Recent content by FatChad

Thank you! The carpet is no longer clean and the paint is scratched from most of the local launches having no docks, but it is a great boat. As far as the shaft length conversion, Leeroy's write up is far more thorough than I could ever remember to type up...

Kurt, you sound like me. My favorite is when the fog is so thick it makes more sense to run without the spotlight and suddenly a whole tree is coming down the river at you

Hey guys, I just picked up this 20hp Johnson id say 87-88 based on the cable tiller, kill switch location and decals, but the plate is missing so that's as close as I got. Anyways, the lower front rubber mount in the midsection is bad, anyone have a source for those or a parts motor laying...

That's generally what it ends up being anyways, right now the dekes get stacked over there but some netting or pockets would be a perfect addition. The front deck does make it easy to hop out without a dock. Thanks for the kind words. Raffia showed up the other day so I grassed it all in today.

Do you have any pictures?

The front is more of a seat than a deck. Standing on the floor feels more stable than it did standing on the ribs, probably just because it's flat. It's possible to stand all the way in the front, but I wouldn't do it while fishing. Pic is of the boat being grassed in with the "layout" style...

Then over the last week I've been painting, since I apparently like to work backwards. Washed, wet sanded then wiped with vinegar/water. Followed that with rustoleum clean metal primer and Rust-Oleum flat brown. Finished it off with redleg stencils and 4 colors of spray paint. Last picture is my...

To handle the extra thrust and weight of the new motor I rebuilt the transom again. I didn't like the way I did it before so it was a good opportunity to clean it up. 3/4 acx construction adhesived into an inch and a half thick piece. Then 1.75x.125 6063 channel cut, fit and welded with a spool...

I haven't updated this in 3/4 of a year. This spring I picked up a 78 Evinrude 15hp longshaft from a friend. We did a little trading and I ended up getting a good deal on it. The first thing I did was pull the lower unit, cleaned it up a bit and replaced the water pump. Took the driveshaft to a...

You could still remove the middle bench. Rivet an aluminum frame work to the ribs on the floor and then tie the original middle seat brackets down to that to support the sides of the hull. No new holes through the hull and you'll have a sturdy frame to mount your seat pedestal. Nice build so far!

The aluminum I bought at a place called metal supermarket, they had any size needed. 6061 1x1x.125 angle for the floor bracing. I used 1.5x1.5 and 2x2 both quarter thick for the side bracing and the front cross support. I am fortunate enough to have a friend with a metal shop in his garage. So...

I realized that I never posted possibly my favorite improvement. New oarlock socket inserts and oarlock risers. The inserts are plastic and inexpensive and the risers are just cut up original locks with some tubing welded in and washers to keep wear to the inserts minimal. Silent. No creaks...

This summer running the local rivers I have found a few places that hold ducks. So the boat will be pulling double duty this year. 21 days to go!

I got impatient and took the boat out to the city park lake up the street. The rear seat pieces aren't bolted to hinges yet, a few panels haven't been installed but it cruises nice with the trolling motor and was plenty stable even with two guys standing and fishing.

I forgot to add that the trailer has been getting upgrades as well. A nice 20/40 semi gloss black rattle can job, new bearings, seals and harbor freight bearing buddies and a winch strap to replace the rope.