wow, the last year really flew by. Haven't worked on the boat until just recently. Guess you could say I've had "analysis paralysis" in trying to figure out the boat layout and not wanting to waste a bunch of aluminum. Finally, last week I said what the heck, make it out of wood until I get the layout and structure I want. Once I get everything just right then I can go back and make it permanent. So I started with the space between the two middle seats making a frame from a ripped down 2x4. Then I cut a sheet of 3/4" exterior plywood to fit. It was exactly 48" from the back of the rear bench to the front of the forward bench so I cut 3" off it to allow the second sheet to be supported on the bench. I also cut a piece to use as the floor in front of the rear seat that was covered in 2 coats of spar varnish. I then cut out the hatches. Once that was in place I started on the space just behind the front bench. This time I used full 2x4's cutting out a notch so they snugged up under the bench but were even with the top. I used a kreg jig to connect the cross members. I stopped here since I was out of plywood and wasn't sure of my spacing for the seat base.
In addition, a guy I work with had a 40lb thrust Minn Kota power drive bow mount trolling motor that he couldn't get to turn left. He said the foot pedal was bad and would sell it to me for $40. Of course I jumped all over it. Brought it home, pulled the pedal apart and it was full of dirt and sand. I spent maybe 15 minutes cleaning it out real good and lubed it up with some dielectric grease...Let's just say I haven't broke the news to him yet :lol:
