'72 Mirrocraft 14 footer rebuild

[Watch4Ice]

Yes....there are different grades of SS screws, the cheap import ones have very little nickle in them so they will rust. The more nickle, the more rust resistance, the more nickle...the less attraction to a magnet !! Same for kitchen sinks, if a magnet grabs the sink, it will rust...most cheap SS screws will attract a magnet, gotta get the good ones, but beware, real good quality SS screws can be soft and easier to break. While nickle makes steel not rust, it does not add toughness or strength. For boating purposes, high syrength bolts are not needed so real stainless steel can be used. When real SS screws are used, there is no need to worry about non similiar metal corrosion, but when cheap, low nickle SS is used you can get dissimiliar metal corrosion. Retired toolmaker here, worked with SS for more years than I can remember, carry a small magnet in your pocket whenever shopping for SS anything, don't listen to the salesman !!

That's right, 316 all around! Except the screws for the bimini top, those are 18/8 because I forgot to order them.

 

[Watch4Ice]

Almost done!
I tried to make a nice trim piece for the top of the transom, but I'm not much of a metal worker and couldn't get nice bends out of the aluminum angle I'd bought. I wound up with a little chunk across the center where the motor will sit, and that'll have to be good enough!

Fire extinguisher under the middle seat, and
the oars are mounted to rubber clamps under the seats. No more rattling around underfoot, and my clamp on cupholders will fit on em!

I regret not thinning the primer on the exterior. I didn't have the proper thinner, and I'd already mixed up a batch (2 part), so I just went with it. I ended up with visible roller stipple, but the fish won't care so I should just stop thinking about it lol. Next time I'll get it right!

I'm planning to take it out a couple times before I decide where to mount the downrigger and fish finder, but beyond that it's just little stuff. I may add another seat for the front bench, but for now both my kids will fit on it and that will prevent fighting!

 

[Mike D]

Nice looking boat!

 

[Stand Up]

Yes, nicely done. The boat looks good. The fish won't stand a chance!

 

[axmaker]

that thing looks spiffier than 3 kittens in a red wagon.....

 

[davidj65]

very nice

 

[LaqueRatt]

Roller stipple: Use a closed cell roller and you won't have any of this. The stipple is by design and looks good on a wall, but not good on a high gloss finish. I'm talking about the little hotdog sized rollers. You can get them anywhere, usually with a pan and a handle for about 10 bucks. These are the sliced bread of painting. Once you get used to using them and it's an easy skill to master, you won't want to use anything else. I know this is coming a bit late to do you any good, but maybe next time?

 

[LDUBS]

Even using those hotdog foam rollers I have to tip it off to get a smooth finish. I just don't have the knack.