danmyersmn
Well-known member
The season is going to be coming to an end in another month or two and I will be redoing my rig this winter. I decided to get started with the thread so that I don't end up months behind on the updates and never get around to them. The boat is a 'Northwood' 16' V. All of the research I have found is that Northwood was a private brand for Link Recreation (Marine dealer) and/or resort sales/rentals. The company would buy surplus hulls from other manufacturers and build lines based on them. I believe my hull is a Smokercraft. If it is or not is not much of an issue. When its done it will be re-badged "Muskiecraft".
I am starting with painting the motor since it still needs to be able to make it on the water for a few more weeks.
Here is how it started:
The boat is currently watertight. I did have two leaks. A missing rivet on each side. The holes are filled with Cabelas Aluminium repair. Basically this is a stick of low temp epoxy. You heat up the metal with a propane torch and wick the epoxy into the hole. I will place new rivets into both spots once I tear it down and can better access both sides of the hole.
I started working on the motor cap. Decals and paint where removed and sanding and priming started. I put the first coat of topcoat on yesterday and wet sanded it this morning. I am almost happy with how it is turning out but I found a few scratches I missed. I am going to go ahead with another top coat and wet sand and see if they fill in. Motor will be coming off tonight for cleaning and primer and prep for paint. It needs to be back on by Saturday so If I cant get the prep & prime done by tomorrow I will need to use it Saturday in prime and give it another cleaning after.
I did that yesterday. I took my boys out Crappie fishing with the lid in primer. New decals and sound foam have also been ordered and those should arrive this week.
Little:
Large: 37" Slimer. I caught his brother 39" 2 days later. Same lake, different lure.
I am starting with painting the motor since it still needs to be able to make it on the water for a few more weeks.
Here is how it started:
The boat is currently watertight. I did have two leaks. A missing rivet on each side. The holes are filled with Cabelas Aluminium repair. Basically this is a stick of low temp epoxy. You heat up the metal with a propane torch and wick the epoxy into the hole. I will place new rivets into both spots once I tear it down and can better access both sides of the hole.
I started working on the motor cap. Decals and paint where removed and sanding and priming started. I put the first coat of topcoat on yesterday and wet sanded it this morning. I am almost happy with how it is turning out but I found a few scratches I missed. I am going to go ahead with another top coat and wet sand and see if they fill in. Motor will be coming off tonight for cleaning and primer and prep for paint. It needs to be back on by Saturday so If I cant get the prep & prime done by tomorrow I will need to use it Saturday in prime and give it another cleaning after.
I did that yesterday. I took my boys out Crappie fishing with the lid in primer. New decals and sound foam have also been ordered and those should arrive this week.
Little:
Large: 37" Slimer. I caught his brother 39" 2 days later. Same lake, different lure.