Took the trailer to DMV and Highway Patrol, got the title, registration and a VIN. Got some Harbor freight ratchet straps, put the boat on, (MAN! That looks GOOD!) went back to DMV and got it titled also, got a Hull number and a CF number. Didn't know the make and model so they put "Valco" on the paper, I hope that doesn't bite me later. Found out that day that the safety chain works :shock: when the trailer came unhitched... (Need to adjust that!) but was extremely lucky so only damaged the little wheel on the front of the trailer. Got a new wheel at Bass Pro for $12. Picked up some stickers while I was there and got the registration numbers put on. Ordered little brass plates with the HIN and the VIN (2 each) and will rivet them to the hull and the trailer then cover with clear epoxy.
Along the way (months now...) I have been scanning the ads, yard sales, etc... looking for the best deals on the bits and pieces I need. All the while, researching to find out what I need to know to pull this off!! lol I am a handy guy but unless you count a rubber "Sea Cloud" inflatable (basically a pool toy) I have never owned or built a boat. I found a 60lb. thrust bow mount Motor Guide trolling motor for $40. I picked up some green led light strips for super cheap on ebay - I think I paid $11 each and they are supposed to be waterproof and should light up the interior of the boat nicely. Found 2 RV style vented, heavy duty battery boxes for $10. Picked up 2 15 degree aluminum rod holders on ebay - $17 each. Got a bank of toggle switches, 2 bilge pumps, another battery box, 2 seat pedestals and 4 (count 'em, FOUR!) Dansforth anchors along with some chain for $20 total! Traded one for a mushroom anchor. Picked up a giant fiberglass hatch cheap - $20. Ordered 2 cheap plastic seats on Amazon - $20 each. $12 for horizontal rod holders. Boat cover for $25 on ebay. It all adds up but spreading it out over many paychecks helps... This doesn't include wire wheels, rivits, solder, etc... I got a roll of rubber mat at of all places a Grocery store. Paid $12 for it but I think it will work well for the bow - easy to clean, etc.
My daughter has been helping this whole time and to be honest that time is more important than the boat to me
I put the old motor on there to get it off the ground. It still doesn't run. The transom still needs work and there is a garbage bag covering the crack in the cowl lol but ... it still looks good to me
Now the boat is covered and it's a good thing cause it's raining... but I can't wait to continue...