Aero craft 14’

First time here. I got a aero craft 14 footer. I got it stripped down and a few holes welded. I’m going to Gluvit the seams and rivets then paint. Questions are: the transom is bent. How can I repair that? I don’t really what to tear out all the rivets and totally rebuild it. This boat is functional not a show queen. As of now I will only be using trolling motors. Second I’m going to put a floor in to have a nice area to stand. Any ideas how to fram it? I was thinking of using red wood because I’m not great at working with aluminum. How do I make sure the floor will be level when the boat is in the water. Also is there a way to attach framing to the boat with out putting holes in it. Thanks.

I dont have an answer unfortunately but would like to see what you do with the build.

Transom - I’d have to see some better pictures of the transom bend to really advise, but from what I see, the design itself inhibits truly straightening it out, i.e., that weird feature where the transom ‘straight across part’ meets the ‘curved up part’; done as almost 2 compartments or features.

I’d probably just adhere prepped wood (NOT pressure treated wood!) to the inside with maybe a smaller piece on the outside, that might just tie the 2 together and reduce the bend.

Floor - You know, a floor doesn’t need to be absolutely flat or level to safely walk on. On small skiffs, I perefer to keep elweifht at a minimum. I just throw in a piece of 9/16 to 5/8 ply, all sealed w/ deck paint, but edges filled w/ epoxy. I cut them fore-to-aft wider than the space between the seats, but cut a notch to fit around the center seat support. Then just add simple cribbing in a few spots to support it and hold it in position.

I have sketch on here somewhere about that process. Works ... simple, light weight and cheap.

Thanks for the advice. I have already done the framing for the floor and add a small casting deck on the front. I got the transom fixed. Took out all the old support, put in a new piece of wood and built a new support. Should be stronger than it was. Overall happy with the build. Slightly concerned about weight. I’m using red Cedar because it’s light weight and rot resistant. But I am sealing it with marine spar. Instead of using plywood and carpet im putting in cedar plank. 11/16 I believe. Also sealed. I’ll get some updated pictures. These are all I have.

Got the deck finished put hinges on the front deck for the folding door. Also finished the transom storage. Got the wires pulled for the lights and the main power supply since I’m putting batteries in the front. I’m running everything through a fuse block with a main inline fuse. The lights and pump will run off toggle switches. Getting close to being done. Just need to order seats.

Well pretty much done for now. Electrical is done and got the transducer mounted. I just need to bolt the seats down and take it out. There are a couple things I may do later but I want to fish with it for awhile to test it out.

Looks great!