79 Mirrocraft update lots of pics 95% done

Hey new to tinboats, I inherited my grandpa's boat when I was teen and planned on adding to it. Every year I start planning and research but come spring I get the fever and rush out on the water and get fishing. I'm hoping to get started early and finish in time to fish. First adding a deck in the from and rear, I'm thinking one compartment in the back for tank, two in the middle for possible live well and storage, and one in the front for anchors. I also will deck out the floor in front of the rear deck for a lower deck. Add a fewswivel chairs, and a few minor other
mods.

Other possibilities include accessory lights for night fishing and the permanent boat lights, radio, Plano box storage,

I will have some photos shortly planning on going to the lake house this weekend.

As far as prep I am going to repaint the outside and interior and leave the seats, also have a question about my transom it is one of the few components showing age. Whether i should replace or any way to strengthen it.

I have more questions that I will have when time progresses.

I believe it is a 14 ft boat but will double check. She has done me well throughout the years and excited to give her a facelift and some tlc

For paint and such on the exterior I see alot about flexsteel is this just a good precautionary step? I havent had issues with rivets leaking had one hole from a maul that was thrown in the air( long story) and patched with marine epoxy and a 50 cent piece for looks.

:WELCOME: Lets see some pics.

Update spent all weekend painting the hull got the firstand second coat done just touch ups and a little white And topcoat to go and possible truck liner on the bottom not a hundred percent sold on it because the paint looks so good but would like the durable bottom. I will try to get some photos up when I get home tomorrow. what are the thoughts for or against the truck liner I've read 50/50 as overall opinion in the forums.

What did you do prep and prime wise out of curiosity, I am working on getting my Mirrocraft ready for paint. Looking good and keep the pics coming!

Also did you spray roll or brush it on?

For prepping I was able to keep most of the original print as a base.I first cleaned the surface than sanded it all with a finishing sander light scuffing really. Scratch it up a bit. On th e open aluminum which was more than I thought. I sanded real well with a sanding block, I cleaned the surface again. At that point I did a vinegar wash to help bring up the acid level of the aluminum surface to help the paint stick let it dry and wiped off excess than on the open aluminum I used a zinc primer alot of guys say use zinc chromate primer but it's hard to find now so I found a zinc primer for galvanized metal a nice light coat not like usual primer after that it was good to go. For application I did roller there is a method to or but can't think of the method, but roll it on than take a brush at a 45 degree angle with a brush. The first coat went on decent the second went really well. It is a little cold so taking a bit to dry. Hope that helps.

The zinc primer was rustoleum by the other spray primer. Than the paint was oil based protective enamel

Thanks for the info and looks like it laid down like glass. Awesome! Will keep checking out your progress.

Some more of the paint work

Some updates from the weekend luckily was a bit nicer out.

Another Mirrocraft...awesome! 8) Where you from in WI? You get that TM on craigslist from the guy in Kewaskum by any chance?

I am originally from New London right by the wolf river so this old mirrocraft saw many walleye runs but I live in menasha now. The TM was from fondulac. He's also selling a bunch of trolling rods and gear for cheap he had about 50+ rod and reel combos. Where you from?

wihoulihan said:

I am originally from New London right by the wolf river so this old mirrocraft saw many walleye runs but I live in menasha now. The TM was from fondulac. He's also selling a bunch of trolling rods and gear for cheap he had about 50+ rod and reel combos. Where you from?

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I'm in the Beaver Dam area. I've been checking craigslist for a good deal on a powerdrive, but alas, I am still searching. I contacted a guy that had a V2 55lb w/54" shaft, but he had drilled a hole into the head to mount a transducer, so I backed off because it just seemed too risky to me to have to seal it up and worry about water ruining it for $300. I might just spring the $450 and get a new 45# w/48" shaft and call it a day....

that was my original plan have you checked out greatlakesskipper.com ? its in racine i was originally going to buy one from him but didnt want to pay the 60 to ship and fondy was closer, he sells display models or units of store boats that didnt sell good prces on trolling motors that arent used used and mostly new.

wihoulihan said:

that was my original plan have you checked out greatlakesskipper.com ? its in racine i was originally going to buy one from him but didnt want to pay the 60 to ship and fondy was closer, he sells display models or units of store boats that didnt sell good prces on trolling motors that arent used used and mostly new.

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I've been keeping an eye on their website but haven't seem any great deals yet.

Well for an update. The ole lady got angry at time Warner x and cancelled our internet so sorry have to wait on the pictures. But I got everything framed. And coated with spar for at least one layer I have the side consoles ready just got to cut out a spot for my switch panel and livewell timer. I have my pumps ready just bought some hose for them. Just also got my trolling motor bracket and plug connections. There are a few other things can't seem to think of at the moment.

Some pics

Update finally have internet so some more photos. Just bought my plywood today to start the deck tomorrow. Got marine carpet on sale at menards a couple weeks ago for 35¢ a square foot. .

Coming along nicely keep it up! 8)