gluing down the FRP.

Otherwise you could just seal the foam cut to fit between the ribs and rivet the FRP to the ribs in the floor.

Either way I'm a huge fan of how strong, light and (compared to aluminum) inexpensive the FRP is.

Yeah onthewater, your build is what got me thinking of the FRP in the first place... brilliant idea by the way! I really like the multiple colors and texture that the FRP provides. Looking into some light grey to match the carpet I will have on the upper hatches. The wife likes it when I make things match.

I've been a lazy *** - I just haven't posted pics of it yet. I went over the edges of the FRP with fiberglass to clean up the gaps and coated it all in Tuff Coat rubberized decking so it's grey and added 1/2" aluminum trim to pretty it up...just been fishing too much to be bothered on the nice days...then it's raining at night when i get in from work so I don't go playing with the camera out there.

I installed it textured side down. There is a glossiness to the texture that had me concerned the paint might not bond nicely to it. The backside doesn't have this.

Yeah, I would be worried about painting the glossy side of the FRP, but I like the texture for a non slip. If you look on-line, you can order in different colors of the FRP, and it still only costs about $35.00 for a 4'X8' sheet, eliminating the need for paint. Post your pics up! I want to see that beauty!

So... I came across another boat I could not pass up. 1980 Baja 16' Modified Tri Hull w/a Hummingbird 565 for a grand! I am selling the 1232, so that my Baja can be my family/bass boat. I will stay on tinboats, but hide in the corner, with the other fiberglass kiddos. Stay tuned, the Baja is going to be a slick ride when its all said and done.

I can't help but notice your new boat is much different than your old boat. :?

Yeah, I grew up on this same boat. I want my daughter to have the same experiences. I will eventually make a lift out front and rear fishing platform, so when my buddies and I go fishing we have a bass boat, then with a little changing I have a family ski boat. Kind of want to do something like LMB Daves 16' Performer, but make it removable.

That's a good deal, My buddy picked up an 84 skeeter, and we are going to gut it out. Install all new electronics, trolling motor, seats, carpet etc. basicly a new boat.

Personally I have a 25' pontoon for the family and friends, tubing and partying. Its hard to fish from the pontoon because it is so big. So the 14' jon will fill my gap. I'd still like to see some before and after of your new project.

I will definitely keep tinboats updated on the changes to the Baja, just going to scrub her up and use it as is for the rest of the summer. I will probably tear into her this winter. I do love the tins, but I know this old tri hull only needs about 18" to float with 4 adults on board, so it will be great for skinny water fishing once I get the bow mount troller I want. I have to sell the other 2 boats I have now to get the savings account back up so I can keep my wife happy before I do anything though.