16x52 Lowe Mods

[stevefire05]

I started on my latest project. My 1987 lowe Lake master boat, the paint on the boat and trailer are in rough shape but i am going to make it look brand new again. I am goin to add a front and rear deck and a bigger livewell. The livewell that is in the boat is just to small for 5 fish. I had the boat set up for stripper fishing but i am wanting to fish some local electric only lakes. Here are some pics of the boat.

 

[stevefire05]

Almost done with front deck frame. Going to frame front and rear deck then paint the boat. I guess i will prime with Self etching primer and paint with parkers boat paint. How many cans of self etching primer will it take?

 

[Jim]

Love it! :beer:

Looking forward to seeing the progress.

 

[stevefire05]

I also have to figure what i will be using for a livewell before i frame the rear deck. i have looked at RV water tanks, or get some aluminum and cut it to the size i want and get some one to weld it for me????? I am going to start on the trailer next week so i can get the boat back on it.

 

[Ictalurus]

Beautiful boat Steve =D>

FYI, Great Lakes Skipper has a decent selection of livewells.

 

[Jay D]

I like what your doing, I have the same in a lowe jon boat but with bench seats. yours will be cool when done. All I did was add a smaller front deck, foot troller, flooring and a back seat. thats the great thing about jonboats, you can make it whatever you want.

 

[KevinWI]

You may get a chuckle to know that after seeing pics of your front deck framing about an hour ago, I went out to the garage and ripped apart some of what I had and framed it similar to yours...lol

 

[stevefire05]

I like it, its light weight and strong.

 

[knnymain]

Your build looks great! I used a 48 qt. cooler as my livewell. I ordered a livewell plumbing kit from bass pro. It does seem a little small but I didnt weigh in a dead fish last year and had my limits...lol Anyway check out my build kennys mirrocraft redecking

 

[bug-e]

Questions about the aluminum framing:

What size aluminum square "piping" do you guys recommend? How to attach this stuff to you boat or do you just set the frame in the boat? How do you attach plywood to it?

Thanks!

 

[stevefire05]

I used aluminum angle and 1x1 tube. Use rivets to put together. I am going to bolt my plywood down then carpet. I also use 5200 sealant at all joints to help with vibration.

 

[stevefire05]

Got some more work done on the boat, havent had alot of time so progress is slow. I hope to get the trailer done in the next few weeks, then i will paint the boat., Ready to get it on the water. I am going to make the factory livewell bigger, so i can leave more space in the rear.

 

[bug-e]

I used aluminum angle and 1x1 tube. Use rivets to put together. I am going to bolt my plywood down then carpet. I also use 5200 sealant at all joints to help with vibration.

Thanks Steve! I appreciate the info. I would like to extend the very small front deck on my 15 foot Pro Kraft bass boat. I want to use aluminum to save weight. One more question for you...is the aluminum framing attached the boat or just sitting in the boat? I can't tell from the photos. I'm assuming you have attached it to the boat?

 

[stevefire05]

Yes the front deck frame is attached to the floor were the two wall frames are going across, and then were the front hits the front it is bolted in. I already had a floor in my boat so i was able to rivet into the floor without going through the bottom of the boat. The rear deck is riveted to the floor in the front were the wall frame is the across the back were that pice of angle runs across.

 

[bug-e]

Thanks again. This is an impressive project. Good luck finishing it.

 

[jimmy fins]

Awesome mod. =D> Love the garage plenty of space it seems, and all the fun tools especially the sandblasting booth =P~

 

[stevefire05]

Got some work done on my boat tralier. Had it sandblasted then i primed it with self etching primer. I then went to walmart and got the rustoleum bed liner. I put 2 coats on and it looks good. Hope to get the bunks on and new rims and tires in the next few weeks.

 

[knnymain]

I used a 48 qt cooler and plumbed with a livewell kit from bass pro shops. Mine fit perfect under my decking after removing lid check it out on my build......kennys mirrocraft redecking