thill
Well-known member
Seems that I can't keep away from the projects. I got a trade offer for my 16 Alumacraft, and I took it.
The new project boat is a 1990 Tracker TX-17 Tournament boat with a 50 HP Evinrude outboard, and a galvanized EZ Loader trailer. The previous owner bought it and discovered that the plywood was soft, so he pulled it out.
But the boat seems to be in very good condition, and everything seems to be there, so I'm happy.
Here are a couple of pictures:
I have read a number of TX rebuild threads, including Derek's, BYOB's, Cooter's and MMF's.
After reading these four from start to finish, I have a few things I need to figure out before starting...
Decking
1. Do I go with Ecolife treated wood that is rated for direct contact with aluminum, including wet locations?
2. Do I use untreated plywood and soak it down with many layers of urethane or other protectant?
3. Do I install the carpet to the plywood before screwing it down, or after?
4. How much is aluminum sheeting? Can I afford it?
Layout
1. Do I keep the original front layout, with the rod tubes?
2. Or do I change the front layout completely, adding storage?
3. Should I add hatches to the front section, which currently has DRY original foam. (which seems rare)
Right now, I'm unsure of everything. But in the back of my mind, I'm thinking, "worst-case, I'll slap in two pieces of Ecolife ply, put it back together quickly, and install carpet and call it a day.
Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions or opinions?
I am all ears, and will listen to anything you have to say.
After thinking it over, I posted these questions in the boats forum, but this is the one that I'll show all the work on.
Thanks in advance.
-Tony
The new project boat is a 1990 Tracker TX-17 Tournament boat with a 50 HP Evinrude outboard, and a galvanized EZ Loader trailer. The previous owner bought it and discovered that the plywood was soft, so he pulled it out.
But the boat seems to be in very good condition, and everything seems to be there, so I'm happy.
Here are a couple of pictures:
I have read a number of TX rebuild threads, including Derek's, BYOB's, Cooter's and MMF's.
After reading these four from start to finish, I have a few things I need to figure out before starting...
Decking
1. Do I go with Ecolife treated wood that is rated for direct contact with aluminum, including wet locations?
2. Do I use untreated plywood and soak it down with many layers of urethane or other protectant?
3. Do I install the carpet to the plywood before screwing it down, or after?
4. How much is aluminum sheeting? Can I afford it?
Layout
1. Do I keep the original front layout, with the rod tubes?
2. Or do I change the front layout completely, adding storage?
3. Should I add hatches to the front section, which currently has DRY original foam. (which seems rare)
Right now, I'm unsure of everything. But in the back of my mind, I'm thinking, "worst-case, I'll slap in two pieces of Ecolife ply, put it back together quickly, and install carpet and call it a day.
Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions or opinions?
I am all ears, and will listen to anything you have to say.
After thinking it over, I posted these questions in the boats forum, but this is the one that I'll show all the work on.
Thanks in advance.
-Tony