1973 14X32 flat bottom scrap yard special

[glenbo8391]

A few months ago I found this boat at a local scrap yard for $40. I needed a boat to fish from, and Ideas were flowing the minute I saw it. The last registration said it was a 1973 but the make wasn't listed it just said "johnboat," If any of ya'll could help id the maker I'd really appreciate it. All the benches were removed, and the holes from the removed rivets weren't re-filled, and there was a 6" crack where the transom met the side of the boat. The goal of this was to get it seaworthy with the least amount of money, and to make it as rot/rust free as possible. I've got all the holes filled with an aluminum c channel across them with liquid gasket and closed rivets holding it all together. I've also go the seats framed out with the same aluminum C channel--I found a bunch at another local scrap yard --, and replaced and beefed up the transom. Also I used all stainless bolts, washers, and nuts. The fastenal guy gave me the zinc price because I apparently was the first person who had come in told him what I wanted, and was done in the past week. I talked to a buddy of mine who owns a composites shop, and he'd been wanting to experiment some with a different way to make carbon fiber boards, so it looks like I'm going to have carbon fiber storage decks on the front and back for free :mrgreen: . I Also got some big street signs at the scrap yard, and some pink insulation board on the side of the road, so I'm going to put in a floor across the ribs because I don't really trust standing directly on the al floor. And I've got a 72 9.5 evinrude sportwin that runs like a champ. If any of you have any suggestions, things you'd do different please let me know. I've been lurking around for a while getting ideas, but just got around to posting.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

The rear corner caps, knee brace, ribs and small front deck look a lot like my Montgomery Wards Sea King jon boat. Which I think was made by Delhi.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Added some pictures

 

[glenbo8391]

looks like that's what it is. how does having the gas tank up front work out? I was thinking about doing that since I made the extra transom bracing before I even thought about putting my tank under the rear deck.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

I put the 12 gallon tank up front to help break ice when duck hunting and to balance out the 25 hp motor on the back.

 

[glenbo8391]

What I've gotten done this week

I've got the raised floors fitted and painted with the pink foam under for support.


Bilge pump, nav lights, and accessory plug for a spot light or gps installed. I ordered some 14ga marine wire and a fuse box that should be in tomorrow, so I'll have everything wired up hopefully next week.


I've got the whole front 3/4 of the boat painted. I'm waiting to have some welding done on the transom and some pin holes before I paint the back 1/4.



There will be a carbon fiber deck with either 1 big hatch or 2 smaller ones for storage in the front and the gas tank underneath from the edge of the front seat to the back edge of the mini deck in the front, and a carbon fiber deck in the back also. I need to go to the scrap yard again and get some more C channel for supports for the front deck and the forward edge of the back seat.



Also, does anyone know the best way to get the old number decals off?

 

[dyeguy1212]

What kind of carbon fiber would you use for the decks?

 

[glenbo8391]

I'm going not really sure exactly, my buddy's going to help me and is the carbon fiber expert, but we're using a foam core which we've got fitted just like you'd do with ply. Then, just add the carbon fiber and resin.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Use a heat gun and a plastic scraper to remove the decals. Alcohol, goof off will clean up the remaining adhesive.

 

[TimRich]

She's coming right along! Nice work!

 

[kfa4303]

Cool project glenbo. I love anything DIY. I'm looking to do a similar cheap-o, but good DIY project, but I 'm not sure where to look for scrap aluminum. How did you find the "Scrapyards" mentioned in your threads. Ho might they be listed in the phone book. Thanks. Keep us posted on the build!

 

[glenbo8391]

Thanks for the comments, I'll for sure try the heat gun. I spent way too long just trying to peal and scrape them.

To find a scrap yard, I'd look under recycling, or scrap material

 

[fool4fish1226]

Great find - Great project - That is going to be real nice rig when completed.

 

[glenbo8391]

I started wiring today. Just my luck, I underestimated how much wire I'd need. :x I ran the bow light, and the accessory plug and ran out...I've still got to run the bilge pump and stern light, so hopefully I can still stay on track for having it done by this weekend.

On the other hand though, me and my friend started on the decks this afternoon, and will go in the oven first thing in the morning.

 

[Dockside85]

Yeah I'd bet money that's a Delhi. Looks almost exactly like the 1430 I'm building.

 

[glenbo8391]

Took her out last weekend with just trolling motor, and caught a few crappie. She held up pretty good, found out I've got a few rivets that are LOOSE that need replacing. After about two hours I had water about ankle deep in the front where I was. My buddy didn't have any in the back, I didn't know my extra 75# plus the trolling battery made that big a difference in how the boat sits. How do ya'll have your bilge pumps mounted on your flat bottoms? I've got mine in the middle in the back, but I've got to wait till there's about an inch of water at it before it will pick any up, is this normal? It was pretty stable, both of us could carefully stand when the water was smooth. I've got the front deck back from getting baked, but haven't had any time to trim it up and install it because if finals.... so I should have it installed, and the back deck back and installed after next week with pics. My decks are 9 in from the floor for storage and to mount pedestal seats on front and back. How high of pedestal seats would/have yall put in your 14/32 safely?

 

[glenbo8391]

Also, would it be safe to go out with 3 gallon gas tank, 45lb motor, 200# me, 150# brother, and 110# girl friend?

 

[Gators5220]

First and foremost nice start to your build =D> Second I haven't mounted any bilge pumps yet but bought two 1500 gph and two 1000 gph's for my boat, for two smaller 1000 gphs in the front and two larger 1500 gph. I did this because mine is more offshore used and two because my boat is cut in two halfs with my layout. You prob could get by with two smaller 500 gph if it's mostly freshwater use thou. Just my input. Good luck with the build!

 

[glenbo8391]

Sorry its been a while since the last time i've posted. Just to fill ya'll in I've got the front deck and front bench seat done with the carbon fiber. I just need to put some bracing under it, and the front half is good to go. I've got a fish finder, OLD gps, pedestal seat on the front, and led strip light on the inside. I've put a cap on how much I'm going to spend on this project because I'm looking for a 1448 or wider, 16 ft flat bottom, or a old bass tracker that needs some work. I've taken it out a few times, and with me, full tank, battery, and fishing stuff, got up to 15 mph Also, its alot more stable than I expected. me and my buddy could both fish and carefully move around standing up with ease on fairly calm water.

 

[DaveInGA]

Looking great. You did a tremendous job of bringing that boat back from the dead. You should be able to sell it for enough money to get you moving towards a larger tin. Be sure and keep it in premium condition so you can get maximum dollars out of it. Don't take less than you feel it's worth.