A bare hull can definitely support your weight. It seems like that's what you're after. As others have said, if you add foam, you need to cover it with something and secure it, otherwise it's useless.
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Not sure on the exact weight, but you should be well below 3500 lbs. I have a 17 foot Cajun bass boat with a 150 and its under 2000 lbs, and its fibreglass. Just take it easy up hills if you feel a strain. My buddy melted his transmission being careless.
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The aluminum tubing is actually going to be on top. I had to raise the platform an inch to simplify the battery storage. But I'll definitely add the 5200. Thank you for taking the time to draw out the diagram.
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If I'm in a situation where riveting is not an option, would self tapping screws work?
I'm looking to secure 1" square aluminum tube to the front seat in the picture (ignore the aluminum popsicle sticks on top; I was using them to make sure they're level.
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So I have (very) slowly been working on this project over the winter. Being a new daddy meant time and money were both hard to come by. In addition to that, my wife made a deal with someone at work, so I am getting a 17 foot bass boat. The project has now turned from a passion project to a get...
For the relative small area, the extra weight won't be much. If your putting a bow mount trolling motor, half the storage space between the benches will be taken. If you dont modify the hull you won't have to add foam.
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Because it's new and you want the middle open, I'd consider making a simple carpeted insert for the deck with a hole for the seat base and a quick connect trolling motor mount. That way the boat stays unmodified but you still get the deck. Might even be able to get away without a support if you...
Someone used this recently and made an interesting build where the extruded aluminum rails were used to slide rod holders. I'd use it if you have a free or next to free source
Edit: here's a link to the build I'm talking about. Very recent. Probably good to get the builders inputs while their...
thanks for the advice.
Has anyone ever used brazing rods for aluminum framing? I was thinking about soldering all the joints together in addition to the riveting in place.
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Does anyone have any suggestions on the best truck bed liner to use? I already used 3M 5200 on the rivets and confirmed there are no more leaks. I want to roll on some truck bed liner to quiet the boat a little. It will also serve as a paint. I want to lay it on before I add any foam.
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So I need to get out for some fall bass before the end of the season. I plan to continue the project throughout the winter but for now I stuck to what I need to fish. Today I screwed down a sheet of plywood and installed my seat, the trolling motor foot control and a cup holder. I'm gonna screw...